Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 3 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 3 with Solutions
Time:3 Hours
Max. Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections – READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section A: Reading Skills
(Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages)
I. Read the following text:
1. An ecosystem is a community of organisms that live and interact within a particular environment. In an aquatic ecosystem, that environment is water and all the system’s plants and animals live either in or on that water. The specific setting and type of water, such as a freshwater lake or saltwater marsh, determines which animals and plants live there.
2. Marine, or ocean, systems cover about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and are identified by the presence of dissolved salts in the water. The level of salinity averages about 35 parts per thousand grams of water, but it can vary in response to climate or a nearby source of fresh water. Marine organisms must adapt to either a constantly changing or stable level of salt content and cannot move successfully from one to the other.
3. Saltwater ecosystems range from the abundant life of coastal areas to the nearly barren ocean bottom. In marine habitats, the food chain begins with plankton, micro-organisms that require sunlight for energy and growth, so systems closest to the surface or in relatively shallow water support more life. These include estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs and other tropical habitats, and intertidal areas such as lagoons and kelp beds.
4. Animal life in marine ecosystems ranges from microscopic zooplankton through fish of all sizes to marine mammals, including seals, whales, and manatees. Freshwater – water that is either drinkable or has little or no salt content – supports its own aquatic ecosystems. These include rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands, and even groundwater. Each of these systems is unique and even within categories, any specific habitat is affected by altitude, temperature and humidity. For instance, a plant native to a warm shallow lake in the tropics could not survive on the steep banks of a cold, fast-gushing mountain stream.
5. Freshwater ecosystems provide homes for a wide variety of animal life including insects, amphibians, and fish. One estimate of fish species puts the number that lives in freshwater at 40 percent of the Earth’s total. Worms, mollusks, algae, and bacteria all live in freshwater systems, as do innumerable varieties of plants. In addition, animals such as birds, otters, and bears use
freshwater ecosystems as a food source.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) The writer says, “Freshwater supports its own aquatic ecosystems”.
Select the reason that appropriately justifies the statement.
A. Freshwater has little or no salt content.
B. Freshwater provides oxygen to support the growth of aquatic ecosystems.
C. It helps to prevent erosion.
D. It provides natural protection from flooding.
Answer:
A. Freshwater has little or no salt content.
(ii) What is the bottom line message of the writer in the given lines from paragraph (1)? Give a reasoned response in about 40 words. The specific setting and type of water, such as fresh water lake or saltwater marsh, determines which animals and plants live there.
Answer:
Freshwater ecosystems include rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands, and even groundwater. About 40% of the total fish species live in freshwater, and worms, molluscs, algae, and bacteria too live in freshwater. Some birds, otters, and bears use freshwater ecosystems as a food source. On the other hand, varying salt content marine systems provide abundant life in coastal areas to nearly barren ocean beds. It sustains microscopic zooplankton, fish of all sizes, to marine mammals, including seals, whales, and manatees.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author makes a passing reference to the constantly changing or stable level of salt content in the seas and the oceans because ………………………. .
Answer:
marine organisms must adapt to the varying levels of salt as they cannot successfully move from one to the other.
(iv) The passage includes some words/phrases that are opposite to each other. Write down the pairs of each.
(a) Marine or ocean system
(b) constantly changing
(c) stable level
(d) abundant
(e) barren
(f) amphibians
(g) freshwater ecosystem
(h) fish
Answer:
(a) and (g); (b) and (c); (d) and (e); (f) and (h)
(v) Complete the sentence appropriately.
We can say that the author wants to raise equal awareness of different bodies because apart from mentioning seas, oceans, estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs, lagoons, and kelp beds he also mentions ……………………. .
Answer:
rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands and groundwater.
(vi) State any two aspects related to Marine organisms in about 40 words.
Answer:
- Marine organisms must adapt to either a constantly changing or stable level of salt content and cannot move successfully from one to the other.
- Animal life in marine ecosystems ranges from microscopic zooplankton through fish of all sizes to marine mammals, including seals, whales, and manatees.
(vii) Which message is the indirect reference from the passage?
A. Birds and otters use freshwater ecosystems as a food source.
B. A plant native to a warm shallow lake in the tropics cannot survive on steep banks of a cold, fast-moving mountain stream.
C. 60 percent of the Earth’s total fish population live in Marine or ocean system.
D. Animal life in marine ecosystems ranges from microscopic zooplankton, fishes of all sizes, to marine animals.
Answer:
C. 60 percent of the Earth’s total fish population lives in the Marine or ocean system.
(viii) What does the following pathway not show?
Zooplankton → Fishes of all sizes → Marine mammals
A. Range of marine ecosystems
B. A possible food chain
C. Dependence of marine animals on zooplankton
D. Plankton
Answer:
D. Plankton
II. Read the following text:
1. Through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), the world’s countries have resolved to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030. The aim is to ensure the consumption of safe drinking water and practice safe sanitation and hygiene, resulting in lower exposure to a contaminated environment and lower morbidity and mortality, especially amongst children.
2. The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014 to achieve the vision of ‘Swachh Bharat’ by 2nd October 2019. The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin-SBM (G) endeavours to accelerate rural sanitation coverage, reduce open defecation and improve the management of solid and liquid wastes in rural areas. The implementation of SBM (G) is the responsibility of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS).
The MDWS, while issuing guidelines for Open Defecation Free (ODF) verification stressed on “safe technology option which aimed at no contamination of surface soil, groundwater or surface water; excreta management inaccessible to flies or animals; no human handling of fresh excreta and freedom from odour and unsightly condition”. Over the past 4 years, over 92 million new households have received access to household toilets and by the end of the SBM (G) programme, all 16.5 million rural households will have such access. However, the issue is of usage and thus, the goal is to create ODF communities and villages, with no one defecating in the open.
3. The status of ODF villages published on the website of MDWS indicates that as of 01.04.2019, over 99% of rural HHs in India have toilet access. The declared ODF villages at all India levels accounted for 556,824 spreading over 247,723 Gram Panchayats, 6,031 Blocks and 616 Districts.
4. UNICEF in India accords high priority to the provision of safe sanitation and water services to people in rural areas and has over the past many years aided through catalytic technical support to MDWS, the Government of India and 15 state governments in the implementation of the various sanitation programmes and since 2014, specifically to the SBM (G). With the progress of the SBM (G) and the declaration 0f ODF communities, there is an emerging question on whether the campaign to eliminate open defecation and create ODF communities is resulting in a decrease in faecal contamination in the
environment.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Complete the following analogy appropriately. (1)
There will be a decrease in faecal contamination in the environment because ……………. .
Answer:
the goal is to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) of communities and villages
(ii) Complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
The passage provides data that proves that ……………….. .
Answer:
over 99% of rural households have access to toilets
(iii) Describe the purpose of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission (G). Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The purpose of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission was to accelerate rural sanitation coverage, reduce open defecation, and improve the management of solid and liquid wastes in rural areas.
(iv) According to the passage, who is responsible for the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission? (1)
Answer:
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is responsible for the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
(v) Suggest a suitable title for the passage (1)
……………… .
Answer:
Swaccha Bharat Mission and SDG
(vi) Select the option that the given sentence refers to (1)
“Over the past 4 years, over 92 million new households have received access to household toilets.”
(a) There is an increase in the building of toilets inside households.
(b) There is an increase in the construction of community-shared toilets.
(c) There is an increase in the usage of toilets among rural households.
(d) There is an increase in access to toilets but are not being used by the villagers,
Answer:
(c) There is an increase in the usage of toilets among rural households.
(vii) Which international organisation is helping in providing sanitation and how?
Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
UNICEF is helping in providing sanitation and water services in rural areas. It has been providing technical support to Molds, Government of India and 15 State governments in the implementation of various sanitation programmes.
(viii) Why is the government successful in providing access to toilets to over 99% of rural households? (1)
(a) Villagers are cooperative.
(b) Government is giving false data.
(c) Villagers also want to have access to toilets to minimize the negative impact of open defecation.
(d) Rural households have become educated .
Answer:
(c) Villagers also want to have access to toilets to minimize the negative impact of open defecation.
Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar
GRAMMAR
III. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed:
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
The forecast ………………… (mention) a quiet start to the day with a spell of rain to come later on in the afternoon.
Answer:
mentions
(ii) Identify the error in the given sentence from an article and supply the correction. Overeating is one of the more wonderful practices among those who think that they can afford it.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| more | most |
(iii) Samuel shared some information with Trevor, about a movie. Report Trevor’s question. Is the movie enjoyable?
Answer:
Trevor asked if the movie was enjoyable.
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between a mother and son:
Mother. What career do you want to choose in life?
Son: I want to become a doctor and serve my fellow beings.
The mother asked her son (a) ………………. to which the son replied (b) …………………. .
A. (a) what career he wanted to choose in life, (b) that he wanted to become a doctor and serve his fellow beings.
B. (a) what career does he want to choose in life, (b) that he wants to become a doctor and serve his fellow beings.
C. (a) what career he wants to choose in life, (b) that he wants to be a doctor,
D. (a) what career he wanted to choose in life, (b) that I want to become a doctor and serve my fellow beings.
Answer:
A. (a) what career he wanted to choose in life, (b) that he wanted to become a doctor and serve his fellow beings.
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
It was a long day. You ……………………….. (must/might/ should/have to) be hungry.
Answer:
must
(vi) Identify the error on a hoarding found on a motel by the highway.
Taj Restaurant
Child bear served here
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| Child bear | Chilled beer |
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a self-help book:
Goals provide direction for our behaviour and guide our actions and thoughts.
| Option No. | Error | Correction |
| (A) | our | your |
| (B) | behavior | behaviors |
| (C) | for | to |
| (D) | guide | guides |
Answer:
Option No. Error Correction
(C) for to
(viii) Complete the notice by filling in the blank with the correct option:
The swimming pool ……………………….. at 6 a.m. daily.
A. open
B. is opening
C. opened
D. opens
Answer:
D. opens
(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends, by completing the sentence:
Susan: Do you have any storybooks to read, Dorothy?
Dorothy :1 prefer watching movies m my free time.
In response to Susan’s question about storybooks, Dorothy replied that:
Answer:
she preferred watching movies in her free time instead of reading story books.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the magazine article.
The status of women in India ………………… a gradual change.
A. undergo
B. undergoes
C. is undergoing
D. has undergone
Answer:
D. has undergone
(xi) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete an online update.
During the college days, I ………………….. beat them all in the race!
A. could
B. should
C. can
D. might
Answer:
A. could
(xii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
Behind every successful film, there is a lengthy creative process.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| success | successful |
Section C: Writing
IV. 1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the Editor of The Times of India, Delhi expressing your concern about the urgent need to save our rivers. Suggest some ways to improve the situation. Sign yourself as Karan/Neha Bajaj. (5)
Or
B. You are Madan/Shaina Ahuja, Purchasing Manager of Electra Trading Concern, North Avenue, New Delhi. Draft a suitable letter canceling the order you have placed with your supplier, Sales Manager, Proton Electronics, Airport Road, New Delhi, because of the unusual delay in the delivery of goods. (100 – 120 words)
Answer:
A.
M-114
Mall Road
New Delhi
15th March 20 XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi
Subject: The urgent need to save our rivers
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of the general public towards the pathetic condition of our rivers. In India, rivers are considered holy and are worshipped. However, bathing/washing clothes in the rivers, dumping industrial waste and sewage from our houses, etc., have polluted them. This water reaches us and we use it in our day-to-day lives. As a result of this, the chances of toxins and disease-causing germs entering our bodies are huge. In addition to this, contaminated river water is a threat to plants and animals as well. Therefore, there is a desperate need to save our rivers. The need of the hour is an efficient sewage disposal process. Spreading awareness about this is extremely important.
I hope I was able to put my point across and that the readers will take appropriate action to save our rivers.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Karan/ Neha Bajaj
Or
B.
Electra Trading Concern
North Avenue
New Delhi
5th February, 20XX
The Sales Manager
Proton Electronics
Airport Road
New Delhi
Subject : Cancellation of Order No: 01/33/04, dated 15th January, 20XX
Sir/ Ma’am
This is concerning the order No. 01/33/04 dated 15th January, 20XX for the supply of thirty Sony Televisions to be supplied on or before 1 st February, 20XX. We regret to inform you that you have neither executed the order within the agreed date nor informed us of your inability to execute the order. As a result, we have to suffer much losses financially as well on the front of customer service. We have, thus, decided to cancel the order because of the same.
Please note that we shall refuse the goods, if delivered, because of the cancellation of the order.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully
Madan/Shaina Ahuja
(Purchasing Officer)
Electra Trading Concern
Section D: Literature
V. Reference to context.
1. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
A. The door opened and a waiter stood there with a tray, a bottle, and two glasses. “Here is the drink you ordered for when you returned,” he said, and set the tray on the table, deftly uncorked the bottle, and left the room.
White-faced, Fowler stared after him. “But…” he stammered, “the police…”
“There were no police.” Ausable sighed. “Only Henry, whom I was expecting.”
“But won’t that man out on the balcony…?” Fowler began.
“No,” said Ausable, “he won’t return. You see, my young friend, there is no balcony?” (The Midnight Visitor)
(i) State any one inference from the given content “But won’t that man out on the balcony?”
Answer:
Fowler was concerned about Max coming back but since Ausable had played it smart, there was no chance of that happening.
(ii) State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be applied to the question – “But won’t that man out on the balcony?”
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof
(c) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
(d) A theory – a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon
Answer:
False. An assumption is something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof, and in this case, the speaker is assuming the existence of a man on the balcony.
(iii) Elaborate in about 40 words with reference to context about Fowler’s dumbfounded expression?
Answer:
Fowler was a young writer who had come to meet Ausable, a spy. He was dumbfounded to see the waiter coming in with the drinks as he was expecting the police instead. He realized that Ausable played up smartly with Max to save himself from the imminent threat of the pistol.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute the expression “pale with fear” from the extract?
Answer:
The phrase from the extract which correctly describes the given phrase is “White-faced, Fowler stared after him”.
OR
B. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but if was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man‘s goodness is an aflame that can be hidden but never extinguished. (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
(i) Nelson Mandela’s leadership qualities are exhibited from which of the following facts:
A. He believed in the equality of human beings
B. He believed in love as the precursor to winning hearts
C. He was a sure optimist (In the prison when their patience was tested to the limit, the smallest of gesture from any of the guards kept him going)
D. All of the Above
Answer:
D. All of the Above
(ii) What observation did Nelson Mandela reflect on in his speech on becoming the president of South Africa?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela reflected on the two most profound qualities in a human being to achieve success in any field. He emphasized on the substitution of love over hatred and complete freedom not only for the oppressed but even for the oppressor to be free from his prison of hatred. This was real freedom for a human being.
(iii) What did Nelson Mandela mean by the statement “Love comes naturally to the human heart than its opposite”?
A. One has to practice love as one practices hatred
B. many evidences from history love conquered much more than war could ever
C. Hatred has already proved itself as a synonym of slavery to prejudice
D. Goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished
Answer:
D. Goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished
(iv) If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on, while modulating his voice?
Answer:
The actor would be focusing on a high pitched inspiring tone with clarity and validation. A convincing tone would be exhibited by the actor to validate the value of freedom.
2. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
A. in a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little Bay.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external. (The Ball Poem)
(i) Fill the blank with one word.
When the speaker says that people will take “balls” in this world, he refers to the ……………………. of this life.
Answer:
possessions
(ii) What does the speaker’s idea of this world full of possessions suggest?
Answer:
The speaker suggests that our dearest possessions will be lost someday and money cannot always buy them back because money is external. Money cannot replace the non-materialistic things which if lost, are gone forever. Therefore, the speaker suggests that one must learn to accept the loss and move ahead in life.
(iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude towards the boy’s loss?
A. Harsh
B. Negligent
C. Insightful
D. Rude
Answer:
C. Insightful
(iv) Comment on the poet’s use of a ball as a metaphor in these lines.
Answer:
The poet Uses a ball as a metaphor for all the worldly possessions people have. They get attached to it, not realising that all materialistic things must come to an end. The thought of parting away from such possessions can drown people in sorrow.
OR
B. Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles. (How to Tell Wild Animals)
(i) What will you make out of the language used in this poem in terms of its flow and the overall message it wants to convey?
Answer:
The poem uses a rhyme scheme of ababcc and refrains from using complicated and big words. It is written as a light form of humor and each stanza ends as a joke or satire.
(ii) What is the significance of the use of the word “tell” to distinguish the animals in the poem and how does this word choice contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
The poem has a very light mood which makes it comical. Each stanza compares two different animals in a way that it makes fun of both the animals and the readers. The poet uses the word “tell” to tell apart two beasts, as if without the distinguishing description it was impossible to differentiate between the two.
(iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.
The lines from the poem indirectly tell us that Hyenas are ………………….. .
A. jolly
B. cunning
C. weepy
D. merry
Answer:
B. cunning
(iv) Identify the purpose of enjambment used in the lines of the poem.
Answer:
The poet continues the next line without a break in order to maintain the flow of the poem whilst maintaining the rhyme and rhythm with the message it wants to convey. It also acts as a leap in conveying a lot of things in few words.
VI. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each.
(i) Validate the given statement regarding baby seagull’s fear. ‘Fear doesn’t exist anywhere else other than one’s mind.’ (His First Flight- Two Stories about Flying)
Answer:
The battle with fear is fought in the mind first. The baby seagull was too afraid to fly. He had fears of his wings not being able to support his weight, or his first flight might end in him falling down. He even saw his family fly and encourage him, but his mind is so overpowered by fear that any sense of assurance did not work.
(ii) What message does the poet wish to convey through The Ball Poem?
Answer:
Through ‘The Ball Poem’, the poet conveys a very positive message that gain and loss are the essential phases of life. One should learn from them and move ahead in life accepting the bitter fact that invaluable possessions once lost, is gone forever and one must cope up with the irreplaceable loss.
(iii) Valli’s first bus ride experience could be possible because she belonged to a small village. Do you agree? Why? /Why not? (2 reasons) (Madam Rides a Bus)
Answer:
Agree: Valu could plan her bus ride back and forth because there was only one bus in her village that she had observed several times. In big cities and towns, where there are many buses and vehicles, it is hard to keep a track. Besides, it is more dangerous for children to travel alone in cities as compared to villages which are small and everyone knows everyone.
Disagree: Valu was a young kid fascinated by bus ride, which means she would have done it either way even if she were living in a big city. Cities have multiple buses for a route, meaning no constraint to stick to one bus. Besides, it is far easier to go unnoticed in a big city as compared to a small village.
(iv) How can we say that Natalya was continuously successful in maintaining an upper hand during her arguments with Lomov? (Anyone example) (The Proposal)
Answer:
Natalya always had an upper hand in her arguments with Lomov because she presented her opinions with facts and a calm demeanor. Natalya argued that her dog was of better breed and could run faster. She replied to every argument from Lomov with a well-formed answer.
(v) In the poem How to Tell Wild Animals, how does the poet caution the reader regarding the danger of animals?
Answer:
The poet indirectly and humorously alerts the readers against the dangers involved in going near wild animals. As most wild animals like lions, tigers, bears, crocodiles, hyenas, and chameleons are all beasts of prey and are aLways on the lookout for victims, it may be dangerous to go very near them.
VII. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words each.
(i) Is Max menacing or vulnerable? Comment regarding The Midnight Visitor.
Answer:
Max is presented as menacing since he sneaks into Ausable’s room and points an automatic pistol at him and Fowler. Still, he is vulnerable because he gets waylaid by Ausable and loses his life. If he had been menacing, he would have shot Ausable as soon as the latter entered the room.
(ii) Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as their owners really well. Discuss. (The Triumph of Surgery)
Answer:
Dr. Herriot handled the situation with his patients and their owners very professionally. He saw Tricki in the market and observed that the dog needs to be treated for its obesity. He could have blamed the owner, Mrs. Pumphrey for the pitiful condition of her dog, but he never spoke any harsh words, knowing fully well that it could lead him to unnecessary arguments.
(iii) Validate the importance of small, fun learning tasks towards successful careers, in the context of Richard Ebright in The Making of a Scientist.
Answer:
The path towards success starts with baby steps. Richard Ebright fuelled his curiosity every day. What started as the fun activity of collection and breeding of butterflies, made him curious about the gold spots and the secretion from them. And this later on led him to develop a theory of cell structure and DNA. These small tasks were the reason for his scientific success.
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words.
(i) You have been asked to present a comparative study on the nature of loss of Kisa Gotami in The Sermon at Benares and the little boy in The Ball Poem. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both.
Answer:
Loss is a universal human experience that can take many different forms, as seen in ‘The Sermon at Benares’ and ‘The Ball Poem’. When Kisa Gotami lost her son, her grief was all-consuming until she sought the guidance of Buddha. Ultimately, she came to understand that death is an unavoidable part of life.
In contrast, ‘The Ball Poem’ describes the loss of a ball, which may seem insignificant on a literal level. However, the boy’s sadness is not just about the loss of the ball, but also the memories and experiences that were associated with it. This loss is significant in its own way, as it represents the loss of childhood innocence and the transition to adulthood along with the harsh fact that some things if lost never returns. Both the texts demonstrate the universality of loss and the different ways in which it can impact our lives. Kisa Gotami’s loss was one of the most profound losses that a person can experience, while the experiences the loss of childhood innocence with the loss of the ball. Both the texts, therefore, also highlight the inevitability of life and the need to navigate through the emotions and cope up with them.
OR
(ii) You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighborhood schools, to speak on how to protect and take care of animals. Prepare a speech draft in not more than 120 words, regarding Mijbil the Otter and How to Tell Wild Animals.
Answer:
Good morning, everyone.
Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature that reflect that wild animals should be taken care of and protected. Both works share some common themes.
As humans, it is our responsibility to protect and take care of animals. In the story, ‘Mijbil the Otter’, we see how the narrator goes to great lengths to take care of the otter and ensure its safety, even during a flight. This teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion towards animals- Similarly, in ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’, the poet describes various animals with affection and humor, emphasizing the need to appreciate and respect the diversity of wildlife.
To conclude, I’d like to say, we must strive to protect animals and their habitats from harm, whether it be from pollution, poaching, or habitat destruction. it is important to educate ourselves and others on the Days in which we can make a positive impact on the lives of animals, whether it be through volunteering at an animal shelter, supporting conservation efforts, or simply being mindful of our actions that may harm animals or their habitats. Together, we can make a difference in protecting and caring for the animals that share our planet.
Thank you.
IX. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words.
(i) Imagine that Horace Danby, from A Question of Trust by Victor Canning makes an entry in his diary of the events surrounding his planning and the actual execution of the events that happened when he intended to rob the house at Shotover Grange, in the context of his own experience. Write this diary entry as Horace Danby in about 120 words.
Answer:
2nd April, 20XX
Friday
Noon.
I had done a thorough surveillance of the house at Shotover Grange for almost two weeks before I entered the house from a backdoor. There was this painting on the wall, behind which the safe was supposed to be positioned. I was surprised by a woman who said that she was the lady of the house. I was so afraid that without further thought I took off my gloves and started doing the woman’s bidding. She agreed not to report the matter to police if I opened the safe and gave her all the valuables. So I did. After two days, I was arrested since the police had found my fingerprints all over the safe.
I had never before imagined that I will be tricked by another thief.
OR
(ii) A character arc is the transformation or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a character undergoes as a result of their experiences, challenges, and interactions with other characters. In the light of the above formation, trace the character arc of Ausable in Robert Arthur’s The Midnight Visitor, in about 120 words.
Answer:
Ausable is the main character in Robes t Arthur’s story ‘The Midnight Visitor’. As the plot unfolds it is very clear that Ausable is the very antithesis of an international spook. He is plump and overweight – characteristics which are in complete contrast to a typical intelligence agent. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Ausable was capable of being extremely cool in tough situations and possesses highly deceptive conversation skills that could throw his adversary off his feet. But the real ruthless side of Ausable comes to the fore when he tricks his foe into his eventual death. It is then that the reader realizes how the writer has conjured up a dangerous character like Ausable.