NODIA APP Sample Paper 19 Page 1

Sample Paper 19
English Language and Literature (184)
Class-X Exam 2024-25
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2 The Question Paper contains THREE sections -
Section A : Reading Skills
Section B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section C : Literature Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 20

1. Read the following text. 10
1. Even international students who speak English as their first language might have a hard
time adjusting to a new academic culture. One common problem is listening. Students
may feel anxious about this, and it takes time to get better at it. They need structured
help, such as learning how to focus on the main points. They also need guidance with
academic reading, like how to approach an article, skim through, read deeply, and take
notes.
2. As students improve their listening skills, they face bigger challenges with academic
writing. In places like Britain, much of education is based on writing essays, but this can
be difficult for students from different cultures. They need to develop their own ideas,
form opinions, and analyze different issues in clear English. For some, writing this way is
unfamiliar, and they may struggle with plagiarism, which means copying someone else’s
ideas. In Britain, plagiarism is considered stealing, but that’s not always the case in
other countries. Students are expected to do research in the library and are not allowed
to simply repeat what was said in lectures.
3. The best way to handle these difficulties is to be prepared. The first step is taking a test
to check if their English skills are good enough to deal with academic challenges.
4. If a test shows that a student’s English skills are not strong enough for university, they
can take pre-sessional courses, usually at the university they want to attend. These
courses can last from three weeks to a full academic year, so students need to be realistic
about their needs. It generally takes around 200 hours of study to improve one low
score on some tests. Some universities, especially those that used to be polytechnics,
are offering more flexible pre-sessional and foundation courses. For example, Elisabeth
Jones, Director of the Centre for Language Study at Leeds Metropolitan University,
says, “Our courses are offered every month, so students from different parts of the world
can join at any time.”
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5. She believes that new universities are generally more flexible with language training
than older ones. “Universities like ours can accept students with lower language test
scores and help them improve through a programme until they reach the required level,
though we can’t guarantee how long it will take.”
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. In paragraph 1, what is one common problem international students face when adjusting
to a new academic culture? 1

ii. Complete the following with the correct option : 1

International students may struggle with academic writing because :
(a) They only need to summarize lecture notes.
(b) They are expected to express their own ideas and opinions, which may be unfamiliar
to them.
(paragraph 2)
iii. What is plagiarism, and why is it a problem in places like Britain? 2
(paragraph 2)

iv. Select the option that best explains how students can overcome academic challenges : 1
(a) By relying on lecture notes for all assignments.
(b) By preparing in advance and taking language tests to assess their skills.
(paragraph 3)

v. State whether the following statement is True or False. 1

Pre-sessional courses are usually very short, lasting no more than three weeks.
(paragraph 4)

vi. The writer mentions in paragraph 4 that some universities offer more flexible language
training. 1
What makes these courses flexible for students from different parts of the world?
(A) The courses are free and open to all students.
(B) The courses are offered every month, so students can join at any time.
(C) The courses are only offered during summer breaks.
(D) The courses are shorter, lasting no more than two weeks.

vii. List two reasons why some newer universities are considered more flexible when it comes
to language training. 2
(paragraph 5)

viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option : 1

According to the passage, improving language skills may require :
(A) 200 hours of study to improve a low score on some tests.
(B) 20 hours of study before enrolling in a degree program.
(C) No additional study for students who already speak English.
(D) Skipping any language courses as they are unnecessary.
(paragraph 4)
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2. Read the following text. 10

1. The Indian education system has seen significant changes over the last decade. In
2021, the literacy rate in India reached 77.7%, compared to 74% in 2011. Government
initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education Act (RTE)
have played a role in improving access to education. However, in rural regions, only 64%
of students complete secondary education, compared to 79% in urban areas.
2. In 2020, the government introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) to reform
the Indian education system, focusing on critical thinking, digital literacy, and flexible
learning pathways. The NEP aims to increase the gross enrollment ratio (GER) in
higher education to 50% by 2035, up from the current 27%. As of 2021, only 11% of rural
students had access to higher education compared to 51% of their urban counterparts.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in the education sector, leading to
a shift toward online learning. By mid-2021, over 250 million students across India were
learning remotely. However, the digital divide is a significant barrier, as 29% of rural
households lack access to the internet, compared to just 4% in urban areas.
4. The government is working to bridge this gap by increasing investments in digital
infrastructure through initiatives like PM eVIDYA. This initiative aims to provide
multi-modal access to education through TV channels, online courses, and mobile apps,
targeting over 100 million students by 2025.
5. Experts believe that with continued investments in digital education and reforms under
the NEP, India’s education sector can achieve substantial growth in the coming years,
equipping students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What does the use of the phrase “significant changes” by the writer, in paragraph 1,
suggest about the Indian education system? 1
(A) The writer believes the education system has remained stagnant.
(B) The writer is emphasizing the major reforms and improvements in the education
system.
(C) The writer is indifferent to the changes in the education system.
(D) The writer believes there have been no meaningful improvements.

ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below : 1
Assertion : The digital divide has made online learning inaccessible for many students
in rural areas.
Reason : A large percentage of rural households lack access to the internet.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
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iii. Identify the percentage of rural households that lack access to the internet, as mentioned
in the passage. 1

iv. According to the passage, what are two key initiatives introduced by the Indian
government to improve access to education? 1

v. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank : 1
The National Education Policy (NEP) aims to reform the Indian education system and
increase the gross enrollment ratio in higher education.
The NEP targets a gross enrollment ratio of _____ (27% / 50% / 64%) by 2035.

vi. What are some of the strategies mentioned in the passage that the government is using
to address the digital divide? 1

vii. Complete the sentence suitably. 1

The digital divide in India is reflected by the fact that rural areas have , compared to
only 4% in urban areas _____.

viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason : 1

Experts believe that continued investment in digital education is essential because
_____.

ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is investing in digital infrastructure critical for the
future of India’s education system? 2

SECTION B - WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR 20

GRAMMAR 10

3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
If we _____ one more batsman in our team, we would have won the match.
(A) had had (B) would have been
(C) would have (D) would have had

ii. Read the conversation between Reena and Rakesh. Complete the sentence by reporting
Rakesh’s reply correctly.
Reena : Have you seen ‘Three Idiots’ ?
Rakesh : I saw them yesterday in my class.
Reena asked Rakesh if he had seen ‘Three Idiots’. Rakesh replied that _____.

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
The swimmer was tired but he _____ reach the shore before he collapsed.
(A) will (B) could
(C) may (D) must
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iv. Select the option identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
Have you ever learn from a mistake you have made?
Option No. Error Correction
(A) learn learnt
(B) Have Has
(C) a the
(D) made make

v. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
I bought a new car last year, but I _____ my old car yet, so at present I have two cars.
(A) sell (B) have not sold
(C) sold (D) did not sell

vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
Neither you nor your sister should _____ (talk) to them.

vii. Report the dialogue between Sanjay and Madan, by completing the sentence :
Sanjay: I am surprised to see you here in Delhi. When did you come?
Madan: I came here yesterday. I have been offered a job here.
Sanjay told Madan that he was surprised to see him there in Delhi and asked when he
had come. Madam replied that he had come there the previous day and added that
_____.

viii. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
A good business letter is one that get results.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

ix. Transform the following direct speech into reported speech:

He said, “Reena, do you want to buy a house in Noida?”

x. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
He said I will use his car whenever I wanted.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
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xi. Ram and Shyam are discussing their plans for the weekend. Fill in the blank to complete
the dialogue below by choosing the correct options.
Ram: What are you doing this weekend, shyam?
Shyam: I don’t have any special plan.
Ram: How do you like the idea _____.
(A) of go for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(B) of going for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(C) of went for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(D) of going for a picnic by the Dal Lake?

xii. Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Every trees have a single woody stem called a trunk which supports a mass of branches
carrying leaves.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

WRITING 10
Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and
created for assessment purpose.
4A. You are Praveen of 23, Civil Lines, Jaipur. Write a letter to the Editor of Dainik
Bhaskar, Jaipur about frequent break-down of electricity.


O
4B. You have seen an advertisement of a new model sports bike launched by Honda. You are
a passionate racer and are keen to buy the new model of racing bikes being offered. Next
month a zonal level Bike Marathon is taking place and you are keen to enroll your name
as a contestant. Write a letter to M/s Honda Bikes and Scooters, Kashmere Gate, New
Delhi enquiring about the price, specifications and availability of accessories that long
distance racers would require. You are Man Singh living in Green Park, New Delhi.

5A. You are Suresh/Lalita. Given below is a table based on data given about the number
of tourists who visited your city in the past two years. Write an analytical paragraph
on ‘Promotion of Tourism’ taking information from the table given below together with
your own ideas in about 120 words.
Year Tourists Who Visited
Domestic International
2020 444569 8563
2021 436350 11478
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Plans of Tourism Department:

• To develop a wildlife park.
• Illumination and light and sound programme at one of the places of tourist interest
in the city.
• To develop a big amusement park.
• Convention centre and a multiplex in the city.


O
5B. You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school. You decided to make the school
population aware of the advantages of tree plantation and tell them how trees can serve
as better air-conditioners. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words. Take help
of the cues given below.
Cues :
Trees keep environment cool by
• taking heat of earth and air
• absorbing carbon-dioxide that helps in controlling temperature rise
• bringing rains
• checking direct sunlight
• providing shade

SECTION C - LITERATURE TEXTBOOK 40

6. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two questions given below 5
A. The village constable was secretly sent for. Instead of waiting for the constable, Mrs. Hall
went to the scientist, who had somehow mysteriously appeared from his empty bedroom.
“I want to know what you have been doing to my chair upstairs,” she demanded. ‘And
I want to know how it is you came out of an empty room and how you entered a locked
room.” The scientist was always quick-tempered; now he became furious. “You don’t
understand who or what I am!” he shouted. “Very well — I’ll show you.”
(Footprints Without Feet)

i. Why did Mrs. Hall feel that the room was haunted by spirits?

ii. What effect does Mrs. Hall’s confrontation, as described in the lines below, have on the
scientist?
The scientist was always quick-tempered; now he became furious. “You don’t understand
who or what I am!” he shouted.
Choose the most suitable option.
(A) confuses (B) frustrates
(C) amuses (D) enrages

iii. Why was the village constable secretly sent for? Answer in about 40 words.

iv. What did the scientist do on becoming furious?

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B. The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter
for him. It was the postman himself who handed the letter to him while the postmaster,
experiencing the contentment of a man who has performed a good deed, looked on from
his office. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his
confidence - but he became angry when he counted the money. God could not have made
a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.
(A Letter to God)
i. According to the extract, what was the belief of Lencho?
(A) God couldn’t make a mistake in sending the money.
(B) God couldn’t deny what he had requested.
(C) Money was stolen.
(D) Both (A) and (B)

ii. Why did Lencho go a bit early to the post office the following Sunday?
iii. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The word ‘confidence’ in the line “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing
the money; such was his confidence” indicates that Lencho was _____ (sure/doubtful)
about receiving the money.

iv. How much money did Lencho receive?

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
(Dust of Snow)
i. Fill the blank with one word.
The poet was out on the cold snowy day when the dust of snow fell on him and changed
his _____ mood.

ii. What is ‘dust of snow’ ?

iii. The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative references in literature. How is this
different in this poem?

iv. How does the use of ‘a crow’ and ‘a hemlock tree’ impact this extract?
(A) If forces the beauty of nature
(B) Represents prosperity
(C) Sets a gloomy atmosphere
(D) Tells about happy times
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B. I heard an old religious man

But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair.
(For Anne Gregory)

i. The above stanza strongly defies the idea of _____.

(A) internal qualities
(B) external beauty
(C) spiritual self
(D) divinity

ii. What does the poet mean by the word ‘yesternight’, in the extract?

iii. What wisdom was imparted to the poet and by whom it was imparted? Answer in about
40 words.

iv. Complete the following suitably.

The religious man found it in a religious text that _____.

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4 # 3 = 12
i. Nelson Mandela speaks of twin obligations. What are they?
(Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom)
ii. What does Anne write in the diary about herself and her sister ?
(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
iii. How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life?
(The Sermon at Benares)
iv. How did Belinda, Ink, Blink and Mustard react on seeing the pirate ?
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
v. The tigers in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ has some obvious limitations, describe them
in contrast to its natural habitat.

9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2#3 = 6
i. Why did Hari Singh think that Anil’s job was queer?
(The Thief ’s Story)
ii. Why did Horace Danby feel sure of his success in that year’s robbery?
(A Question of Trust)
iii. Which character traits of Bholi have had an everlasting impression on you? Why?
(Bholi)
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10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. One is known by one’s roots. The people of Coorg are also recognized for their values
and traits in spite of being thousands of miles away from their places of origin-Greece
and Arabia. Describe their values and traits.
(Glimpses of India)

ii. If the Buddha were to summarise the life lessons of ‘The Ball poem’ what would that
sermon be? Think and create this address for people of your age.

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. Not to accept the limitations of our life makes us unhappy in our lives. Describe how
Matilda Loisel suffers in her life because she does not accept that she is not a rich
person.
(The Necklace)

ii. Give a brief character sketch of Fowler ? What are the values reflected in his character?
(The Midnight Visitor)

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