ASSC COMMON PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION – I (2024-25)

CLASS X
Pre Board Examination- 2025 SET-2
Subject: ENGLISH LANG. & LIT. (184) Max. Marks: 80
Date: 27-01-2025 Time: 3 Hrs.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (10 marks)
1. Read the following text. 10 MARKS
The Experience of Learning a New Language
1. Learning a new language can feel like an exhilarating yet sometimes daunting journey. For many, the initial stages
bring excitement, especially when it comes to grasping the basics. Picking up common phrases, greetings, and simple
questions feels like unlocking a whole new world. However, as one moves beyond the introductory level, the
complexity can become overwhelming. Encountering intricate grammar rules, exceptions, and nuanced expressions
can feel like hitting a wall, leaving learners frustrated and questioning their abilities. These moments of confusion
are often accompanied by a sense of discouragement, especially when it feels like progress has stalled.
2. Despite these challenges, there are break through moments that keep learners motivated. For instance,
understanding a conversation between native speakers, or successfully ordering food in a foreign country without
hesitation, can feel like monumental achievements. These small victories act as fuel, driving the learner to keep
going, even when the process becomes tough.
3.Then, there are moments of deeper connection with the language, where learners realize they are not just
memorizing vocabulary or grammar but truly engaging with a different culture. Language is more than a tool for
communication; it’s a gateway to understanding the world from a new perspective. Literature, music, and idiomatic
expressions offer insights into the soul of a culture, creating emotional connections that make the learning process
richer and more fulfilling.
4. Of course, there are moments of sheer bewilderment, where a phrase or expression seems to defy all logic. This
might involve encountering idioms or colloquial phrases that, when translated literally, make no sense. These
linguistic quirks can leave learners scratching their heads, wondering if they will ever fully grasp the nuances of the
language. However, these moments often spark curiosity, pushing the learner to dig deeper, ask questions, and
embrace the unknown.
5.Ultimately, learning a new language is a blend of highs and lows, much like navigating any new skill. It demands
patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace mistakes. While it may seem difficult at times, the sense of
accomplishment that comes with fluency—or even just conversational ability—makes all the effort worthwhile.
Beyond the practical benefits, learning a language opens doors to new friendships, cross-cultural understanding, and
personal growth. Just like any great challenge, the rewards are as much about the journey as they are about the
destination.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 10
i) Which of the following statements best captures the author's perspective on learning a new language? 1
A) The author believes that learning a new language is a straightforward process that does not require much effort.
B) The author feels that the challenges of language learning are often outweighed by the rewards and personal
growth it brings.
C) The author suggests that language learning is primarily about memorizing vocabulary and grammar.
D) The author is critical of language learning, claiming it leads to frustration without any meaningful benefits.
ii) What is the tone of the writer in paragraph (2)? Rationalize your response in about 40 words. 2
iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The author's use of descriptive language in paragraph (3), such as "emotional connections" and
"rich and fulfilling," helps the reader understand _________________. 1
iv) The passage explores varying experiences while learning a new language. From the sets (a)-
(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms: 1
A. excitement - enchantment
B. confusion - clarity
C. frustration - satisfaction
D. progress - stagnation
E. engagement – detachment
v) Complete the sentence appropriately: 1
The author's tone shifts to a more positive and encouraging one in paragraph 2 when describing the small successes
in language learning because __________.
vi) Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how learning a new language can be like
exploring a new city. 2
vii) What is the message conveyed by Alex's experience in the following case? 1
Alex struggles to grasp complex grammar rules in a new language but feels exhilarated when he successfully holds a
conversation with a native speaker.
A. Mastery of a language comes only with inherent skill.
B. Language learning is an easy and straightforward process.
C. Overcoming difficulties in learning can lead to rewarding experiences.
D. Language proficiency is solely dependent on memorization.
viii) State whether the following lines display an example of a simple/ advanced / rhetorical/poetic language. 1
"Mother's Day cards commonly feature elaborate floral motifs adorning their covers, reflecting the celebratory spirit
of the occasion.
2. Read the following text. 10 MARKS
The Influence of Cell Phones on Teenagers
Cell phones have become an essential part of teenagers’ daily routines, influencing their social interactions,
academic performance, and mental health. A study by the Youth Digital BehaviourInstitute surveyed 1,000 teenagers
aged 13-18 to explore how cell phone use impacts their lives (Source: Youth Digital Behaviour Institute, 2023).
Social Interaction
About 70% of teenagers spend more than 3 hours daily on social media, with 42% admitting that they feel anxious
when they are not actively checking their phones. This constant connection creates a risk of digital dependence, with
28% reporting social isolation despite being virtually connected (Source: Pew Research Center, 2023).
Academic Impact
The study found that 55% of teens use their phones during school hours, and 33% believe it negatively affects their
academic performance. Notifications and messaging apps were identified as key distractions, lowering concentration
levels in class (Source: Common Sense Media, 2023).
Mental Health
Excessive phone use has also been linked to mental health issues. Around 30% of teens reported experiencing stress
and anxiety due to overuse, while 22% felt depressed after prolonged social media exposure, leading to concerns
about the emotional effects of constant comparison and cyber bullying.
(Source: American Psychological Association, 2022).
Statistics on Teenagers’ Cell Phone Use
Category Percentage
Social media use (>3 hrs daily) 70%
Phone use during school hours 55%
Negative academic impact 33%
Feeling depressed post-use 22%
Anxiety due to phone use 30%
These statistics provide a snapshot of how cell phones impact teenagers today and how their usage patterns are
linked to both positive and negative effects.
Based on the understanding of the passage above answer the following questions given below: 10
i) What does the use of the phrase "an essential part of teenagers’ daily routines" in paragraph
1 tell us about the writer's view of cell phones? 1
A. The writer believes cell phones are unnecessary for teenagers.
B. The writer acknowledges cell phones as a significant part of teenagers' lives.
C. The writer is critical of how much teenagers use their phones.
D. The writer is indifferent to the role of cell phones in teenagers' lives.
ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. 1
Assertion (A): Teenagers experience social isolation despite being connected through their phones.
Reason (R): Prolonged use of social media creates dependency and anxiety among teenagers.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false. D. A is false, but R is true.
iii)Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your understanding of
paragraph 2. 1
The statement that teenagers feel anxious when they are not checking their phones is a ___________ (fact/opinion)
because it is a /an _____________ (subjective judgement/objective) detail.
iv) Justify the concern regarding teenagers' academic performance linked to cell phone usage as highlighted in the
passage. 2
v) Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank.
In the study on teenagers’ cell phone usage, the percentage of those who reported feeling anxious when separated
from their phones is __________. (42% / 30% / 22%) 1
vi) What does the statistic that 70% of teenagers spend more than 3 hours daily on social media suggest about their
social habits and priorities in today's digital age? 1
vii) Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage? 1
A. Cell phones enhance teenagers' academic performance.
B. Excessive cell phone use harms teens' mental health and social lives
C. Social media use is the sole reason for anxiety among teenagers.
D. Teenagers prefer face-to-face communication over digital interaction.
viii) Complete the following with a suitable reason based on the passage: 1
Teenagers often feel anxious when separated from their phones because __________.
ix) Identify the word in the sentence that indicates a reliance on digital devices. 1
This constant connection creates a risk of digital dependence, with 28% reporting social isolation despite being
virtually connected.
Section – B Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20marks
3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions: 10 x 1 = 10
i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option: 1
The technician will ______ the machine for maintenance this afternoon.
(a) shut out (b) shut off (c) shut away (d) shut in
ii) Read the conversation between the teacher and the student. 1
Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly:
Teacher: You need to submit your project by Friday.
Student: I understand, and I will make sure it’s done on time.
The teacher informed the student that he needed to submit his project by Friday, to which the student replied ___.
iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a newspaper report. The
report read, “There ______ a delay in the train schedule due to the heavy rain.” 1
(a) cannot be (b) should be (c) must be (d) will be
iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from the health report:
"The number of patients suffering from diabetes are increasing every year."
Option Error Correction
a number numbers
b are is
c suffering suffers
d Diabetes diabetics
v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option: 1
The manager _____the staff to ensure that all tasks were completed on time.
(a) kept an eye on (b) kept informed (c) kept up with (d) kept in touch with
vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket for the given portion of the letter: 1
Subject – Request for Leave.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to inform you that I _______ (be) unable to attend work due to a family emergency.
vii) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence. 1
Aanya: Rohan, what was your favourite part of the concert?
Rohan: The energy of the crowd and the music.
In response to the question about his favourite part of the concert, Rohan says_____________ .
viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction: 1
The increase in participation of students in extracurricular activities are encouraging for their overall development.
Use the given format for your response:
ix) Maria shared some information with Mathew about her experience at the art exhibition. Report Mathew’s
question. 1
Did you enjoy the paintings at the exhibition?
x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the advertisement on a travel website. 1
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? YOU ______ DISCOVER EXCITING DESTINATIONS HERE.
(a) can (b) shall (c) may (d) should
xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Riya and her brother: 1
Riya: I am going to the market tomorrow.
Brother: I will join you.
Riya mentioned to her brother that she was going to the market the next day. The brother added that _______.
(a) he would join her (b) he will join her (c) he can join her (d) he could join her
xii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence:
The committee members, along with the chairperson, ______ reached a consensus on the proposal. 1
(a) has (b) have (c) were (d) is
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below: 5
(A) There have been numerous instances of pollution and waste accumulation in our local environment, leading to
health hazards. Write a letter to the Mayor of your city in about 120 words suggesting the need to implement
stricter regulations on waste disposal. Recommend the establishment of community clean-up drives to promote
awareness about maintaining a clean environment. You are Aarav / Priya, living at 45 Green Lane, Sunshine City. 5
OR
(B) A prominent health organization, "Health First," is organizing a community wellness fair in your city to promote
healthy living and raise awareness about various health issues. You are Ananya/Ashish, the president of the local
youth club in New Delhi. You are leading a group of fifty volunteers from your club to assist in the event. Write a
letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the importance of youth involvement in health initiatives as part of
community service. Emphasize the advantages of participating in such events for personal development and
community well-being.
5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below: 5
(A) There are many benefits of healthy eating for adults as well as children. The following charts reflect the same.
Based on the information given in the charts, write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the
importance of healthy eating for adults as well as children.

OR
(B) Here is the bar diagram showing the number of people (in thousands) who bought smartphones versus laptops
over the past five years (2019-2023). The smartphones represented in grey and laptops in black. Write a paragraph
analysing the given data in about 120 words.

SECTION C
LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (40 marks)
6 A. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below: 5
So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, the postmaster came up with an idea:answer the letter. But when
he opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something more than goodwill, ink and paper. But he stuck
to his resolution: he asked for money from his employees, he himself gave part of his salary, and several friends of
his were obliged to Give something ‘for an act of charity’. It was impossible for him to gather together the hundred
pesos, so he was able to send the farmer only a little more than half. He put the money in an envelope addressed to
Lencho and with it a letter containing only a single word as a signature: God.
i) What motivated the postmaster to collect funds and send them to Lencho, as detailed in the passage? 1
Options:
A) To exhibit his own magnanimity B) To evaluate his colleagues' inclination towards charity
C) To uphold Lencho’s unwavering faith in divine intervention
D) To express empathy for Lencho’s predicament.
ii) Elaborate on the statement: "He put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing
only a single word as a signature: God." 2
iii) Which word would correctly substitute “evident” in the given sentence from the extract.But when he opened it, it
was evident that to answer it he needed something more than goodwill, ink and paper. 1
iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 1
The postmaster’s willingness to contribute his own salary demonstrates a sense of _____ (selflessness / reluctance)
in the extract.
OR
6 B. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below:
MmeLoisel now knew the horrible life of necessity. She did her part, however, completely, heroically. It was
necessary to pay this frightful debt. She would pay it. They sent away the maid, they changed their lodgings; they
rented some rooms in an attic.
i) What does MmeLoisel’s acceptance of a life of hardship after losing the necklace primarily demonstrate about her?
1
Options:
A) Her indifference to luxury B) Her sense of accountability
C) Her love for material wealth D) Her unwillingness to face reality
ii) What does MmeLoisel's choice to accept a life of hardship reveal about her character? 2
iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 1
MmeLoisel’s decision to repay the debt after losing the necklace shows her (perseverance / indifference).
iv) Which word would correctly substitute "frightful" in the sentence from the extract: 1
"It was necessary to pay this frightful debt"?
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.
i) Which word from the extract is closest in meaning to "perish"? 1
A) Succeed B) Endure C) cease to exist D) Thrive
ii) Why does the speaker consider ice to be a significant force of destruction? 2
iii)What is the tone of the speaker in the extract when discussing the potential destruction caused by ice? 1
iv) 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.
OR
(B) Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,
Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)
i) Which word from the extract is closest in meaning to "tranquil"? 1
Options
A) Chaotic B) Calm C) Disturbing D) Busy
ii) Why does Amanda choose to identify as Rapunzel? 2
iii) What tone does Amanda’s mother convey while using the word ‘don’t’? 1
iv) Fill the blank with one word. 1
Amanda’s words through these lines “I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!”) expressesher___________ not to
let her hair down to escape from the tower.
8.Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4x3=12
i) Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of
commitment. (Mijbil the Otter)
ii) Describe the methods used by the seagull family to help the young seagull overcome his fear and fly. (His First
Flight)
iii) ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous ballad. How does Ogden Nash create humour and entertainment
in the poem?
iv) In what manner did Lord Buddha transform the woman's perspective on life? (The Sermon at Benaras)
v) Justify the title of the play, ‘The Proposal’ with reference to the characters and plot.
9 Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x3=6
i) What circumstances led Mrs. Pumphrey to seek the intervention of a veterinarian in the story "A Triumph of
Surgery," and how did Tricki's condition reflect the consequences of her indulgent care?
ii) Though Horace planned everything very meticulously, he was betrayed during the robbery. In light of this,
mention the ironic twists that bring out his vulnerability as a seasoned thief in ‘A Question of Trust’.
iii) Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. Highlight any two instances from the ‘The Midnight Visitor’ to
hold this statement as a fact.
10 Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words 6
A. How do the geographical position, inhabitants, and natural characteristics of Coorg contribute to India's rich
diversity and India’s favourite tourist destination?
B. “To save a penny is to earn it.” Justify this statement with reference to Valli's sacrifices of various recreations and
pleasures in order to accomplish her dream.
11.Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
A. ‘Pride has a fall’. Justify this statement giving relevant points from how Think -Tank reacted to the readings from
Mother Goose. (The Book that saved the Earth)
B. Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of Bholi and Ebright,
highlighting their impact on their children’s lives.