DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Secunderabad
NACHARAM | MAHENDRA HILLS | NADERGUL

Class X PRE BOARD -1 English

SET A
1. Answers
I Our ancestors valued learning, making sacrifices, and caring for others’ well-being, while 1
modern values are more focused on self-interest and material success.
II Correct option: (b) What’s inside a person’s mind and their inner feelings. 1
III They were regarded as trusted institutions that shaped public knowledge with credibility 2
rooted in traditional notions of influence.
IV Correct option: (A) 1
V Correct option: (C) Both (A) and (B). 1
They miss their childhood memories and feel disconnected from their homeland. They
also worry about being far from their aging parents.
VI False. 1
Our ancestors believed that the greatest happiness came from raising children to be honest
individuals, not just successful in their careers.
VII Two values children learned in joint families: 2
1. Respect.
2. Responsibility.
VII disconnected 1
I

2. Answers
I B. AI contributes to the increasing production of e-waste.
Explanation: The passage mentions that the rise of AI and its computational demands will lead
to more turnover of computer servers, thus increasing e-waste production.
II A. Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the
assertion.
Explanation: The passage supports both the assertion and the reason, highlighting the rapid
growth of e-waste and its contribution from discarded mobile phones.
III "Significantly"
Explanation: The use of the word "significantly" indicates that the writer expects AI to play a
major role in exacerbating the e-waste problem.
IV E-waste poses a significant threat to sustainability by introducing toxic substances like mercury,
which can harm both human health and the environment. The rapid growth in e-waste could
hinder efforts to achieve global sustainability goals.
V 62 million
Explanation: The passage states that e-waste reached a record 62 million tonnes in 2022.
VI It suggests that the amount of e-waste is growing rapidly, likely due to increasing use of
electronic devices and shorter lifetimes of these products.
VII This completion emphasizes the need for addressing the environmental impact of e-waste.
VIII The writer mentions the hazardous chemicals in e-waste and its harmful effects on human
health and the environment as a reason for highlighting the issue.
IX AI's rising energy demands, as mentioned in the passage, are significant because they are
expected to drastically increase the power consumption in the coming years, potentially
contributing to higher carbon emissions and the need for substantial infrastructure investment.
 This trend could challenge global sustainability efforts.

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 marks)

GRAMMAR 10
3. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed

I B. approved
II. ERROR: were
CORRECTION: was
III. Meera asked Ravi if he had completed the assignment for tomorrow’s class.
IV. D. have been, these
V. Meera apologized to her class teacher and explained that she couldn’t complete her part of
the group assignment on time because she was unwell and assured her that she would
submit her part by tomorrow morning.
VI. C. have, has
VII. C. will be displayed
VIII. ERROR: would
CORRECTION: should
IX. The parent asked if the teacher had received the email regarding their child’s progress, to
which the teacher confirmed and said that she would respond by the end of the day.
X. A. should
XI. B. are willing
XII. The mother said that I should finish the homework before I went out.

4A and 4B
Format – 1
[full credit if all aspects included. Partial credit (½ mark) if one-two aspects are missing. No credit if more
than two aspects are missing]
Content -2
[ ½ mark for each content point area addressed -suggestion, importance, implication,
recommendation]
Organisation of ideas -1
[effective style, orderly sequence, paragraphed structure and formal tone and vocabulary]
Accuracy 1
[Spelling, punctuation and grammar]

5A and 5B
Content -2 Four trends/ points included & well-developed with sustained clarity
Organisation of ideas -2 [effective style, orderly sequence, single paragraph structure, formal tone and
functional vocabulary]
Accuracy 1 [Spelling, punctuation and grammar]

6. Read the given extracts and answer:

A. (The Sermons at Benares)
I. Correct option: D. The path to immortality through selflessness.
II. The author uses symbolism (e.g., flickering lights and extinguishing flames) to convey the
impermanence of life.
III. Correct word: uncertainty
IV. Initially, Kisa Gotami feels weary and hopeless, consumed by her grief. Towards the end, her perspective
shifts as she realizes that death is universal and selflessness can lead to spiritual immortality, offering her
hope and acceptance.
B. (The Thief’s Story)
I. Correct option: B. highlights the peacefulness of the moment.
II. Anil’s trust and casual attitude toward money made it easier for Hari to steal without immediate
suspicion. The significant amount Anil received that night and the quiet, undisturbed house while Anil slept
provided the perfect opportunity for theft.
III. The sensory details amplify the tension by showing the narrator's stealthy actions and hesitation,
mirroring his internal conflict.
IV. Taking the money shows the narrator’s struggle between his survival instincts and the guilt of betraying
Anil’s trust, reflecting his inner turmoil about choosing morality over self-interest.

7. Read the given extracts and answer:

A. (For Anne Gregory)
I. The speaker portrays love as something that often focuses on external beauty (“yellow hair”) rather than
inner qualities. True love is selfless and unconditional, as only God can love someone for who they truly are.
II. Correct answer: external beauty or superficial attractiveness
III. The poet challenges the belief that human love can be entirely selfless, implying that people are often
drawn to outward appearances.
IV. Correct option: A. 1 and 4 (Philosophical and Reflective)
B. (The Crocodile and the Hyena)
I. The tone is humorous and ironic, creating a light-hearted yet insightful critique of deceptive
appearances.
II. Correct option: A. apprentice
III. The poet uses irony by associating crocodiles with fake weeping and hyenas with deceptive smiles,
playfully highlighting their perceived traits.
IV. Correct option: D. The eagle soars with might... (Rhyme scheme: ABAB).

8. Short Answers:
I. Chubukov tries to reconcile Natalya and Lomov by:
1. Encouraging Lomov to stay and discuss the matter calmly.
2. Supporting Natalya’s claim while urging her to listen to Lomov, diffusing tensions.
II. Anne Frank's diary reflects her insightfulness through:
 Her mature observations about human nature.
 because of the vivid and comprehensive descriptions of her experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
III. Valli displays authority on the bus by:
 Insisting on paying her fare herself and refusing help.
 Setting boundaries with the conductor and passengers, reflecting her confidence and independence.
IV. The revolt of trees is justified as it symbolizes nature’s reclaiming of freedom. Humans should value
environmental preservation, harmony, and sustainable practices to prevent such revolts.
V. In Dust of Snow, the poet shows how a small act of nature (the crow shaking snow onto the poet) can
bring an emotional shift, demonstrating how simple moments can positively change one’s outlook.

9. Short Answers:
I. Horace Danby learns that appearances can be deceptive and trusting someone without caution can lead to
betrayal. Despite his careful planning, his misplaced trust in the woman posing as the houseowner results in
his arrest, teaching him the importance of being more discerning.
II. Mrs. Pumphrey calls the recovery a “triumph of surgery” because she attributes Tricki’s return to health
to the doctor's expertise. The vet's simple approach of exercise and diet highlights the unnecessary
indulgence Tricki was subjected to.
III. Matilda’s story in The Necklace shows how vanity and desire for a lavish lifestyle led her to borrow a
necklace, resulting in years of hardship when she lost it. This reflects the consequences of prioritizing
appearance over reality.

10. Long Answers:

I. Natalya and Lomov are argumentative and quarrelling over trivial issues like land and dogs despite their
intent to marry. Lomov’s hypochondria and Natalya’s stubbornness highlight their absurdity, creating
humour. Their constant arguments contrast with the purpose of their meeting, satirizing human tendencies to
prioritize ego over meaningful connections. This exaggerated behaviour reflects Chekhov’s comic depiction
of human flaws.
II. Mijbil symbolizes the bond between humans and animals, showcasing loyalty and trust. The otter’s
playful nature and attachment to the narrator reflect the mutual affection and companionship that animals
provide. Similarly, Custard in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" embodies courage and loyalty, proving
his worth by bravely defending his companions despite being mocked. Both characters highlight the themes
of bravery, loyalty, and the deep emotional connections humans share with animals.

11. Long Answers:

I.
Think Tank’s inability to comprehend peaceful coexistence and misinterpretation of nursery rhymes, like
viewing them as invasion instructions, emphasizes the dangers of limited knowledge. The Martians’ fear and
overreaction, fuelled by Think Tank’s arrogance, lead to their withdrawal. This humorous twist underlines
how ignorance can prevent understanding, and the simple nursery rhymes, symbolic of human creativity,
effectively save Earth from invasion by exposing Think Tank’s incompetence.

II.
Bholi: Father, please don’t be upset. The marriage may be called off, but I am not defeated.
Father: But who will marry you now? What will people say?
Bholi: Let them say what they will. I don’t need someone to validate my worth. I’ve decided to educate
myself and become self-reliant.
Father: But how will you manage alone?
Bholi: I’ve learned to believe in myself, Father. Education is my strength, and I will create a future where I
don’t have to depend on anyone. You’ve supported me so far; trust me now.