ST.

PAUL’S SCHOOL, JAISALMER

PRE BOARD- 2 EXAMINATION (2023-24)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections- READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and
LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A: READING SKILLS 20 Marks

Q.1. Read the passage given below. 10
(1) In this jet age, everyone is interested in making easy money. Thanks to the advancement in
science and technology, these days, life has become easier and more comfortable than earlier
with a lot of domestic gadgets as well as instantaneous food recipes available in the market. This
has resulted in making the people develop the mindset to have anything immediately without
waiting for it -even at the traffic signals.
(2) Most of us want results quickly. We want to reach the top immediately and get worked up when
things go wrong. Perseverance and patience are forgotten words. We get upset, frustrated and
angry when a skill or activity requires us to put in a lot of effort and time. We get dejected and
want to give it up. Things should be easy.
(3) Life is too short, and there is not enough time to do all the things we want to. We tend to
compare with others and get upset when they seem to be doing well and start believing God is
being too kind to them and not to us. And so, we give up. But such thinking serves no purpose. It
doesn't solve the problem.
(4) Real success and happiness come to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude. I am talking for
those who are willing to knead the dough, wait for hours for it to rise only to punch it down and
knead some more, wait for another couple of hours for it to rise again, then bake it before it is
ready to be eaten. Nothing is instantaneous. For every endeavour --whether in the area of
career, academics, music, sports, relationships, physical fitness or even in spirituality- it is a long
arduous journey.
(5) We can get results only if we are willing to spend time, put in painstaking effort and have faith. If
we don't accept this difficult but true fact of life, our lives will be far from being happy and
fulfilling. For we may not make that extra effort which can change the course of life dramatically
for our benefit.
(6) However, if we just pause to analyse what we are doing, we will realise how much time we are
wasting searching for such magical solutions that simply do not exist. We actually save time when
we stop this futile search and accept the proven methods of treading the straight and narrow
path however difficult it may seem initially.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the question given below. 1x10=10
i Which of the following statements best describes the author's attitude towards 1
people who give up easily?
(a) The author admires them for recognizing their limitations.
(b) The author sympathizes with them due to their lack of talent.
(c) The author is critical of them for not valuing perseverance.
(d) The author believes they are wise for avoiding unnecessary struggles.
ii Complete the sentence appropriately. 1
The author has used the imagery of "bread- making" as a metaphor throughout the
passage. This greatly affects the readers by ………………. .
iii The passage includes some words that are similar to each other. From the sets (a)-(e) 1
 below, identify one set of synonyms:
(a) Science and technology
(b) Faith and endeavour
(c) Patience and perseverance
(d) Analyse and realise
(e) Happy and dejected
iv Complete the sentence appropriately. 1
The author's tone becomes reflective and rational when highlighting the futility of
searching for shortcuts and magical solutions. This greatly encourages the readers
to ..............
v What is the message conveyed by the author in the following case? 1
"However, if we just pause to analyse what we are doing, we will realise how much
time we are wasting searching for such magical solutions which simply do not exist."
(1) The author encourages readers to keep searching for magical solutions.
(II) The author advises readers to stop wasting time on unrealistic shortcuts.
(III) The author suggests that analyzing our actions can help us find magical solutions.
(IV) The author believes that magical solutions are achievable with enough effort.
(a) Only (II)
(b) Only (III)
(c) Both (II) and (III)
(d) Both (1) and (III)
vi State whether the passage displays an example of expository/narrative descriptive 1
text. Justify your answer by giving an example from the passage.
vii What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph (3)? Rationalise your 2
response in about 40 words.
Life is too short and there is not enough time to do all the things we want to
viii Imagine you are a young entrepreneur who has recently started a new business 2
venture. You've invested a significant time into your startup but haven't seen result.
Despite facing challenges, you continue to work diligently.
(1) What will be your takeaway from the failures you faced?
(2) How is your determination to persist in your startup despite initial challenges
analogous to the 'bread making attitude'?
Q.2. Read the passage given below. 10

(1)
 Himachal Pradesh. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have emceed as the front runners in the race to
achieve key sustainable development goals (SDG) such as the removal of poverty and inequality,
while Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are the laggards in ranking of states.
(2) According to the SDG India Index, the nation as a whole has a score of 57, showing the country
has reached a little beyond the halfway mark in meeting the sustainable development goals
adopted by India and 192 other nations in 2015. The index covers 13 of the 17 sustainable
development goals, including healthcare, gender equality, clean energy, infrastructure,
education, peace and building strong, accountable institutions
(3) For goals including climate action and sustainable use of marine resources, were left out because
of a lack of data at the state level. Kerala's overall top rank (69) is attributed to its strong
performance in providing good health, reducing hunger, achieving gender equality and providing
quality education. The rank shows the distance each state has to cover to reach 100-the point at
which it fully meets the sustainable development goals.
(4) Himachal Pradesh is ranked high with a similar overall score in providing clean water and
sanitation, reducing inequalities and preserving the mountain ecosystem. Tamil Nadu has a score
of 66. Among Union territories, Chandigarh takes the lead with a score of 68 on account of its
track record in providing clean water and sanitation. Performance in providing quality education
has also helped Chandigarh achieve a high score.
(5) Tamil Nadu topped the states in poverty reduction, while Kerala topped in providing quality
education, closely followed by Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh.
(6) Kerala and Tamil Nadu also topped in facilitating good health and well-being. Gender equality,
however, is an area all states and the nation as a whole need to improve upon. The toppers in
gender equality, Sikkim and Union territories Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chandigarh, have
crossed the hallway mark in reaching the goals.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the question given below. 1x10=10
i Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of the 1
passage.
Similar to how a student aims to score high marks by excelling in various subjects,
states like Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh need to _______ across multiple
development indicators.
ii Fill the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on o 1
your understanding of paragraph 6.
The statement that gender equality, however, is an area all states and the nation as
a whole need to improve upon is a .............. (fact/ opinion) because it is a.............
(subjective judgement/ objective detail).
iii Based on the survey results presented in the passage, which three states are leading 1
in achieving key sustainable development goals?
iv Select the option that correctly displays what 'sustainable development' signifies. 1
 v Infer one benefit for a tourist from the fact that Himachal Pradesh is ranked high in 1
providing clean water and sanitation.
vi Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the 1
passage?
(1) Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are leading in achieving key
sustainable development goals.
(II) Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the only states that have achieved all sustainable
development goals.
(III) The SDG India Index covers all 17 sustainable comprehensively. development
goals
(IV) The study focuses primarily on gender equality as the sole indicator of
sustainable development.
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (IV)
(c) Both (II) and (III)
(d) Both (1) and (III)
vii Read the given assertion: gender equality is an area requiring improvement for all 2
states and the nation as a whole.
(1) Justify the given assertion in one sentence.
(2) Imagine you are a policy-maker in a state government. What specific policies
would you propose to address gender equality issues in your state?
viii State an inference that can be drawn about the importance of collaboration among 2
states in India towards achieving sustainable development goals?
Q.3. SECTION B: GRAMMAR 10 Marks
Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions
i Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. 1
The recent increase in wfh opportunities has _______ many employees' commuting
time. To ensure proper communication, all team members ________ to use the
company's secure virtual meeting platform.
(a) reduced / are encouraged
(b) reducing / encouraged
(c) reduce / will encourage
(d) reduces / have encouraged
ii Abhilasha and Sonia had a conversation after the book fair. 1
Report Sonia's question.
What were you reading about?
iii Read the dialogue between Riya and her student, Sara, regarding her board 1
examinations.
Riya: How are you getting on with your studies?
Sara: My preparation is going as planned.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Riya asked how Sara's studies were getting along. Sara said that _______ as planned.
(a) her preparation has been going
(b) her preparation will go
(c) her preparation had been going
(d) her preparation was going
iv Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from a fitness product 1
advertisement.
Using our revolutionary new treadmill for just 10 minutes a day have shown
significant results in as little as two weeks.
Option Error Correction
(a) Have Has
 (b) Little Less
(c) Weeks Week
(d) Shown Shows
v Fill the blank by choosing the correct option. 1
Both of the boys were quarrelling over _______ (a/an/the) toy.
vi Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option. 1
His journey through the remote village made him _______ about the simplicity of
human life and the beauty of nature.
(a) realise
(b) realising
(c) realised
(d) to realise
vii Report the dialogue between Ravi and the interviewer, by completing the sentence: 1
Interviewer: So why do you want to be a computer engineer?
Ravi: Well, I have always been interested in computers.
Ravi recently attended an interview for the selection of a computer programmer. At
the interview, he was asked _______ .
viii Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from a travel agency's 1
promotional material.
Experience the adventure of the lifetime with our exciting range of travel packages
on your next vacation.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

ix Fill the blank by choosing the correct option. 1

The outdoor adventure club is gearing up for the summer trip, and they are
confident that by the end of the season, they _______ several challenging hiking
trails.
(a) will conquer
(b) had conquered
(c) are conquering
(d) have conquered
x Fill in the blanks with an appropriate and answer: 1
The company............... significant profits before the economic downturn.
(a) has been making
(b) made
(c) makes
(d) had been making
xi Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from the bracket. 1
There's never _______ (much / many / little) petrol left after Rahul uses the car.
xii Identify the error and supply a correction for the following note in a passenger's 1
flight instruction manual:
Passengers should not forget to bring their photo identification, as it is or which is
necessary for the security check-in process.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

Q.4. SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10 Marks

Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5
A. You are Sunidhi Prakash, the Vice Captain of Brilliant Vidyalaya, Barra, Kanpur. You
have recently noticed several posters around your school premises conveying a
hazardous message:
 Lose weight in just a month!
"A WONDER DIET comes to your rescue...
A privilege available for only a few!"
Write a letter to the Editor of 'The DWA', in not more than 120 words, drawing
attention towards harm caused by such advertising. Propose the implementation of
"Wholesome Lunch Month' in schools as an idea to address such practices, mention
the advantages and share suggestions to foster healthy eating routines and develop
positive body image among youngsters.
OR
B. You are Priya/ Prem, Vice Principal of XYZ School, New Delhi. You have recently
ordered science lab equipment from Scientific Solutions Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. Write a
letter to cancel the order as you have found a more suitable supplier.
Q.5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5
A. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words based on the following extract:

Regulation of hate speech and disinformation on the Internet is a must, and

intermediaries, including digital news media and social media platforms, have an
accountable role to play. The IT Rules' specifications on giving users prior notice
before removing content or disabling access and on intermediaries coming up with
periodic compliance reports are well taken. Social media intermediaries should not
shut down users' posts or communications except in the interests of public order and
to avoid legal consequences.
You may begin like this: The extract highlights the necessity of regulating hate
speech and disinformation on the Internet........
You may end like this: There is a need for a balanced approach.
OR
B. In an exclusive survey conducted by a leading daily, students of class X expressed
their job preference. On the basis of the information given in the pie chart, write a
paragraph analysing the careers they want to pursue after school. (Word limit 100-
120 words)

SECTION C: LITERATURE 40 Marks

Q.6. Reference to the context 10

Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5
A. "I was not troubled by the laws of man or God. It was only when I began to learn that
my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my
freedom had already been taken from me that I began to hunger for it. At first as a
student I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedom of being able to
stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in
Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honorable freedoms..."
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freegom
 i. State TRUE or FALSE: 1
None of the terms (1)-(4) below, can be applied to the statement "It was only when I
began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a
young man that my freedom had already been taken from me that I began to hunger
for it."
(1) The statement can be classified as a realization or awakening
(2) The statement can be classified as an assumption
(3) The statement is a rhetorical fact
(4) The statement can be classified as a personal opinion
ii. State one inference about the speaker from the given context: 1
'at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.'
iii. Which phrase would correctly substitute 'illusion', in the given sentence from the 1
extract?
It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion.
iv. The speaker mentions some freedoms as 'transitory'. Comment, in about 40 words. 2
OR
B Then the bedroom chair came alive. Springing into the air it charged straight at her,
legs foremost. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the extraordinary chair
pushed them both out of the room and then appeared to slam and lock the door after
them. Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the
room was haunted by spirits and that the stranger had somehow caused them to
enter into her furniture. "My poor mother used to sit in that chair," she moaned."To
think it should rise up against me now!" The feeling among the neighbours was that
the trouble was caused by witchcraft.
Footprints Without Feet
i. Look at the different meanings of ale 'haunt'. Pick the option that DOES NOT 1
correspond to its meaning.
(a) to be conscious of a strange phenomenon.
(b) be persistently and disturbingly present in (the mind).
(c) (of something unpleasant) continue to affect or cause problems for.
(d) a place frequented by a specified person.
ii. Read the following descriptions (a)- (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds 1
to the extract.
(a) The extract is an example of light humor to depict the menacing actions of the
extraordinary chair.
(b) The extract utilises metaphors and similes to describe Mrs. Hall's emotional state
and her perception of the haunted room.
(c) The extract employs irony to create created suspense and highlight the strange
events unfolding in the room.
iii. The feeling among the neighbours was that the trouble was caused by witchcraft. 1
What does the given society in statement say about the society in which Mrs. Hall
was living?
iv. Why is it fair to say Mrs. Hall's tone, when she says, To think it should rise up against 2
me now!", suggests a sense of anguish and disbelief? Answer in about 40 words.
Q.7. Attempt ANYONE of two extracts given. 5
A An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbor where
his ball went. I would not intrude on him.
The Ball Poem
i. Why does the speaker choose not to intrude? 1
ii. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word. 1
 The phrase "ultimate shaking grief" suggests that the boy's sorrow is ________
and________ .
(a) temporary, fleeting
(b) profound, overwhelming
(c) Subtle, barely noticeable
(d) confusing, ambiguous
iii. The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, what would he 1
think about his 'ultimate shaking grief'?
iv. What is the significance of the use of the word "trembling" and how does this word 2
choice contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40
words.
OR
B My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.
The Trees
i. The trees stumbling forward into the night symbolise: 1
(a) the resilience and determination of women breaking free from confinement.
(b) the chaos and unpredictability of nature.
(c) the destructive force of wind and storms.
(d) the fading of hope and the approaching darkness.
ii. The "broken moon" represents societal constructs. Justify. 1
iii. Fill in the blank with an appropriate statement. 1
When the poet says that his head is full of whispers, he refers to _______ .
iv. Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines. 2
Q.8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4x3=12
i. Comment on Lencho’s comparison of raindrops to coins. 3
ii. How does Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and metaphorical language in A Tiger in the 3
Zoo, to effectively depict the confinement and oppression, experienced by the
captive tiger.
iii. How does the theme of absurdity and exaggeration contribute to the comedic 3
elements of the story, "The Proposal", particularly in the way the characters'
conflicts escalate?
iv. Explain how the story's language creates a sense of inevitability and universal at and 3
truth about death in, 'The Sermon at Benares'? State one inference that can be
drawn about Kisa Gotami based on her realisation.
Refer to the given lines, from the text.
As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals when born are always in
danger of death.
v. Grief is often seen as a measure of love. Do you think the Buddha's sermon 3
undermines a mother's love? Justify your response.
(The sermon at Benasar)
Q.9. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2x3=6
i. What is the role of the mother in making Richard Ebright a great scientist? 3
(The Making of A Scientist)
ii. Anil's kindness, patience, and genuine efforts to educate and help Hari bring about a 3
significant change in his life. Comment. (The Thief’s Story)
 iii. How does Bholi’s teacher play a crucial and transformative role in Bholi’s life? 3
Q10 Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words each. 1x6=6
i. Not every air hostess is as kind as the one the author met. In the light of this 6
statement, develop a conversation between Maxwell and another air hostess.
You may begin as:
Air hostess: Oh no. I can't allow you to keep the pet open.
Maxwell: Please help me. This is my first time …………………………….
(Mijbil The Otter)
OR
ii. 'During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide'. 6
Based on your reading of the story 'Baker of Goa', Evaluate the kind of relation the
baker had with the children of Goa.
(A Baker From Goa)
Q11 Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words each. 1x6=6

i. "No legacy is so rich as honesty." (William Shakespeare) 6

Matilda lost her friend's necklace and ruined her life in the process. Justify the given
quote in the context of the lesson, The Necklace. How do you think the lesson
reflects the importance of honesty?
OR
ii. Both Hari Singh and Griffin get by with petty thievery. They are both skilled when it 6
comes to getting away with their crimes. Analyse the similarities and differences
between the two characters.