CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Sample

Paper 2023-24

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2023-24)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text. 10 m

(1) As a high school student, studying poetry can be a rollercoaster ride. This journey is punctuated by
moments of profound appreciation for simpler pieces and intermittent frustration with more
complex works. Let's be real here - some poems are just plain confusing and no amount of re-reading
seems to help decipher the intended meaning. The puzzlement that results from such instances can
be both vexing and demotivating. If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a
better option. One is led to ponder if obscurity was the goal.
(2) Conversely, some pieces resonate with the reader's soul. stirring feelings of warmth, happiness, and
connection to the world. Often, these compositions centre on themes that are universally
understood, such as love, nature, or faith. Being able to actually understand what the poet is trying
to say can feel like a little victory and is a welcome relief after grappling with more perplexing poetry.
(3) Then there are poems that are emotionally charged; the ones that make the reader curl up in a ball
and cry or jump up and down with joy. One is left in awe of the poet's ability to convey emotion
through words. the downright weird poems. These are th e ones that defy
categorization and leave the reader to their own devices in attempting to interpret meaning. The
author's use of figurative language and unconventional imagery can create a sense of bewilderment
that is either intriguing or off-putting. Regardless, the reader can appreciate the uniqueness of the
work.
(4) Despite the wide range of emotions and reactions that come with studying poetry, it can be a
rewarding pursuit. Not only does reading poetry allow one to appreciate the artistic beauty o f the
written word but also enables one to develop crucial critical thinking and analytical skills. The process
of unlocking a poem's meaning can feel like cracking a code or solving a puzzle but the sense of
accomplishment derived from mastering a challen ging piece can be deeply gratifying. Finally,
impressing an English teacher with a well-analysed poem can be a source of pride and validation.
(5) Overall, studying poetry is like a box of mixed chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.
But whether it's complex, emotional, simple, or just downright weird, there's always something to
be gained from the experience. So, let's applaud all the poets out there, for making us laugh, cry,
scratch our heads, and occasionally feel like a genius.
Created for academic usage/ 414 words
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

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 i Which of the following statements best describes the author's attitude towards studying 1
poetry?
A. Finds poetry to be a frustrating and meaningless endeavor.
B. Believes that the emotional rollercoaster of studying poetry is not worth the effort.
C. Recognizes the challenges of studying poetry but also acknowledges the rewards it
offers.
D. Feels that poetry is too obscure and abstract for the average person to appreciate.
ii What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph (1)? Rationalise your response 2
in about 40 words.
If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led to
ponder if obscurity was the goal.
iii Complete the sentence appropriately. 1
The author's use of vivid imagery in the paragraph (3), such as "curl up in a ball and cry" and
"jump up and down with joy", greatly affects the reader because ____________.
iv The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) 1
below, identify two sets of antonyms:

v Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

We can say that the author's tone becomes more neutral and objective when discussing weird
poems, compared to other types of poetry because __________.
vi Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how studying poetry can 2
be like exploring a new city.
vii What is the message conveyed by Hina's experience, in the following case? 1
Hina spends hours trying to analyze a poem for her assignment and finally feels a sense of
accomplishment and pride, once she understands.
A. Only those with natural talent for poetry should engage with it.
B. Persistence makes studying poetry a rewarding pursuit.
C. Study of poetry is guaranteed to impress others.
D. The efforts of studying poetry is inversely proportional to the rewards gained.
viii State whether the following lines display an example of a simple / complex / emotionally 1
charged / downright weird , poem.

The sun rises in the east,

A new day begins, a fresh start.
Birds chirp, nature wakes up,
A peaceful feeling in my heart.
2. Read the following text. 10 m
Reduction in green areas has caused various environmental problems. People squeezed between
(1) concrete structures are looking for various ways to meet their longing for green. One of the
ways to do so, is vertical gardens and green walls. Vertical gardening is a unique method of
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 gardening where plants are grown in a vertical positio n or upward, rather than in the traditional
method of planting them on the ground.
The purpose of vertical gardens and green walls, which arises from the studies of different
(2) disciplines (landscape architects, architects, engineers, etc.), is to close the cold image of concrete
and increase the visual value. In these systems, nature and structures are integrated, and thus, urban
areas and the desired environment have become intertwined.
Vertical garden case studies often show that , though functionality should be in the foreground,
(3)
when vertical gardens are planned, they are generally made as aesthetic elements in the cit y's
underpasses and city squares, and decorative elements in residences, without seeking functionality.

Experts support that the visual quality and evaluation of landscape architecture is determined based
(4) on the satisfaction of the users. Hence, a survey questionnaire was prepared for residents of varied
age groups from of a metropolitan city . The given Table 1, displays these responses:
Table 1 - Total number of participants : 400
No. Survey statements Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Vertical gardens-
1 improve quality of life of people 191 138 43 9 19
in urban areas
2 reduce noise pollution 128 164 77 25 6

3 increase air quality -indoors and 172 147 51 28 2

outdoors
4 reduce energy and water 58 47 125 68 2
consumption
5 positively impact global warming 114 144 106 30 6

6 have a relaxing and calming 161 177 44 7 11

effect
7 cost too much 86 107 152 42 13

8 make plants look beautiful 195 139 44 6 16

9 add naturalness to the environs 135 173 55 25 12

10 are among the determining 59 133 141 54 13

factor to visiting a place
11 are inconvenient indoors 9 84 123 126 48

12 can be applied in every place 71 132 97 77 23

13 have a functional feature 81 207 100 10 2

14 distract drivers 34 101 106 131 28

15 funds are best used for social 57 72 100 130 41

issues
The study acknowledged that vertical gardening has the potential to transform urban spaces into
(5) green, sustainable areas, and further research should explore the impact of vertical gardening on the
environment and human well-being.

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 Adapted for academic usage - 2019 case-study -Investigating the vertical garden applications in Turkey
225 words approx.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above
i Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 1
& 2.
We can say that the situation of people living in concrete structures is comparable with a fish
living in a fishbowl, and the need for vertical gardens to the need for decora tions in the
fishbowl because _______________.
ii Fill the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets , based on your 1
understanding of paragraph 2.
The statement that , urban spaces have become more closely connected with the desired
natural surroundings through the incorporation of nature and structures in vertical gardens
and green walls, is a ___________ (fact/ opinion) because it is a _____________ (subjective
judgement/ objective detail).
iii Justify the following, in about 40 words. 2
While the survey results suggest that vertical gardens may be effective in improving the
quality of life in urban areas, further research and evaluation may be necessary to fully
understand their effectiveness and potential drawbacks.
iv Based on the survey results, which two concerns should a city government, looking to install 1
vertical gardens, address?
v In Table 1, the statement 3, "Vertical gardens increase air quality - indoors and outdoors," 1
received the most neutral responses from participants, with 51 respondents indicating a
neutral stance. State any one inference that can be drawn from this.

vi signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 2) 1

A. (i) , (iv) and (v)

B. Only (ii)
C. Only (iii)
D. (ii) and (v)

FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES

In the given sentence taken from paragraph 1, select the option that correctly replaces the
underlined word, with its most likely antonym.

Vertical gardening is a unique method of gardening.

A. an indefinite
B. an exclusive
C. a combined
D. a standard

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vii Infer one benefit and one drawback of vertical gardening, in comparison to other solutions, 2
such as community gardens or parks. (Answer in about 40 words)
viii Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage? 1
A. Vertical gardening has minimal impact on the environment or human well-being.
B. Vertical gardening is a sustainable practice that can transform urban spaces into green
areas.
C. The impact of vertical gardening on the environment and human well-being has
already been thoroughly explored.
D. The study needs to include experts from horticultural firms to offer any
recommendations for further research.
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 marks)

GRAMMAR 10
3 Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. 1x10

i. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of
a letter: 1

Dear Sir

ii. Read the given sentence from a recipe review article. Identify the error and supply the 1
correction in the sentence.

This delightful recipe must keep your hunger pangs at bay with its balanced spices and
oriental flavour.
Use the given format for your response.

error correction

iii. Abhilash 1

Is your best friend helping you in this venture?

iv. Read the dialogue between Shabnam and her mentor, Sara, regarding her summer internship 1
programme.
Sara: Why did you choose to participate in this internship programme?
Shabnam: Ah! I am convinced this programme has the potential to enhance my abilities.

Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Sara asked Shabnam _________________________________ in that internship programme.
Shabnam sighed and exclaimed that she was convinced that programme had the potential to
enhance her abilities.
A. why to choose to participate
B. to choose participation
C. why he had chosen to participate
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 D. with her choice in participating
v. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the concluding line of an issued 1
circular by an Organisation, to its Managers.

A copy of the plan is enclosed and __________ (that/ then/ this) may be communicated to all
Team Leaders for compliance.
vi. 1
current marketing strategy.
The company aimed at increasing authority in areas frequently visited by the clients.

Use the given format for your response.

error correction

vii. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the closing line, from 1
an analytical report.
In conclusion, this study explores the association among short-sleep pattern and overweight
youngsters.

Option No. error correction

A explores explore
B and or
C among between
D In for

viii Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option. 1

The experience of nursing an injured bird left me _____________ grateful for knowing the
importance of being kind and compassionate to all creatures.

A. feeling
B. having felt
C. felt
D. feels
ix. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence: 1

Vendor: It is nice to see you, Sir!

Customer: Yes, indeed! Unlike last month, I have been away for quite some time this month.

The vendor greeted his customer respectfully and mentioned that he was pleased to see him.
The customer answered in the affirmative and explained that ______________________
x. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the live feed on a school new s 1
channel.
Congratulations Change Makers!
The regional competition awards have been announced and our school music club
___________ the first prize.
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 A. had been won
B. will win
C. was winning
D. has won
xi. Complete the line from a self- awareness song, by filling the blank with the correct option. 1

The river runs through your veins

The trees and mountains ______ your name
The moon and stars watch over
uiding your way back home
To dream the night away.

A. will call
B. call
C. had called
D. calls
xii. 1
instruction manual:

Note- Passengers will not reach the airport late in order to avoid
a fine equivalent to 5% of the basic fare.

Use the given format for your response.

error correction

WRITING 10
Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose .
4.A As Vaishali Nathani of 214, Indrayani Apartments, Vaishali Street, Daipur, you believe that
forming Ecology clubs and appointing Eco-minders in your city can aid in the preservation and
conservation of nature.
Write a letter to the MLA of your city area, in about 120 words, suggesting the need to form 5
such clubs. Share their importance and implications. Recommend the involvement of resident
volunteers for implementation of eco-club activities that nurture and protect the local
ecosystem.
OR
4.B As Armaan Khan, the School Literary Captain of Ujjwal Academy, Old City, Kiladerabad, you
believe that languages can help bridge regional divides and promote unity.
Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting the introduction
of an online regional language learning programme managed and run by student councils and
language clubs in the city. The programme aims to help residents who have recently relocated
to a new region in picking up the local language organically . Share the importance and
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 credibility of such a programme and suggest a feasible way to execute it along with possible
activities.
5.A Tsering, of class X, is contesting for the post of the Junior School Captain, in the upcoming
student council electio 5
domain, by the school counsellor, for the awareness of student voters, at school.

write a paragraph in about 120 words, analysing these

traits, to either support or oppose her candidature. As one of her peers, write this analytical
paragraph, by selecting some of the traits that support your analysis.

You may begin like this :

As a responsible student voter, I believe Tesring possesses / does not possess the necessary traits to be a School
Captain.

You may end like this:

For these reasons, I believe she has / does not have the potential to be a good School Captain and I support /
oppose her candidature.
OR
5.B As the Captain of
provided by a tour-organizing vendor.

A 3N/2D Educational Tour for the Senior School Students:

Jabalpur and Ranha National Park (Vandhya Pradesh)

Tour Travel & sightseeing by bus.

Accommodation on quad sharing basis.
One staff complimentary for every 20 students.
Bottled mineral water throughout the tour.

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 Dance Party on 22 November.
Insurance policy of 0,000/- per head.

Day Estimated time of Estimate Sight-seeing Time spent

departure from d time Destination/ Activity at the
of arrival destination
22 Nov. Reporting at the hotel
2023 Junction)-8 hrs. 30
min
23 Nov. 9:00am (hotel) 10:00am Bhawartal Garden 1 hr.
2023
11:00am (garden) 11:40am Bhedaghat Dhuandhar 1hr.
Falls
12:40pm (falls) 1:00pm Lunch (nearby 1 hr.
restaurant)
2:00pm (restaurant) 2:15pm Marble Rocks Cable car 1hr. 30 mins
tour
3:45pm (Marble 4:45 pm Rani Durgavati Museum 1 hr. 30
Rocks) mins
6:15pm (museum) 7:00pm Back to the hotel
24 Nov. 5:30am (hotel)- 170 9:30am Ranha Tiger Reserve 7hrs.
2023 kms- 4 hrs. drive
4:30pm (Tiger 9:00pm Back to the hotel
Reserve)
25 Nov. Nagpur Railway Junction
2023 Railway station)- 8
hrs. 45 min

Analyse this itinerary to either approve or reject the tour proposal, while focusing on the
. Write this analytical paragraph in about 120
words, by selecting features that support your analysis.

You may begin like this :

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organizing vendor reveals that the tour proposal should
be accepted / rejected.

You may end like this:

Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved / rejected.

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT (40 marks)

6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. The question he tried to answer was simple: What is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a
monarch pupa?

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 To find the answer, Ebright and another excellent science student first had to build a device that

project won Ebright first place in the county fair and entry into the International Science and
Engineering Fair. There he won third place for zoology. He also got a chance to work during the
summer at the entomology laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
(The Making of a Scientist)
i State any one inference about Dr Urquhart from the given context: 1

ii State TRUE or FALSE. 1

None of the terms (a) -(d) below, can be applied to the question - What is the purpose of
the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa?
(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
iii Ebright's approach towards finding the purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa was 2
highly effective. Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
iv Which phrase would correctly substitute 'a chance' , in the given sentence from the 1
extract.
He also got a chance to work during the summer at the entomology laboratory of the
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
OR
B. LOMOV :
is , I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for
an ideal, or for real love, then I'll never get mar
housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I'm getting a noise in my
dy
35 a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer
from palpitations, I'm excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are
ow.
(The Proposal)
i Which of the following is NOT a reason why Lomov thinks he must marry? 1
A. He is already 35 years old.
B. He suffers from palpitations.
C. He is excitable and easily upset.
D. He is in love with Natalya.
ii Why is it fair to say that Lomov's tone, when he says "What more do I want?" , is uncertain 2
and questioning? Answer in about 40 words.
iii Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the 1
extract.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people
presenting different viewpoints and arguments.

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 (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost
thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark made by a character directly to the audience,
which is not intended to be heard by other characters on stage.

iv If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on, while 1
modulating his voice?
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
(Fire and Ice)
i Fill the blank with one word. 1
When the speaker says that ice could also bring about the end of the world , he refers to
__________ , as the means for destruction.
ii What does the speaker's alignment with those who favour ice, suggest? 1
iii Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards destruction caused by 1
ice?

A. Indifferent
B. Fearful
C. Dismissive
D. Respectful
iv Comment on the language in these lines. 2
OR
B. The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
(Fog)

i In what way does the language used in this poem challenge traditional ideas of what poetry 1
should be?
ii What is the significance of the use of the word "little" to describe the fog in the poem and 2
how does this word choice contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer
in about 40 words.
iii Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. 1
The lines from the poem tell us that the city is ______.

A. hilly
B. coastal
C. industrial
D. under-developed
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iv Identify the type of imagery used in the lines of the poem. 1
8 Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4x3=12
i Justify the opinion that the traditional baker and his bread play a significant role in the 3
cultural and social fabric of Goan society. (Glimpses of India-I)
ii How does Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and metaphorical language in A Tiger in the Zoo, 3
to effectively depict the confinement and oppression, experienced by the captive tiger.
iii Explain how the description of the devastation caused by the hailstorm reflects the sadness 3
within Lencho, in A Letter to God?
Refer to the given lines, from the text -
Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone

iv Kitty was a trusted friend to Anne. Elaborate. 3

(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
v How does Ogden Nash's The Tale of Custard the Dragon , challenge the notion that 3
individuals should conform to societal expectations?
9 Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x3=6
i The story, A Triumph of Surgery is a powerful example of the importance of saying no 3
Explain.
ii How does education play a transformative role in Bholi's life? 3
(Bholi)
iii The various elements of Robert Arthur's writing style work together to create a sense of 3
tension, uncertainty, and suspense, well-suited to the mystery and suspense genre of the
story, The Midnight Visitor. Comment, with reference to any one element.
10 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 1x6=6
(A) You have been asked to present an evaluation of the approaches of the mothers of both, the baby
seagull and Amanda, towards helping their children. Write this presentation draft including your
insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both parents.

You may begin this way:

(Reference -Amanda! & His First Flight)

OR
(B) You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighbourhood schools, to speak on
the resilience of human spirit required to transcend discrimination. Prepare the speech draft in not
more than 120 words, with reference to the commonality of themes in Nelson Mandela: Long Walk
to Freedom and The Trees by Adrienne Rich.
You may begin this way:
Good morning, everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into the resilience
of the human spirit required to transcend discrimination.

You may end this way.

Thank you
11 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 1x6=6

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(A) Imagine that M. Loisel, from The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, writes a diary entry, exploring the
theme of class and social status, and the nature of social mobility, in the context of his own
experience.
Write this diary entry , as M. Loisel, in about 120 words.
OR
(B) 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 informat
Story, in about 120 words.

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