SAMPLE PAPER – 3

CBSE BOARD
CLASS - X
ENGLISH
Time : 3 Hours Max. Marks : 80

SECTION - A
Reading section
I. Read the following text. [10]
(1) There are many among us who, given the opportunity to leave India, are only too happy to go.
But whenever I have had the chance to go away, I have held back. Or something has held me
back. What is it that has such a hold on me, but leaves others free to where they will,
sometimes never to come back ? A few years ago, I was offered a well-paid job in a magazine
in Hong Kong. I thought about it for weeks, worried myself to distraction, and finally, with a
great sigh of relief, turned it down. My friends thought I was crazy. They still do. Most of them
would have jumped at a comparable offer, even if it had meant spending the rest of their lives
far from the palm fringed coasts or pine-clad mountains of this land. Many friends have indeed
gone away, never to return, except perhaps to get married, very quickly, before they are off
again! Don't they feel homesick, I wonder.
(2) I am almost paranoid at the thought of going away and then being unable to come back. This
almost happened to me when, as a boy, I went to England, longed to return to India, and did
not have the money for the passage. For two years I worked and saved like a miser (something
I have never done since) until I had enough to bring me home.
And 'home' wasn't parents and brothers and sisters. They were no longer here. Home, for me,
was India. So what is it that keeps me here? My birth? I take too closely after a Nordic
grandparent to pass for a typical son of the soil. Hotel receptionists often ask me for my
passport. 'Must I carry a passport to travel in my own country?' I ask. 'But you don't look like
an Indian,' they protest. 'I'm a Red Indian,' I say.
(3) India is where I was born and went to school and grew to manhood. India was where my father
was born and went to school and worked and died. India is where my grandfather lived and
died. Surely that entitles me to a place in the Indian sun. If it doesn't, I can revert to my
mother's family and go back to the time of Timur the Lame. How far back does one have to go
in order to establish one's Indianness? It must be the land itself that holds me. But so many of
my fellow Indians have been born (and reborn) here, and yet they think nothing of leaving the
land. They will leave the mountains for the plains; the villages for the cities; their country for
another country, and if other countries were a little more willing to open their doors, we would
have no population problem-mass emigration would have solved it.
(4) But it's more than the land that holds me. For India is more than a land. India is an
atmosphere. Over thousands of years, the races and religions of the world have mingled here
and produced that unique, indefinable phenomenon, the Indian: so terrifying in a crowd, so
beautiful in himself. And oddly enough, I'm one too. I know that I'm as Indian as the postman
or the paanwala or your favorite MP. Race did not make me an Indian. Religion did not make
me an Indian. But history did. And in the long run, it is history that counts.
Ruskin Bond
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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

Answer the following questions, based on the passage.

(i) Why did the author work and save like a miser for two years? Answer in about 40 words. [2]

(ii) "Don't they feel homesick, I wonder." By " they" the author meant: [1]
(A) Those who dreamt of getting a job in a foreign land.
(B) Those who wanted him to take the job at Hong Kong.
(C) Those who have taken a job in a foreign land and never returned home.
(D) Those who left India for England.

(iii) From the sets (1) - (5) below, identify two sets of antonyms. [1]
1. Opportunity - Chance
2. Revert - Retrograde
3. Establish - Destroy
4. Terrifying - Tranquilizing
5. Indefinable - Inexpressible
(A) 2 and 3 (B) 3 and 4 (C) 1 and 5 (D) 4 and 5

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately. [1]

The author having a Nordic grandparent gave him a __________.

(v) What is the author trying to explain with the following line? Answer in about 40 words. "It must
be the land itself that holds me." [2]

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately. "We would have no population problem- mass emigration
would have solved it." The tone of the author here is __________. [1]

(vii) Choose the one sentence that has the incorrect usage of the word "typical". [1]
(A) It's typical of the boss to criticise someone when they're down.
(B) Typical! I do all the work and she gets all the glory.
(C) On a typical day, our students go to classes from 7.30am to 1pm.
(D) You can know typical of his daily routine.

(viii) Which of these statements is false? [1]

(A) The author was afraid of leaving India and unable to return home.
(B) The job offer was to work in a magazine.
(C) Home for him meant his brothers and sisters-his family.
(D) He did not enjoy proving his Indianness.

II. Read the following text. [10]

(1) The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea; they provide
an on call, 24-hour, lifeboat search and rescue service and a seasonal lifeguard service. The
vision of the RNLI has always been the same since its start in 1824: to end the preventable loss
of life at sea.
(2) In 2013 there was an average of 23 RNLI lifeboats launched each day in the UK and across the
year that total was 8,304. On an average, 23 rescues take place every day with 325 lives being
saved in 2013 alone. These statistics surely prove that this type of service is fundamental to our
safety.
(3) The RNLI have four core values and their work is driven by these values. All staff and volunteers
are asked to strive for excellence in all they do. They are required to be selfless and put others
before their own needs. They need to be dependable, always available and committed to saving
lives. Being trustworthy is also a key value at the RNLI and staff and volunteers are asked to
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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

deal with their everyday affairs with transparency, integrity and impartiality. The RNLI is a
charity and so it is important that the donations that people so generously entrust to the charity
are used efficiently and wisely. Lastly, team members must be courageous as they are
frequently putting themselves into dangerous situations.
(4) Since the RNLI's start in 1824, lifeboats and lifeguards have saved more than 140,000 lives.
Although these figures are encouraging, it doesn't always translate to donations. None of the
RNLI's work could happen without the generous gifts of the people of the UK. Some people
leave money to the RNLI in their wills, others give one off donations and others give a little
each month - every penny goes back into saving lives. The RNLI do not seek funding from
central government and so they are dependent on donations as their income. Every time they
have to deploy a lifeboat and lifeguards, it costs money. Some may say it is nothing to do with
me' but nobody knows when we too may rely on such a service.
(5) Interestingly in 2013,50% of all launches were to leisure craft users for example, powerboats,
yachts, body boarders, surfers, etc. Although some people who find themselves in trouble do
have the relevant experience and equipment to be in the sea, most do not. The RNLI are often
called out to incidents where people have got into trouble through 'high jinx' or through not
having awareness of the conditions of the sea. Without a service like the RNLI many precious
lives would have been lost.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage.

(i) According to the passage, which of these statements is not correct?
(A) In 2013, the number of lives saved was 325 .
(B) 23 lifeboats were launched every day on an average.
(C) The number of lives saved across the year of 2013 was 8,304.
(D) On an average 23 rescue attempts take place every day.

(ii) Describe the work of the RNLI in about 40 words.

(iii) What are the qualities that staff and volunteers should have in the RNLI?

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.

"It doesn't always translate to donations" in this phrase the word 'translate' means

(v) In para 4, the main message the author is trying to give is

(A) RNLI team are selfless dedicated ones
(B) how RNLI is a charity work and its need of donation money
(C) how RNLI refuses government funds
(D) how RNLI has saved more than 140,000 lives

(vi) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose a suitable title for the passage.
(A) Saving Lives at the Sea
(B) RNLI and its Staff- A Closer Look
(C) RNLI - Saving Human Lives Since 1824
(D) Human Rescue Work

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Without a service like the RNLI many precious lives would have been lost."
In other words the RNLI is _________.

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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

(viii) Which of these sentences have the usage of the word "trouble" incorrect?
(A) My brother took the trouble of finding me my misplaced earphones.
(B) It is very trouble to get the children sleep in time.
(C) If you find any trouble understanding the text you can come to me.
(D) None of these

SECTION – B
Writing Section
III. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. [1 × 10]
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the given sentence.
Under the law of universal adult franchise, _________ (every/few/some) individual has the
right to vote if they are 18 years of age or older, irrespective of their cast, race, gender,
religion, etc.

(ii) Puneet and his father had a conversation about last night's cricket match. Report Puneet's
question.
Which team did you support between the two?

(iii) Identify the error and supply its correction for the given sentence.
Being with her give one a new kind of energy.
Error Correction

(iv) Choose the correct option to complete the dialogue.

Anita: Hey Shree. Are you free this evening?
Shree : Yes, "________”.
Anita : Oh, that's great! Let's go shopping
(A) I am busy this evening (B) I have no plans for the evening
(C) I have a date for the evening (D) Sorry, I have an appointment

(v) Complete the following sentence.

She has read several books and now _______ to write an article on different types of writing.
(A) had plan (B) plan (C) is planning (D) was planned

(vi) Change the given dialogue in indirect speech.

James: Did you have any difficulty on the way?
Robert : No, I did not!
James asked Robert if _______ on the way.

(vii) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
She (play) the piano when I saw her for the first time.

(viii) Select the option that identifies the error and supply its correction.
Vipul was unhappy because he would not attend the marriage.

Option Error Correction

A. would could
B. because but
C. attend attended
D. the a

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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

(ix) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.

If you want to learn to speak English fluently, you _______ work hard.
(A) would (B) might (C) should (D) could

(x) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply its correction.
When he came back, he see the children playing in the garden.
Error Correction

(xi) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.

Richard is a sweet guy and sometimes he _______ bring me some flowers.
(A) would (B) could (C) may (D) might

(xii) Complete the given sentence with the correct form of the verb.
Someone _________ (ran away/run away) with my bag while I was sleeping in the train.

SECTION – C
Grammar
IV. A. This summer vacation you are planning to visit Shimla. Write a letter to a travel agency in
Shimla, in about 120 words, requesting them to book you a room in a five-star hotel. Give other
details of your journey and the facilities you require there. Sign your name as Sonam, C/5,
West Bengal. [5]
OR
IV. B. Write a letter, in about 120 words, to the Editor of a newspaper about the insanitary
conditions prevailing in your locality and the indifference of the Municipal authorities in spite of
repeated letters of complaint. You are Dimpy from Jagran Colony, Nagpur. [5]

V. A. Below given are two pie charts showing consumption habits of India and China overall in
2008. Write an analytical paragraph describing the pie charts in about 120 words. [5]

OR
V. B. "Joint Family or Nuclear Family there is no guarantee of a happy family."
Write an analytical paragraph exploring the idea of a nuclear family and if it should be the ideal
choice in about 120 words. [5]

SECTION – D
Literature
VI. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
A. "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to
the nations if the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests
for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a
common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity."

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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

(i) It is a victory for 'human dignity'. Pick the option that lists the correct answer for what 'human
dignity' would include. [1]
(A) (i) equality (ii) liberty (iii) indecency
(B) (i) liberty (ii) indecency (iii) self-respect
(C) (i) immorality (ii) self-respect (iii) equality
(D) (i) equality (ii) liberty (iii) self-respect

(ii) Why does the speaker say that it is a 'rare privilege'? [1]
He says this as they have ________
(A) been deprived of this honour
(B) seldom been given this honour
(C) experienced it for the first time
(D) been chosen over other countries, for this honour

(iii) Pick the option that showcases the usage of 'host' as in the extract. [1]
(A) He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.
(B) She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
(C) She met the host and apologised for her friend's misbehaviour.
(D) He is the best host that one can ever come across.

(iv) Why are the guests at the ceremony being called distinguished? Answer in about 40 words. [2]
OR
B. But he never got the chance to begin his plan. By noon a policeman had arrested him for the
jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. His fingerprints, for he had opened the safe without gloves,
were all over the room, and no one believed him when he said that the wife of the owner of the
house had asked him to open the safe for her. The wife herself, a gray-haired, sharp-tongued
woman of sixty, said that the story was nonsense. Horace is now the assistant librarian in the
prison. He often thinks of the charming, clever young lady who was in the same profession as
he was, and who tricked him. He gets very angry when anyone talks about 'honour among
thieves'.
(i) Based on the extract, choose what you think are the main feelings Horace probably has, for the
young lady who tricked him, when he thinks about her? [1]
(A) Anger and blame (B) Admiration and respect
(C) Respect and gratitude (D) Anger and vengeance

(ii) Given below are four situations in Mr. Verma's house. Choose the situation that depicts Mr.
Verma being sharp-tongued with his family members. [1]
(A) Mr. Verma's wife shares a life problem with him and he advices her honestly.
(B) Mr. Verma's daughter scores poor marks in her exams and Mr. Verma remains silent.
(C) Mr. Verma's son cooks food for the first time and he is criticised by his father immediately.
(D) Mr. Verma's sister buys a new car to surprise him and he is overjoyed with the news.

(iii) 'Honour among thieves' is an example of a/an ________. [1]

(A) idiom (B) slogan (C) slang (D) lyric

(iv) What did Horace plan, and what happened exactly? Answer in about 40 words. [2]

VII. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
A. The fog comes on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

(i) Choose the option with qualities of the cat that Carl Sandburg applies to the fog? [1]
(1) Cats are independent animals, they don't follow rules, they slip and slide in and out of our
lives as they please.
(2) Cats are distrustful of strangers and can be jealous and moody.
(3) Cats are stealthy, moving in slow motion at times and they appear to be moving in a
mysterious fashion.
(4) Cats often communicate with a combination of a distinctive sound and body language.
(5) Cats like to move on at their own pace and before you know it, they've disappeared.
(A) Only 1 (B) 2,3 and 4 (C) 1,3 and 5 (D) Only 4

(ii) Which one/s of the following applies to the given lines? [1]
(1) Personification is a literary device where you give an animal, object or natural phenomenon,
qualities or abilities that only a human can have.
(2) Transferred epithet is a literary device when an adjective usually used to describe one thing
is transferred to another.
(3) Imagery is the language used by poets, and writers to create visual representation of ideas
in the minds of the readers.
(4) Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear side by side.
(A) 1 and 4 (B) 2 and 3 (C) Only 1 (D) Only 3

(iii) Pick the option that includes an image of the cat on its haunches. [1]

(A) Option (1) (B) Option (2) (C) Option (3) (D) Option (4)

(iv) Why does the poet say that the fog is like a cat in the poem? Justify your answer in about 40
words.
OR
B. Don't bite your nails, Amanda!
Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
(i) What is the purpose of the speaker's words in the given extract? [1]

(ii) Alliteration is a literary device used in the extract.

Which of the following options DOES NOT include examples of this literary device?
(A) The moon and the glittering stars watched over us.
(B) With that charming chat, Catherine chose comfort.
(C) Away ran the pathetic pooch pouting like a princess.
(D) Dee dee was driving down day after day.

(iii) Select the option that fits with the following.

slouching : straight:: ________:________
(A) transparent: translucent (B) lazy: agile
(C) forgetful: lively (D) generous: liberal

(iv) What do you think Amanda is feeling in the given extract? Answer in about 40 words.

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 TEST PAPER ENGLISH

VIII. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. [4 × 3 = 12]
(i) How does the tiger walk in the cage?
(ii) Where did Buddha preach his first sermon? What was it all about?
(iii) What risk did the narrator take while flying? Describe his feelings.
(iv) What is the Chinese legend associated with the discovery of tea?
(v) Describe the appearance of the dragon.

IX. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [2 × 3 = 6]
(i) What did Horace Danby wonder about for a moment? What did he think and decide?
(ii) Why is Sulekha called 'Bholi'?
(iii) What would have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to her friend that she had lost her
necklace?

X. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [1 × 6 = 6]
A. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was fearless and quite determined. Think of
another character from your textbook. First Flight, who displayed similar character traits.
Compare and contract the lives of Valli and the other character.
OR
B. Explain the phrase ‘the forest that was empty all these days’. After reading the poem ‘The
Trees’ for whom do you think are the forests needed? Imagine you are a tree in in a forest,
what values would you like the humans to learn from the tree?

XI. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [1 × 6 = 6]
A. “And in her smiling eyes was the right of deep satisfaction that an artist feels when he is
contemplating the completion of his masterpiece”. Imagine you are Bholi’s teacher. You are
overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see the conversion of ‘Bholi’ to ‘Sulekha’. Express
you feelings in the form of a diary entry.
OR
B. Give a character-sketch of Hari Singh. (The Thief’s Story)

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