12 mm

ENGLISH
2025

21 M. L. Q. Sets (Activity Sets) : ENGLISH (HL) -- STD. X

ENGLISH (HL)

Board’s
Activity Sheet
of July 2024
Included
ACTIVITY SETS Solution on
QR Code

STD. X

2025

D0051
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ENGLISH (HL)
STANDARD X

Highlights :
1. Format of the Activity Sheet at the beginning of the book
2. Study Tips for Students
3. Section 1 : Board’s July 2023 Activity Sheet with full Solution
4. S
 ection 2 : Question Sets (Activity Sets) for Question-wise study
and Revision :
(a) Guidance on how to attempt the question
(b) Solved Questions
(c) Questions (Activities) for Practice
5. S
 ection 3 : Board’s July 2024 Activity Sheet for Practice
(with Solution on QR code)

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2
 Format of Activity Sheet

Section Skill/Testing Items Marks Time*

Section I Q. 1. (A) Language Study 08 Marks 10 min
Language Study (B) Language Study 02 Marks 05 min

Section II Q. 2. (A) Comprehension of 10 Marks 15 min

Textual Passages Textual Passage
(B) Comprehension of 10 Marks 15 min
Textual Passage
Section III Q. 3. (A) Comprehension of 05 Marks 10 min
Poetry Poem/Extract
(B) Appreciation of Poem 05 Marks 10 min
Section IV Q. 4. (A) Non-textual Passage for 10 Marks 20 min
Non-Textual Comprehension
Passage (B) Summary of Passage 05 Marks 10 min
for Comprehension
Section V Q. 5.  Letter Writing 05 Marks 15 min
Writing Skills (Formal OR Informal)
Q. 6. (A) Information Transfer : 05 Marks 15 min
Verbal to Non-verbal
    OR
Non-verbal to Verbal

(B) Views / Counterview 05 Marks 15 min

    OR
Drafting a Speech
Section VI Q. 7. (A) Expand the theme :
Creative Writing Expansion of Proverbs/
Maxims/Quotations/
Slogans         OR 05 Marks 15 min
News Report based on
the given headline
(B) Developing a Story   OR 05 Marks 15 min
Narrating an experience
with a given beginning/
ending
Review of solved activity sheet 10 min
Total 80 Marks 180 min
NB : (*) Approx. time to be given while answering the respective questions.
3
 Study Tips for Students
How to Achieve Maximum Marks in English (HL)

(1) General Instructions :

 The activity sheet carries 80 marks. Read each poem/lesson
as many times as you can. Study all the activities given in the
textbook. Though the wording of the activities in the Board’s
activity sheet may be different, the content will definitely be
based on the textbook. (Refer to the Board’s past Activity Sheets
to get an idea of what can be asked in the activities.)
(2) Instructions for Comprehension Section Activities : 
[
Q. 2. (A), (B); Q. 4. (A) : A1/B1, A2/B2, A5/B5 and
Q. 3. (A) : A1, A2]
(i) Be familiar with each and every lesson in the textbook –
Prose and Poetry. You will then save a lot of time while
answering the activities based on the seen extracts.
(ii) Solve ALL the activities given on the side panels and those
given in ‘English Workshop’ in the textbook. Many activities
in the activity sheet may be asked from or based on these
activities.
(iii) Study Question Set 5 for Non-textual passages.
(3) Instructions for the Language Study / Vocabulary Activities :
[Q. 1. (A), (B); Q. 2. A3/B3; Q. 4. A3]
(i) Solve all the Vocabulary exercises given in the textbook.
Learn all the Vocabulary topics given in the ‘Language Study’
section of the format thoroughly.
(ii) Learn the meanings of the words and phrases from every
lesson.
(iii) 
Practise forming nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, from
given words. Learn antonyms; adding prefixes and suffixes.
(4) 
Instructions for the Language Study/Contextual Grammar
Activities : [Q. 1. (A), (B); Q. 2. A4/B4; Q. 4. A4]
(i) 
Brush up your Grammar. Learn all the Grammar topics
of the ‘Language Study’ section thoroughly. Solve all the
Grammar exercises given in the textbook.

4
 (ii) Learn Transformation of Sentences e.g. use ‘no sooner …
than’, add a question tag, frame wh-questions, remove ‘too’,
use ‘unless’, remove ‘not’, etc. Learn the different tenses.
These will be asked in the Contextual Grammar activities.
(iii) Learn how to pick out prepositions, adverbs, articles, etc.
   Important : Grammar and Vocabulary activities carry a
total of 22 marks. If you are thorough with your Grammar and
Vocabulary, you can score full marks here.
(5) Instructions for the Poetry Activities : [Q. 3. (A) A3; Q. 3. (B)]
(i) While revising the poems, mark out the figures of speech
and remember them. Make yourself familiar with the rhyme
schemes of each poem. This will make it easier and save
time while answering the activity sheet.
(ii) You will also be asked to write an appreciation of a poem
[Q. 3. (B)] from your Textbook. The complete poem will be
given in the activity sheet. Repeatedly read the appreciation
of all poems beforehand in order to prepare yourself for this
activity, so that you can complete it quickly and correctly.
Refer to the points for quick Revision given in Question
Set 4.
(6) Instruction on summary of Non-textual passage : [Q. 4. (B)]
You should also prepare yourself for the question on Summary
[Q. 4. (B)]. Understand well what you should and should not
include in a summary. Read the instruction given in Question Set 5.
(7) Instructions for Writing Skills and Creative Writing :
[Q. 5. Q. 6. and Q. 7.]
(i) The topics in these sections include :
(a) Letter Writing (Formal OR Informal), (b) Information
Transfer (Verbal to Non-verbal OR vice versa) (c) Speech
OR View-Counterview (d) Expansion of Proverbs/Maxims/
Quotations/Slogans OR News Reports based on given
headline (e) Developing a story OR Narrating an experience
with a given beginning/end. Study well the question sets 6 to
13 given in this book.
(ii) You should read as many topics as you can, in addition to
the textbook, for this question. Your general knowledge and
knowledge of current topics should be good.
__________

5
 CONTENTS

Page No.
Section 1 : BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2023
(With Explanation of Activity Sheet Format,
Full Solution and Marking Scheme) …   7

Section 2 : MOST LIKELY QUESTION SETS (ACTIVITY SETS)

1. Language Study [Q. 1. (A) & (B) : 10 Marks] … 37

2. Seen Passages [Q. 2. (A) & (B) : 20 Marks] … 57
3. Seen Poems/
Extracts for Comprehension [Q. 3. (A) : 5 Marks] … 127
4. Appreciation of Seen Poem [Q. 3. (B) : 5 Marks] … 142
5. Non-Textual (Unseen) Passages
for Comprehension and
Summary [Q. 4. (A) & (B) : 15 Marks] … 150
6. Formal and Informal Letters [Q. 5. : 5 Marks] … 169
7. Information Transfer – 1
Verbal to Non-Verbal [Q. 6. (A) (A1) : 5 Marks] … 186
8. Information Transfer – 2
Non-Verbal to Verbal [Q. 6. (A) (A2) : 5 Marks] … 195
9. Speech Writing [Q. 6. (B) (B1) : 5 Marks] … 203
10. View/Counterview [Q. 6. (B) (B2) : 5 Marks] … 210
11. Expansion of Themes [Q. 7. (A) (A1) : 5 Marks] … 217
12. Report Writing [Q. 7. (A) (A2) : 5 Marks] … 223
13. Developing a Story/
Narrating an Experience [Q. 7. (B) (B1 OR B2) :
        5 Marks] … 229

Section 3 : BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024

(For Practice) (With Solution on QR code) … 236

6
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2023
Section 1 (With Explanation of Activity Sheet Format,
Full Solution and Marking Scheme)

Time : 3 Hours] [Max. Marks : 80

SECTION I : LANGUAGE STUDY

Note : The Language Study section will have two parts Q. 1. (A) and
Q. 1. (B). Q. 1. (A) has two sections : A1. Simple activities (4 marks)
and A2. Medium activities (4 marks). Q. 1. (B) is a set of Challenging
activities (2 marks). Thus Q. 1. carries a total of 10 marks. These
activities will be different from those asked in A3/B3, A4/B4 of Q. 2. (A)
(B) and Q. 4. (A). Try to finish Q. 1. (A) within 10 minutes and Q. 1. (B)
within 5 minutes.

Q. 1. (A) A1. Do as directed : (Attempt any four) (4 Marks)

Note : These will be 5 simple activities carrying 1 mark each. They
will be picked up from : Compound words, Pick out Infinitives/Gerund/
Present Participles, Punctuate the sentence, Find hidden words, Make
sentences from given phrase, Spot the error and rewrite the correct
sentence, Identify the type of sentence, Word chain of nouns/verbs/
adjectives, Form present/past participle where last letter is doubled,
Arrange words in Alphabetical order, etc. Students are required to
attempt any 4 activities.

(1) 
Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the
following phrase :
‘by fits and starts’ (1)
(2) Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it :
I doesn’t need beautiful armour made to my measure. (1)
(3) Identify the type of sentence :
Give it to me quickly. (1)
(4) 
Form a present participle in which the last letter is doubled.
 (1)
(5) 
Find out the hidden words from the given word
(Minimum four letters each) : ORNAMENTATION (1)

7
8 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Do as directed : (Attempt any two) (4 Marks)

Note : These will be 3 medium level activities of 2 marks each.
They are based on Homographs, Homophones, Direct-Indirect narration,
Conversion of tenses, Change the voice, Word register, etc. Students are
required to attempt any 2 activities.

(1) Make two sentences of your own to show the difference

of Homograph : TRAIN (2)
(2) Science and technology enhance the overall comfort and
quality of human life.
 (Begin the sentence with : The overall comfort .... .) (2)
(3) 
Smita felt alone in their midst. (Identify the tense and rewrite
the sentence using the Future Continuous Tense.) (2)

Answers to Q. 1. (A)

A1. (1) The tenant paid the rent by fits and starts.
(2) I don’t need beautiful armour made to my measure.
(3) Imperative sentence
(4) verb – win; present participle – winning
(5) ORNAMENTATION : ornament, meant, train, mention
(Any four correct answers – 1 mark each)

A2. (1) TRAIN : (i) We must train our children to be polite to others.
(ii) We were happy when our train arrived on time.
(2) The overall comfort and quality of human life is enhanced by
science and technology.
(3) verb – felt; tense – simple past tense
Sentence in future continuous tense :      
Smita will be feeling alone in their midst.
(Any two correct answers – 2 marks each)
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 9

Q. 1. (B) Do as directed : (Any one) (2 Marks)

Note : These will be 2 challenging activities for 2 marks each.
They are based on Usage of words in noun and verb form, Clause
Analysis/Synthesis/Transformation, Degree of Comparison, Modal
Auxilliaries, Use of two words in one meaningful sentence, etc. Students
are required to attempt any 1 activity.

(1) Pick out the Modal Auxiliary and state its function :
He could still feed himself.
(2) Identify the clause and state its kind :
It takes the shape that the water commands.

Answers to Q. 1. (B)

(1) modal auxiliary – could (2)

function – ability
OR
(2) It takes the shape – main clause
that the water commands – subordinate adjective clause(2)

SECTION II : TEXTUAL PASSAGES

[Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar]

Note : Qs. 2. (A) and 2. (B) will be based on passages from the prose
lessons in the Textbook. Each question carries a total of 10 marks. Each
question has 5 activities of 2 marks each. Try to attempt each passage
in 15 minutes.

Q. 2. (A) 
Read the following passage and do the given
activities : (10 Marks)
A1. Complete the given table : (2)

Note : A1 will be Simple Factual Activity, carrying 2 marks. This

activity will be of Objective type such as Fill in the blanks, Choose
the correct alternative, True or False, Match the columns, Name the
following, etc. This activity may also include a web or a table to be
completed. Answers can be picked up directly from the given passage.
10 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Sr. No. Sentence Who said? To whom?

(i) You really think that?
(ii) Right, squire

Joan : (Smiling brightly at him) Right, squire. (She goes

out).
Robert : (To the steward) Go with her. Stay within call and
keep your eye on her. I shall have her up here again.
(The steward retreats hastily. Bertrand de
Poulengey, a French guard, enters, salutes and
stands waiting)
Robert : She says you, Jack and Dick have offered to go with
her. What for? Do you take her crazy idea of going to
the Dauphin seriously?
Poulengey : (Slowly) There is something about her. It may be
worth trying.
Robert : Oh, come on Polly! You must be out of your mind!
Poulengey : (Unmoved) What is wrong with it? The Dauphin is
in Chinon, like a rat in a corner, except that he won’t
fight. The English will take Orleans, He’ll not be able
to stop them.
Robert : He beat the English the year before last at Montargis.
I was with him.
Poulengey : But his men are cowed and now he can’t work
miracles. And I tell you that nothing can save our
side now but a miracle.
Robert : Miracles are alright, Polly. The only difficulty about
them is that they don’t happen nowadays.
Poulengey : I used to think so. I’m not so sure now. There is
something about her. I think the girl herself is a bit
of a miracle. Anyhow, this is our last chance. Let’s
see what she can do.
Robert : (Wavering) You really think that?
Poulengey : (Turning) Is there anything else left for us to think?
Let’s take a chance. Her words have put fire into me.
Robert : (Giving up) Whew! You’re as mad as she is.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 11

A2. From the passage find what the following are compared to
and why : (2)

Note : A2 will be Complex Factual Activity, carrying 2 marks.

This activity is based on more than one part of the passage. It will be
an activity based on information transfer, i.e. it will be in the format of
complete the following, web, table, tree-diagram, etc. It could also be in
the form of a Wh-question.

Sr. No. Phrase/Sentence Comparison Reason

(i) as mad as
(ii) The Dauphin in Chinon is like

A3. Do as directed : (2)

Note : A3 will be Vocabulary-based Activity carrying 2 marks.

This activity too, will be based on the passage. It will include meanings
of words, phrases, opposites, similar sounding words, framing or
completing sentences, tables, etc.

He can’t work miracles. (Change the underlined word into an

adverb and make a meaningful sentence of your own using
the same.)

A4. Do as directed : (2)

Note : A4 will be Activity based on contextual grammar, carrying

2 marks. This activity tests your grammar skills. One or two grammar
activities, based on the passage, will be asked.

(i) 
  He beat the English the year before last at Montargis.
I was with him. (Join the above sentences by using a
subordinating conjunction.)
(ii) What is wrong with it?
 (Begin the sentence with : There is ... .)
A5. Personal Response : (2)

Note : A5 will be an activity based on Personal Response,

expression, creation and imagination carrying 2 marks. It asks for your
personal opinion or views on the issues that arise out of the passage.

What are the essential qualities to be a good soldier?

12 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Answers to Q. 2. (A)

A1. Sr. No. Sentence Who said? To whom?

(i) You really think that? Robert Poulengey (1)
(ii) Right, squire Joan Squire (Robert) (1)

Phrase/
A2. Sr. No. Comparison Reason
Sentence
(i) as mad as as mad as Joan was planning to go
Joan to the Dauphin, who was
frightened, and motivate
him to fight for Orleans.
Poulengey agreed with
this crazy idea.

(ii) The Dauphin a rat in a Just like a cornered rat

in Chinon is corner gives up, the Dauphin
like too had given up and
refused to fight to save
Orleans.

(2)
A3.  (i) He can’t work miraculously.(1)
(ii) 
Miraculously, all the passengers in the train survived the
crash. (1)
A4. (i) I was with him when he beat the English the year before last
at Montargis. (1)
OR
 When I was with him, he beat the English the year before
last at Montargis.
(ii) There is nothing wrong with it. (1)

A5. A good soldier must be strong, brave and loyal. He/She should
have complete faith and confidence in himself/herself as well as
the cause for which he/she is fighting. He/She should obey those
in authority and also cooperate with other soldiers to work as a
team. (2)
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 13

Q. 2. (B) 
Read the following passage and do the given
activities : (10 Marks)
Note : Activities in Q. 2. (B) are also based on a textual passage.
Refer to the notes given with A1 to A5 in Q. 1. (A).

B1. Complete the following boxes : (2)

Sites protected by the World Heritage Trust

Although the idea of protecting cultural and natural heritage

sites around the world began in the early twentieth century,
momentum for its actual creation was not until the 1950s. In
1954, Egypt started plans to build the Aswan High Dam to collect
and control water from the Nile River. The initial plan for the
dam’s construction would have flooded the valley containing the
Abu Simbel Temples and scores of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
To protect the temples and artefacts, UNESCO launched an
international campaign in 1959 that called for the dismantling
and movement of the temples to higher ground. The project cost
an estimated US $80 million, $40 million of which came from
50 different countries. Because of the project’s success, UNESCO
and the International Council on Monuments and Sites initiated
a draft convention to create an international organization
responsible for protecting cultural heritage.
Shortly thereafter in 1965, a White House Conference in
the United States called for a “World Heritage Trust” to protect
historic and cultural sites but to also protect the world’s significant
natural and scenic sites. Finally, in 1968, the International Union
for Conservation of Nature developed similar goals and presented
them at the United Nations Conference on Human Environment
in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972. Following the presentation of
these goals, the Convention concerning the Protection of World
Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO’s General
Conference on November 16, 1972.
14 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

B2. 
Complete the following flow-chart of History of World
Heritage Sites : (2)

1954 :

1959 :

1965 :

16 November, 1972 :

B3. 
Match the words from Column ‘A’ with their meanings in
Column ‘B’ : (2)

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) Artefacts (a) began
(ii) Dismantling (b) plenty of
(iii) Scores of (c) pulling down
(iv) Initiated (d) objects made by human beings
B4. Do as directed :
  (i) To protect the temples and artefacts, UNESCO launched
an International Campaign. (Identify whether the above
sentence is Simple, Compound, Complex.) (1)
(ii) The state parties are responsible for identifying and
nominating new sites.
 (Use ‘not only .... but also’ in the given sentence.) (1)
B5. Personal Response :
What role can you play to protect the World Heritage Sites?(2)

Answers to Q. 2. (B)

B1. Sites protected by the World Heritage Trust

Historic sites Cultural sites Natural sites Scenic sites

 (Four correct answers – ½ mark each)

 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 15

B2.

1954 : Egypt started plans to build the Aswan High Dam.

1959 : UNESCO launched an international campaign for the

dismantling and movement of the Abu Simbel temples to
higher ground.

1965 : A White House Conference in the United States called

for a World Heritage Trust to protect the world’s historic,
cultural, natural and scenic sites.

16 November, 1972 : The Convention concerning the

Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was
adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference.

 (Four correct answers – ½ mark each)

B3.   (i) Artefacts – (d) objects made by human beings (½)
 
(ii) Dismantling – (c) pulling down (½)
(iii) Scores of – (b) plenty of (½)
 
(iv) Initiated – (a) began (½)

B4.  (i) Simple sentence (1)

(ii) 
The state parties are responsible for not only identifying
but also nominating new sites. (1)
B5. We should see that the historical sites are not in any danger due
to pollution, tourism, uncontrolled urbanization, etc. Whenever
we visit a site, we must maintain the cleanliness and purity of
the place. We must obey whatever orders and guidelines are put
in place by the authorities. We should motivate others to do so
too. (2)
16 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

SECTION III : POETRY

Note : Q. 3. (A) and 3. (B) will be from the poetry lessons in the
Textbook. Q. 3. (A) will be for comprehension, having 3 activities
carrying 5 marks in all. Q. 3. (B) will be for appreciation of poem. Both
questions carry a total of 10 marks. Try to finish the comprehension of
the poem and the appreciation in 10 minutes each.

Q. 3. (A) 
Read the following extract and complete the
given activities : (5 Marks)
A1. 
Choose the correct alternatives according to the given
extract : (2)
Note : A1. will be Simple Factual Activity, carrying 2 marks.
This activity will be of Objective type like True or False, Complete the
following, Match the following, etc. or an information transfer question,
i.e. in the format of a web, table, tree-diagram, etc.

(i) If you want a thing bad enough,

(a) argue for it. (b) fight for it. (c) sleep for it.
(ii) We need to give up our for our dreams.
(a) time (b) money (c) energy
(iii) To accomplish our scheme, we gladly need to
(a) earn for it. (b) live for it. (c) sweat for it.
(iv) 
To simply go after a thing you want, you should have
.
(a) faith (b) brains (c) power

If you want a thing bad enough

to go out and fight for it,
work day and night for it,
give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it

If all that you dream

and scheme is about it and life
seems useless and worthless without it

If you gladly sweat for, fret for and plan for it and lose all your
terror of the god or man for it.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 17

If you simply go after that thing you want with all

of your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith, hope and
confidence and stern pertinacity.
If neither cold or poverty, famished or gaunt
or sickness or pain
of body and brain
can keep you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
with the help of GOD you’ll get it!

A2. Complete the web : (2)

Things that can turn

you away from goals

Note : A2 will be Complex Factual Activity, carrying 2 marks.

This question may be based on more than one part of the extract or
may require a long answer of more than one sentence. This can be in
the form of a ‘Wh-’ question.

A3. Pick out one example of Tautology from the extract : (1)
Note : A3 will be an activity based on Poetic Devices carrying
1 mark. This activity tests various aspects of poetry such as Poetic
language, Rhyming words, Rhyme scheme, Figures of Speech, etc. This
activity too, will be of the Objective type.

Answers to Q. 3. (A)

A1.   (i) If you want a thing bad enough, fight for it. (½)
 (ii) We need to give up our time for our dreams. (½)
(iii) To accomplish our scheme, we gladly need to sweat for it.
 (½)
 (iv) To simply go after a thing you want, you should have faith.
 (½)
18 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. (2)
Cold/Poverty Famish

Things that can turn

you away from goals

Sickness or pain of
Physical weakness
body or brain

 (Four correct answers – ½ mark each)

A3. 
Tautology : ‘Life seems useless and worthless without it.’ The
words useless and worthless have the same meaning. (1)

Q. 3. (B) Read the following poem and write its appreciation

of it with the help of the given points in a
paragraph : (5 Marks)
Note : In Q. 3. (B) in the Activity Sheet, you are expected to read the
given poem and write an Appreciation in the form of paragraphs based
on the given points.

Animals
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are
so placid and self-contain’d
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with
the mania of owning things.
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that
lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth,
So they show their relations to me and I accept them,
They bring me tokens of myself, they evince
them plainly in their possession,
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 19

I wonder where they get those tokens,

Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?
– Walt Whitman

You can use the following points while appreciating the

given poem :
✽ The title and the poet of the poem (1)
✽ Rhyme scheme  (1)
✽ Figures of speech  (1)
✽ Central idea/Theme  (2)

Answers to Q. 3. (B)

The poem ‘Animals’ has been penned by Walt Whitman.

The poet has broken away from the conventional use of a rhyme
scheme and has written the poem in free verse. The chief figure of
speech used in the poem is Repetition. Lines such as ‘They do not
sweat …’, ‘They do not lie awake …’, ‘They do not make me sick …’
make a strong impact, expressing the qualities that humans should
possess, but do not. The other figures of speech are Alliteration,
Tautology, Hyperbole, etc.
The poet admires animals because they are placid and content.
They are simple and innocent. They do not whine or grumble and
they are not crazy about possessions. The poet asserts that we
human beings have discarded the good qualities that we possessed,
but animals still retain them. He concludes that today, animals are
better than humans.

SECTION IV : NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGE

[Reading Skills, Vocabulary, Grammar and Summary]

Note : Q. 4. will be based on a Non-textual Prose Passage, i.e. a

passage not from the textbook. Q. 4. (A) will be comprehension activities
of 10 marks. In Q. 4. (B) a Summary of the passage given in Q. 4. (A)
is to be written. Try to finish the comprehension in 20 minutes and
summary in 10 minutes.
20 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Q. 4. (A) 
Read the following passage and do the given
activities : (10 Marks)
Note : The nature of all the activities for this question will be similar
to those given in Q. 2. (A).

A1. State whether the following sentences are True or False :

 (2)
 
(i) Caffeine is good for health.
 (ii) Healthy fats are powerful tools.
(iii) Our brain becomes acceptable to oxidative stress.
 (iv) Medications can help shore up your focus.

We’re used to drinking coffee to heighten alertness, but too

much caffeine can lead to counterproductive side effects, including
anxiety, irritability and insomnia. There are other better fuels
that help the brain focus. Healthy fats are a powerful tool. As per
studies have shown that consuming Omega-3 fatty acids – essential
components found in the membranes of our brain’s neurons – can
improve cognition and memory. These nutrients can be found in
fish, such as mackerel, sardines, herring and trout, or in capsule
form. Avocados, nuts and seeds, which all contain vitamin E, also
help to improve concentration. Additionally, as we age, our brains
become vulnerable to oxidative stress, which plays a role in
cognitive decline. To combat this it is necessary to include darkly
coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet.

The antioxidants found in blueberries specifically can cross

the blood-brain barrier, which helps boost focus. Approximately
four per cent of adults worldwide who will be affected by an
attention deficit disorder in their lifetime, a diet adjustment may
not be enough. If you regularly have trouble-finishing tasks that
demand your sustained focus, or are so easily distracted that it
adversely affects your life, ask your doctor about a diagnosis.
Medications can help shore up your focus.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 21

A2. Complete the following clouds : (2)

Omega-3

Essential components Nutrients can be found

found in

A3. Give the noun forms of the following :  (2)

(i) recommend (ii) improve (iii) concentrate (iv) provide
A4. Do as directed : (2)
  (i) We are used to drinking coffee.
 (Make the sentence Interrogative.)
(ii) A diet adjustment may not be enough.
 (Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its functions.)
A5. Personal Response : (2)
How will you nourish your concentration by including proper
nutrients in your day to day diet?

Answers to Q. 4. (A)
A1.   (i) Caffeine is good for health.– False (½)
 (ii) Healthy fats are powerful tools.– True (½)
(iii) Our brain becomes acceptable to oxidative stress.
– False (½)
 (iv) Medications can help shore up your focus. – True (½)
A2. Omega-3

Nutrients can be found in

Essential components
fish (mackerels, sardines,
found in the
herring or trout) or in
membranes of our
capsule form. Also in
brain’s neurons.
avocados, nuts and seeds.

 (Two correct answers – 1 mark each)

22 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3.   (i) recommend – recommendation  (½)

 
(ii) improve – improvement (½)
(iii) concentrate – concentration (½)
 
(iv) provide – provision (½)

A4.  (i) Aren’t we used to drinking coffee? OR Are we used to

drinking coffee? (1)
(ii) modal auxiliary – may; function – possibility (1)

A5. 
In order to improve my powers of concentration, I will eat a
healthy diet of fruits, different coloured vegetables, grains and
nuts. Since I do not eat fish, I will take Omega-3 nutrients in
capsule form. I will also try to avoid tea, coffee and fast food. (2)

Q. 4. (B) 
Summary Writing : (5 Marks)
Note : Here, you will be asked to write the summary of the
non-textual passage given in Q. 4. (A). Note the following while
attempting this question :
(1) A summary comprises about one-third of the number of words
of the given passage.
(2) It should contain only the essential ideas of the original passage.
(3) All repetitions, illustrations, proverbs and quotations should be
excluded in the answer.
(4) The summary should be written in a language which is crystal-
clear, without there being any scope for ambiguity.
(5) The summary should be as simple, short and original as possible.
(6) It should be written in your own words. The sentences should as
far as possible not be copied from the original passage, except
the keywords.
(7) 
A title must be provided to the summary and it must be in
harmony with the summary.
Marking scheme :
• Suggests/Writes a suitable title 1 mark
• Central idea/Theme 2 marks
• Use of appropriate language 2 marks
Total 5 marks
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 23


Read the passage given in Q. 4. (A) and write a summary of
it in a paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.

Answer to Q. 4. (B)
Improving Brain Focus
Instead of caffeine, we can make use of healthy fats to help the
brain to focus. Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognition
and memory. These nutrients can be found in various types of fish
or we can consume it in capsule form. They can also be found in
various fruits, vegetables and seeds. As we age, we become vulnerable
to oxidative stress. For approximately four per cent of adults who
are affected by attention deficit disorder, a change in diet may not be
sufficient. They may need medical help to improve brain focus.

SECTION V : WRITING SKILLS

Note : Sections V and VI : i.e. Writing Skills and Creative Writing,

will carry a total of 25 marks. Try to finish each activity in 15 minutes.

Q. 5. Letter Writing : (5 Marks)

Note : You have a choice between a formal letter and an informal
letter in this question. Some common guidelines for both the letters will
be given along with the questions. The answer is to be written in the
block format. Write the names and addresses mentioned in the question.

A1. Formal Letter :

Note : A1 in the Activity Sheet will be a Formal letter to officials,

authorities, would-be employers, newspaper editors, etc. Such letters
require specific wording and a definite format.
Marking scheme :
• Sender’s Address and Date ½ mark
• Recipient’s Address ½ mark
• Subject ½ mark
• Main body 2 marks
• Subscription/Closing ½ mark
• Grammar 1 mark  
Total 5 marks
24 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

OR
A2. Informal Letter :
Note : A2 in the Activity Sheet will be an Informal letter to a
relative/friend, etc. The style and language should be casual, as if you
are conversing with them.
Marking scheme :
• Sender’s Address and Date ½ mark
• Salutation ½ mark
• Main body 2½ marks
• Closing ½ mark
• Grammar 1 mark  
Total 5 marks

Do any one of the following (A1 or A2) :

Read the following newspaper cutout and write a letter based
on it :
Children today are constantly playing online games. They are
wasting time on this useless activity instead of reading or pursuing
other creative activities. Children are becoming addictive to these
games and are obsessed with the virtual world. They are losing
their sense of reality. Many of these games are violent and are
making children very aggressive.

You are Mohan/Mohini Verma residing at 53, Hari Smruti Heights,

Gokul Colony, Akola – 444005.

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to the Editor Your close friend Arnav/
of a local newspaper asking Arnavi Sharma plays online
games. He/She does not
him to spread awareness
read, go out or do anything
about the addiction of online
creative. Write a letter to
games and its effect on him/her with the help of the
children. points given in the above
newspaper cutout. You may
add your own points to
support your subject.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 25

Answers to Q. 5.

A1. Formal Letter :

Mohini Verma,
53, Hari Smruti Heights,
Gokul Colony,
Akola – 444 005.
30 July, 2023
The Editor,
Lokmat,
Akola – 444 005.

Subject : Effect of online games on children

Sir,
I just read a newspaper report about the addiction of young children
to online games and their obsession with the virtual world.
This is certainly true. If we observe carefully, we will notice that
children today are constantly playing online games. They are wasting
a lot of time on this activity and this affects their other creative
activities and abilities. There is real fear that they will get addicted
to this pastime and lose their sense of reality. What is even more
worrying is that many of these games are violent and make children
very aggressive.
I sincerely request you to spread awareness through your newspaper
about this addiction to online games and its effect on children and
society. All of us need to actively do something about this problem
and resolve it as soon as possible. I am sure you will heed my plea.
Yours truly,
Mohini Verma
OR
A2. Informal Letter :
53, Hari Smruti Heights,
Gokul Colony,
Akola – 444 005.
30 July, 2023
26 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Dear Arnavi,
Hi! How are you? Whenever I think of you, the picture in my mind
is of you playing online games with great concentration! Are you still
doing it?
I ask this question because I just read a newspaper report about
the addiction of young children to online games and their obsession
with the virtual world.
The report said that children today are constantly playing online
games. They are wasting a lot of time on this activity and this affects
their other creative activities and abilities. There is real fear that
they will get addicted to this pastime and lose their sense of reality.
What is even more worrying is that many of these games are violent
and make children very aggressive.

If you are still playing the games as before, I sincerely request you to
stop this habit. Your mom says that you are no longer very interested
in your singing and guitar practice. Please, Aru, stop these useless
online games and your preoccupation with the virtual world! I’m
sure your parents too think like I do.

Bye for now. And do take my words seriously.

Your loving friend,

Mohini

Q. 6. (A) Information Transfer : (5 Marks)

Do any one of the following (A1 or A2) :

Note : In the Information Transfer question, you have a choice

between Verbal to Non-verbal and Non-verbal to Verbal.

A1. Verbal to Non-verbal :

Note : In Verbal to Non-verbal, you will be given one or two

paragraphs which you have to convert into a format like a flow chart,
pie chart, graph, tabular data. tree diagram, etc. Your answer should
consist of a few words that include all the points given in the paragraph.
Read the paragraph carefully and pick out the points that you have to
use in the diagram/table/web. It is very important to understand what
is expected in the answer. Always give a suitable title.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 27

Marking scheme :
• Title 1 mark
• Covering all points 2 marks
• Appropriate graphic/layout 1 mark
• Overall presentation 1 mark  
Total 5 marks

 ead the following paragraph about ‘The causes of pollution and

R
the possible solutions’ and tabulate the same information :

Pollution is the centamination into the natural environment

that causes adverse change. Pollution levels are increasing day by
day. There are various reasons for it. Air pollution is caused chiefly
by industrial pollutants and by increased levels of RSPM due to
higher flow of vehicular traffic. Water pollution is caused to a large
extent by industrial effluents and the immersion of pop idols.
Sound pollution levels have increased due to blaring loudspeakers
during festival time and increased volume of traffic.
In order to solve the problem of air pollution, the chief
method seems to be tree plantation. More and more citizens and
NGO’s should take up green causes with civic authorities. We need
to protect our forest and conserve our mangroves. In order to
solve the problem of water pollution, we need to develop effective
waste management techniques. Also eco-friendly idols should be
used during festive time. An awareness in general populace is
very necessary to solve the problem of sound pollution. Strict
enforcement of decibel levels during occasions and festival times
by the police is a must.

POLLUTION

Type Caused by Possible solutions

1. (a) (a)
(b) (b)
(c)
2. (a) (a)
(b) (b)
3. (a) (a)
(b) (b)
28 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

OR
A2. Non-verbal to Verbal :

Note : In Non-verbal to Verbal, you will be given non-verbal

information in the form of notes, flow charts, graphs, pie-charts, etc.
You are expected to write a paragraph based on this information. You
are expected to cover all the points given. Always give a suitable title.
Marking scheme :
• Title 1 mark
• Use of given points 2 marks
• Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate language and conclusion 1 mark  

Total 5 marks

Transfer the information into a paragraph :

Read the following web diagram and transform it into a paragraph.
Give a suitable title :

An app for Time Online

every need management trading

Up-to-date
Need of Advantages of
knowledge of
entertainment Smart Phone
the world

Innumerable Apps for Curriculum

career developing based
opportunities every language programmes
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 29

Answers to Q. 6. (A)

A1. POLLUTION

Type Caused by Possible solutions

1. Air (a) industrial pollutants (a) increase in tree

(b) increased levels of plantation
RSPM due to (b) citizens and NGOs to
vehicular traffic take up green causes
with civic authorities
(c) protection of forests and
conservation of
mangroves
2. Water (a) industrial effluents (a) development of effective
(b) immersion of POP waste-management
idols techniques
(b) use of eco-friendly idols
during festive times
3. Sound (a) use of blaring (a) awareness in the general
loudspeakers during populace
occasions and festive (b) strict enforcement of
times decibel levels during
(b) increase in volume occasions and festive
of traffic times
OR
A2. Advantages of the Smart Phone

The Smart Phone, as we know it today, is indeed a SMART phone.

It has an app for practically every need of the modern man. The
in-built clock with its different features helps in time management.
Then, there are apps for developing most languages, thus making
foreign travel easier. The Smart Phone can acquaint job seekers
with the innumerable career opportunities available to them. While
the need for entertainment is fully satisfied by this phone with its
various downloads, the knowledge of curriculum-based programmes
30 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

too is available with a tap of the finger. Online trading, which Smart
Phones offer, is a welcome facility. With its news clips and online
newspapers, the phone provides us with up-to-date knowledge of the
world. Thus, this phone has plenty of advantages and is certainly a
boon to society.
Q.6 (B) Speech/View-counterview : (5 Marks)
Attempt any one of the following (B1 or B2) :

Note : Here you have a choice between Drafting a Speech and View-
Counterview.

B1. Speech :

Note : In a speech, you address the audience directly and end with
a proper leave-taking expression. You can use direct statements and
rhetorical questions. The speech can be of 2 – 3 paragraphs. Points for
guidance will be given along with the question.
Marking scheme :
• Appropriate beginning/conclusion 1 mark
• Body – Use of given points and additional points,
appropriate use of language 2 marks
• Appropriate sequence and flow of language 1 mark
• Use of appropriate grammatical structures 1 mark  
Total 5 marks

Prepare a speech to be delivered for ‘Sports Day’ in your school.

The topic you have to speak on is ‘Sports : Essential for overall
development of an individual’.
Use the following points :
✽ Increases stamina and immunity.
✽ Beneficial for maintaining healthy lifestyle.
✽ Boosts confidence and positivity.
✽ Develops leadership qualities.
✽ Add your own points.
OR
B2. View-Counterview :
Note : In view-counterview you have to write the view or
counterview of the points given. Language should be formal. You can
use exclamations and rhetorical questions. Give a title to your answer.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 31

Marking scheme :
• Proper beginning and conclusion 1 mark
• Appropriate vocabulary and grammar 1 mark
• Expressing opinion in good and lucid language
with logical order 2 marks
• Appealing and convincing thoughts 1 mark  
Total 5 marks

Write your counterview on : ‘Social networking sites are not a

necessity.’
Use the following viewpoints to write your conterviews :

View :
✽ Other ways of connecting and staying in touch.

✽ Cyber crime on a rise.

✽ People may resort to dishonesty.
✽ Personal information can be misused.
✽ Add your own points.
(Write in a paragraph).

Answers to Q. 6. (B)

B1. Sports : Essential for overall development of an individual

Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,
Good morning. Today is our Annual Sports Day and before the
actual sports events begin, I, XYZ, would like to say a few words on
the importance of sports for the overall development of an individual.
Participating in sports on a regular basis increases the stamina
and immunity of a person. It is beneficial for maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, for it boosts a person’s confidence and increases positivity.
It also develops the much-needed leadership qualities. In addition,
it fosters team spirit and sportsmanship qualities. Playing games is
also known to decrease stress levels and ensure a good night’s sleep.
In conclusion, I would like to say that each and every one of us
must take an interest in not only watching sports activities but also
actively participating in them. I wish good luck to all our participants
today. Thank you.
32 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

OR
B2. Social Networking Sites are Here to Stay!

I think that saying that social networking sites are not necessary
is like saying that computers are not necessary! Why are we thinking
of moving backwards? Yes, there are other ways of connecting and
staying in touch with our near and dear ones; but none that are as
quick and as convenient! There is no doubt that cyber-crime is on the
rise, and we have to be careful about this; some people may resort
to dishonesty and personal information may be misused. We have
to guard against all this. But then, every invention or discovery has
its own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage here is
that it is a way of connecting with our friends and relatives from the
past, and keeping ourselves informed about what others are doing.
These sites were a great boon during the recent Covid epidemic.
To conclude, the advantages of social networking sites far outweigh
the disadvantages.

SECTION VI : CREATIVE WRITING

Q. 7. (A) Expansion/News Report : (5 Marks)

Do any one of the following (A1 or A2) :
Note : In Q. 7. (A), you have a choice between Expansion of the
given proverbs/maxims/quotations/slogans and Writing a Report based
on the given headline.

A1. Expand the theme :

Note : In expansion of Proverbs/Maxims/Quotations/Slogans you

need to write and elaborate on the theme or proverb in about 2 – 3
paragraphs containing about 100 words. Give a suitable title to your
answer.
Marking scheme :
• Title and Beginning 1 mark
• Vocabulary and Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate Points 1 mark
• Logical order 1 mark
• Conclusion 1 mark  
Total 5 marks
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 33

Expand the following idea into a paragraph of 100 words :

Nothing succeeds like success.
OR
A2. News Report based on given headline :
Note : You need to give an account of some event/programme/
happening for others to read. You will be given the headline of a news
item. You may be given points for guidance. The language used for the
report should be formal and should resemble the way a newspaper
report is written. There must be a headline, a dateline, a byline, an
introduction and a main body. The report should be precise and factual.
Marking scheme :
• Title/Headline/Dateline 1 mark
• Logical sequence of events 2 marks
• Use of appropriate grammar and vocabulary 1 mark
• Conclusion and layout 1 mark  
Total 5 marks

Write a news report based on the given headline :

‘Indian-origin Abhijit Banerjee wins Nobel Prize for

Economics for work on global poverty’.

Answers to Q. 7. (A)

A1. Nothing succeeds like success

A look at the successful people around the world will confirm

the truth of this proverb. The underlying meaning is that once you
succeed at something, you are more likely to succeed again, on your
next and subsequent attempts.

The reason could perhaps be that a person who is already

successful is more confident of himself and his work. Or perhaps
the person now knows the ups and downs of life and business
better, and also has more resources at his disposal. For example, a
man who is poor or inexperienced has not only to gather resources
but also learn new things on his initial path to success. Once he
is successful, he will generally have both money and experience.
Therefore, a lot of the path is already made easy.
2/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)
34 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

All the great men who became successful had to first face
criticism and opposition. But once they became successful, people
started respecting their views and opinions and began to have faith
in them. This led to more success. Hence, one can safely say that
‘success breeds success’.
OR
A2. Indian-origin Abhijit Banerjee wins Nobel Prize for
Economics for work on Global Poverty
 – By a News Reporter
New Delhi, October 15 : Abhijit Banerjee, a person of Indian-
origin, along with two others, has been named co-winner of the 2019
Nobel Prize for Economics, for his work on global poverty.
Banerjee is an MIT economist and his work has dramatically
helped to transform antipoverty research and relief efforts. His work
has also provided reliable answers about the best ways to fight
global poverty and improve the living standards of people. The range
of topics Banerjee has studied is immense. He has also co-authored
several books and published dozens of research papers. Banerjee
said that it was ‘wonderful’ to receive the award, adding that ‘you
don’t get this lucky many times in your life’.
A hearty congratulations to all the winners!

Q. 7. (B) Developing a story OR Narrating experience :

 (5 Marks)
Do any one of the following (B1 or B2) :
Note : In this activity, you are expected to complete the story or
narrate your experience based on the given beginning or end. A suitable
title must be given.
Marking scheme :
• Title and Beginning 1 mark
• Vocabulary and Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate Points 1 mark
• Logical order 1 mark
• Conclusion 1 mark  
Total 5 marks
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET – JULY 2023 (With Explanation ...) 35

B1. Developing a story :


Develop a story suitable to the conclusion/end given below.
Suggest a suitable title.
… It was a dream come true for an ordinary child like me.
OR
B2. 
Narrate an experience :

I was in the class. The teacher was teaching when the peon
came and called out my name and said the Principal had called

Answers to Q. 7. (B)

B1. A Dream Come True

I love dancing, but as my parents were very poor I could not

afford to go to a dance school. I would watch dance programmes on
my neighbour’s TV and practise the same at home.

Then one day, a well-known dance teacher opened a dance

school in a building right across my modest home. If I stood at my
tiny window, I could clearly see and hear all that was going on in the
opposite building. And to my great joy, the dance classes were held
in the afternoons, when I was alone at home after school.

For more than a month, I diligently watched and practised all

that the teacher had been teaching. Then one day, I became bolder
and went closer to the window to peer in. And lo! I was caught red-
handed by the teacher, who demanded to know what I was doing.
Terrified, I stammered out all that I had done in the past month.

“Show me what you have learnt,” said the teacher, putting on

some familiar music. Something got into me at that moment. I lost
all fear and danced to the music. Ten minutes later, when the music
stopped, there was a round of applause from the other students and
the teacher.
36 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

“You have danced very well,” said the teacher with a smile. “Do
you want to join my class? Every year, I teach one student without
taking any fees. All the other expenses too will be borne by me. Are
you ready?

“Yes!” I stuttered, my heart racing with joy. It was a dream come

true for an ordinary child like me.
OR
B2.

I was in the class. The teacher was teaching when the peon came
and called out my name and said the Principal had called me.
I went quickly to the Principal’s office. Was I in trouble? My mind
quickly went over the past few days. No, I had not done anything for
which I could be pulled up. Then why was the Principal summoning
me to his office?
“Come in, come in, my boy,” said the Principal, a broad smile on
his face. “I have some good news for you!”
I smiled uncertainly. What good news? What had happened?
“You remember, you had answered a written Quiz some time
back? Well, you have been selected to participate in a prestigious
Quiz Competition, which will be televised. I don’t know what the
prizes are, but it is a great honour for our school. Wish you all the
best, young man!”
I went back to class, dazed and happy! How thrilled my parents
would be when they heard the news! Yes, I would certainly put in my
best effort to win!
_________
 MOST LIKELY QUESTION SETS
Section 2
(ACTIVITY SETS)

Q. 1 (A) (A1, A2) and (B)

Question
LANGUAGE STUDY
Set
(A) A1. Simple + A2. Medium Level Activities – 8 Marks
1 (B) Challenging Activities – 2 Marks (Total : 10 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) This section includes Grammar and Vocabulary items from the
syllabus, different from Q. 2. A3/B3, A4/B4 and Q. 4. A3/A4.
Remember that the definitions, rules and terms related to
grammar will not be asked directly.
(2) There will be three types of activities as follows :
A1. There will be 5 simple activities from the list given below,
each carrying 1 mark. (Students are required to attempt
any 4 activities.) (4 marks)
(1) Write two compound words of your own.
(2) Pick out an Infinitive/Gerund/Present Participle and use
in your own sentence.
(3) Punctuate the following. (Use of quotation marks, commas,
apostrophe, capitalisation, full-stop, question mark,
exclamation mark.)
(4) Find out hidden words from the given word.
(5) Make a meaningful sentence by using the given phrase.
(6) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentences :
[Using the correct verb form.
Subject–verb agreement (be, do, have, third person,
singular)]
(7) Identify the type of sentence.
(8) Complete the word chain of nouns/verbs/adjectives.
For example : Nature, English, H…, …, …, …. (4 words)
(9) Form Present participles/Past participles in which the last
letter is doubled. For example : plan – planning, plan –
planned
(10) Arrange the given words in Alphabetical Order.

37
38 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. 
There will be 3 medium level activities from the list given
below, each carrying 2 marks. (Students are required to
attempt any 2 activities.) (4 marks)
(1) 
Make sentences of your own to show difference of the
Homographs – Homonyms in meanings.
For example :
(i) Homograph : Bat – a piece of sporting equipment;
Bat – kind of bird.
(ii) Homophone : Peace – the general security of public places;
Piece – a portion of an object.
(2) 
Direct and Indirect narration : (Any kind of sentence from
Direct to Indirect)
(3) Conversion of Tenses.
(4) Change the Voice by giving object or subject.
(5) Word register. (4 words related to the given subject)
(B) 
There will be 2 Challenging Activities from the list given
below, each carrying 2 marks. (Students are required to
attempt any 1 activity.) : (2 marks)
(1) Use of same given word as a noun as well as a verb in sentences.
(The word should be as it is.)
(2) Change the Degree of Comparison.
(3) Pick out the Modal Auxiliary and state its function.
(4) Analyse/Synthesize/Transform the Sentence.
(Simple, Complex, Compound)
(5) Use the given two words in one meaningful sentence.
• Thorough revision of Grammar and Vocabulary is necessary for
you to do these activities.
• Some activities are open-ended. The answers given to them are
just a model. Students may try to write their own answers.
• Study all the activities given with the answers carefully.
• Also attempt all activities given for practice.
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 39

LANGUAGE STUDY ACTIVITIES WITH SOLUTION

A1. Simple Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 4 in each set)
Note : We have covered all 10 types of simple activities in the various
sets.

SET 1 (March ’24)

(1) Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence :
Every child is free to grow.
(2) Write the collocations for the following :
ticket ....... drizzle.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence :
dr kalam sat contemplating deeply
(4) Write any two present participles in which the last letter is
doubled.
(5) Find out any two hidden words of minimum four letters each
from the given word :
‘reverberated’
Answers
(1) to grow
(2) ticket office;
light drizzle
(3) Dr. Kalam sat contemplating deeply.
(4) running, swimming
(5) brave, tread

SET 2 (March ’23)

(1) Punctuate the following sentence :

he will not be able to stop them
(2) Pick out an infinitive from the given sentence :
The sun began to sink.
(3) Give a new blending word, after combining the two words :
 (i) Breakfast + lunch = .
(ii) Smoke + fog = .
40 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(4) F
 ill in the blank with the proper form of the verb as per the
subject :
Stephen Hawking continued to write at a prolific rate.
 (has/have)
(5) 
Write the ‘root word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix :
relationship.

Answers

(1) He will not be able to stop them.

(2) Infinitive – to sink
(3) (i) brunch
(ii) smog
(4) Stephen Hawking has continued to write at a prolific rate.
(5) relation

SET 3
(1) Give a new blending word after combining two words :
 (i) biography + picture = .
(ii) camera + recorder = .
(2) Find out two hidden words of minimum four letters each from
the word : ‘ornamentation’
(3) 
Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the phrase :
‘a man of few words’
(4) Choose the verbs whose past participles are formed by doubling
the last letter :
act, stop, burn, rob, hurt
(5) Arrange the words in alphabetical order :
ancient, ancestors, audience, adamant

Answers

(1) (i) biopic

(ii) camcorder
(2) ornamentation : ornament, meant
(3) The new minister was a man of few words.
(4) stop, rob (stopped, robbed)
(5) adamant, ancestors, ancient, audience
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 41

SET 4 (March ’22)

(1) Punctuate the following :

you have never heard of bach he asked
(2) 
Find out 4 hidden words having at least four letters each from the
given word : ‘proclamation’
(3) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence :
All the great religions teaches us to care for our children.
(4) Arrange the following words in the alphabetical order :
invention, indisputable, interactions, inquisitive.
(5) Complete the word chain of verbs :
call, , , , .

Answers

(1) “You have never heard of Bach?” he asked.

(2) Proclamation – train, roam, loan, coat, motion (any four)
(3) All the great religions teach us to care for our children.
(4) indisputable, inquisitive, interactions, invention.
(5) call, lie, enjoy, yell, learn.

SET 5 (Sept. ’21)

(1) Make a meaningful sentence by using the given phrase :

‘by fits and starts’
(2) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence :
The English will took Orleans.
(3) Complete the word chain of nouns :
forest, t , , , .
(4) 
Find out four hidden words of minimum four letters each from
the given word :
‘perseverance’
(5) Identify the type of sentence :
What kind of book do you like?
42 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Answers

(1) I’m afraid this TV works by fits and starts.

(2) The English will take Orleans.
(3) forest, trees, shoe, elephant, train.
(4) perseverance – persevere, severe, seen, serve
(5) Interrogative sentence
SET 6 (March ’20)
(1) Write two compound words of your own.
(2) Pick out the gerund from the following sentence :
This attitude of taking destroys families.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence :
after all he doesnt pay me
(4) Form two present participles in which the last letter is doubled.
(5) Complete the following word chain of verbs :
examine, e , , , .

Answers

(1) doorway, moonlight

(2) gerund – taking
(3) After all, he doesn’t pay me.
(4) running, skipping
(5) examine, entertain, nurture, erect, think.

SET 7
(1) Pick out the present participle from the sentence :
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the small cracks.
(2) Make a meaningful sentence using the following phrase :
‘to get out of’
(3) Identify the kind of sentence :
You can’t connect the dots looking forward.
(4) Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it :
The hermit did not paid anything to the king.
(5) Rearrange the letters to make a meaningful word : rleirae
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 43

Answers

(1) peeping
(2) Prakash wanted to get out of the difficult situation as soon as
possible.
(3) Assertive and negative sentence
(4) The hermit did not pay anything to the king.   OR
The hermit had not paid anything to the king.
(5) earlier

SET 8
(1) 
Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the following
phrase :
‘to look into’
(2) Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence :
I just had to do it.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence :  
did you hear him he whispered
(4) Arrange the words in alphabetical order :
courageous, confronting, conferences, compassion
(5) Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it :
Life hit you in the head.

Answers

(1) 
The principal promised to look into the matter as soon as
possible.
(2) Infinitive – to do.
(3) “Did you hear him?” he whispered.
(4) compassion, conferences, confronting, courageous
(5) Life hits you in the head.

SET 9

(1) Write the root words for :

(i) attention   (ii) feebly
(2) 
Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the phrase :
‘in search of ’.
44 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(3) Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it :

 I thinks more and more people should take up sports as a
full-time career.
(4) Identify the type of sentence : 
Why didn’t you come earlier?
(5) Complete the following word chain of nouns :
book, k , , , .

Answers
(1) (i) attend   (ii) feeble
(2) We are all in search of happiness.
(3) 
I think more and more people should take up sports as a
full-time career.
(4) Interrogative sentence.
(5) book, kite, elephant, tooth, hand.

SET 10
(1) Write two compound words of your own.
(2) Pick out the infinitive and use it in your own sentence :
 There is no greater violence than to deny the dreams of our
children.
(3) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence :
I always thought that Mathematics were an easy subject.
(4) Identify the type of sentence :
Give it to me quick.
(5) Complete the word chain of adjectives :
Pretty, y , , , .

Answers

(1) foothills, high-speed

(2) infinitive – to deny.
Sentence : She loved her son too much to deny him anything.
(3) I always thought that Mathematics was an easy subject.
(4) Imperative sentence
(5) Pretty, young, gracious, simple, enjoyable.
_________
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 45

A2. Medium Level Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 2 in each set)

Note : We have covered all 5 types of medium level activities in the

various sets.

SET 1 (March ’24)

(1) Identify the verb in the given sentence and state whether it is
finite or non-finite :
He gave the reward to none.
(2) 
Make two meaningful sentences to bring out the difference
between the given two homophones :
ware, wear
(3) 
Rewrite the sentence using ‘as soon as’ :
No sooner is the bill passed than it will become an Act.

Answers

(1) gave – finite verb

(2)  (i) The silver ware bowls I saw were beautiful.
(ii) I like to wear comfortable shoes.
(3) As soon as the bill is passed, it will become an Act.

SET 2 (March ’23)

(1) 
Change the following sentence into indirect narration :
“Will you buy my hair?” asked Della.
(2) Make a word register of four words related with :
‘universe’
(3) Change the voice of the following sentence :
Don’t make any mistake.
Answers

(1) Della asked if he/she/they would buy her hair.

(2) universe – planets, stars, comets, asteroids
(3) Let no mistake be made by you.
46 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

SET 3 (July ’22)

(1) 
Change the following sentences into indirect narration/speech
and rewrite them :
 (i) “You are not tone-deaf ” he said to me.
(ii) “I made some money yesterday,” he said.
(2) Rewrite the given sentence using ‘not only ... but also...’ :
The state parties are responsible for identifying and nominating
new sites.
(3) Identify the tense of the underlined verb and rewrite the sentence
in present continuous tense :
Life hits you in the head.

Answers

(1)  (i) He told me that I was not tone-deaf.

(ii) He said that he had made some money the previous day.
(2) The state parties are responsible not only for identifying but also
for nominating new sites.
(3) hits – simple present tense
Present continuous tense : Life is hitting you in the head.

SET 4 (March ’22)

(1) 
Prepare a word register of four words related to ‘music’.
(2) Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple faiths :
 (Begin the sentence with ‘Multiple faiths ...’)
(3) Rewrite the sentence by using ‘No sooner ............. than’ :
As soon as we went to a rocky beach, we saw the spread of the
majestic ocean.

Answers

(1) music – piano, songs, tune, melody

(2) Multiple faiths nourished Dr Kalam’s own life.
(3) 
No sooner did we go to a rocky beach than we saw the spread of
the majestic ocean.
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 47

SET 5 (Sept. ’21)

(1) 
Rewrite the following sentence in present continuous tense :
She ate the caviar.
(2) Make a word register of four words related to :
‘Universe’
(3) We saw small bits of grass peeping through the small cracks.
 (Begin the sentence with ‘Small bits of grass ...’ .)

Answers

(1) She is eating the caviar.

(2) Universe : space, planets, satellites, meteors
(3) Small bits of grass peeping through the small cracks were seen
by us.

SET 6 (March ’20)

(1) Change the following sentences into indirect speech :
Robert asked, “Joan, how old are you?” “I am 13 years old,” she
replied.
(2) 
Make sentences of your own to show the difference in
homophones :
feet :
feat :
(3) Rewrite the sentence in present perfect tense :
I had been working for Anil for almost a month.

Answers

(1) Robert asked Joan how old she was. Joan replied that she was
13 years old.
(2) feet – Poor little Mona did not have shoes on her feet.
feat – Landing on the moon was an amazing feat.
(3) I have worked for Anil for almost a month.

SET 7
(1) Make a word register of 4 words related to :
‘Military’.
48 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(2) Change the following sentence to indirect speech :

He asked, “Can you cook?”
(3) At seven o’clock, the coffee was made.
 (Begin the sentence with “She … .)

Answers

(1) Military – soldiers, guns, tanks, missiles

(2) He asked me whether/if I could cook.
(3) She made the coffee at seven o’clock.

SET 8
(1) The reader can read his work again and again.
(Rewrite the sentence beginning with “His work … .)
(2) 
The Dauphin will give me all I need. (Rewrite the sentence
using the present perfect continuous tense.)
(3) 
The Nobel Prize is one of the greatest honours in the world.
(Change the given sentence into positive and comparative
degree.)

Answers

(1) His work can be read again and again.

(2) The Dauphin has been giving me all I need.
(3) (a) 
Very few honours in the world are as great as the Nobel
Prize. (positive)
(b) The Nobel Prize is greater than most other honours in the
world. (comparative)

SET 9
(1) 
Make two sentences of your own to show the difference of
Homograph : ‘train’.
(2) 
Rewrite the sentence using the future continuous tense :
I started a company.
(3) Make a word register of four words related to : ‘School’.

Answers

(1) (a) The train left before I reached the station.

(b) Parents should train their children to be polite.
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 49

(2) I shall be starting a company.

(3) School : teachers, examinations, benches, books.

SET 10
(1) Make sentences of your own to show the difference in the word
‘through’ and its homophone.
(2) Change the voice of the following sentence, ending with ‘… great
religions.’ :
All great religions teach us to care for our children.
(3) Rewrite the following sentence using Indirect Speech :
He said, “What shall we do, Ustad Sahib? ”

Answers

(1) (a) The little boy threw the ball over the fence.
(b) We could clearly see through the window.
(2) We are taught to care for our children by all great religions.
(3) He asked the Ustad Sahib what they should do.
_________

(B) Challenging Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 1 in each set)

Note : We have covered all 5 types of difficult activities in the various

sets.

SET 1 (March ’24)

(1) 
Use the given two words into one meaningful sentence :
rest; routine
(2) Change the following sentence into a compound sentence :
I awoke late next morning to find that Anil had already made
the tea.
Answers

(1) 
An hour’s rest in the afternoon was a part of the old lady’s
routine.
(2) 
I awoke late next morning and found that Anil had already made
the tea.
50 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

SET 2 (March ’22)

(1) Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function :
Could I use your computer for surfing the net?
(2) Name and identify the subordinate clause :
When we were designing the first Macintosh Computer, it all
came back to me.

Answers

(1) could – permission

(2) Subordinate clause – When we were designing the first Macintosh
Computer; Type – Adverb Clause of Time.

SET 3 (July ’22)

(1) Change the given sentence into positive and comparative degree :
The biggest challenge knocking on the doors of human kind is
fear and intolerance.
(2) Use the given word as it is as a noun as well as a verb in two
different sentences :
‘honour’

Answers

(1) 
Positive : No other challenge knocking on the doors of human
kind is as big as fear and intolerance.
Comparative : Fear and intolerance are bigger than any other
challenge knocking on the doors of human kind.
(2)  (i) The statue was installed in honour of the social worker.
 (noun)
(ii) I honour those who show compassion towards animals.
 (verb)

SET 4 (Sept. ’21)

(1) Analyze the clauses in the following sentences :
When the king arrived, the hermit was digging the ground
in front of his hut.
(2) Change the following sentence into indirect speech :
Mary said, “I am really happy with my achievement.”
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 51

Answers

(1) 
the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut – Main
Clause
When the king arrived – Subordinate Adverb Clause of Time.
(2) Mary said that she was really happy with her achievement.

SET 5 (March ’20)

(1) Begin the sentence with “No sooner ……” :
As soon as the thief escaped, the family informed the police.
(2) 
Change the following sentence into positive and comparative
degrees :
It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Answers

(1) 
No sooner did the thief escape than the family informed the
police.
(2) (a) Very few decisions I have ever made are as good as this one.
 (Positive)
(b) 
It is better than most of the other decisions I have ever
made. (Comparative)

SET 6
(1) Use the word ‘watch’ in two different sentences as a noun and as
a verb.
(2) The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful monument in India.
Begin the sentence with :
(a) No other ………
(b) The Taj Mahal is more ………

Answers

(1) (a) The boy got an expensive watch for his birthday. (noun)
(b) I watch football matches whenever I can. (verb)
(2) (a) Positive : No other monument in India is as beautiful as the
Taj Mahal.
(b) 
Comparative : The Taj Mahal is more beautiful than any
other monument in India.
52 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

SET 7
(1) We can do it. (Pick out the modal auxiliary verb and state its
function.)
(2) Identify the clauses and name them :
The nerves that controlled his muscles were shutting down.

Answers

(1) can – ability.

(2) The nerves were shutting down – Main Clause;
that controlled his muscles – Subordinate Adjective Clause.

SET 8
(1) The little boy might act very well.
(Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function.)
(2) Analyze the sentence :
 Sitting beside her father in the gallery, Smita heard the
thundering welcome.

Answers

(1) might – indicates possibility

(2) simple sentence.

SET 9
(1) Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function :
Abhi could perform well in his school days.
(2) Change the given sentence into positive and comparative degree :
Jupiter is the largest of all planets.
Answers

(1) could – past ability

(2) Positive : No other planet is as large as Jupiter.
Comparative : Jupiter is larger than any other planet.

SET 10
(1) Use the given two words in one meaningful sentence :
angry, rescued
(2) Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function :
I might finish the work by the end of the month.
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 53

Answers

(1) Mona was angry because she was not rescued immediately from
the elevator.
(2) might – possibility/probability
_________

LANGUAGE STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR PRACTICE

A1. Simple Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 4 in each set)

SET 1 (July ’22)

(1) Identify the type of sentence based on its function :

Take what you please.
(2) 
Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite with its
correction :
He run very fast.
(3) Pick out the participle from the given sentence :
I don’t like frightening stories.
(4) Use the given phrase in a meaningful sentence of your own :
to look forward.
(5) Complete the word chain of nouns :
Strength, , , , .

SET 2
(1) Write two compound words from any lesson from the textbook.
(2) Pick out the present participle and use it in your own sentence :
She went up the steps that led to the wings, her heart beating
loudly.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence :
how is it possible
(4) Find out two hidden words of minimum four letters each from
the word ‘exhausted’.
54 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(5) Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the phrase :

‘a little later’.

SET 3
(1) Find out two hidden words of minimum four letters each from
the word ‘heritage’.
(2) Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the phrase
‘take part in’.
(3) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence :
Smita stand at the window looking at the traffic.
(4) Form two present participles in which the last letter is doubled.
(5) Arrange the words in alphabetical order :
unimpressed, understand, universe, ultimately.

SET 4
(1) Find out two hidden words of minimum four letters each from
the word ‘grateful’.
(2) Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the phrase ‘early
in the year’.
(3) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence :
Many types of games was played at the picnic.
(4) Identify the type of sentence :
Don’t you like me just as well, anyhow?
(5) Arrange the words in alphabetical order :
cheapest, caviar, cooked, caring

SET 5
(1) Write two compound words of your own.
(2) Identify the type of sentence :
However impossible things may look, there is always an opening.
(3) Complete the word chain of verbs in the present tense :
ask, , , , .
(4) Form the past and present participle of a verb in which the last
letter is doubled.
(5) Arrange the words in alphabetical order :
stomach, surely, shop, salmon
 QUESTION SET 1 – language study 55

A2. Medium Level Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 2 in each set)

SET 1
(1) Prepare a word register of 4 words for the word ‘heritage’.
(2) Make sentences of your own using the word ‘long’ in two separate
sentences, the word having different meanings (homographs).
(3) Rewrite the following sentence using Indirect Speech :
Her brother said, “Enjoy yourself.” He added, “Lucky you!”

SET 2
(1) Rewrite the following sentence using Indirect Speech :
His mother sprang to his side. “Lie down son, lie down.”
(2) Rewrite the following sentence using the tense given in the
brackets :
He worked for the Red Cross.
 (Past perfect continuous tense of the underlined verb.)
(3) Prepare a word register of 4 words related to the word ‘writer’.

SET 3
(1) Make sentences of your own using the word ‘ground’ in
two separate sentences, the word having different meanings
(homographs).
(2) Change the voice of the following sentence, beginning
‘Families …’.
This attitude of taking and taking destroys families.
(3) Prepare a word register of 4 words related to ‘Collective nouns’.

SET 4
(1) Make sentences of your own to show the difference in the word
‘break’ and its homophone.
(2) Rewrite using the future continuous tense of the verb :
I will send her to Chinon under the escort of this gentleman and
three of his friends.
(3) Rewrite the following sentence using Indirect Speech :
“Just allow yourself to listen,” he said, “that’s all there is to it.”
56 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

SET 5
(1) Make sentences of your own using the word ‘past’ in two separate
sentences, the word having different meanings (homographs).
(2) Change the voice of the following sentence, beginning ‘An ...’ :
UNESCO launched an international campaign.
(3) Prepare a word register of 4 words related to the word
‘restaurant’.

(B) Challenging Activities

• Do as directed : (Any 1 in each set)

SET 1 (March ’23)

(1) Use the given words in one meaningful sentence :
afraid, admires
(2) Change the given simple sentence into a complex sentence :
He took me to a gramophone room.

SET 2
(1) Change to the comparative degree :
Pixar is now the world’s most successful animation studio.
(2) Rewrite as a complex sentence :
I came out of my ambush to find you.

SET 3
(1) Use the word ‘orders’ as a noun as well as a verb in sentences.
(2) Analyse the sentence :
When we see a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, we experience
the alchemy of nature.

SET 4
(1) Use the word ‘stand’ as a verb and a noun in two separate
sentences.
(2) Change to positive degree :
Anant was better than her in many things.
_________
 Q. 2 (A) and (B) – Seen Passages
Question
Set
SEEN PASSAGES
(10 Marks for each passage,
2 Total Marks – 20)

How to attempt this question :

(1) Read the activities first.
(2) 
Then read the passage carefully. It is very important to
understand the passage. If you have read the textbook
thoroughly, you will recognize and understand the passage
easily and quickly.
(3) Two SEEN passages from the textbook will be given for various
activities testing the comprehension of the students.
(4) In all there will be FIVE activities per passage : A1., A2., A3.,
A4. and A5 – B1., B2., B3., B4. and B5.
(5) A1. and B1. will be Simple factual activities. They could
be True or False, Complete the following, Choose the correct
alternative, Match the columns, etc. The answers to these
questions will easily be found in the passage. Search for them
and write them down.
The total marks allotted for A1/B1 are 2. If the number of
sub-activities are four, each sub-activity will carry ½ mark. If
there are only two sub-activities, each sub-activity will carry
1 mark.
(6) A2. and B2. will be Complex factual activities. These may
be in the form of a web, complete the table, etc. Wh-type
questions may also be asked. The answers to these activities
will be found in different parts of the passage. Search for them
and write them down in the format given in the activities.
The total marks allotted for A2/B2 are 2.
(7) A3. and B3. are Vocabulary-based activities. Use your
knowledge of vocabulary to attempt these activities. The total
marks allotted for A3/B3 are 2.
(8) A4. and B4. are activities for testing Contextual Grammar.
Use your knowledge of Grammar to answer these activities.
The total marks allotted for A4/B4 are 2. If 2 activities are
given, each activity will carry 1 mark.
3/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)

57
58 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(9) A5. and B5. require your Personal Response (expression,

creation and imagination) and are based on some point or
aspect arising from the passage. Think carefully and answer
these questions in your own words. Write about 3 to 4
sentences. If the question is very specific, write only as many
points as are required. This question carries 2 marks.

Important :
(1) Study ALL the activities given for each passage in this Question
Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the passages for Practice.
(3) We have given the type of activities and the marks allotted only
for the first passage. These are applicable to all the passages
in this Question Set.

(A) SEEN PASSAGES WITH SOLUTION

Lesson 1.2 The Thief’s Story

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities : (10 Marks)

PASSAGE 1
A1/B1. Simple Factual Activity :
A1. Write whether the following sentences are True or False :
(i) 
In the beginning, Anil taught Hari to cook and write his
name.
(ii) Anil writes for magazines for a living.
(iii) Hari liked working for Anil.
(iv) Anil kept a small bundle of notes in a cupboard.

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 9)

He took me to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and told
me I could sleep in the balcony. But the meal I cooked that night
must have been terrible because Anil gave it to a stray dog and told
me to be off. But I just hung around, smiling in my most appealing
way, and he couldn’t help laughing.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 59

Later, he patted me on the head and said never mind, he’d

teach me to cook. He also taught me to write my name and said he
would soon teach me to write whole sentences and to add numbers.
I was grateful. I knew that once I could write like an educated man
there would be no limit to what I could achieve.
It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the
morning and then would take my time buying the day’s supplies,
usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew
I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.
Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one
week, lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as
soon as it arrived he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote
for magazines — a queer way to make a living!
One evening he came home with a small bundle of notes,
saying he had just sold a book to a publisher. At night, I saw him
tuck the money under the mattress.

Note : We have given complete passage here. However, only first and
last lines of the passages are given, hereafter, with the references of
textbook page numbers. Please refer to the textbook for the complete
passages.

A2/B2. Complex Factual Activity :(2)

A2. Complete the following :
 
(i) Hari was grateful because .
(ii) Hari continued making money by .
A3/B3. Activity based on Vocabulary :(2)
A3. Write the meaning of the following word/phrase :
(i) tuck   (ii) by fits and starts
A4/B4. Activity based on Contextual Grammar :(2)
A4. Do as directed :
(i) Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off.
 (Pick out the verbs and state their tense.)
(ii) Anil kept worrying about his next cheque.
 (Add a question tag.)
60 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A5/B5. Personal Response :(2)

A5. What would you have done in Anil’s place if you knew you were
being cheated or robbed?

Answers

A1.   (i) In the beginning, Anil taught Hari to cook and write

his name. – True
 (ii) Anil writes for magazines for a living. – True
(iii) Hari liked working for Anil. – True
(iv) Anil kept a small bundle of notes in a cupboard. – False
A2. (1) Hari was grateful because Anil was teaching him to read,
write and add numbers, and all this would be useful to him
in his life.
(2) Hari continued making money by cheating Anil while buying
the day’s supplies.
A3.  (i) tuck – to push into a small space
(ii) by fits and starts – irregularly
A4.  (i) gave, told – simple past tense
(ii) Anil kept worrying about his next cheque, didn’t he?
A5. Cheating and robbing small amounts can lead to bigger thefts.
If I were Anil, the moment I knew that I was being robbed,
I would have warned him. If he cheated again, I would certainly
have told him to be off.

PASSAGE 2
A1. 
Match Column ‘A’ with Column ‘B’ and rewrite the complete
sentences :

‘A’ ‘B’
  (i) Hari was thinking of (a) to search for the notes
catching (b) 
the 10:30 express to
(ii) When Anil was sleeping Lucknow
peacefully, his face was (c) clear and unlined
(iii) Hari slid his hands under (d) an oil-rich Arab
the mattress
(iv) Hari thought he could live
like
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 61

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 9, 10)

I had been working …………………………… a week or two.

A2. Explain the underlying meaning of the following :

(i) I had not done anything in my line of work.
(ii) It’s time I did some real work.
A3.  Write the adjective forms of :
(i) opportunity (ii) pleasure
(iii) sleep (iv) situation
A4. (i) Hari drew them out without a sound. (Frame a Wh-question
to get the underlined part as the answer.)
(ii) Rewrite the following sentences by adding the correct tail
tag from those given in the brackets : (does he?, didn’t he?,
isn’t it?, wasn’t he?, doesn’t he?, is it?)
(1) Anil was sleeping peacefully.
(2) He doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed.
A5. Why do you think Hari had many scars on his face?

Answers

A1. (i) Hari was thinking of catching the 10:30 express to Lucknow.
(ii) When Anil was sleeping peacefully, his face was clear and
unlined.
(iii) Hari slid his hands under the mattress to search for the
notes.
(iv) Hari thought he could live like an oil-rich Arab.
A2.  (i) It means that Hari had not stolen anything for some time.
(ii) It means that Hari thought that it was time he stole a big
amount.
A3.   (i) opportune (ii) pleasant
(iii) sleepy/sleepless (iv) situational
A4. (i) How did Hari draw them out?
(ii) (1) Anil was sleeping peacefully, wasn’t he?

(2) He doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed, does he?
62 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A5. Hari was a thief. He had probably got into trouble and fights
while robbing people. He could also have been in bad company
and got into fights with his companions, or been caught by the
police, and been wounded. This would have led to scars on his
face.

Lesson 1.3 On Wings of Courage

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1

A1. Write the year in which the following events occurred :

(i) The birth of Arjan Singh –

 (ii) Selected for the Empire Pilot Training Course –
(iii) Promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader –
(iv) Retired from service –

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 15, 16)

Commending his role ............. Squadron Leader in 1944.

A2. 
Describe the achievements of Arjan Singh that led to his winning
the DFC award..
A3. Complete the table :
Adjectives Nouns
  (i) able
(ii) efficient
(iii) recognition
(iv) excitement

A4.  (i) In 1944, the Marshal had led a squadron against the
Japanese during the Arakan Campaign.
 (Change the voice.)
(ii) His first assignment on being commissioned was to fly
Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North-Western Frontier
Province. (Rewrite as a Complex Sentence.)
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 63

A5. According to you, what are some of the qualities a leader must
have?

Answers

A1. (i) The birth of Arjan Singh – 1919

(ii) Selected for the Empire Pilot Training Course – 1938
(iii) Promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader – 1944
(iv) Retired from service – 1969

A2. 
In 1944, Arjan Singh led a squadron against the Japanese
during the Arakan Campaign. He flew close air support
missions during the crucial Imphal campaign. He then assisted
the advance of the Allied Forces to Rangoon. In recognition of
his feats, Arjan Singh was given the DFC award.

A3. Adjectives Nouns

  (i) able ability
(ii) efficient efficiency
(iii) recognizable recognition
(iv) excitable/excited excitement

A4. (i) In 1944, during the Arakan Campaign, a squadron against

the Japanese had been led by the Marshal.
(ii) His first assignment when he was commissioned was to
fly Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North-Western Frontier
Province.

A5. 
A leader must be able to make the correct decisions. He should
be firm with his team or group. He should be able to instill
confidence in them, and he should be just. Thus, the qualities
he should have are : decision making ability, firmness, ability to
instill confidence in others and a fair sense of justice.
64 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE 2
A1. Match the columns :

A B
  (i) Arjan Singh was appointed Deputy Chief (a) 1947
of Air Staff (b) 1962
(ii) Arjan Singh was promoted to the rank of (c) 1949
Air Commodore
(d) 1963
(iii) Arjan Singh was appointed Vice Chief of
Air Staff
(iv) Arjan Singh led a fly-past over the Red Fort

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 16, 17)

For his role in ……......…………… to meet new challenges
A2. Complete the following :
(i) 
On 15th August 1947, Arjan Singh achieved the unique
honour of .
(ii) He had the distinction of having the longest tenure as .
(iii) 
Immediately after Indian Independence, he commanded
.
(iv) He was the overall commander of .
A3. Make sentences using the following phrases :
(i) geared up (ii) took over control
A4. (i) After his promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he
attended the Royal Staff College at the UK.
 (Rewrite as a complex sentence.)
(ii) He was the overall commander of the joint air training
exercise ‘Shiksha’. (Rewrite using the noun ‘command’.)
A5. Who or what is your source of inspiration?

Answers

A1. (i) Arjan Singh was appointed Deputy Chief of Air Staff   –1962
(ii) Arjan Singh was promoted to the rank of
Air Commodore –1949
(iii) Arjan Singh was appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff –1963
(vi) Arjan Singh led a fly-past over the Red Fort –1947
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 65

A2. (i) 
On 15th August 1947, Arjan Singh achieved the unique
honour of leading a fly-past of over a hundred IAF aircraft
over the Red Fort in Delhi.
(ii) He had the distinction of having the longest tenure as AOC
of an operational command.
(iii) 
Immediately after Indian independence, he commanded
Ambala in the rank of Group Captain.
(iv) 
He was the overall commander of the joint air training
exercise ‘Shiksha’ held between the IAF, RAF and RAAF.
A3. (i) 
Our school cricket team geared up for the final match
against P.Q.R. High School.
(ii) After the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth took over the
reins of Scotland.
A4. (i) After he was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, he
attended the Royal Staff College at the UK.
(ii) He had the overall command of the joint air training exercise
‘Shiksha’.
A5. 
My source of inspiration is my uncle. Uncle was a highly-
respected and capable doctor. He cured hundreds of people and
helped many more, free of charge. He never accepted any fees
from people who he knew were poor. Even today he helps in
organising medical camps. Watching him, I too wish to become
a doctor and help poor people.

Lesson 1.5 Joan of Arc

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1
A1. Write if the following statements are True or False :
(i) Joan is angry when Robert tells her to get out.
(ii) Joan feels that Squire Jack is kind.
(iii) The steward’s name is Bertrand de Poulengey.
(iv) Robert thinks that the girl’s idea is crazy.
66 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 30, 31)

Robert : (shocked) To free Orleans! ……………………………
………………………………………… to the Dauphin seriously?
A2. Complete the following :
(i) The squire wants the steward to …
(ii) Joan’s aim was to …
A3. 
Pick out the antonyms of the following words from the
passage :
(i) exit (ii) request (iii) advance (iv) slowly
A4.  (i) Polly and Jack have promised to come with me.
 (Rewrite using ‘that’.)
(ii) You have only to give the order. (Rewrite using ‘nothing’.)
A5. What qualities of Joan do you admire?

Answers

A1. (i) Joan is angry when Robert tells her to get out. – False
(ii) Joan feels that Squire Jack is kind. – True
(iii) The steward’s name is Bertrand de Poulengey. – False
(iv) Robert thinks that the girl’s idea is crazy. – True
A2.  (i) The squire wants the steward to go with Joan, stay within
call and keep an eye on her.
(ii) Joan’s aim was to meet the Dauphin and free Orleans.
A3.   (i) exit × enter  (ii) request × order
(iii) advance × retreat (iv) slowly × hastily
A4. (i) Polly and Jack have promised that they will come with me.
(ii) You have to do nothing but give the order.
A5. 
I admire Joan’s leadership qualities. She had the ability to
inspire others and make them do as she wished. She was also
a good organiser. She was optimistic.

PASSAGE 2 (July ’22)

A1. Complete the sentences :
(i) Nothing that we say seems …
(ii) If she can put some fight into him she can put …
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 67

(iii) Nothing can be difficult …

(iv) French soldiers are always beaten because …

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 32, 33)

Robert : What is your name? ……………………………
……………………….......………………… into anybody.
A2. 
Pick out from the passage two lines that provide for :
Her optimism.
A3. 
Match the words/phrases in the Column ‘A’ with their
meanings in Column ‘B’ :

Column ‘A’ (Words/Phrases) ‘B’ (Meanings)

  (i) plundering (a) grassland
(ii) meadow (b) 
surround from all sides
(iii) to save their skin and attack
(iv) raising a siege (c) to save their lives
(d) looting
A4. Do as directed :
(i) I don’t remember. (Rewrite as an Affirmative sentence.)
 
(ii) Even the Dauphin might believe it. (Pick modal auxiliary.)
A5. As a monitor of your class, how would you boost the morale of
your classmates to participate in various school competitions?

Answers

A1. (i) Nothing that we say seems to put any fire into them.
(ii) 
If she can put some fight into him, she can put it into
anybody.
(iii) Nothing can be difficult if God is on your side.
(iv) French soldiers are always beaten because they are fighting
only to save their skins.
A2. Two lines that show Joan’s optimism :
 (i) I don’t think it can be very difficult if God is on your side.
(ii) I will teach them all to fight for France.
A3. (i) plundering – looting
68 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(ii) meadow – grassland

(iii) to save their skin – to save their lives
(iv) raising a siege – surround from all sides and attack
A4. (i) I fail to remember OR I am unable to remember.
(ii) modal auxiliary – might
A5. As the monitor of the class, I would explain to my classmates
the importance of extra-curricular activities and their place in
the all-round development of our personality. I would also tell
them how such competitions help to build team spirit and the
spirit of sportsmanship. I would also give the examples of great
and successful people.

Lesson 1.6 The Alchemy of Nature

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. 
Complete the web, describing the role nature plays in our
lives :

soothes fulfils

Role of
Nature

commands whispers

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 38, 39)

To see a world ………………………………… yet if we persist.
A2. Fill in the flow chart with words that highlight the life of a
hibiscus flower.
The life of a hibiscus flower :

1. → 2. → 3. → 4.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 69

A3. Pick out four concrete nouns from the passage.

A4. (i) The flower comes to life only for a day. (Pick out the verb
and say whether it is Transitive or Intransitive.)
(ii) 
Choose the correct ‘not only … but also …’ form of the
sentence :
Nature soothes and nurtures.

(a) Not only nature soothes but nurtures also.
(b) Nature soothes not only but also nurtures.
(c) Nature soothes but also nurtures not only.
(d) Nature not only soothes but also nurtures.
A5.  Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William
Blake’s Poem ‘Auguries of Innocence’?

Answers

A1.
nurtures
soothes fulfils

Role of
motivates teaches
Nature

commands whispers
inspires

A2. The life of a hibiscus flower :

1. blooms → 2. wilts → 3. withers → 4. falls

A3. Concrete nouns : sand, flower, ocean, rock

A4. (i) comes – Intransitive
(ii) (d) Nature not only soothes but also nurtures.
A5. The lines of the poem show that if we pause to reflect, there
is much beauty in nature and plenty that we can learn from
it. The write-up expands on the same idea, thus reflecting the
philosophy of the quoted lines from William Blake.
70 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Lesson 2.2 Three Questions

Q. Read the following passages and complete the activities :

PASSAGE 1
A1. (a) Pick out and write the statements that are True :
(i) The king wanted to know the answers to three questions.
(ii) The king never failed in any undertaking.
(iii) The people convinced the king to make a proclamation.
(iv) The king announced a reward for the right answers.

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 52)

Once a certain king …………… proper time for everything.
A2. Complete the following :
The last group of learned men said :
(i) that it was impossible ...
(ii) that the king should, ...
A3. (a) 
The following compound words from the passage are
spelt in jumbled order. Rearrange the letters to make
them meaningful :
(i) a r e e t u k d n   (ii) y o n n a e
(b) From the passage, find the collocations for the following :
(i) …… time (ii) …… important.
A4. (i) Many learned people came to the court. (Frame a
Wh-question to get the underlined part as the answer.)
(ii) Others declared that it was impossible to decide beforehand.
 (Rewrite using ‘not’.)
A5. What is the right time, according to you?

Answers

A1. True statements :

(i) The king wanted to know the answers to three questions.
(iv) The king announced a reward for the right answers.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 71

A2. The last group of learned men said :

(i) that it was impossible for one man to decide correctly the
right time for every action.
(ii) that the king should, instead, have a council of wise people,
who would help him to fix the proper time for everything.
A3. (a) (i) undertake (ii) anyone
(b) (i) right time (ii) most important
A4. (i) Who came to the court?
(ii) Others declared that it was not possible to decide beforehand.
A5. According to me, the right time is the present. Yesterday cannot
be undone. Tomorrow cannot be predicted. Therefore, the only
right time is today, i.e. the present.

PASSAGE 2 (March ’20)

A1. Relate the following actions of the king and the hermit :

learning breathing asking

digging
things heavily questions

King Hermit
 (i)  (i)

(ii) (ii)

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook page 53)

When the king arrived …………… repeated his questions.

A2. 
State whether you Agree/Disagree with the following
statements :
(i) The hermit was strong and agile.
(ii) The king came to the hermit to ask three questions.
(iii) The hermit handed over the spade and sat down.
(iv) The king wasn’t feeling sorry for the hermit.
72 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. 
Solve the crossword puzzle using words from the passage
referring to the clues given :
1 Down
R 2 (1) Restart/Start again
(2) Sage

3 E Across
(3) A tool for digging
(4) Intelligent

4 W

A4. Do as directed :
(i) When the king arrived the hermit was digging the ground.
 
 (Name and identify the Subordinate Clause.)
(ii) The hermit listened to the king but said nothing.
 (Rewrite the sentence and begin it with “Though …)
A5. Whom do you consider your guide when you are in difficulty?
Why?

Answers

A1. King –  (i) learning things

(ii) asking questions
Hermit –   (i) digging
(ii) breathing heavily
A2. (i) The hermit was strong and agile. – Disagree
(ii) The king came to the hermit to ask three questions.
– Agree
(iii) The hermit handed over the spade and sat down.  – Agree
(iv) The king wasn’t feeling sorry for the hermit.  – Disagree
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 73

A3. 1
R 2
E H
3 S P A D E
U R
M M
E 4 W I S E
T
A4. (i) when the king arrived – Subordinate Clause
Adverb Clause of Time
(ii) Though the hermit listened to the king, he said nothing.
A5. I consider my grandfather my guide when I am in difficulties.
This is because my grandfather is a very patient and loving
person. He is at home the whole day. He welcomes me when
I return from school and listens to my experiences in school. If
there has been any problem in school or when I am playing with
my friends, he gives me good advice. He does not shout at me
or blame me for what has happened.

Lesson 2.3 Connecting the Dots

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1 (March ’24)

A1. Name the following with reference to the passage : 2
Activity Name
  (i) 
The company started by the narrator
and Woz.
(ii) The second company started by the narrator.
(iii) An amazing woman the narrator fell in
love with
(iv) World’s most successful animation studio.
74 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 63)

My second story …………………………………… Don’t settle.

A2. Complete the following web diagram :

Advice given by
Steve Jobs

The theme of Job’s

second story

A3. 
Fill in the blanks choosing the correct phrases in their
proper form from the brackets :
(to get fired, devastating, begin to dawn on)
(i) On committing persistent mistakes the employee
from his post.
(ii) When the teacher explained the solution of the problems in
Maths, it the students that the problems were easy.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) Identify the tense of the underlined verb :
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.

(ii) I found what I loved to do early in life.

 (Identify the Main and Subordinate Clauses.)

A5. ‘Failure is the key to success.’ Explain in your own words.

Answers

A1. Activity Name

  (i) 
The company started by the narrator
and Woz. Apple
(ii) The second company started by the narrator. Next
(iii) An amazing woman the narrator fell in
love with Laurene
(iv) World’s most successful animation studio. Pixar
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 75

A2. 

Don’t lose Advice given by

Don’t settle
faith Steve Jobs

The theme of Job’s

Love Loss
second story

A3.   (i) On committing persistent mistakes the employee got fired

from his post.
 (ii) When the teacher explained the solution of the problems in
Maths, it began to dawn on the students that the problems
were easy.

A4. (i) haven’t found – present perfect tense.

(ii) 
I found – Main Clause
what I loved to do early in life – Subordinate Clause

A5. ‘Failure is the key to success’. When we make mistakes and fail,

we learn something, and can plan our future path. Failure helps
us to gain knowledge. It teaches us to be humble and develops
our character. It also teaches us to be careful. Hence, we must
accept failure positively.

PASSAGE 2 (March ’23)

A1. Write whether the following statements are True or False :

  (i) Steve Jobs was diagnosed with cancer.

 (ii) We should be trapped by dogma.

(iii) Have the courage to follow our heart and intuition.

 (iv) Our time is unlimited.

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 63, 64)

About a year ago ………......…… Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
76 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Complete the following web :

1.

2. Don’t waste time living

someone else’s life
Steve Jobs
3.
Life lessons

From this 4. Let other’s opinions not

drown out your inner voice
Passage

5.

6.

A3. Fill in the blanks using the phrases given in the brackets :
(signed off, drown out, turned out, trapped by)
(i) We should not be superstitions.
(ii) The movie to be a disappointment.
(iii) He with a very important message for all of us.
(iv) We should not let the opinion of others .
A4. Do as directed :
(i) It was their farewell message. (Add a question tag.)
 
(ii) I lived with that diagnosis all day.
 (Underline the verb and state its tense.)
A5. Personal Response :
What is your opinion regarding the farewell message ‘Stay
Hungry, Stay Foolish’?
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 77

Answers

A1. (i) Steve Jobs was diagnosed with cancer. – True

(ii) We should be trapped by dogma. – False
(iii) Have the courage to follow our heart and intuition. – True
(iv) Our time is unlimited. – False
A2.
1. Your time is limited

2. Don’t waste time living

someone else’s life
Steve Jobs

3. Don’t be trapped by dogma

Life lessons

From this 4. Let other’s opinions not

drown out your inner voice
Passage
5. Have the courage to follow
your heart and intuition

6. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

A3. (i) We should not be trapped by superstitions.

(ii) The movie turned out to be a disappointment.
(iii) He signed off with a very important message for all of us.
(iv) We should not let the opinion of others drown out our inner
voice. OR
We should not let the opinion of others drown us out.
A4.  (i) It was their farewell message, wasn’t it?
(ii) lived – Simple Past Tense.

A5. 
I agree with Steve Jobs’ farewell message ‘Stay Hungry, Stay
Foolish’. We should never become arrogant and think that we
are the wisest and know everything. We should be humble and
realize that there is always a lot for us to learn from life. We
should try to learn more and discover more things.
78 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Lesson 2.5 Let’s March

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1 (Sept. ’21)

A1. Complete the following sentences and rewrite them :
(i) This mantra has the potential to .
(ii) Satyarthi gives the biggest credit to .
(iii) Satyarthi bows to his .
(iv) Satyarthi accepts the award on behalf of .

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 78)

My dear children ………………..… and my countrymen.

A2. Complete the web-chart :

What Kailash
Satyarthi
appeals

A3. Match the words to their meaning :

Words Meaning
  (i) distinguished (a) forefathers
(ii) dignity (b) desire
(iii) aspiration (c) renowned
(iv) ancestors (d) self-respect
A4. Do as directed :
Not a single person should be left out.
 (Underline the modal auxiliary and state its function.)
A5. 
According to you, what are the challenges faced by children?
Explain any two.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 79

Answers

A1. (i) This mantra has the potential to liberate humanity from all
man-made crises.
(ii) Satyarthi gives the biggest credit to Kaalu Kumar, Dhoom
Das and Adarsh Kishore from India and Iqbal Masih from
Pakistan.
(iii) Satyarthi bows to his late parents, his motherland India
and to the mother earth.
(iv) Satyarthi accepts the award on behalf of all martyrs, his
fellow activists across the world and his countrymen.
A2.

Let’s speak Let’s walk

together together
What
Kailash
Satyarthi
Let our
appeals
minds Let’s create
come knowledge
together

A3. (i) distinguished – renowned

(ii) dignity – self-respect
(iii) aspiration – desire
(iv) ancestors – forefathers
A4. Modal auxiliary – should
Function – advice or obligation
A5. According to me, two challenges faced by children are poverty
and lack of opportunities. Some families are too poor to give
their children a good education. Sometimes, there are no good
opportunities for jobs and higher education, and this is a major
challenge.

PASSAGE 2

A1. Complete the tree diagram :

Aims in the life of Kailash Satyarthi : (any 4)
80 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Every child should be free

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 79, 80)

Friends, all the great religions ………… and we never will.
A2. Complete the following :
Kailash Satyarthi is not ready to accept :
(i) that all the laws ...
(ii) that the shackles ...
A3. 
Make sentences of your own using the following phrase/
word :
(i) give up
(ii) shackles
A4.  (i) I have the privilege of working with many courageous people.
 (Rewrite using the noun form of the underlined word.)
(ii) 
All the great religions teach us to care for our children.
(Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined words as the
answer.)
A5. Besides the political freedom that our nation enjoys, what other
freedom should it strive for? Say why.

Answers

A1. Every child should be free

(i) to be a (iii) to laugh (iv) to go to

(ii) to dream
child and cry school

A2. Kailash Satyarthi is not ready to accept :

(i) that all the laws and constitutions, police and judges are
unable to protect our children.
(ii) that the shackles of slavery can ever be stronger than the
quest for freedom.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 81

A3. (i) We must never give up hope even when we face problems.
(ii) The people finally got rid of the shackles of dictatorship.
A4.  (i) I have the privilege of working with many people who have
courage.
(ii) What do all the great religions teach us?
A5. 
Besides the political freedom that our nation enjoys, it should
strive for social freedom, where everybody is treated equally
irrespective of caste, creed and gender. Our nation should
also strive for economic freedom, where everyone is above the
poverty line. Only then will our nation progress.

Lesson 2.6 Science and Spirituality

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1
A1. Write if the following statements are True or False :
(i) 
It is necessary for science and faith to function true to their
roles.
(ii) Kalam’s status as a great scientist is in dispute.
(iii) Both fact and faith are required for a better world.
(iv) There is never any conflict between believers in science and
believers in religion.
PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 90)
We often witness ……...........................… misery of failure.

A2. 
Match the words in Column ‘A’ with the associating facts
given in Column ‘B’ :
‘A’ ‘B’
(i) Science and faith (a) Created by fact and faith
(ii) Science (b) Success of societies
(iii) Better Planet (c) Betterment of humanity
(iv) Creations and Discoveries (d) Believers of science and
(v) Conflict religions
(e) Solves questions, discovers
truth, conceives inventions
82 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. From the passage pick out one word for each of the following :
(i) increase the speed
(ii) point of view
(iii) keeps something within limits
(iv) unable to be challenged or doubted
A4. (i) All three of them used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems. (Pick out the modal and state its function.)
(ii) They shared the same values in life. (Add a question tag.)
A5. 
Write in your own words what the following expression
conveys in the context they occur in the text :
‘Faith and fact can, together, create a better planet.’

Answers

A1. (i) I t is necessary for science and faith to function

true to their roles. – True
(ii) Kalam’s status as a great scientist is in dispute. – False
(iii) Both fact and faith are required for a better world. – True
(iv) There is never any conflict between believers
in science and believers in religion. – False
A2. (i) Science and faith – Success of societies
(ii) 
Science – Solves questions, discovers truth, conceives
inventions
(iii) Better Planet – Created by fact and faith
(iv) Creations and Discoveries – Betterment of humanity
(v) Conflict – Believers of science and religions
A3.   (i) increase the speed accelerate
(ii) point of view perspective
(iii) keeps something within limits curbs
(iv) unable to be challenged or doubted indisputable
A4. (i) used to – indicates past habit.
(ii) They shared the same values in life, didn’t they?
A5. If people have belief in a greater power as well as understand
the truth of things that exist around them, this world will
become a better place for all of us to live in harmony.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 83

PASSAGE 2
A1. 
Go through the given statements and state whether you
Agree or Disagree with each of them :
(i) Science and spirituality seek the prosperity of human life.
(ii) Reverend Pereira absolutely refused to consider Dr Kalam’s
request.
(iii) Alternate accommodation was offered only to the fishermen.
(iv) Everyone present in the church agreed to Reverend Pereira’s
plea.

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 91, 92)

Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam ...… and the Reverend Pereira.

A2. Describe how the Reverend related and compared the work that
he and Dr Sarabhai did for the people.
A3. Write from the passage :
(i) 
two words that have almost the same meaning as
‘prosperity’.
(ii) two words that indicate noise
A4. (i) How is it possible? (Rewrite as an assertive sentence.)
(ii) I am able to talk to you using this mic. (Rewrite using ‘can’.)
A5. Discuss the response of the people to the appeal made by
Reverend Pereira. Would you give the same response?

Answers

A1. (i) Science and spirituality seek the prosperity of

human life. – Agree
(ii) Reverend Pereira absolutely refused to consider
Dr Kalam’s request. – Disagree
(iii) Alternate accommodation was offered only to
the fishermen. – Disagree
(iv) Everyone present in the church agreed to
Reverend Pereira’s plea. – Agree
84 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. The Reverend said that Dr Sarabhai was a scientist. We benefit

from the devices that science has developed in many ways –
in our homes and in the fields of medicine and technology.
A priest prays for the peace and well-being of his people. Thus
both science and spirituality seek the Almighty’s blessing for
the prosperity of the human mind and body. In short, both are
doing the same job.
A3. (i) comfort, well-being
(ii) reverberated, deafening
A4. (i) It is not possible.
(ii) I can talk to you using this mic.
A5. The people got up and the whole church reverberated with the
deafening noise of a collective ‘amen’. Yes, if I had been part of
the gathering, I too would have joined in with a loud positive
response. Considering the importance of the space research
centre, I would have been willing to suffer the agony of relocation.

PASSAGE 3
A1. Choose the correct alternatives for the given questions :
(i) How can academic brilliance be diminished?
(a) by disturbance and frustration
(b) by going offtrack
(c) by a coating of dust
(d) by losing focus and seriousness
(ii) Who had directly influenced Dr Kalam’s beliefs?
(a) Professor Satish Dhawan
(b) Srijan
(c) countless great minds

(d) God
(iii) What was most astonishing about the 102-year-old Swamiji?
(a) He was a great speaker and orator.
(b) He was a great scientist.
(c) He was a great admirer of technology.
(d) He looked as steady and alert as any other youngster.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 85

(iv) What is the occasion described in this passage?

(a) The invitation extended to Dr Kalam.
(b) 
The 102nd birthday celebrations of His Holiness
Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji.
(c) 
The establishment of the free residential education
system in Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji’s
ashram.
(d) 
The discourse given by Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara
Mahaswamiji.

PASSAGE 3 (Textbook pages 92, 93)

A few years later ............. perhaps it’s genetics?” I asked.

A2 Match the columns :

‘A’ ‘B’
(i) 1970 (a) Dr Kalam made his first successful launch.
(ii) 1980 (b) The writer graduated from IIMA and met
(iii) 2009 Dr Kalam.
(iv) 2012 (c) The writer was discussing with Dr Kalam the
number of Ph.Ds he had received.
(d) Dr Kalam made his first unsuccessful launch.
A3. Give one word from the extract for the following :
(i) a formal talk
(ii) relating to moral principles
(iii) heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics
(iv) a particular part or feature of something
A4. (i) Academic brilliance is no different from the brilliance of a
mirror. (Rewrite it as a rhetorical question.)
(ii) This display of inner strength touched Dr Kalam deeply.
 (Change the voice.)
A5. Write in your own words what the following expressions convey
in the context they occur in the text : Only when the dust is
removed does the mirror shine and the reflection becomes clear.
86 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Answers
A1. (i) by losing focus and seriousness
(ii) Professor Satish Dhawan
(iii) He looked as steady and alert as any other youngster.
(iv) The 102nd birthday celebrations of His Holiness Dr Sri Sri
Shivakumara Mahaswamiji.
A2. (i) 1970 – Dr Kalam made his first unsuccessful launch.
 (ii) 1980 – Dr Kalam made his first successful launch.
(iii) 2009 – The writer graduated from IIMA and met Dr Kalam.
(iv) 
2012 – 
The writer was discussing with Dr Kalam the
number of Ph.Ds he had received.
A3. (i) a formal talk – discourse
(ii) relating to moral principles – ethical
(iii) 
heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics
– genetics
(iv) a particular part or feature of something – aspect
A4. (i) Is academic brilliance any different from the brilliance of a
mirror?
(ii) Dr Kalam was deeply touched by this display of strength.
A5. This expression is a comparison between the mind and the
mirror. The brilliance of both can be diminished by many
factors that act like coatings of dust. However, when that coating
is removed, both shine and radiate brilliance.

Lesson 3.2 The Night I Met Einstein

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. Pick out and write the correct sentences :
(i) The narrator liked songs that had words.
(ii) The guest was impolite to the narrator.
(iii) Bing Crosby’s song was one of the narrator’s favourites.
(iv) The narrator and the guest quarrelled about music.
PASSAGE (Textbook page 109)
So I went up ………………………… Could you have done it?
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 87

A2. 
Explain how Einstein and the writer were different in the way
they listened to music.
A3. (1) Pick out the words that refer to the following :
(i) a device used to play recorded music : .
(ii) one who is poor at deciphering musical notes : .
(2) 
Write the antonyms of the following words using a
prefix :
(i) pleased    (ii) like
A4. Rewrite using the indirect form of narration :
 (i) He asked, “What kind of music do you like?”
(ii) “You are not tone-deaf,” he said to me.
A5. 
Do you think the comparison between music and arithmetic
was a good one? In what way?

Answers

A1. (i) The narrator liked songs that had words.

(iii) Bing Crosby’s song was one of the narrator’s favourites.
A2. Einstein was used to listening to classical music, whereas the
writer preferred songs that had words and the kind of music
where he could follow the tune. Einstein had a keen ear for
music, but the writer was tone-deaf and so could not understand
music.
A3. (1) (i) gramophone    (ii) tone-deaf
(2) (i) pleased × displeased   (ii) like × unlike/dislike
A4. (i) He asked what kind of music I liked.
(ii) He told me that I was not tone-deaf.
A5. 
Yes, I think that the comparison between music and arithmetic
was a good one because music too involves timing, rhythm and
beats that require some mathematical knowledge. Also Einstein
showed how, when we are taught arithmetic, we begin with the
simple and then move to the complicated. It is the same with
music. From music with words – which is within the grasp
of the average listener, Einstein progressed to music without
words – which is what classical music is all about.
88 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Lesson 3.3 Stephen Hawking

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1 (Sept. ’21)

A1. Name the following :

(i) 
The disease that Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with :
(ii) The branch of science that Stephen studied at the University
of Cambridge :
(iii) The film that depicts Stephen Hawking’s life :
(iv) The British scientist, professor and author :

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 115, 116)

Stephen Hawking (born January 8, 1942 ……………………
…………………………………………………… like String theory.

A2. Complete the table :

Year of What is in it?

Name of the book
publication (Topics covered)
1. A Brief History of Time
2. The Universe in a Nutshell
A3. (i) Pick out any two compound words from the passage.
(ii) Find out one word for the following from the passage :
(a) happening suddenly or immediately.
(b) easy to understand.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) 
The book wasn’t easy to understand. (Rewrite as an
affirmative sentence without changing the meaning.)
(ii) Over the years, Hawking has written 15 books.
 (Underline the noun and encircle its determiner.)
A5. Explain how the life of Stephen Hawking proves the proverb
‘Every cloud has a silver lining ’.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 89

Answers

A1. (i) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

(ii) Cosmology
(iii) The Theory of Everything
(iv) Stephen Hawking

Year of What is in it?

A2. Name of the book
publication (Topics covered)
1. A Brief History 1988 overview of space and
of Time time, existence of God and
the future
2. The Universe in 2001 guide to cosmology’s big
a Nutshell theories
A3. (i) compound words : worldwide, groundbreaking
(ii) (a) happening suddenly or immediately – instant
(b) easy to understand – accessible
A4. (i) The book was difficult to understand.
(ii) Over the years, Hawking has written 15 books.
A5. 
Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS when he was still in
college. This was devastating news for him and his family. Before
the diagnosis, he had been bored with life and hadn’t always
focused on his studies. When he realised that he may not live
for very long, he began to concentrate on his work and research
and did groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology.
He indirectly became a versatile personality because of his
illness. This was the silver lining in the cloud.

PASSAGE 2
A1. Complete the following :
(i) For 30 years, Stephen Hawking held the post of .
(ii) Stephen Hawking selected his words with a .
(iii) Stephen Hawking failed to appear at the conference because
of a .
(iv) remains a constant anxiety.
4/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)
90 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook page 118)

As physical control ………………… to make a full recovery.

A2. Make a list of two of Hawking’s physical inabilities after 1963.

A3. Use the following expressions in sentences of your own :
(i) caught the attention of   (ii) predicament
A4. (i) Only those who knew him well could understand him.
 (Rewrite as a negative sentence.)
(ii) 
The invention allowed Hawking to select words on a
computer screen. (Pick out the finite and non-finite verbs.)
A5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Justify
your stand / answer by quoting a line from the passage.
Though Hawking lost control over his body, he wrote at a prolific
rate with the help of assistants.

Answers

A1. (i) For 30 years, Stephen Hawking held the post of Lucasian
Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge.
(ii) 
Stephen Hawking selected his words with a hand-held
clicker.
(iii) Stephen Hawking failed to appear at the conference because
of a chest infection.
(iv) Hawking’s health remains a constant anxiety.
A2. Hawking’s physical inabilities after 1963 :
  (i) he could not go anywhere except on a wheelchair
 (ii) except for feeding himself and getting out of bed, had need of
assistance for virtually everything else
A3.  (i) My unpolished shoes caught the attention of the teacher.
(ii) I was in an awkward predicament when my shoe broke at a
party.
A4. (i) 
Other than those who knew him well, no one could
understand him.
(ii) Finite verb – allowed; non-finite verb – to select
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 91

A5. Yes, I do agree.

The line from the text justifying this stand is :
 Through the program and the help of assistants, Stephen
Hawking has continued to write at a prolific rate.

Lesson 3.5 Unbeatable Super Mom – Mary Kom

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1 (March ’20)

A1. Choose the correct alternative :

(i) Which state does Mary Kom belong to?
(a) Mizoram (b) Manipur
(c) Gujarat (d) Assam
(ii) Who inspired Mary Kom to choose Boxing as a career?
(a) Dingko Singh (b) Sushil Kumar
(c) Vijender Singh (d) Adams
(iii) What were her parents?
(a) Teachers (b) Boxers
(c) Tenant farmers (d) Horticulturists
(iv) 
When did Mary Kom make her International debut in
Boxing?
(a) At 20 (b) At 18
(c) At 48 (d) At 38

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 129, 130)

There had to be one ……………………………… to look up to.

A2. What difficulties did Mary Kom face in her childhood?

A3. Find out one word for the following from the passage :
(a) shifting cultivation –
(b) strengthened –
(c) first public appearance –
(d) one who makes history –
92 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A4. Do as directed :
(i) She started competing at international level.
 (Rewrite using an infinitive.)
(ii) Her father was a keen wrestler.
 (Rewrite as an exclamatory sentence.)
A5. ‘Sports are important in our life’. Explain.

Answers

A1. (a) Manipur (b) Dingko Singh   (c) Tenant farmers (d) At 18.
A2. Mary Kom was born in a small village in rural Manipur. Her
family was poor. Her parents were tenant farmers who worked
in jhum fields, and her surroundings were humble. She had to
help her parents with farm related chores, go to school, initially
learn athletics and later boxing, all at the same time.
A3. (i) shifting cultivation – jhum
(ii) strengthened – reinforced
(iii) first public appearance – debut
(iv) one who makes history – legend
A4. (i) She started to compete at international level.
(ii) What a keen wrestler her father was !
A5. 
Sports are certainly important in life. Sports teach us many
important values like team work, sportsmanship, humility, etc.
Sports teach us how to accept both victory as well as defeat
in the right spirit. They help us to reduce stress and provide
freedom from tension. We make new friends when we participate
in various sports. Sports also help us to keep physically fit.

PASSAGE 2
A1. Pick out and write the sentences that are True :
(i) Adams was Mary Kom’s friend.
(ii) Charles Atkinson was Mary Kom’s coach.
(iii) The judges for Mary Kom’s semi-finals at the Olympics were
not fair.
(iv) Charles Atkinson did not go along with Mary Kom for the
Olympic finals.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 93

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 130, 131)

In an exclusive interview …… did not work to my benefit.
A2. Describe the prime quality that Mary Kom displayed during her
first attempt in the Olympic games. What was her bad luck?
A3. (a) Find the verb forms of the following :
(i) practice (ii) company
(b) Find the noun forms of the following :
(i) achieve (ii) prepare
A4. (i) Although she carried power, she wasn’t very tactical.
 (Rewrite using a coordinating conjunction.)
(ii) 
The male boxers kindly practised with me whenever
I required them to.
 (Underline the subordinate clause and state its kind.)
A5. 
What, according to you, should a sportsperson do to be
successful?

Answers

A1. True statements :

(ii) Charles Atkinson was Mary Kom’s coach.
(iii) The judges for Mary Kom’s semi-finals at the Olympics were
not fair.
A2. 
During her first attempt in the Olympic games, Mary Kom
displayed the prime quality of underplaying the faults of others
and taking on the blame for her losses upon herself. It was her
bad luck that the judges did not press the buttons in her favour
during her sparring with her counter-puncher Adams.
A3. (a) Verb forms  : (i) practise (ii) accompany
(b) Noun forms : (i) achievement (ii) preparation
A4. (i) She carried power but she wasn’t very tactical.
(ii) The male boxers kindly practised with me whenever
I required them to. Subordinate Adverb Cause of Time
A5. 
I think that sportspersons should spend as much of their
time and energy as possible in practising and mastering their
particular sport. They should also exercise daily and eat a
nutritious diet. They should have an optimistic and positive
outlook too.
94 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Lesson 3.6 The Concert

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1 (March ’24)

A1. State whether the given statements are True or False :
  (i) The age of the girl was six.
 (ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep.
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro.
 (iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads
gravely.
PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 138, 139)
One morning in a small …… astonishment of their Guru.
A2. Complete the following statements giving reasons :
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing the sitar because
.
(ii) The girl was excited because .
A3. (i) Find any two adverbs from the passage ending with ‘ly’.
(ii) Find any two compound words from the passage.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) “I’ve always wanted to hear him and see him,” he said.
 (Change into indirect speech.)

(ii) His mother sprang to his side. (Add a question tag.)

A5. 
Describe your experience of any musical concert that you have
attended.

Answers

A1. (i) The age of the girl was six. – False

 (ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep. – False
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro. – False
(iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken
their heads gravely. – True
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 95

A2.  (i) Anant was better than his sister in playing the sitar because
he was already able to compose his own tunes.
(ii) 
The girl was excited because Pandit Ravi Shankar was
playing the next day at Shanmukhananda auditorium.
A3. (i) excitedly, actually
(ii) newspaper, table-tennis
A4. (i) 
He said that he had always wanted to hear him and see
him.
(ii) His mother sprang to his side, didn’t she?
A5. 
I once attended Shankar Mahadevan’s concert. When I heard
the first few notes being sung, I was thrilled. Never before had
I heard such music or singing. I felt as if I were transported to
a wonderland where only music reigned. Every beat, every note
filled me with delight. I began wondering if I were in heaven!

PASSAGE 2
A1. Write who said to whom :
Statement Who said? To whom?
(i) 
“This is not the last time they
are going to play.”
(ii) “A walk in the park will make
you feel better.”

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 139, 140)

Whenever they came to Bombay ……… to get the tickets.
A2. Give reasons : Everyone from the family was trying to keep
Anant happy.
A3. Match the columns with words/phrases and their meanings
in the passage :
A B
  (i) participate (a) voice their fears
(ii) feeling that something good (b) a chance of a lifetime
will happen
(iii) express their worries (c) take part in
(iv) a rare opportunity (d) high hopes
96 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A4. Choose the appropriate Adverb or Adjective form to fill in

the gaps :
(i) They gave him whatever made him .
 (happy/happily)
(ii) He ran very . (fast/fastly)
(iii) He would become a sitarist some day.
 (great/greatly)
 
(iv) It would be to go to the concert.  (nice/nicely)

A5. What are the two contradictory pictures depicted in the passage?
Describe them in your words.

Answers

A1. Statement Who said? To whom?

(i) “This is not the last time they Anant’s to Anant
are going to play.” mother
(ii) “A walk in the park will make Aunt to Smita
you feel better.” Sushila

A2. Everyone from the family tried to keep Anant happy because
they knew he did not have many days to live. They did not wish
to voice their fears but rather wanted him to be surrounded by
whatever made him happy.
A3.   (i) participate – take part in
 (ii) feeling that something good will happen – high hopes
(iii) express their worries – voice their fears
 (iv) a rare opportunity – a chance of a lifetime.
A4.   (i) They gave him whatever made him happy.
 (ii) He ran very fast.
(iii) He would become a great sitarist some day.
 (iv) It would be nice to go to the concert.
A5. On the one hand, the family is aware that Anant does not have
many days to live. They are worried. They have fears but they
suppress them. Instead they laugh and smile and talk. They
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 97

surround Anant with whatever makes him happy. They fulfil his
every need and give him whatever he asks for.

Lesson 4.2 The Luncheon

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. Name the food items mentioned in the passage :
, , , .

PASSAGE (Textbook page 152)

I knew I could not afford caviar ………… at the sight of them.

A2. From the sentences given below, pick out two sentences that
indicate that the lady was doing exactly the opposite of what
she was saying :
(i) “I think you’re unwise to eat meat.”
(ii) ‘‘I don’t believe in overloading my stomach.’’
(iii) ‘‘I see that you’re in the habit of eating a heavy luncheon.’’
(iv) ‘‘Why don’t you follow my example and just eat one thing.’’
A3. Fill in the blanks with the given words :
(afford, task, menu, wondered)
(i) The to rescue the flood victims was very difficult.
(ii) I was thinking about buying a new vehicle and if we
had the money.
(iii) The restaurant seemed to be tempting.
(iv) You cannot to waste time with friends during exams.
A4. (i) She ate the caviar and she ate the salmon. (Begin the sentence
with – Not only .... but also .... and rewrite the sentence.)
(ii) ‘‘You’re unwise to eat meat,’’ she said.
 (Rewrite in indirect speech.)
A5. 
Which food do you prefer to eat – home food or restaurant food?
Why?
98 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Answers

A1. Food items mentioned in the passage are :

(1) mutton chops (2) salmon (3) asparagus (4) meat (5) caviar.
 (any 4)
A2. (ii) ‘‘I don’t believe in overloading my stomach.’’
(iv) ‘‘Why don’t you follow my example and just eat one thing.’’
A3.   (i) The task to rescue the flood victims was very difficult.
 (ii) I was thinking about buying a new vehicle and wondered if
we had the money.
(iii) The restaurant menu seemed to be tempting.
(iv) You cannot afford to waste time with friends during exams.
A4.  (i) Not only did she eat the caviar but she also ate the salmon.
(ii) She told him that he was unwise to eat meat.
A5. I like to eat home food on a regular basis. Food in restaurants
is oily and spicy. Though it is tasty, it is unhealthy. However,
I like to eat occasionally in restaurants or from road-side stalls,
especially when there is a festival or celebration in the family.

Lesson 4.3 World Heritage

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE

A1. Complete the following :

(i) The World Heritage Committee consists of …
(ii) The World Heritage Committee is the main group responsible
for ...

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 160, 161)

Today, the World Heritage Committee …………………………
…………………………… within the international community.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 99

A2. Complete the flow-chart to show how any site in any country

can become a World Heritage Site :

Step 1 : Inclusion of the name of the site for nomination in

a tentative list after inventory in country or state.

Step 2 : …………….................................................................

Step 3 : …………….................................................................

Step 4 : …………….................................................................

Step 5 : …………….................................................................

A3. Write the correct noun forms of the following :

(i) inscribed
(ii) responsible
(iii) nominated
(iv) included
A4. (i) If the site meets with these criteria, it can be inscribed on
the World Heritage List. (Rewrite using ‘unless’.)
(ii) 
The State Parties are responsible for identifying and
nominating new sites. (Rewrite the sentence beginning
with ‘it is … .)
A5. What is the role of World Heritage Sites in developing tourism
in any country?

Answers

A1. (i) The World Heritage Committee consists of representatives

from 21 State Parties.

(ii) The World Heritage Committee is the main group responsible

for establishing which sites will be listed as UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
100 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Step 1 : Inclusion of the name of the site for nomination in a

tentative list after inventory in country or state.

Step 2 : Inclusion of the name of site from tentative list to

the nomination file.

Step 3 : A review of the included file by the advisory bodies.

Step 4 : Decision of the World Heritage Committee after

review of the nominated file.

Step 5 : Name of the site inscribed on the World Heritage

List after meeting the criteria.
A3.   (i) inscription (ii) responsibility
(iii) nomination (iv) inclusion.
A4.  (i)  Unless the site meets with these criteria, it cannot be
inscribed on the World Heritage List.
(ii) It is the State Parties that are responsible for identifying
and nominating new sites.
A5. 
World Heritage Sites are those that are significant culturally
and naturally. People are interested in seeing such sites and
learning the history behind them; hence they are a major tourist
attraction, and they draw tourists to a country, boosting the
country’s revenue.

Lesson 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE (July ’22)

A1. Write the statements and encircle the wrong alternatives :
  (i) The novel is based on pure fiction/real facts.
 (ii) The novel draws heavily on his own life/a biography.
(iii) The writer worked for Red Cross Society during the Second
World War/First World War.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 101

 (iv) 
Hemingway’s story ultimately became a story of triumph/
disaster.
PASSAGE (Textbook pages 175, 176)

Hemingway’s novel is based …… a chord with the readers.

A2. Complete the web by filling the boxes :

Theme of
the Novel

A3. Find and write the collocations from the passage :

(i) man (ii) war
(iii) destruction (iv) triumph
A4. Do as directed :
(i) 
  Hemingway’s novel is based on real events. (Convert the
underlined adjective into an adjective clause.)
(ii) Hemingway’s language is simple and pithy. (Frame a
Wh-question to get the underlined part as an answer.)
A5. 
Do you think one should have a role model to look up to?
Justify your response.

Answers

A1.   (i) The novel is based on pure fiction/real facts.

 (ii) The novel draws heavily on his own life/a biography.

(iii) The writer worked for Red Cross Society during the

Second World War/First World War.

(iv) Hemingway’s story ultimately became a story of triumph/

disaster.
102 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2.

draws heavily from the need to struggle against

his own life defeat or death

Theme of the Novel

the importance of
a story of ultimate triumph
determination and endurance

A3.   (i) old man (ii) world war

(iii) mass destruction (iv) ultimate triumph
A4.  (i) Hemingway’s novel is based on events which are real.
(ii) How is Hemingway’s language?
A5. Yes, one should always have a role model to look up to, especially
when one is young. The role model motivates a person and
shows him/her the way. He/She shows the direction. However,
the role model should be a humane and kind person with good
values. One should be very careful in choosing one’s role model.

Lesson 4.6 The Gift of the Magi

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1
A1. Match the columns and rewrite the complete sentences :

‘A’ ‘B’
  (i) Della had saved (a) $ 20 per weak
(ii) Della’s present family income (b) $ 8 per weak
was (c) $ 30 per weak
(iii) The rent for the flat was (d) 
One dollar and eighty-
(iv) Earlier, James was earning seven cents

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 180)

One dollar and eighty-seven …..… which is all very good.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 103

A2. List four things that show us that Della was very poor.
A3. Pick out from the passage words that mean the following,
and state if it is a noun, verb or adjective :

Word from Part of

Phrase
the passage Speech
(i) Reluctance to spend money

(ii) Relating to
A4.  (i) Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles.
 (Pick out and write predicate.)
(ii) There was clearly nothing to do, ....................?
 (Add the appropriate question tag.)
A5. 
Della counted the money thrice. Explain what you think the
reason for this may be.

Answers

A1.   (i) Della had saved – one dollar and eighty-seven cents.
 (ii) Della’s present family income was – $ 20 per week.
(iii) The rent for the flat was – $ 8 per week.
(iv) Earlier, James was earning – $ 30 per week.
A2. The following things show us that Della was very poor :
  (i) The house was a poorly furnished flat at $ 8 per week.
 (ii) The couch was small and shabby.
(iii) The current family income was only $ 20 per week.
(iv) After a lot of bargaining and saving, Della had saved only
one dollar and eighty-seven cents for Christmas.

A3. Word from the Part of

Phrase
passage Speech
(i) Reluctance to spend money parsimony noun

(ii) Relating to appertaining verb

A4. (i) Predicate – made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles

(ii) There was clearly nothing to do, was there?
104 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A5. Della had struggled and bargained a lot to save money. She had
hoped that she had saved enough money to buy Jim a proper
Christmas present. She could not believe that it was only
1 dollar and 87 cents. She probably counted the money thrice
in the hope that it was actually more than that.

PASSAGE 2
A1. Write ‘Agree’ or ‘Disagree’ :
(i) Della wanted to buy a Christmas present for Jim.
(ii) There was a pier glass between the windows of the room.
(iii) Jim now earned $ 30 per week.
(iv) It was Christmas Eve.
PASSAGE 2 (Textbook page 181)
Della finished her cry …......................… to its full length.
A2. Explain what troubled Della on Christmas Eve.
A3. Find from the passage the antonyms of the following words :
(i) common (ii) slow (iii) spending (iv) dully
A4. (i) Her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its
colour. (Pick out the verbs and state their tenses.)
(ii) She had been saving every penny she could for months.
 (Rewrite as a rhetorical question.)
A5. Describe your feelings about gifts.

Answers

A1. (i) Della wanted to buy a Christmas present for Jim. – Agree
(ii) There was a pier glass between the windows of the
room.– Agree
(iii) Jim now earned $ 30 per week. – Disagree
(iv) It was Christmas Eve. – Agree
A2. 
The next day was Christmas Day and Della had only one dollar
and eighty-seven cents with which to buy Jim a present. She
had spent a lot of time thinking about a good present for him,
but with the money she had saved she would not get anything
worthy of him. Hence, she was feeling disturbed.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 105

A3.   (i) common × rare (ii) slow × agile

(iii) spending × saving (iv) dully × brilliantly
A4. (i) were shining – past continuous tense;
had lost – past perfect tense.
(ii) Hadn’t she been saving every penny she could for months?
A5. I love getting gifts, and I feel thrilled when I get gifts. This is
mainly because my family and friends try to find out what
I want and then gift it to me. I always preserve my gifts and look
after them carefully.

PASSAGE 3
A1. Write if the following statements are True or False :
(i) Della was called the Queen of Sheba because of her hair.
(ii) Jim had a thick beard which he plucked at from envy.
(iii) Madame Sofronie was very friendly with Della.
(iv) The price of Della’s hair was twenty dollars.

PASSAGE 3 (Textbook pages 181, 182)

Now there were two …............... to me quick,” said Della.

A2. Complete the following :

(i) Jim and Della’s prized possessions were .
(ii) Della sold her lovely long hair to get .
(iii) Della was unhappy to lose her hair because .
(iv) When Della made up her mind to sell her hair, tears fell
on .
A3. Match the adjectives with their nouns :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) gold (a) hair
(ii) beautiful (b) sparkle
(iii) worn (c) watch
(iv) brilliant (d) carpet
A4. (i) Her hair reached below her knee. (Frame a Wh-question to
get the underlined words as the answer.)
(ii) Give it to me quick, ? (Add a question tag.)
106 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A5. Gifts that you buy have fixed prices. Explain how the buyer can
increase the value of a gift bought for someone very dear in the
family.
Answers

A1. (i) Della was called the Queen of Sheba because of her hair.
– False
(ii) Jim had a thick beard which he plucked at from envy.
– False
(iii) Madame Sofronie was very friendly with Della. – False
(iv) The price of Della’s hair was twenty dollars. – True
A2. 
(i) Jim and Della’s prized possessions were Jim’s gold watch
and Della’s beautiful hair.
(ii) 
Della sold her lovely long hair to get money to buy a
Christmas present for Jim.
(iii) 
Della was unhappy to lose her hair because it was very
beautiful and her prized possession.
(iv) When Della made up her mind to sell her hair, tears fell
on the old red carpet.
A3. (i) gold – watch (ii) beautiful – hair
(iii) worn – carpet (iv) brilliant – sparkle
A4.  (i) Till where did her hair reach?
(ii) Give it to me quick, won’t you?
A5. The buyer can increase the value of a gift bought for someone
very dear in the family by giving it with words of love and
gratitude. He/She can also write something loving on a card and
attach it to the gift.

PASSAGE 4

A1. Complete the following :

  (i) Della went through the goods in the stores when ...
 (ii) Jim avoided checking the time on his gold watch in a public
place because ...

PASSAGE 4 (Textbook pages 182, 183)

Oh, and the next two hours …........ and eighty-seven cents?”
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 107

A2. Explain why Della looked at her reflection critically.

A3. Complete the table :

Phrase Word from the passage Part of Speech

(i) quality of
being wise
(ii) very huge
A4. (i) As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim’s.
 (Rewrite using ‘No sooner... than...’.)
(ii) Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the
sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in place
of a chain. (Rewrite using ‘Though...’.)
A5. How beautiful was the watch chain? Would you have liked to
own it?

Answers

A1. (i) 
Della went through the goods in the stores when she was
searching for a suitable present for Jim.
(ii) Jim avoided checking the time on his gold watch in a public
place because the leather strap he used in place of a chain
was old.
A2. 
Della had cut off her beautiful hair, which Jim had loved. She
was worried about his reaction to her short hair, and to make it
look better she had curled her newly-cut hair. She looked at her
reflection critically hoping that Jim would like it.

A3. Phrase Word from the passage Part of Speech

(i) quality of prudence Noun
being wise
(ii) very huge mammoth Adjective
A4. (i) No sooner did she see it, than she knew that it must be
Jim’s.
(ii) Though the watch was grand, he sometimes looked at it on
the sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in
place of a chain.
108 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A5. The watch chain was very beautiful. It was made of platinum,

and simple and chaste in design. No, I would not have liked to
own it, because I do not carry a watch that needs a chain. It is
old-fashioned.

PASSAGE 5
A1. Pick out and rewrite the exact sentences which indirectly
imply the following :
(i) Della’s elated mood underwent a change as she opened her
gift.
(ii) 
Jim wanted to put the Christmas presents away and get
back to daily life.

PASSAGE 5 (Textbook pages 184, 185)

White fingers and nimble …………...… They are the Magi.
A2. Explain why Della’s scream of joy changed to loud wails.
A3. Give the antonyms of the following from the extract :
(i) cheap (ii) bright (iii) foolish (iv) hated
A4.  (i) Add the appropriate Question Tag :
You’ll have to look at the time,.....?
(ii) Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as the
answer :
The Magi were wise men.
A5. Think of two alternatives that could have prevented Della
as well as Jim from selling their most possessions.

Answers

A1.  (i) An ecstatic scream of joy; and then alas! A quick feminine

change to hysterical tears and wails.
(ii) And now, suppose you put the chops on.
A2. 
Jim’s gift to Della was the set of tortoise shell combs that she
had adored. She had craved and yearned for them, so that they
could adorn her beautiful hair. When she opened the package
and saw them, she was first ecstatic with joy that she had got
what she had coveted; but her scream of joy turned to wails
when she remembered that the beautiful hair they would have
adorned was now cut off. The gift was hence useless.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 109

A3. (i) cheap × expensive (ii) bright × dull

(iii) foolish × wise (iv) hated × worshipped
A4. (i) You’ll have to look at the time, won’t you?
(ii) Who were the Magi?
A5. Both knew that they were poor and couldn’t afford expensive
gifts. So they could have just given each other small token gifts
of flowers or cards. This would have prevented them from
selling their most precious possessions.

(B) SEEN PASSAGES FOR PRACTICE

Lesson 1.2 The Thief’s Story

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1
A1. Complete the given boxes with who said to whom :

Sr.
Statement Who said To whom
No.
(i) You look a bit of a wrestler
yourself.
(ii) If you can cook, then may be
I can feed you.

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 8, 9)

I was still .......................................... I can feed you.”
A2. 
Complete the cluster diagram mentioning the characteristics
of the main character of the passage :

Anil Age
tall
Physical
Qualities
appearance
easy-
going
110 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. 
Choose the correct meanings of the following words from
the given options :
 
(i) Flattery :
(a) insincere praise (b) appreciation
(c) creating false impression (d) unfaithful behaviour.
(ii) Appealing :
(a) good conduct (b) attractive
(c) charming (d) beautiful.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) I took a new name every month. (Frame a ‘Wh’-question to
 
get the underlined part as an answer.)
(ii) I was an experienced hand.
 (Underline the determiners in the given sentence.)
A5. Why do you think Hari Singh gave his most appealing smile?

PASSAGE 2
A1. Match the following and rewrite the complete sentences :
Column A Column B
(i) He crept (a) to the room.
(ii) He slipped the notes (b) to the head of the bed.
(iii) He opened (c) under the mattress.
(iv) He went back (d) the door quietly.

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 10, 11)

Anil’s money ………………………………… without any effort.
A2. 
Describe the tact that Anil used to change Hari’s dishonest
ways.
A3. Find the antonyms of the following words from the passage :
(i) confident (ii) difficult
(iii) noisily (iv) intermittently
A4. (i) It was a simple matter to steal.
 (Rewrite as a negative sentence.)
(ii) Neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.
 (Rewrite as two simple sentences.)
A5. What is the moral of the story?
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 111

Lesson 1.3 On Wings of Courage

Q. Read the passage and complete the given activities :

PASSAGE

A1. Name the following :

(i) Two posts held by Arjan Singh after his retirement.
(ii) Two ‘firsts’ in his life.

PASSAGE (Textbook page 17)

Singh was the first ...............................… Indian Air Force.

A2. Complete the following :

(i) The rank of the CAS was upgraded in recognition of ....... .
(ii) 
During the 1965 war, Singh inspired the IAF to victory
despite ......... .
A3. Give the meanings of the following words :
(i) contemporary (ii) tenure
(iii) astute (iv) constraints
A4. (i) Singh was the first Air Chief to keep his flying currency till
his CAS rank. (Rewrite using ‘no’.)
(ii) 
Singh led the IAF through the war with courage,
determination and professional skill.
 (Rewrite using ‘...not only...but also...’.)
A5. Describe a way by which you can serve your country.

Lesson 1.5 Joan of Arc

Q. Read the passage and complete the given activities :

PASSAGE
A1. Complete the table :
The words Who said? To whom?
(i) This may all be nonsense.
(ii) I wash my hands of it.
112 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE (Textbook page 33)

Robert : (to Poulengey) ……………………………………………
………………… Yes, there is something about her. Goodbye.
A2. Give reasons : Robert finally agreed to the plan.
A3. Use each of the following words in separate sentences, with
the words having different meanings (homographs) :
(i) cut (ii) hand
A4. (i) Even the Dauphin might believe it. (Rewrite using another
modal auxiliary indicating possibility.)
(ii) I can do no more. (Make it affirmative.)
A5. Write a few lines about any brave Indian warrior, in the past or
present, that you know about.

Lesson 1.6 The Alchemy of Nature

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. Correct the diagram :
Four things found in nature :

PASSAGE (Textbook page 39)

We saw small bits ………………… become gold ourselves.
A2. Explain giving reasons what teaches us that hard times do not
last forever.
A3. Pick out and write four abstract nouns from the passage.
A4. (i) 
However impossible things may look, there is always an
opening. (Rewrite beginning with ‘Even if …’.)
(ii) 
Choose the sentence in the Past Perfect Tense from the
sentences given below :
(a) The ants had organised themselves around the fly.
(b) The ants organised themselves around the fly.
(c) The ants have organised themselves around the fly.
A5. Explain how human beings can look after Nature.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 113

Lesson 2.2 Three Questions

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE 1
A1. Write if the following statements are True or False :
(i) The king wanted to ask the hermit some questions.
(ii) The hermit answered the king’s questions immediately.
(iii) The king wore expensive clothes when visiting the hermit.
(iv) The hermit was strong and healthy.

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 52, 53)

Equally varied were ……………… in silence for a while.

A2. Give reasons : The king went to the hermit in disguise.

A3. (a) Write from the passage synonyms for :
(i) different (ii) persuaded
(b) Write from the passage antonyms for :
(i) retreating (ii) punishment.
A4. (i) He decides to go to a hermit.
 (Pick out the finite and non-finite verbs.)
(ii) The king was convinced by none of these answers and gave
the reward to none. (Rewrite as a complex sentence.)
A5. Whom do you turn to for answers to your questions?

PASSAGE 2
A1. Choose the correct sentences :
(i) The hermit pitied the king’s weakness.
(ii) The king received all the answers from the hermit.
(iii) The future is the only time when we have power.
(iv) To do good to people is the purpose of our life.

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 54, 55)

The king was very glad …………… you sent into this life !’’
114 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Explain how the hermit finally pointed out the answers to the
king’s questions.
A3. Match the following :
‘A’ ‘B’
  (i) one who heals (a) sower
(ii) one who lives alone in a forest (b) physician
(iii) one who plants seeds (c) enemy
(iv) one who is actively opposed to you (d) hermit
A4.  (i) 
The most important time was when you were digging the
beds. (Rewrite in the comparative form.)
(ii) He was the most important man. (Rewrite as a question.)

A5. How do you know that the hermit was wise?

Lesson 2.3 Connecting the Dots

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE

A1. Arrange the following incidents in the life of Steve Jobs in

proper sequence based on this passage :
(i) Jobs learned about serif and san serif typefaces.
(ii) Jobs dropped out of Reed College.
(iii) Jobs stayed as a drop-in for 18 months.
(iv) Jobs used to sleep on the floor in his friend’s house.
PASSAGE (Textbook page 62)
Today I want to tell you … makes great typography great.
A2. List any two hardships that Steve faced.
A3. Use the following idioms/phrases in sentences of your own :
(i) drop out    (ii) stumbled into
A4. 
Rewrite the following sentence in the positive and
comparative degrees :
It is one of the best decisions I ever made.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 115

A5. 
What do you gather about the character traits of Steve Jobs
based on the information in this passage?

Lesson 2.5 Let’s March

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1
A1. Fill in the blanks :
(i) Millions of people supported the of child labour.
(ii) One serious fault in society is the lack of .
(iii) 
Satyarthi wants to transform compassion into
global compassion.
(iv) We live in an age of globalisation.
PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 81, 82)
We can do it …………………… Let us globalize compassion.
A2. Complete the following :
The world is connected through
 (i)
(ii)
A3. 
Make meaningful sentences using each of the following
words as a noun as well as a verb in separate sentences :
(i) fire (ii) march
A4. (i) We can do it. (Rewrite in the passive voice.)
(ii) 
We are connected through high-speed internet. (Frame a
Wh-question to get the underlined part as the answer.)
A5. 
Explain the message conveyed by the little bird story of the
forest fire.

PASSAGE 2
A1. 
Complete the web with the social issues highlighted by
Kailash Satyarthi in his speech.
116 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(i) ……… (ii) sexual abuse

Social issues
highlighted by
(iii) ……… (iv) ………
Kailash Satyarthi in
his speech :

(v) ……… (vi) child labour

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook page 83)

I call upon all governments ……… It still makes me angry.

A2. What was the response of the boy’s father? What was Satyarthi’s
reaction to it?
A3. (1) Give the antonyms of the following using prefixes :
 (i) violence
(ii) civilized.
(2) Choose the correct verb forms of the following from the
given options :
 (i) slavery : (a) slaven (b) slave (c) enslave.
(ii) bold : (a) bolden (b) embolden (c) embold.
A4. (i) Governments must make child-friendly policies.
 (Rewrite beginning with ‘Child-friendly policies ... .)
(ii) 
Businesses must be more responsible, accountable and
open to innovative partnerships.
 (Rewrite using ‘as well as …’.)
A5. What is your vision of tomorrow?

Lesson 2.6 Science and Spirituality

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 117

PASSAGE
A1. Complete the following :
(i) The essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in
one sentence : .
 (ii) leads us to corruption and inequity.
(iii) To keep this planet liveable and thriving, we have to .
 (iv) Dr Kalam tried to combat .

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 93, 94)

Dr Kalam sat ……………… The answers will be astounding.

A2. Give one value practised by each of the following :

(i) Father Pereira :
(ii) Dr Kalam’s Father :
(iii) Swami Sivananda :
(iv) Pramukh Swamiji :
A3. Give the noun forms of :
(i) tranquil   (ii) pure   (iii) settle   (iv) final
A4.  (i) In giving so much, he becomes strong.
 (Rewrite using the finite form of the underlined verb.)
(ii) This challenge became my silent motivation.
 (Rewrite beginning ‘it was...’.)
A5. Why is there an urgent need to replace ‘What can I take’ with
‘What can I give’?

Lesson 3.2 The Night I met Einstein

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE

A1. Choose the correct alternatives and fill in the blanks :

(i) 
Whenever the narrator hears the piece of Bach, he
remembers . (Einstein/the hostess)
 (ii) The hostess was with the narrator. (happy/angry)
118 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(iii) Finally, the narrator the concert.

 (enjoyed/did not enjoy)
 (iv) Einstein was with the narrator.
 (pleased/displeased)

PASSAGE (Textbook page 110)

“No, of course not.” ……………… the frontiers of beauty.”

A2. 
‘The last line tells you something about Einstein’. Explain the
statement.
A3. 
Write from the passage the homophones of the following
words :
(i) grate (ii) knew (iii) peace (iv) sins
A4. I was the most important person in the world.
 (Rewrite in comparative and positive degrees.)
A5. Explain how music can help a person.

Lesson 3.3 Stephen Hawking

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :

PASSAGE

A1. Fill in the blanks :

(i) Hawking claimed that he could think in dimensions.
(ii)  is the study of the big. is the study of the
small.
(iii)  is a single unifying theory that can combine
cosmology with quantum mechanics.

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 116, 117)

Together, these three books ……… and a half years to live.

A2. Complete the following :

(i) In September 2010, Hawking spoke against the idea that …
(ii) At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with …
(iii) His new work concluded that the Big Bang was …
(iv) Hawking is convinced that humans may …
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 119

A3. Match the words with their meanings :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

(i) unifying (a) agreeable
(ii) compatible (b) unavoidable
(iii) inevitable (c) unplanned
(iv) spontaneous (d) joining

A4. (i) Hawking spoke against the idea. (Rewrite using ‘did not’.)
(ii) The Grand Design was Hawking’s first major publication in
almost a decade. (Add a question tag.)
A5. Write your ideas about the existence of God. Justify.

PASSAGE 2

A1. 
Rearrange the incidents in proper sequence as per their
order of occurrence in Hawking’s life.
(i) Hawking was diagnosed with ALS while studying cosmology
at the University of Cambridge.
(ii) At college, Hawking was bored with life.
(iii) After the diagnosis, Hawking went on to become a noted
scientist.
(iv)  Hawking reflected on the condition of the boy suffering
from leukemia.

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 117, 118)

Hawking first began ………………… his work and research.
A2. Complete the table describing Hawking’s attitudes :
Before diagnosis of his After diagnosis of his
disease disease
(a) (a) 
Hawking poured himself
into work and research.
(b) 
Hawking had been very (b)
bored in life.
A3. P
 repare a word register of 8 words connected with medical
science and practice.
120 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A4. (i) 
Hawking had kept these symptoms to himself. (Rewrite
using the past perfect continuous tense of the verb.)
(ii) He shared a room with a boy suffering from leukemia.
 (Rewrite using ‘who’.)
A5. Write down two ways in which you can help your friend when
he/she is sick.

Lesson 3.5 Unbeatable Super Mom – Mary Kom

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1
A1. Write if the following statements are True or False :
(i) Mary Kom had to gain 3 kgs in order to fight in the 48 kg
event.
(ii) Mary Kom usually participated in the 48 kg event.
(iii) 
Mary Kom had decided to participate in the 51 kg event
at the Olympics.
(iv) Mary Kom loves being a mother.

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook pages 131, 132)

Interviewer : India managed just six medals …………………
………………………………… rather than bad saturated fats.
A2. 
According to Mary Kom, what can help Indian sportsmen win
more Olympic medals?
A3. (a) Write the noun forms of :
(i) change (ii) aware
(b) Write the adjective forms of :
(i) proportion (ii) nutrition
A4. Underline the subordinate clauses and state their kind :
(i) Do you think nutrition is a neglected area in Indian sports?
(ii) 
India managed just 6 medals in the 2012 Olympics even
though we are a nation of 1.3 billion people.
A5. Explain how, in your opinion, Indian sportspersons can improve
their performance.
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 121

PASSAGE 2

A1. (1) 
Choose the correct alternative for each question and
underline it :
(a) What did Mary Kom prefer being called?
  (i) Super Mom (ii) Super Boxer
(iii) Super Woman (iv) Super Being
(b) What is the full form of OGQ?
  (i) Olympic Group Queries
 (ii) Olympic Gold Quest
(iii) Overseas Guest Qualifications
 (iv) Olympic Golf Qualifications
(2) Complete the following :
(i) Mary Kom is good at ……… .
(ii) Mary Kom loves to be ……… .
PASSAGE 2 (Textbook pages 131, 132)
Interviewer : How big a role did OCQ … happened to me.
A2. What did OCQ do for Mary Kom?
A3. Find antonyms from the passage for the following words :
(i) few (ii) modern (iii) worst (iv) indifferent
A4. (i) The future is very bright.
 (Rewrite as an exclamatory sentence.)
(ii) That’s the best thing that has happened to me.
 (Underline the subordinate clause and state its kind.)
A5. Write your ideas about a ‘Super Mom’.

Lesson 3.6 The Concert

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. Pick out the incorrect sentences and write them correctly :
(i) Both Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha came to Aunt
Sushila’s house.
5/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)
122 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(ii) When Smita returned home, Anant was awake.

(iii) Ustad Allah Rakha played the sitar very well.
(iv) Anant survived the sickness.
PASSAGE (Textbook pages 140, 141)
He was there ……………………………… gently, very gently.
A2. Give reasons :
 (i) Smita was very excited when she came home.
(ii) Aunt Sushila’s neighbours were surprised.
A3. 
Give the meanings of the following words/phrases with
reference to the passage :
(i) wad (ii) wizard
(iii) motioned (iv) pulled up
A4.  (i) The following morning, Aunt Sushila’s neighbours saw two
men get out of a taxi. (Rewrite beginning ‘It …’.)
(ii) They sat down on the divan by the window and played for
the boy. (Rewrite beginning ‘Sitting …’.)
A5. 
‘Music can give you peace and happiness’. Share your views
about this.

Lesson 4.2 The Luncheon

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE 1

A1. Complete the following :

(i) The profession of the narrator : .
(ii) The lady was free .
(iii) At the time when the writer met the lady, he was living in a
.
(iv) The lady wanted to meet the narrator to .

PASSAGE 1 (Textbook page 151)

I caught sight of her …………………… manage well enough.

A2. Where and when did they decide to have luncheon?

 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 123

A3. Make sentences of your own using the phrases :

(i) Caught sight of (ii) passing through
A4. Do as directed :
(i) I hardly think about it.(Begin the sentence with ‘How …!)
(ii) She had read a book of mine.
 (Begin the sentence with ‘Hadn’t …?)
A5. Personal Response :
If you were in the place of the narrator, how would you have
reacted in the given situation?

PASSAGE 2
A1. Complete the web :
The writer’s
guest ate/
drank :

PASSAGE 2 (Textbook page 153)

We waited for the asparagus to be cooked .........................

................................................. absentmindedly took one.

A2. ‘Then a terrible thing happened.’ What was the ‘terrible thing’?
A3. Give the superlative forms of :
(i) hungry (ii) little
(iii) terrible (iv) huge
A4.  (i) Then a terrible thing happened. (Rewrite using ‘that’.)
(ii) You see, I don’t eat any luncheon. (Add a question tag.)
A5. “I was past caring now.” Explain why the narrator feels this.

Lesson 4.3 World Heritage

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
PASSAGE
A1. Choose the correct option and complete the sentences :
(i) 
The highest number of World Heritage Sites are located
in ……… .
(a) France (b) Italy (c) Germany
124 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(ii) …… can delete/exclude a site from the World heritage List.

(a) World Heritage Committee
(b) World Peace Committee
(c) World Health Committee
(iii) There are ……… World Heritage Sites round the World.
(a) 689 (b) 890 (c) 36
(iv) ……… sites have been included from India.
(a) 176 (b) 44 (c) 36

PASSAGE (Textbook pages 161, 162)

As of 2009 ……………………………………… who.unesco.org.

A2. Give four reasons why World Heritage Sites are in danger.
A3. 
Match the words in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in
Column ‘B’ :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) disaster (a) 
illegal hunting or capturing of wild
animals
(ii) allocate (b) calamity
(iii) poaching (c) distinguishing features or qualities
(iv) characteristics (d) distribute

A4. (i) 
The Opera House in Australia and the Historic Centre of
Vienna in Austria are cultural sites of World Heritage.
 (Rewrite using ‘not only … but also ... ’.)
(ii) 
There are 890 World Heritage Sites that are located in
148 countries. (Identify whether the sentence is Simple,
Compound or Complex.)
A5. Why should we preserve World Heritage Sites?

Lesson 4.5 The Old Man and the Sea : Book Review

Q. 
Read the following passages and complete the given
activities :
 QUESTION SET 2 – SEEN PASSAGES 125

PASSAGE

A1. Correct the following sentences using facts from the review :
 
(i) 
Hemingway’s style of writing does not unfold hidden
meaning.
(ii) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse.

PASSAGE (Textbook page 176)

Hemingway’s language ………………… against destruction.

A2. Complete the following web :

Features of Hemingway’s
writing style

A3. Match the phrases in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in

Column ‘B’ :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) in spite of (a) represent
(ii) holding on (b) repeatedly
(iii) again and again (c) without being affected by a particular
(iv) stand for factor
(d) enduring in difficult circumstances
A4.  (i) The reader can read his work again and again and find new
layers of meaning. (Begin the sentence with ‘On reading… .’)
(ii) 
As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are
inseparably linked. (Rewrite using ‘progress’ as a noun.)
A5. Describe the reasons why you read or buy a particular book.

Lesson 4.6 The Gift of the Magi

Q. 
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
126 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

PASSAGE

A1. Complete the web with Jim’s qualities :

Jim

PASSAGE (Textbook page 183)

At 7 o’clock ….............................…........ I’ve got for you.”

A2. Complete the following :

(i) Della had the good habit of ....
(ii) Jim stared at Della because ....
(iii) Della took pride in the beauty of her hair because ....
(iv) Della was a bit apprehensive after she had sold her hair
because ....
A3. Match the adjectives in Column ‘A’ with the nouns in
Column ‘B’ :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) new (a) prayer
(ii) silent (b) overcoat
(iii) first (c) expression
(iv) peculiar (d) flight

A4. (i) Add appropriate question tag :

I just had to do it, ?
(ii) 
Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as the
answer :

At 7 o’clock the coffee was made.

A5. Give your opinion : ‘It is important to give gifts.’

_________
 Q. 3 (A) – Seen Poems
Question
Set
SEEN POEMS/EXTRACTS
FOR COMPREHENSION
3 (5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) Q. 3 (A) will be the comprehension of the given poem or extract.
(2) Read the activities first.
(3) Then read the poem/extract carefully. It is very important to
understand the lines. If you have read the textbook thoroughly,
you will recognize and understand the lines immediately.
(4) There are three comprehension activities : A1., A2., and A3.
(5) A1. Simple Factual Activity will generally be Objective in
nature. This means that it could be True or False, Complete
the following, Choose the correct alternatives, Match the
columns, Complete the web, etc. The answers will be easily
found in the poem/extract. Search for them and write them
down. This activity will carry 2 marks.
(6) A2. Complex Factual Activity will test further understanding
of the poem/extract. It may be of the type – Complete the
following, Choose the correct alternatives, Match the columns,
Complete the web, etc. or it may be a Wh-question. The
answers to these questions may be found in the poem/extract
or you may have to think and interpret something. This activity
will also carry 2 marks.
(7) A3. will be Activity based on Poetic Devices. You have to
identify the various poetic devices used by the poet such as
rhymes, rhyme scheme, figures of speech, imagery, etc. Use
your knowledge of all these aspects to complete the given
activity. This activity will carry 1 mark.

Important :
(1) Study ALL the activities given for each Poem/Extract in this
Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Poems/Extracts for Practice.
(3) We have given the type of activities and the marking scheme
only for the first poem/extract. This is applicable to all the
poems/extracts in this question set.

127
128 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(A) POEMS/EXTRACTS WITH SOLUTIONS

Poem 1.1 Where the Mind is Without Fear

Q. Read the following poem and complete the activities :

 (5 Marks)

POEM/EXTRACT
A1. Simple Factual Activity :(2)
Complete the web with any four qualities the poet wishes to
inculcate in his countrymen :

The qualities
the poet wishes
to inculcate in
his countrymen

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 3)

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by Thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

Note : We have given complete extract here. However, only first and last
lines of the extracts are given, hereafter, with the references of textbook
page numbers. Please refer to the textbook for complete poems/extracts.
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 129

A2. Complex Factual Activity : (2)

A2. Explain : Who ‘Thee’ is in the poem and what the poet appeals
‘Thee’ to do.
A3. Activity based on Poetic Devices :(1)
A3. Find and explain an example of Personification from the poem.

Answers
A1.
truthfulness

The qualities the poet

dignity wishes to inculcate in his wisdom
countrymen

open-mindedness

A2. 
‘Thee’ in this poem is God. The poet wishes God to awaken his
country into a heaven of freedom, where the people are all truly
free and total freedom of good thoughts, good words and good
actions exists.
A3. 
‘Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection.’
Here ‘tireless striving’ has been given the human quality of
stretching its arms.

Poem 1.4 All the World’s a Stage

Q. Read the following poem and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT (March ’24)

A1. Identify the stages in man’s life from the given description
and complete the table :

Actions Stage
  (i) Full of strange oaths
(ii) Creeping like a snail
(iii) Sighing like furnace
(iv) Having fair round belly
130 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Poem/Extract (Textbook pages 24, 25)

All the world’s a stage, …..………………… sans everything.

A2. Write down the similarities between the first and the 7th (last)
stage of man’s life :
A3. Choose the correct alternative to identify the figure of speech
used in the following line :
All the world’s a stage.
(a)    Simile (b)    Metaphor
(c) Personification (d) Alliteration.

Answers

A1. Actions Stage

  (i) Full of strange oaths – soldier
(ii) Creeping like a snail – school boy
(iii) Sighing like furnace – lover
(iv) Having fair round belly – justice

A2. 
In the first stage, man is an infant, crying weakly and unaware
of what is happening around him. He is without teeth, without
vision and without taste. In the last stage, man becomes senile
and enters his second childhood. He is unaware of what is
happening around him. He is once again without teeth, without
vision and without taste.
A3. (b) Metaphor

Poem 2.1 Animals

Q. Read the following poem and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT (March ’22)

A1. State whether the following statements are True or False :
(i) Animals show their relations to us.
(ii) Humans have given up many good qualities.
(iii) Animals sweat and whine about their condition.
(iv) Animals are placid and self-contained.
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 131

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 46)

I think I could .....................………………… drop them?
A2. 
Answer the following question with the help of the given
extract :
What craze do animals never display? Why?
A3. Pick out one example of Rhetorical question from the extract.

Answers

A1. (i) Animals show their relations to us. – True

(ii) Humans have given up many good qualities. – True
(iii) Animals sweat and whine about their condition. – False
(iv) Animals are placid and self-contained. – True
A2. Animals never display the craze/mania of owning things. This
is because animals are sensible and possess qualities such as
innocence and simplicity that prevent them from being foolish.
A3. Rhetorical Question : Did I pass that way huge times ago and
negligently drop them?

Poem 2.4 The Pulley

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT

A1. Choose the correct alternatives and complete the following :

(i) Herbert’s poem ‘The Pulley’ displays as the two
main themes.
(a) Origins and Morality / Spirituality
(b) Origin of species
(c) Origin of the universe / galaxy
(d) Origin of the earth / space
(ii) The first gift was .

(a) strength (b) beauty
(c) wisdom (d) rest
132 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(iii) The last gift left was …………

(a) strength (b) beauty
(c) wisdom (d) rest
(iv) The gifts / blessings lay in …………

(a) the world (b) a span
(c) a glass (d) a pathway

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 71)

When God at first …………………………………… bottom lay.

A2. Write down what God’s glass of blessings contained.

A3. Identify and explain the figure of speech in the line :
‘Rest at the bottom lay.’

Answers

A1. (i) Herbert’s poem ‘The Pulley’ displays Origins and Morality/

Spirituality as the two main themes.
(ii) The first gift was strength.
(iii) The last gift left was rest.
(iv) The gifts / blessings lay in a glass.
A2. God’s glass of blessings contained gifts such as strength, beauty,
wisdom, honour, pleasure, other treasures and the gift of rest.
A3. Pun : The word ‘rest’ has two meanings – ‘the remaining’ and
‘a quality that helps us stop doing something and relax’.

Poem 3.1 Night of the Scorpion

Q. Read the following extracts and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT 1 (July ’22)

A1. Choose the correct alternative given and rewrite the
sentences :
(i) The peasants chant the name of God to .

(a) nullify the stinging experience.
(b) praise God
(c) appease God
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 133

(ii) The click of the tongue reflects the peasants’ to the

predicament.

(a) individual response
(b) collective response
(c) father’s response

(iii) The villagers panic and hastily suggest .

(a) to take her to the hospital
(b) ayurvedic treatment
(c) religious remedies to help
(iv) The villagers sat around with the poet’s mother in the centre
.

(a) under a tree (b) on the floor (c) inside a cave

Poem/Extract 1 (Textbook page 101)

The peasants came …......…… understanding on each face.

A2. From the given extract provide evidence for the following :

Actions Evidence

(i) Efforts of the peasants to kill

the scorpion

(ii) Evil versus good

A3. Find an example of Onomatopoeia from the given extract.

Answers

A1. (i) The peasants chant the name of God to nullify the stinging
experience.
(ii) The click of the tongue reflects the peasants’ collective
response to the predicament.
(iii) The villagers panic and hastily suggest religious remedies to
help.
(iv) The villagers sat around with the poet’s mother in the centre
on the floor.
134 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Actions Evidence

With candles and lanterns …
(i) Efforts of the peasants
They searched for him: he was
to kill the scorpion
not found.
May the sins of your previous
birth be burned away/May the
sum of all evil balanced in this
(ii) Evil versus good
unreal world against the sum of
good become diminished by your
pain.

A3. Onomatopoeia : buzzed the name of God/clicked their tongues.

POEM /EXTRACT 2

A1. Complete the following :

 (i) The mother found relief …
(ii) All through the ordeal, the poet’s mother …

Poem/Extract 2 (Textbook page 102)

More candles, more lanterns … And spared my children.

A2. Describe the behaviour of the father.

A3. Pick out an example of Onomatopoeia from the extract.

Answers

A1.  (i) The mother found relief after twenty hours.

(ii) All through the ordeal, the poet’s mother twisted and groaned
in pain.

A2. The father is desperate and though he is a rationalist, he tries

all sorts of things to cure the mother. He calls a holy man to
perform rites and even pours paraffin on the bitten toe and
sets fire to it.

A3. Onomatopoeia : ‘groaning on a mat’

The word ‘groaning’ indicates sound.
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 135

Poem 3.4 The Will to Win

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT

A1. Write if the following statements are Right or Wrong :

(i) If you want a thing badly, you should be ready to give up
your sleep for it.
(ii) You should not fear the opposition.
(iii) You should not go out and fight for what you want.
(iv) If you want a thing badly, you will not sweat for it.

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 124)

If you want a thing ………………………… god or man for it.

A2. List down four expressions from the extract indicating

strengths :
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
A3. Give an example of Antithesis from the extract and explain it.

Answers

A1. (i) If you want a thing badly, you should be ready

to give up your sleep for it.  – Right
(ii) You should not fear the opposition. – Right
(iii) You should not go out and fight for what you want. – Wrong
(iv) If you want a thing badly, you will not sweat for it.– Wrong
A2. Expressions indicating strengths are :
  (i) go out and fight for it
 (ii) work day and night
(iii) sweat for, fret for and plan for it
 (iv) lose all your terror of the god or man for it
A3. Antithesis : ‘Work day and night for it’.
Words having opposite meaning ‘day’ and ‘night’ have been used.
136 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Poem 4.1 A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT (March ’23)

A1. Complete the web :

Things that cause suffering and pain

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 147)

A thing of beauty ....……............… fair musk-rose blooms :
A2. List down two impacts of beautiful things on us :

(i) (ii)

A3. Write down the rhyme scheme of the first four lines.

Answers
A1.
Dearth of noble people gloomy days

Things that cause suffering and pain

Unhealthy and
despondence
darkened ways of life

A2. Two impacts of beautiful things on us are :

(i) peaceful rest full of sweet dreams

(ii) health, relaxation and happiness

A3. Rhyme scheme of first four lines : aabb.

 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 137

Poem 4.4 The Height of the Ridiculous

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT (March ’20)

A1. Match the describing words from the Cloud ‘A’ with
Cloud ‘B’ :
Cloud ‘A’ Cloud ‘B’

  (i) broad (a) noise

(ii) humorous (b) jest
(iii) chuckling (c) way
(iv) trifling (d) grin

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 171)

“These to the printer” ………………… And tumbled in a fit.

A2. Pick out two lines from the extract that indicate humour.
A3. Write two pairs of rhyming words from the extract.

Answers

A1.
  (i) broad grin
(ii) humorous way
(iii) chuckling noise
(iv) trifling jest

A2. Two lines that indicate humour are :

 (i) The fifth; his waistband split;
(ii) The sixth; he burst five buttons off.
138 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. Rhyming words :

(i) way – pay   (ii) split – fit.

(B) POEMS/EXTRACTS FOR PRACTICE

Poem 1.1 Where the Mind is Without Fear

Q. Read the following poem and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT (Sept. ’21)

A1. Match the expressions in Column A with the meanings in

Column B :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

(i) Ever-widening thought (a) Clear thinking
and action (b) A person with self-respect
(ii) Stretches its arms and proud of possessing it
(iii) Clear stream of reason (c) Aim at perfection
(iv) Mind is without fear (d) 
Broadening the outlook
and attitude
(e) A fearless person

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 3)

Where the mind is …….....…………… my country awake.

A2. Fill in the blanks with words or phrases from the poem :
(i) Everyone will be literate when .
(ii) Students should keep themselves aloof from .
(iii) Words should come out from .
(iv) The world should not be broken into .

A3. Name and explain the figure of speech :

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 139

Poem 1.4 All the World’s a Stage

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT
A1. Match the following :

A B
(i) Infant (a) acts like the pard
(ii) School boy (b) mewling and puking
(iii) Lover (c) whining
(iv) Soldier (d) sighing like furnace

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 24)

All the world’s ……………………… in the cannon’s mouth.

A2. Complete the following :

(i) Exits and entrances refer to .............. .
(ii) Reputation is like a bubble because .............. .
A3. ‘They have their exits and their entrances.’
Name and explain a figure of speech in addition to Alliteration.

Poem 2.4 The Pulley

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT
A1. Pick out and rewrite the sentences that are True :
(i) God was angry with man.
(ii) God wishes to remind man about his mortality.
(iii) God wants to pull man towards Him.
(iv) God has withheld the gift of ‘pleasure’ from man.

Poem/Extract (Textbook page 71)

‘For if I should …………………………………… to my breast.
A2. What would human beings do if God gifted them with ‘rest’?
A3. Give an example of Inversion from the poem.
140 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Poem 3.1 Night of the Scorpion

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT
A1. Complete the following :
The peasants consoled the mother, saying :
(1) the poison will burn away …
(2) her suffering will decrease …
(3) the evil in this world will be …
(4) the poison will purify her …

Poem/Extract (Textbook pages 101, 102)

May he sit still ………………………… and the endless rain.

A2. From the extract, provide evidence for the following :

‘Evil versus good’.
A3. Pick out and explain an example of Repetition from the extract.

Poem 4.1 A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT

A1. Fill in the web with what passion poesy can do to you :

........................ ........................

Passion poesy

........................ ........................

Poem/Extract (Textbook pages 147, 148)

…….....………… and clear rills …….....…………… or we die.

A2. List the things which express sorrow from the extract.

A3. Write down the rhyme scheme of the last five lines.
 QUESTION SET 3 – SEEN poems/extracts ... 141

Poem 4.4 The Height of the Ridiculous

Q. Read the following extract and complete the activities :

POEM/EXTRACT

A1. Complete the following :

(i) There was a grin on the servant’s face when …
(ii) The chuckling noise was heard when …
(iii) When he read the fifth line …
(iv) The grin grew from ear to ear when the servant …

Poem/Extract (Textbook pages 171, 172)

He took the paper, ………………………… As funny as I can.

A1. Pick out the lines that suggest :

(i) that the servant was out of control
(ii) the poet looked after the servant

A3. Pick out two pairs of rhyming words from the extract.
_________
 Question Q. 3 (B) – Appreciation
Set APPRECIATION OF SEEN POEM
4 (5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) Q. 3 (B) in the activity sheet will be appreciation of a poem.
(2) You will be given the full poem in the activity sheet along with
the points.
(3) Read the poem first. You will be familiar with the poem, as it
is from your textbook.
(4) Read the points that have been given for guidance. You are
familiar with the points too, as they have also been given in
the textbook.
(5) Based on the points, write the appreciation of the poem in
paragraph format. Make sure that you cover all the given
points in the paragraph.
(6) Note : There are eight poems in the textbook. You should
repeatedly read the appreciation of all these poems beforehand
in order to prepare yourself for this activity, so that you can
complete it quickly and correctly. This activity carries 5 marks.

Important :

(1) Study the appreciation of ALL the poems given in this Question

Set carefully. The answers given in the point format will be
useful to you for your last minute revision.

(2) We have given only the titles of the poems. Please refer to the
textbook for complete poems.

142
 QUESTION SET 4 – APPRECIATION OF SEEN POEM 143

Q. 
Read the poems. Write the appreciation of the poems in
paragraph format in about 6 – 8 lines with the help of the
following points :

Note : The points for guidance have been given only once along
with the marking scheme; however, the appreciation of all the poems is
based on these points :
Points for guidance/Marking scheme :
• The title of the poem : 1/2 marks
• The poet :  1/2 marks
• Rhyme scheme :  1 marks
• Figure of speech : (any one) 1 marks
• Theme/Central idea (At least 2 to 3 lines) :  2 marks
 Total 5 marks

1.1 Where the Mind is Without Fear (Textbook page 3)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘Where the mind is without fear……’

• The poet : Rabindranath Tagore
• Rhyme scheme : written in free verse without any rhyme
scheme or metre.
• Figures of speech : Personification, Repetition, Metaphor,
Alliteration, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : This is a prayer to God. Tagore asks
Him to awaken his country into a heaven of freedom, where there
is total freedom of good thoughts, good words and good actions.

Paragraph Format
The poem ‘Where the mind is without fear’ by Rabindranath
Tagore is a prayer to God.
The poem is written in free verse without any rhyme scheme or
consistent metre. There are many figures of speech e.g. Repetition,
Metaphor, Alliteration, etc. An important figure of speech is
Personification – ‘Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards
perfection’. Here, we can actually visualize ‘tireless striving’ stretching
its arms to reach its goal.
144 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

In the poem, Tagore addresses God as ‘my Father’ and asks Him
to awaken his country into a heaven of freedom, where there is total
freedom of good thoughts, good words and good actions. He wishes
for a country where people are free from fear, where knowledge is
free to all individuals and people from all castes and religions are
united.
1.4 All the World’s a Stage (Textbook pages 24, 25)
(March ’20 – ’23)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘All the World’s a Stage’

• The poet : William Shakespeare
• Rhyme scheme : blank verse i.e. no rhyme scheme, but
there is a steady rhythm of five beats in each line.
• Figures of speech : Metaphor, Simile, Alliteration, Repetition,
etc.
• Theme/Central idea : The theme of the poem is the cycle of
life.

Paragraph Format

The poem ‘All the World’s a Stage’ by William Shakespeare is

taken from Shakespeare’s play ‘As you like it’. It is a monologue (a
loud speech to oneself) by one of the characters in the play.
The poem is written in blank verse i.e. there is no rhyme scheme,
but there is a steady rhythm of five beats (i.e. iambic pentameter) in
each line. There are many figures of speech, like Simile, Alliteration
and Repetition, but the one that stands out is Metaphor. In the lines
‘All the world’s a stage, And all men and women are merely players’,
there is an implied comparison between two different things.
In this poem, Shakespeare compares life to a stage. He has
divided life into seven stages each having its own varied qualities
and features. The theme of the poem is the cycle of life. It tells us
how one starts out as an infant, helpless, without understanding,
and ends the same way, without being aware of what is happening
around one.
 QUESTION SET 4 – APPRECIATION OF SEEN POEM 145

2.1 Animals (Textbook page 46)

 (Nov. ’20; July ’23)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘Animals’

• The poet : Walt Whitman
• Rhyme scheme : free verse (no rhyme scheme)
• Figures of speech : Repetition, Alliteration, Tautology,
Hyperbole, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : Animals are better than humans.

Paragraph Format

The poem ‘Animals’ has been penned by Walt Whitman.

The poet has broken away from the conventional use of a rhyme
scheme and has written the poem in free verse. The chief figure of
speech used in the poem is Repetition. Lines such as ‘They do not
sweat …’, ‘They do not lie awake …’, ‘They do not make me sick …’
make a strong impact, expressing the qualities that humans should
possess, but do not. The other figures of speech are Alliteration,
Tautology, Hyperbole, etc.
The pest admires animals because they are placid and content.
They are simple and innocent. They do not whine or grumble, and
are not crazy about possessions. The poet asserts that we human
beings have discarded the good qualities that we possessed, but
animals still retain them. He concludes that today, animals are better
than humans.
2.4 The Pulley (Textbook page 71) (July ’22)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• Title of the poem : ‘The Pulley’

• The poet : George Herbert
• Rhyme scheme : a-b-a-b-a
• Figures of speech : Metaphor, Pun, Inversion, Paradox, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : the reason why man is continually
restless
146 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Paragraph Format

The title of the poem is ‘The Pulley’. The poet is George Herbert.
Each stanza of the poem has five lines. The rhyme scheme of
the poem is a-b-a-b-a. The chief figure of speech used in the poem
is Metaphor. The ‘glass of blessings’ signifies the sum of all human
qualities bestowed on man. The quality of ‘rest’ or ‘contentment’ is
implicitly compared to a ‘jewel’. The other figures of speech are Pun,
Inversion, Paradox, etc.
The central idea of the poem is the reason for man’s continual
restlessness all his life. According to the poet, this is because God
withheld the quality of ‘rest’ from man, so that man’s thoughts would
ultimately turn towards God, his creator. God thought that man
should be rich with an abundance of gifts, but he should always
remain tired and restless. Only then, would sheer fatigue draw man
back to God.
3.1 Night of the Scorpion (Textbook pages 101, 102)
 (March ’22)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘Night of the Scorpion’

• The poet : Nissim Ezekiel
• Rhyme scheme : written in free verse without any rhyme
scheme or metre.
• Figures of speech : Onomatopoeia, Metaphor, Alliteration,
Simile, Antithesis, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : The poet depicts the selflessness and
unconditional love of a mother who is stung by a scorpion.

Paragraph Format

The poem ‘Night of the Scorpion’ is by Nissim Ezekiel.

The poem is written in free verse without any rhyme scheme or
metre. There are many figures of speech e.g. Onomatopoeia – ‘and
buzzed the name of God a hundred times’. Here, we feel we can
 QUESTION SET 4 – APPRECIATION OF SEEN POEM 147

actually hear the buzzing of the prayers of the many peasants. The
other figures of speech are Metaphor, Simile, Alliteration, Antithesis,
etc.
The poem depicts the selflessness and unconditional love of a
mother who is stung by a scorpion. It also explains the care and
affection of the villagers and their efforts to comfort the pain of the
mother. The poet’s mother, at the end, only thanked God that the
scorpion had chosen to bite her and spared her children.

3.4 The Will to Win (Textbook page 124)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘The Will to Win’

• The poet : Berton Braley
• Rhyme scheme : No specific rhyme scheme, rhymes are
used randomly.
• Figures of speech : Repetition, Climax, Tautology, Antithesis,
etc.
• Theme/Central idea : What we should do and what we
should avoid in order to achieve success.

Paragraph Format

Berton Braley has written this inspirational poem, ‘The Will to

Win’.
The poem has no specific rhyme scheme, but rhymes are used
randomly all throughout. The most common type is lines ending
with the word ‘it’; e.g. ‘for it’, ‘of it’, ‘of it’; ‘without it’, ‘about it’;
‘beget it’, ‘get it’; ‘sweat for it’, ‘fret for it’ and so on. Other examples
are ‘capacity’, ‘sagacity’, ‘tenacity’; ‘pain’, ‘brain’. The main figure
of speech used is Repetition, as seen in the abundance of ‘for it’
phrases used throughout the poem. The other figures of speech are
Climax, Tautology, Antithesis, etc.
The poet gives us a formula for sure success. He tells us what
we should do and what we should avoid doing in order to achieve
148 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

success. He says that if our heart is set on something, we must go

out of our way and struggle in order to achieve it. We have to work
unceasingly and sacrifice time, peace and sleep in order to gain it.
Nothing should divert us from our goals. Then we will certainly
succeed.
This is an inspirational poem. It motivates one to set targets and
achieve goals.

4.1 A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever

(Textbook pages 147, 148)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever’

• The poet : John Keats
• Rhyme scheme : aabb; rhyming couplets.
• Figures of speech : Epigram, Metaphor, Antithesis, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : beautiful things give unending
pleasure and can change our lives.

Paragraph Format

The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever’ by John Keats is

taken from a longer poem ‘Endymion’ based on Greek Mythology.
The rhyme scheme of the poem is aabb; that is, the poem is
written in rhyming couplets. There are many figures of speech, like
Metaphor, Antithesis, etc. but the one that stands out is Epigram. The
line ‘A thing of beauty is a joy for ever’, is a pithy saying expressing
the idea of beauty in a clever way.
The important thing that the poet tells us is that beautiful things
last forever and give us immense happiness. They give unending
pleasure and can change our lives. In spite of despair, of the cruel
shortage of good people, of gloomy days, of unhealthy and dark
things all around, beautiful things inspire us and make us happy.
 QUESTION SET 4 – APPRECIATION OF SEEN POEM 149

4.4 The Height of the Ridiculous (Textbook pages 171, 172)

 (Sept. ’21; March ’24)

Points format
(for Understanding and Revision)

• The title of the poem : ‘The Height of the Ridiculous’

• The poet : Oliver Wendell Holmes
• Rhyme scheme : abcb.
• Figures of speech : Transferred Epithet, Hyperbole,
Onomatopoeia, Tautology, Alliteration, etc.
• Theme/Central idea : a funny poem to simply entertain the
audience; written for enjoyment.

Paragraph Format

The poem ‘The Height of the Ridiculous’ is by Oliver Wendell

Holmes.
The rhyme scheme of the poem is abcb. There are many figures
of speech, like Hyperbole, Onomatopoeia, Tautology, Alliteration, etc.
but the one that stands out is Transferred Epithet. In the line ‘Ten
days and nights, with sleepless eye’, the adjective ‘sleepless’ should
be for the man and not for the eye.
After reading a funny poem written by the poet, his servant
went into a laughing fit. The poet watched over him for ten days
and nights without sleeping and never dared to write anything funny
again.
The poem is a humorous one written for enjoyment, with plenty
of funny expressions. The main purpose of the poet is to simply
entertain the reader.
_________
 Q. 4 (A) & (B) – Non-textual Passages
Question NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN)
Set PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION
5 AND SUMMARY
(10 Marks for Comprehension + 5 Marks for Summary)

This will be a Non-Textual (Unseen) passage. It could be an

anecdote, a topic of current interest, a newspaper item, etc. You
have to first do the comprehension activities based on the given
passage and then write its summary.
How to attempt this question :
(A) Comprehension :
(1) Q. 4 (A) in your activity sheet will be for Comprehension.
(2) Read the questions first.
(3) Then read the passage carefully and find out the answers.
(4) In all, there will be 5 activities based on the passage : A1., A2.,
A3., A4. and A5. The type of activities and the marking scheme
will be the same as that of Q. 2 (A) & (B).
(B) Summary :
(1) 
Q. 4 (B) in your activity sheet will be for Summary. A brief
summary of the passage given in Q. 4 (A) is to be written.
(2) 
Understand the main points and express them in brief in
your own words. Avoid exact repetition of the sentences in the
passage.
(3) 
Write the summary in 1 paragraph. Do not include any
examples and do not give your own views/opinions.
(4) 
Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar and language while
summarizing.
(5) Always give your summary an appropriate title.
Marking scheme :
• Suitable title 1 mark
• Central idea/theme 2 marks
• Use of appropriate language 2 marks
5 marks

150
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 151

Important :
(1) 
Study all the comprehension activities and the summary of
each passage in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.
(3) We have given the type of activities and the marks allotted for
each activity only for the First Passage. These are applicable
for all the Passages in this Question Set.

(A) NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGES WITH SOLUTIONS

Non-Textual Passage 1 (March ’24)

Q. 1. A  
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities : (10 Marks)
A1. Simple Factual Activity :(2)
Complete the following web chart :

Advantages of
tourist destination in
Kerala

   Kerala is the land of magic, ayurvedic massages and Kathakali.

Most visitors generally begin their sojourn in this lovely state with
Kochi. This city reflects the eclectism of Kerala. Here, you can see
the oldest European built church in India, a small 16th Century
synagogue that serves a proportionate community of Jews, a
palace built by the Portuguese, given to the Raja of Cochin and
renovated by the Dutch and some world-class performances of
152 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

the Kathakali dance drama. Make sure you take a boat trip on
the Malabar Coast. It will take you out to the Dutch town and fort,
an area that also has some surprisingly good book shops.
   Alternatively, you could start with Thiruvananthapuram,
which also has a laid back charm of its own. Here, you can visit
the Padmanabhaswamy temple, the Napier museum, the Puttan
Mallika Palace and the neighbouring beaches. These include
Kovalam, now a pleasant spot to spend an evening.
   The backwaters are also famous as a holiday option. For that,
you have to move on to Alleppey or Allappuzha, a district made
unique by an intricate network of canals. Or you could head to
Munnar, sheer beauty in the hills. Rolling oceans of tubby green
tea bushes, crisp mountain air, craggy hills, wildlife and a
throwback to colonial times makes Munnar a lovely getaway.
   Or you could visit Thekkady, which is also a charming town
and has an added advantage of being close to the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary. At Thekkady you can wander through plantations of
cardamom, tea and coffee.
   Of the three options, you can surely choose a place of your
dreams where you can chill out!
   You can take a meandering cruise down the backwaters,
spend a lazy day by the sea, take a trek up the winding hills or
enjoy ayurvedic health holidays. These are some of the advantages
no other destination offers.
   Welcome to this unique land of spellbinding adventures. It’s
the most refreshing holiday you could ever have.

A2. Complex Factual Activity :(2)

Complete the following table :

City Speciality

  (i) Kochi
(ii) Thekkady
(iii) Thiruvananthapuram
(iv) Alleppey
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 153

A3. Activity based on Vocabulary :(2)

Match the words in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column
‘B’ :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) Charm (a)    throw back light or heat
(ii) Craggy (b)    enthralling
(iii) Reflect (c) magical spell
(iv) Spellbinding (d) steep
A4. Activity based on Contextual Grammar :(2)
Do as directed :
(i) You can choose a place of your dreams. (Use the modal auxiliary
showing compulsion and rewrite the sentence.)
(ii) Kerala is the land of magic and ayurvedic massages.
 (Rewrite the sentence using ‘not only ... but also ...’.)
A5. Personal Response :(2)
Why is the tourism industry important for the Indian Economy to
flourish?
Answers

Take a cruise
down the
backwaters

Advantages Enjoy
Trek up winding of tourist ayurvedic health
hills destination in holidays
Kerala

Spend a lazy day

at sea

6/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)

154 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. City Speciality

  (i) Kochi  Old European built church,
16th century Jewish Synagogue,
a palace built by the Portuguese
(ii) Thekkady  Charming town, close to Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary, plantations of
cardamom, tea and coffee
(iii) Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple,
Napier Museum, Puttan Mallika
Palace, beaches
(iv) Alleppey Backwaters, intricate network of
canals

A3.  (i) charm – magical spell

(ii) craggy – steep
(iii) reflect – throw back light or heat
(iv) spellbinding – enthralling
A4.  (i) You must choose a place of your dreams.
(ii) 
Kerala is not only the land of magic but also ayurvedic
massages.

A5. 
The tourism industry helps to create thousands of jobs. It
brings in foreign money and provides a boost to the hospitality
industry. It provides opportunities for small-scale businesses to
flourish and develops the local infrastructure. It also helps to
exchange ideas and understand different cultures.

B  Summary Writing : (5 Marks)


Read the given passage and write summary of it in a
paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.
Ans. Kerala – a Unique Tourist destination
   Kerala is a wonderful tourist destination. Places like Kochi,
Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and Thekkady provide places
where you can enjoy and chill out. Tourists can take a cruise
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 155

down the backwaters, trek up winding hills or enjoy ayurvedic

health holidays. Or they can simply spend some lazy days by
the beach. There are temples, churches and palaces to visit.
Tourists can also wander through plantations of cardamom, tea
and coffee, to have a refreshing holiday in a unique land.

Non-Textual Passage 2

Q. 2. A  
Read the following passage and complete the given
activities :
A1 Complete the following :

  (i) Shades of mehendi :   

 
(ii) Instant mehendi is provided by :   

(iii) Designs of mehendi :   

 
(iv) Henna gets importance in :   

Henna comes in different shades, from reddish orange to

brownish black. The Arabic preference or a black tinge sees them
heating the paste before using. A growing trend today is the addition
of artificial dyes and coloured stones along with the henna in order
to match the attire. This, however. does not last long and cannot
be considered as mehendi in its true sense. Zardosi mehendi is
the variation of this trend wherein glue is first applied in desired
patterns and zari powder of different colours are carefully sprinkled.
This lasts only as long as the glue stays and can even be washed off
in case of an error.
Cones are most popular means of application of mehendi. To
suit those in hurry, ready-made patterns and blocks are available
for quick and easy application. Tattoos in interesting shades are
also available today, providing a means of ‘finstant mehendi’.
Besides the ease of applying it on and taking off, tattoos also come
in previously unseen oriental designs. In addition to the usual
paisleys, and creepers, dragons, scorpions and snakes adorn
many an arm or shoulder of the fashionably conscious.
156 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

The attractive hues left behind the deep green Henna leaves,
have a special significance during marriages and festivals in many
eastern countries. The customs behind its usage adds to its rich
appeal. Through centuries, mehendi has managed to creatively
retain its hold on people from diverse cultures.

A2. Match the Column A with Column B :

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

  (i) Arabic mehendi (a) glue is applied for the pattern
(ii) Zardosi mehendi (b) 
black tinge is prepared by
(iii) Tattoo heating mehendi
(iv) Mehendi (c) drawn with the help of a cone
(d) Provides instant design

A3. Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate words from

those given in the brackets and rewrite the statements :
[adorned, instant, pattern, attire, applied]
  (i) The gold ring his fingers.
 (ii) The young man wore a shirt with a floral .
(iii) A.T.M. provides us cash.
(iv) The bride looked beautiful in her bridal .
A4. Do as directed :
(i) 
Cones are the most popular means of application of
Mehendi :

(Select the correct positive degree from the alternatives
given below and rewrite the statements.)
(a) 
Very few means of application of Mehendi are as
popular as cones.
(b) 
No other means of application of Mehendi are as
popular as cones.
(c) Cones are as popular as any other means of application
of Mehendi.
(ii) Henna comes in different shades. (Frame a ‘Wh-question’
to get the underlined word as answer.)
A5. How does Mehendi give scope for art? Explain.
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 157

Answers

A1. (i) Shades of mehendi : reddish orange, brownish black

(ii) Instant mehendi is provided by : tattoos, readymade blocks

 

(iii) Designs of mehendi : Oriental, Zardosi

(iv) Henna gets importance in : marriages,

  festivals

A2.   (i) Arabic mehendi – 

black tinge is prepared by heating
mehendi
(ii) Zardosi mehendi – glue is applied for the pattern
(iii) Tattoo – provides instant designs
(iv) Mehendi – drawn with the help of a cone
A3.   (i) The gold ring adorned his fingers.
 (ii) The young man wore a shirt with a floral pattern.
(iii) A.T.M. provides us instant cash.
(iv) The bride looked beautiful in her bridal attire.

A4.  (i) Cones are the most popular means of application of Mehendi :
No other means of application of Mehendi are as popular as
cones.
(ii) What comes in different shades?
A5. Mehendi designs are very intricate and offer a wide variety of
possibilities. Mehendi designs are expressions of one’s creativity
and resourcefulness. Also, the art of tattoos has taken over even
western culture by storm, decorating various parts of the body.
Thus, Mehendi gives a variety of scope for arts.

B  Summary Writing :
Read the given passage and write a summary of it in a
paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.
Ans. The Beauty of Mehendi

   The colours of mehendi range from reddish orange to
brownish black. Different people like different colours. Today,
artificial dyes and stones are also used but their effect is
158 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

temporary. The most popular means of application of mehendi

is by the use of cones. Quick methods are now available for
those in a hurry. Tattoos in different shades are also popular
today. This is because they are easy to apply and take off and
also have a variety of designs. Mehendi has a special significance
during marriage and festivals in many Eastern countries.

Non-Textual Passage 3

Q. 3. A  Read the following passage carefully and complete the

activities :

A1. Complete the web :

blowing ……… Rich people of discussing ………

the 19th century
spent their
romancing ……… evenings … dancing ………

Rich people of the 19th century – as shown in cinema – spent

their evenings in lounges and salons, dancing leisurely, blowing
smoke rings, discussing arcane philosophical topics, or romancing
well-dressed demure ladies. To be rich was to have leisure time.
Others did their running around. Today, the rich man is the one
with no time at all. Always hard-pressed and pre-occupied. Not
only do they have their hands full, they make quite a show of it.
Why? How did ‘busyness’ become the ultimate status-symbol of
our times?
Unlike our agricultural and industrial ancestors who prided
themselves on the luxury goods they owned and how little they
worked, today the ultimate aspirational objects are the workers
themselves, who, by bragging about how busy they are, can signal
just how much the labour market values them and their skills.
How much value people place on ‘busyness’ also varies with
culture. Americans, who do not even have the right to take paid
holidays, place a premium on workaholism, while countries like
Spain, Italy, Greece and France, which are more laidback despite
being developed, value leisure more.
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 159

A2. Complete the table with the differences between the rich
people of the 19th century and the rich people of today :

The rich people of the The rich people of today

19th century
1. If you were rich, you had a 1. If you are rich, you have no
lot of …… ……
2. 
They were very proud of 2. They boast about how busy
…… they are, sending signals
indicating ……

A3. Pick out the words from the passage which mean :
  (i) boasting
 (ii) modest and shy
(iii) understood by few
(iv) absorbed in thought

A4. Do as directed :
(i) 
  Americans place a premium on workaholism. (Frame a
Wh-question to get the underlined word as the answer.)

(ii) 
Today, the ultimate aspirational objects are the workers
themselves. (Rewrite beginning ‘Today, it is …)

A5. Explain how you spend your leisure time.

Answers

A1.

discussing arcane
blowing smoke
philosophical
rings Rich people of topics
the 19th century
spent their
romancing well-
evenings …
dressed demure dancing leisurely
ladies
160 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. The rich people of the The rich people of today

19th century
1. If you were rich, you had a 1. If you are rich, you have no
lot of leisure time. time at all.

2. 
They were very proud 2. They boast about how busy
of the luxury goods they they are, sending signals
owned. indicating how much the
labour market values them
and their skills.

A3.   (i) boasting – bragging

 (ii) modest and shy – demure
(iii) understood by few – arcane
(iv) absorbed in thought – pre-occupied

A4. (i) What do Americans place a premium on?

(ii) 
Today, it is the workers themselves who are the ultimate
aspirational objects.

A5. I spend my leisure by doing what I love most – reading. Every

vacation, I join the library near my house and get books to read.
I like mystery novels, and I find out which are the latest mystery
novels from the net. I also like to play football, which I do in the
evenings with the other children from my building.

B  Summary Writing : (5 Marks)

Read the passage given and write a summary of it in a

paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.
Ans. The Concept of being ‘Rich’

   In the 19th century, to be rich was to have leisure time,
while others did the running around. Today, the rich man has
no time at all. And this ‘busyness’ has become a status symbol.
In the past, people were proud of their luxury goods, and of how
little they worked. Today, the rich boast about how busy they
are, and how much the labour market values them and their
skills. Of course, how much a person values his leisure also
varies from culture to culture.
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 161

Non-Textual Passage 4

Q. 4. A  Read the following passage carefully and complete the

activities :

A1. Complete the web with words and phrases from the passage :

Adventurous
activities on the
Lakshadweep
Islands

The water surrounding the cluster of islands that comprise

Lakshadweep is bright and clear as liquid glass. The island itself
has an abundance of lush coconut groves, tranquil lagoons and
long stretches of white sun-drenched beaches. The only sounds
you will hear on the island are the crashing of waves and the
breeze blowing through the palm trees. Tourists will find nature
unspoilt, undisturbed and serene here. Worth watching here are
the spectacular marine life and the night sky as you lie on a
hammock by the sea. Lakshadweep is the best destination for a
tranquil beach holiday. If you are of the adventurous type you can
go yachting, scuba diving up to 21 metres among the dunes in
Sting Ray City or snorkelling. You could even try some deep sea
fishing searching for Jack Fish or King Fish in the waters around
Jack Point. Professional swimmers could try some deep sea diving
at Manta Point, Shark Point or the Wall. On the other hand, if
you are looking for solitude, you can laze around the lagoons by
Kadmat Island or sit fishing in a boat lapped by gentle waves. The
unimaginable abundance of green vegetation on the Islands and
the blue-green colour of the languid waters has given it the name
of Emerald Island.
162 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Complete the following with information from the passage :

(i) 
by using words such as ,
The writer , and , .
describes the
calm and quiet at (ii) by using the sentence ‘The only
Lakshadweep : sounds that you will hear ,
are the and ’.

A3. (1) Write the antonyms of the following words using a

prefix :
(i) clear    (ii) professional
(2) 
Write the synonyms of the following from the passage :
(i) group    (ii) breathtaking
A4. Do as directed :
  (i) 
Worth watching are the spectacular marine life and the
night sky. (Rewrite using ‘not only ... but also ...’ .)

(ii) Lakshadweep is the best destination for a tranquil beach

holiday. (Rewrite using ‘better than ...’ .)
A5. 
Why would you like to spend a holiday on the Lakshadweep
Islands? Give your reasons in 3 to 4 lines.

Answers

A1. yachting Adventurous scuba diving

activities on the
Lakshadweep
deep sea fishing Islands snorkelling

A2.
(i) by using words such as tranquil,
serene and solitude.
The writer
describes
the calm (ii) 
by using the sentence ‘The only
and quiet at sounds that you will hear are the
Lakshadweep : crashing of waves and the breeze
blowing though the trees’.
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 163

A3. (1) (i) clear × unclear   (ii) professional × unprofessional

(2) (i) group – cluster   (ii) breathtaking – spectacular
A4.  (i) Worth watching are not only the spectacular marine life but
also the night sky.
(ii) Lakshadweep is better than any other destination for a
tranquil beach holiday.
A5. 
I would like to spend a holiday on the Lakshadweep Islands to
enjoy the adventurous maritime activities. I love to swim, and
scuba diving and snorkelling would be great fun. Yes, with its
abundance of greenery and picturesque scenery, Lakshadweep
would be a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle
of city life.

B  Summary Writing :


Write a summary of the given passage in a paragraph. Suggest
a suitable title.
Ans. The Emerald Island
   The water around the Lakshadweep islands is bright and
clear. The island itself has beautiful coconut groves, lagoons and
beaches. Nature here is unspoilt and serene, with spectacular
marine life and a wonderful night sky. There are plenty of
activities for the adventurous, and quiet pastimes for those in
search of solitude. The abundance of green vegetation and blue-
green waters has given the place the name of Emerald Island.

(B) NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGES FOR PRACTICE

Non-Textual Passage 1

Q. 6. A  Read the following passage and complete the activities :

A1. List the diseases that are caused by houseflies.

When you think of the most dangerous pests, the housefly

probably isn’t one of the first that comes to mind. Instead, you
probably think of a pest that stings, like a wasp or bee.
164 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

It is true that flies rarely bite or sting, but their danger lies in
the fact that they often land on dead animals, rotten food, manure
and trash. Because they frequent those places, they pick up and
spread diseases that are harmful to humans.
You get typhoid fever when you eat or drink Salmonella typhi
bacteria in contaminated food.
Cholera is an intestinal infection, and you get it when you
ingest bacteria called Vibrio cholera.
Dysentery is one of the more common diseases you might
catch from the bacteria spread by a housefly.
It gets worse-houseflies can also carry and spread leprosy and
anthrax. They even transmit the eggs of parasitic worms !
Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to keep
houseflies away, so you and your loved ones can avoid catching
any of the diseases transmitted by the tiny pests.
A yard full of animal waste, grass clippings and other debris
will keep you from getting rid of your housefly problem. So, take
the time to keep your yards clean. You should cut the lawns.
Flies love to hang out around rotting food, so make sure
all trash cans are sealed tightly. Make sure all of your food is
covered, and if you have fresh produce, keep it in a bag or sealed
container. Also, avoid leaving dirty dishes in your sink. The scent
of food leftovers could easily attract houseflies.

A2. Write how you can get rid of houseflies using the given clues :
(i) Avoid – (ii) Keep fresh produce –
(iii) Cut – (iv) Take time to –
A3. Using the prefixes make antonyms for the given words :
dis, im, un, in, mis.
(i) probable ×   (ii) clean ×   (iii) infect ×   (iv) human ×
A4. (i) It is true that flies rarely bite or sting.
 (Pick out the subordinate clause and state its kind.)
(ii)  You get typhoid fever when you eat or drink Salmonella
typhi bacteria in contaminated food. (Frame a wh-question
to get the underlined part as the answer.)
A5. How do you keep yourself away from any disease?
B  Write a summary of the given passage. Suggest a suitable
title :
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 165

Non-Textual Passage 2

Q. 2. A  Read the following passage carefully and complete the

activities :

A1. Mention any four advantages of cycling as given in the

passage :

Advantages of
Cycling

Motor transport is killing us ! So says Dr Anuradha Lal of

DHI ( Doctors for a Healthy India ) which met in Delhi yesterday.
Thousands of people die every year in traffic accidents. Even more
people die because they breathe polluted air from motor vehicles.
( Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. ) So what
is the answer? DHI says we should make cycling easier. Dr Lal
outlined six reasons why :
(1) Most Indian cities are very polluted because every motor vehicle
produces dirty fumes. Doctor says that city air is so dirty that
thousands of people die every year from chest illnesses. Cycling
is clean because it produces no fumes.
(2) Cyclists don’t have to spend on petrol, so bicycles are cheap to
run. Cycle repairs are cheaper than motor repairs too because
bicycles are quite simple machines.
(3) Bicycles save money for our country too. All motor vehicles
need petrol, which comes from oil. India does not produce
much oil so we have to buy it from other countries. But we
don’t need to buy anything from foreign countries to ride
bicycles.
(4) If we get exercise every day, we become healthy. Cycling keeps
us fit. Driving motor vehicles does not !
(5) In cities, sometimes traffic doesn’t move at all as there is not
enough space on the roads. Bicycles are too small to take up
much road space.
(6) Motor traffic is very noisy. In contrast, bicycles are quiet – except
for the gentle ‘tring, tring’ of their bells.
166 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. Complete the table pointing out the differences between a

cycle and other vehicles :
Point of Health of
Pollution Price Space on the road
difference a rider
Keeps one
Cycle Clean
healthy
Other Vehicles Costly Covers major space

A3. Point out the contextual meaning of the underlined words in

the sentences :
 (i) Bicycles save money for country too.
(ii) Bicycles are too small to take up much road space.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world.
 
(Begin your sentence with ‘Very few ……’.)
(ii) Cycle repairs are cheaper than motor repairs.
(Begin your sentence with ‘Motor repairs ……’.)
A5. How, according to you, will cycling be safer and easier in cities?

B  
Write a summary of the above passage using the given
points. Suggest a suitable title :

(narrator ... effect of motors ... benefits of cycling)

Non-Textual Passage 3

Q. 4. A  Read the following passage and complete the activities :

A1. Choose the correct alternatives and complete the sentences :

 (i) The narrator is :
(a) an astronaut
(b) an engineer studying in BITS, Pilani
(c) in the team of astronauts.
 QUESTION SET 5 – NON-TEXTUAL (UNSEEN) PASSAGES ... 167

(ii) Armstrong said, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant
leap for mankind” which means :
(a) one step on the moon means, many steps on the earth
(b) he felt like a giant on the moon
(c) 
one moon mission had opened up many avenues in
science and technology for mankind.
It was late evening of July 20, 1969, when we turned up the
hostel radio. I was an engineering student at BITS, Pilani. I still
remember the feverish excitement that gripped us from July 16
when Apollo 11, the US space rocket, took off from Cape Kennedy,
Florida. Neil Armstrong and his team of astronauts, Edwin “Buzz”
Aldrin and Michael Collins, were to land on the moon, for the
first time in human history. We listened with rapt attention when
Armstrong declared : “That’s one small step for a man, one giant
leap for mankind.”
His death on Saturday, August 25, is a moment to salute the
romance of space science that Apollo 11 unleashed. It has changed
forever the way we look at our planet Earth and its satellite, the
moon.
Standing on powdery moondust, Armstrong put up his
thumb, shut one eye and found his thumb blotting out the Earth.
“It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue,
was the Earth,” he said later. “I felt very, very small.” But behind
that humbling realisation stood a giant truth : The effort to explore
the universe united mankind in technology and knowledge. Each
moon mission, about 110 till date, provided more confidence to
take on bolder projects.

A2. Complete the statements :

  (i) Armstrong describes the earth as …
 (ii) The effort to explore the universe has …
(iii) Apollo 11 unleashed and changed forever …
(iv) The author came to know about Apollo 11 mission when
he …
168 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. Solve the crossword with the clues given below. Refer to the
passage for your answers :

1 2
U N I V E R S E A

3
A

Down :
(1) The area beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
(2) The name of the spacecraft that Armstrong travelled.
Across :
(3) A person trained to travel in space.
(4) A natural satellite of the earth.
A4. Do as directed :
(i) For the first time ……… (Use ‘with’ and rewrite.)
 
Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins were
to land on the moon for the first time.

(ii) Insert ‘that’ appropriately and rewrite :

Armstrong found his thumb blotting out the Earth.

A5. Would you like to be an astronaut? Give reasons.

B  Write the summary of the given passage. Give it a suitable

title.
_________
 Question Q. 5 A1 or A2 – Letter Writing
Set FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS
6 (Total : 5 Marks)

Note : In the activity sheet, common guidelines will be given for both
the letters ( formal and informal ) in the form of ads, webs, leaflets, news
reports/headlines or other pictorial information. You will have to study
the topic or issue on which you have to write any one letter ( formal
or informal ) carefully. The block format must be used while writing
the letter. In this format all the components of the letter are aligned to
the left margin of the page. The body of the letter is single spaced but
paragraphs are separated by double line space. (While writing on ruled
paper, a line can be left between paragraphs to indicate the beginning
of a new paragraph.) Write the names and addresses given in the
activity sheet instead of ABC, XYZ, etc.

How to attempt Formal/Business/Official Letters :

(1) This question involves writing letters to officials, editors
of newspapers, heads of commercial or educational
establishments, etc.
(2) Two addresses are required for this type of letter : One is
your own and the other is the address of the person you are
writing to.
(3) The ‘Subject’ of the letter, that is, the main topic of the letter,
must be written in brief. If you have referred to something,
e.g. an advertisment in a newspaper, this must be written
below the ‘Subject’ as ‘Reference’.
(4) The salutation has to be very formal, e.g. Sir/Madam, Dear
Sir/Madam, Respected Sir/Madam, etc.
(5) The language and tone used for such letters must be very
formal, to-the-point and respectful.
(6) The main body of the letter should consist of two to three
paragraphs giving details or asking for information – as briefly
as possible.
(7) End off with respectful subscriptions such as ‘Yours faithfully’,
‘Yours sincerely’, ‘Yours truly’, etc.
(8) Webs, news items, ads, parts of letters or some other kind of
information will be given for guidance. Read them carefully
and use them to write the letter. You may add one or two
points of your own.

169
170 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

General Format and Marking Scheme for a Formal Letter :

(1) Sender’s Address
(2) Pin Code ← ½ mark
(3) Date
(4) Name, Designation and address of the recipient ← ½ mark
(5) Subject (a phrase about the general content
of the letter)
← ½ mark
(6) Reference (referring to a letter previously
received/advertisement, etc.)
(7) Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam or simply
Sir/Madam) ← 2 marks
(8) Body of the letter (in 3 or 4 paragraphs)
(9) Subscription (Complimentary Close like
Yours faithfully, Yours truly, etc.) ← ½ mark
(10) Your name
• Correct use of grammar ← 1 mark

How to attempt Informal/Personal/Friendly Letters :

(1) This question involves writing letters to friends, relatives or
acquaintances.
(2) For this question, you have to give only your address, the date
and the salutation ( My dear …, Dear …, etc. ).
(3) 
The language used for such letters is casual, informal and
friendly.
(4) Study the topic or issue on which you have to write the letter
carefully. You will be given ads, webs, news lines or some
pictorial information as guidelines.
(5) 
Write about two or three paragraphs giving the required
information.
(6) 
Finish off with the subscription – ‘Your loving ……’, ‘Yours
affectionately’, etc.
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 171

General Format and Marking Scheme for an Informal Letter :

(1) Sender’s Address
(2) Pin Code ← ½ mark
(3) Date
(4) Salutation (My dear …, Dear …, etc.) ← ½ mark
(5) Body of the letter (in 3 or 4 paragraphs) ← 2½ marks
(6) Subscription (Complimentary Close like
Yours affectionately, Yours lovingly.
← ½ mark
Your loving friend, etc.
(7) Your name
Proper use of Grammar ← 1 mark

Important :
(1) Study ALL the Letters given in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

(A) MODEL LETTERS (FORMAL & INFORMAL)

WITH SOLUTION

Q. 1. Imagine you are Soham/Sohini Dargan residing at 208,

Swarnadham, Hira Colony, Mumbai – 400 052.
Read the following snippet and write a letter based on it :
 (March ’24)

   Sports and games are activities which make a person more

capable with high level efficiency. It removes the mental exhaustion
and makes us capable of doing any hard work. It improves blood
circulation all through the body, and thus improves the physical
and mental well being of the person.

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

  Write a letter to the Editor   Write a letter to your friend
of a newspaper to create Neha/Nishant describing the
awareness about the role of advantages of sports and
sports in a student’s life. games.
172 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Ans.
A1. Formal letter :

Soham Dargan,
208, Swarnadham,
Hira Colony,
Mumbai – 400 052.
6 March, 2025

The Editor,
The Hindustan Times,
Mumbai – 400 001.

Subject : Role of sports and games in a student’s life

Sir,

I just read an old newspaper report ‘Hima Das wins five gold
medals’. I was highly impressed by this, and I wish there were more
youngsters like her.

Sports and games are very important in life and teach us many
essential values like team work, sportsmanship, humility, etc. They
help us to reduce stress and mental exhaustion and make us capable
of hard work. They improve blood circulation all through the body,
thus improving the physical and mental well-being of a person. They
make a person more capable with a high level of efficiency. Today,
more than ever before, we need the help of sports to make our lives
successful.

However, many students are not aware of all these benefits. I earnestly
request your newspaper to create awareness about the role of sports
and games in a student’s life. This will greatly benefit society.

Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Soham Dargan
OR
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 173

A2. Informal letter :

Soham Dargan,
208, Swarnadham,
Hira Colony,
Mumbai – 400 052.
6 March, 2025

My dear Nishant,

Hi! How are you? I just read an old newspaper report ‘Hima Das
wins five gold medals’. I was highly impressed by this, and I thought
I would share my views about sports with you.

Sports and games are very important in life and teach us many
essential values like team work, sportsmanship, humility, etc. They
help us to reduce stress and mental exhaustion and make us capable
of hard work. They improve blood circulation all through the body,
thus improving the physical and mental well-being of a person. They
make a person more capable with a high level of efficiency. Today,
more than ever before, we need the help of sports to make our lives
successful.

I have neglected my physical health this past year and I am now

planning to join a local sports club. What about you? What do you
plan to do during the vacations? Why don’t you join me? Let me
know. Bye for now.

Your loving friend,

Soham
174 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Q. 2. 
The leaflet given below has been put up on your school
notice board :

NAGZIRA SANCTUARY
A Heaven on Earth !
Experience the peace and beauty of this place first hand ! Learn
about wild animals and their habitat.
For further details, contact :
The Divisional Forest Officer,
Nagzira Sanctuary,
Bhandara – 441 904.

Imagine you are Frolin/Fenny D’Souza and write any one of the
following letter :

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

  Write to the Divisional   Write to your father,
Forest Officer, Nagzira asking his permission to go
Sanctuary, booking a weekend for the trip.
visit of your class.

Ans.
A1. Formal letter :

Frolin D’Souza,
Ideal English High School,
Fort Road,
Nalasopara – 401 203.
Palghar Dist.
7th September, 2024
To
The Divisional Forest Officer,
Nagzira Sanctuary,
Bhandara – 441 904.

Subject : Permission to visit Nagzira Sanctuary

 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 175

Dear Sir/Madam,
Thirty-three students of our school, studying in Std. X, wish to visit
the Nagzira Sanctuary. We have a great interest in wildlife and their
habitat. We would like to visit the sanctuary sometime in the first
week of October. We are planning a two-day visit and will make
arrangements for our stay with a local school there.
We would like to have the following information regarding our visit :
(i) Do we need to apply for special permission to visit the
Sanctuary?
(ii) Are there any special rules and regulations that we need to
follow while on our visit?
(iii) Is there any arrangement for a staff member of the Sanctuary
or a guide to show us around?
If you have a brochure giving detailed information regarding our
queries, we would be very grateful if you could send it to the above
address.
Kindly let us know at your earliest if our visit will be convenient.
Yours truly,
Frolin D’Souza
OR

A2. Informal letter :

7, Sunset Park,
Red Rose Road,
Nalasopara – 401 203.
Palghar Dist.
7th September, 2024
Dear Daddy,
Our class is planning a trip to Nagzira Sanctuary in the first week
of October. It will be a two-day visit. Our class teacher is making
arrangements for our stay with a local school there. Already about
30 students from our class have registered for the trip. The expected
expenses for the trip will be ` 1500 per student.
Please let me know if I too can go for the trip. I would really like to
since I am very interested in nature and wildlife.
176 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Our teacher said you could transfer the amount to the school account
on-line.
I hope all is well at home. Give my love and regards to Mummy and
little Alan.
Thanking you in advance,
Your loving son,
Frolin

Q. 3. Look at the following situation :

Kalpana/Kiran Shah residing at Geeta Apts, Shrinagar,

Nanded – 431 602 witnessed an accident near St. Lawrence High
School, Nanded, where a child fell down and was hurt badly after
a hit-and-run incident. Many people were standing around, but
did not know what to do. Finally the child was carried to hospital
by a taxi driver.

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

   Write a letter to the editor   Write a letter to your
‘The Times of India’, Mumbai mother expressing your
telling in short about the feelings about how people fail
incident and requesting him to provide necessary help to
to write an article on the an accident victim.
importance of road safety in
his newspaper.

Ans.

A1. Formal letter :

Kalpana Shah,
Geeta Apartments,
Shrinagar,
Nanded – 431 602.
24 July, 2024
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 177

To

The Editor,
The Times of India,
Mumbai – 400 001.

Subject : Importance of Road Safety

Sir,

I witnessed a disturbing accident near St. Lawrence High School

here a few days back.

A little girl, about five years old, was waiting patiently at a pedestrian
crossing when a black coloured expensive-looking car, driven at
great speed, knocked the girl down. The girl was thrown onto the
pavement due to the impact. I later learnt that she had broken her
leg and hurt her head, and was still in shock. The car sped off
without even stopping. A kind taxi driver took the girl to hospital.

I request you to address the issue of road safety in your newspaper.

People will realize its value only after it has been dinned into their
heads, and who can do it better than a leading newspaper like
yours? Please dedicate a few pages/articles on a regular basis to the
importance of road safety and prevention of accidents.

Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Kalpana Shah
OR

A2. Informal letter :

Geeta Apartments,
Shrinagar,
Nanded – 431 602.
24 July, 2024

Dear Mummy,

Hi Mummy! How are you? I’m sure that you are missing me, and
waiting for me to come back! I too am missing you, though I am
178 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

enjoying my stay with Kaka, Kaki and Smita. We go out somewhere

every day.

That reminds me. Yesterday, when Smita and I were walking near St.
Lawrence High School, we saw an accident. A little girl, about five
years old, was waiting at a pedestrian crossing when a big, black car,
driven at great speed, knocked the girl down. The girl was thrown
onto the pavement due to the impact. We learnt this morning that
she had broken her leg and hurt her head, and was still in shock.
The car sped off without even stopping.

The worst thing was that no one came forward to help her. Everyone
just stood looking, till finally a taxi driver came and took her to
hospital. We were too far away to do anything. Why don’t people help
immediately during such times? I heard people commenting later
that they did not want to get into trouble with the police or waste
time answering questions. I felt that to be cruel. Isn’t it so? I do wish
people were kinder and more compassionate.

Bye for now. Lots to tell you when I come home. How is Pa?

Your loving daughter,

Kalpana

Q. 4. Imagine you are Manav/Mira Sharma residing at

B/12 ‘Snehkutir’, M. G. Road, Nashik – 422 003.
Read the given news extract : (March ’22)

CELEBRATING THE GIRL CHILD

– By a Staff Reporter
12th October, Nashik :
   Yesterday, the city celebrated International Girl Child Day.
Various programmes were organised across the city to felicitate
girls who are young achievers. Speaking on the occasion the
Governor said that as a nation we should educate and empower
the girl child ... .
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 179

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

  Write a letter to the   Write a letter to your
Chairman, Rotary Club, friend to state the importance
D. C. Road, Nashik – 422 003 of women in our society.
to arrange an event to
felicitate young girl achievers
of the city.

Ans.
A1. Formal letter :

Mira Sharma,
B/12 ‘Snehkutir’,
M. G. Road,
Nashik – 422 003.

13 October, 2024

The Chairman,
Rotary Club,
D. C. Road,
Nashik – 422 003.

Subject : Event to felicitate young girl achievers

Sir,
‘International Girl Child Day’ was celebrated on 11 October. Speaking
on the occasion, the Governor stated that as a nation we should
educate and empower the girl child. In addition to this, we should
also encourage young girls to reach for the stars.

The best way of encouragement would be to felicitate the young girl

achievers. Various organisations across the city have already done so.
I am a junior member of the Rotary Club and I request you to arrange
a function or event wherein they can be felicitated by us too. I can
assist and prepare a list of the achievers. I am also ready to offer any
other help necessary to make this event a success.

Thanking you in advance,

Yours faithfully,

Mira Sharma
180 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

OR
A2. Informal letter :

B/12 ‘Snehkutir’,
M.G. Road,
Nashik – 422 003.

13 October, 2024

My dear Shruti,

Hi! How are you? And how is your cat, Binky? And her kittens?

Some news from me. I was in the audience when we celebrated

‘International Girl Child Day’ here at the Town Hall on 11 October.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor stated that as a nation, we
should educate and empower the girl child.

Shruti, I was so thrilled to hear this! The day has finally arrived when
the importance of women in our society has been acknowledged – their
hard work, their contribution to society and the key role they play
in the development of the economy. A woman is a wife, a mother,
an educator, a caregiver, a nurturer – and many more things. It has
been truly said that the ‘hand that rocks the cradle rules the world’.
A society that does not respect and educate a woman will never
progress. Hence, we must now give women their rightful place in
society.

That’s all I wanted to say – and before you can wonder what’s
happened to me, I will end my letter. I was so excited about all the
events focusing on women that I decided to write to you on the spur
of the moment! Bye for now.

Your loving friend,

Mira
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 181

Q. 5. Read the following rules put up at a bus stop. Imagine that

you are Shivam/Shivani Sharma. Attempt any one of the
following letters with the help of the given information :

Do not try to catch a running bus.

Do not hang or jump out of a moving bus.

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

  Write a letter to the   Now, write a letter to
manager of the bus depot, your friend describing your
complaining about scarcity of experience in an overcrowded
buses and the lack of a queue bus.
system.

Ans.
A1. Formal letter :
Vasant Enclave,
Chhotani Road,
Wardha – 442 001.
10 December, 2024

To
The Manager,
WTTC,
Wardha – 442 002.
Subject : Poor and infrequent bus service
Sir,
Let me begin by saying that I am at home today with a sprained
ankle all because of your poor service.
I live in Vasant Enclave on Chhotani Road. The only bus to my
school is route no. 42. As there are many offices and colleges on this
route, the buses are always crowded. To add to this, there are only
two buses between 8 and 9 in the morning, which is the peak hour.
Naturally, there is a temptation to get into any one of them somehow.
I know that your rules at the bus stop say that we should not try to
catch moving buses or dangle out of buses. Then how do we reach
182 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

our schools, colleges and offices? We cannot afford to take rickshaws

every day.
I request you to increase the frequency of route no. 42 especially
during the peak hours. Please also have your officers ensure that
people follow the queue system. Perhaps then we will be able to
follow your rules!
Yours faithfully,
Shivam Sharma
OR

A2. Informal letter :

Vasant Enclave,
Chhotani Road,
Wardha – 442 001.
10 December, 2024
My dear Neeraj,

Hi there! You have described your experiences of a train journey very

well. Now, just read about my experience in an overcrowded bus.
It is because of this bus journey that I am now lying in bed with a
sprained ankle.

Yesterday morning I got up late. I ran down to the bus stop, but
there was quite a crowd. The first bus which came slowed down,
but didn’t stop. I, somehow, caught the moving bus. I managed to
get one foot on the footboard while with my free hand, I caught the
side rod. In this ‘half-in-half-out’ dangling manner, I reached the next
stop somehow or the other. To my surprise, the driver stopped at
this bus stop. Here the crowd was less sympathetic. They pushed
me right out of the bus and as a result I twisted my ankle badly.
I limped to a waiting autorickshaw and came back straight home.
Our family doctor said I had sprained my ankle. So it’s going to be
at least one week in bed for me !

This is what comes of not following the rules put up at our bus stop!

Your loving friend,

Shivam
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 183

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

Q. 1. 
You are Neha/Nehal Nagar from 6, Suman Apartments,
V. P. Road, Miraj – 416 410. Attempt any one of the
following letters with the help of the following leaflet :

Save Water for Our Survival

Every year we face severe water shortage. Let us :
• Save every drop of water.
• Begin recycling of water.
• Start rain-harvesting programmes.
• Prevent wastage in households and industries.
• Build storage tanks in fields and use drip irrigation.
Come, let us join hands to overcome water shortage.

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to the Mayor of Write a letter to your friend
your city requesting him/her describing the plight in your
to provide better facilities to city due to water shortage
face water shortage. and the action to be taken.

Q. 2. 
Imagine you are Dipesh/Disha Shastri, residing at
J. M. Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. Attempt any one letter
based on the given advertisement :

Blood Donation Camp

Donate Blood – Save Lives :
 Blood means life
 A noble work
 Higher requirement
 Can bring smile on many faces
Venue : F. C. Road, Pune.
Date : 14th June
Time : 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Contact : The Secretary, Lions Club, Pune
184 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to ‘The Secretary’ Write a letter to your friend
requesting him to enroll your Manish/Manisha appealing
name for the Blood Donation to him or her to donate

Camp. generously.
Tell him/her the importance
of Blood Donation.

Q. 3. 
Imagine that you are Rohit/Rohini Raj from Ganesh
Society, Apple Street, Pune - 411 004. Attempt any one
of the given letters using the points from the following
leaflet :

Stay healthy Reasonable

stay fit Yoga for All! fees

• Essential in modern age

• Reduces tension
• Provides energy
• Develops concentration
Join the classes : Yoga for All
• Special batches for students Ganesh Society
Apple Street, Pune – 411 004

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to your school Write a letter to your younger
Headmaster/Headmistress brother telling him about
requesting him/her to start the importance of Yoga and
Yoga classes in your school. advising him to join Yoga
classes.
 QUESTION SET 6 – FORMAL & INFORMAL LETTERS 185

Q. 4. Read the following leaflet.

Alibaug : A mini-Goa
Visit Alibaug and enjoy
A walk during low tide to Kolaba Fort
Bicycle rides, Fish Cuisine
Water sports such as Quad biking, Banana boat ride, Jet Skiing

You are Kalpana/Kalpit Khanna from Mumbai. Attempt any one

of the letters using the points in the leaflet :

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to the Write a letter to your friend
headmaster of your school urging him or her to join
making a formal request your family for a weekend
to let your class go for a stay at Alibaug.
weekend picnic to Alibaug.

_________

7/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)

 Question Q. 6 (A) A1. – Information Transfer
Set VERBAL TO NON-VERBAL
7 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) For this question, you will be given a paragraph or two related
to some topic or issue.
(2) You will have to pick out the main points from the information
given and reframe it in the form of a table, a tree-diagram,
a flow chart, a web, a pie-diagram, a map, etc. as mentioned in
the instructions. In other words, you will be converting verbal
information into non-verbal information.
(3) 
Your answer should contain only those words which are an
essential part of the non-verbal presentation. Avoid adding
your own points.
(4) 
Go over once again the points that you have used in the
diagram carefully. It is very important to understand what is
expected in the answer.
Marking Scheme :
• Title 1 marks
• Covering all points 2 marks
• Appropriate graphic/layout 1 marks
• Overall Presentation 1 marks

 Total 5 marks

Important :
(1) Study ALL the questions in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

186
 QUESTION SET 7 – verbal to non-verbal 187

(A) MODELS FOR INFORMATION TRANSFER

(Verbal to Non-verbal) WITH SOLUTION

(1) Read the following information and complete the flow-

chart for the same, and give a suitable title : (March ’24)

   Sugar beet grows through the summer and is harvested in

autumn and winter. When it arrives on site, the sugar beet is
washed. The sugar beet is sliced into thin strips called cossettes.
   These thin strips are mixed with hot water to extract the
sugar and a lime solution is added to the raw juice to remove any
impurities.
   The syrup is filtered, heated and seeded with tiny sugar
crystals, which grow into the required size. The sugar crystals are
then washed, dried and cooled.
   Sugar is delivered to our customers in a variety of formats
for both industrial and retail markets.

Ans. Production of Sugar

Sugar beet is washed and cut into thin strips called cossettes.

Cossettes are mixed with hot water to extract the sugar.

Lime solution is added to the raw juice to remove impurities.

Syrup is filtered, heated and seeded with tiny sugar crystals.

Sugar crystals are washed, dried and cooled.

Sugar is delivered to customers for industrial and retail markets.

188 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(2) Read the paragraph and write it in the form of dos and
don’ts : (July ’22)

Mobile phone etiquette is similar to common courtesy. Here

are some ways by which you can make yourself an agreeable
mobile user. While dining at a restaurant, avoid making your
mobile an obvious presence. Wait till the meal is finished and
then send text messages. It is rude to text or take calls while at a
meal. In case the call is important, apologize to the company and
ask permission to take the call. There are certain places such
as the theatre, a place of worship, the library or at a recital or a
funeral where you simply cannot use the mobile phone. You have
to respect the privacy of others and the sanctity of the occasion
and as such must keep the mobile on silent mode. Even in
public, you must try to keep at least three metres between you
and others. You cannot ignore the personal space of others. Avoid
airing arguments and speaking loudly and angrily on the mobile
phone. Keep the quarrel under wraps.

Ans. Mobile Phone Etiquette

Dos Don’ts
(1) 
Do send text messages only (1) 
Don’t make your mobile
after finishing the meal. an obvious presence when
dining with others.
(2) 
Do apologize and ask (2) 
Do not text or accept
permission to take a call unimportant calls while at a
while dining. meal.
(3) 
Do respect the privacy of (3) 
Don’t use the mobile phone
others and the sanctity of in certain places such as
the occasion, and keep the theatres, places of worship or
mobile on silent mode at at recitals or funerals.
such places.
 QUESTION SET 7 – verbal to non-verbal 189

(4) Do keep at least three metres (4) 

Don’t ignore the personal
between you and others while space of others.
speaking on the mobile.
(5) 
Do keep arguments under (5) 
Don’t raise your voice or
wraps. express your anger while
using the mobile phone in
public.
(3) Read the following passage and draw a tree diagram to
cover the main points :
Amla has many health benefits. It is a rich source of
Vitamin C. This helps to improve the immunity of the body and
gives physical strength. It acts as a diuretic and laxative. It is used
to treat constipation. It can even cure insomnia. It is an important
component of Ayurvedic medicines and has been used traditionally
for the treatment of the scalp. It is very healthy for hair. People use
amla as a cooling agent to reduce the effects of sunstrokes and
sunburns.

Ans.
Health benefits of Amla

Health Ayurvedic Cooling

Nutrient
benefits medicines agent

diuretic, reduces the

treatment of
laxative, treats effects of
Vitamin C scalp, healthy
constipation, sunstrokes and
cures insomnia for hair
sunburns

improves immunity
of the body, gives
physical strength
190 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(4) Read the following text and present the information in a

tabular form :

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a zealous social worker holding

modern and progressive views. He firmly stood against social
bigotry, conservation and superstition and advocated English and
Western Education for his fellowmen. He knew many languages
viz. English, Persian, Arabic, Latin, French and even Hebrew. He
was born in 1772 in West Bengal. He joined East India Company
in 1805. The title ‘Raja’ was conferred on Ram Mohan Roy by the
Mughal Emperor. In 1814 he founded the ‘Atmiya Sabha’ and in
1828 the ‘Brahmo Samaj’. He abolished ‘sati’, child marriage and
the purdah. He is rightly called the ‘father of Indian Renaissance’
or the ‘Father of Indian Nationalism’. He died on 27 Sept. 1833
in England.

Points Information
(1) Name
(2) Year of Birth
(3) Ill practices abolished
(4) Institutions launched
(5) Languages known

Ans. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Points Information
(1) Name Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(2) Year of Birth 1772
(3) Ill practices abolished sati, child marriage, purdah
(4) Institutions launched ‘Atmiya Sabha’, ‘Brahmo Samaj’
(5) Languages known English, Persian, Arabic, Latin,
French, Hebrew
 QUESTION SET 7 – verbal to non-verbal 191

(5) Read the following information and prepare a pie diagram

for the same :

Annual Water Usage in Maharashtra

   Water is life. It is a universal solvent and an important resource.

The annual usage of water differs in various sectors of Maharashtra.
The major occupation of Maharashtra being agriculture, the
maximum amount of available water is used for irrigation, that is
86%. The distant following place 7% is contributed by the domestic
sector, which includes drinking, washing, cooking, etc. There is a
close competition of other sectors with 6% usage of water. One of
the key factors which plays an important role in the development
of a nation is the industrial sector. The consumption of water by
the industrial sector is very negligible, which is 1%.

   We know the energy sector plays a vital role in the development

of a nation. In this sector, the use of water is almost nil. If we try
to observe its place in the chart we realise that it holds 0% usage
and is yet to open its account.

Ans. Annual Water Usage in Maharashtra

Others
6%

Domestic
Irrigation 7%
86%
Industries
1%
192 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(6) Read the following information and complete the table

given below it : (March ’20)

Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the Moon will,

for the first time, unravel secrets around the Moon’s South Pole.
Chandrayaan-2 is a three-part spacecraft – an orbiter, a lander
and a rover. The lander is named Vikram after Vikram Sarabhai,
the founder of the Indian space programme. The rover is named
Pragyan, meaning ‘wisdom’.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22 July, 2019 atop ISRO’s

GSLV Mk-III-1 at 2:43 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
at Sriharikota. Performing as expected, the rocket released
Chandrayaan-2 in a highly elliptic orbit around Earth about
17 minutes later. In fact, it was released 6,000 km higher than
planned. The solar arrays on Chandrayaan-2 developed smoothly
as the probe began its journey.

Table Information
(1) Name of the Mission
(2) Date of Launch
(3) Centre of Launch
(4) Name of the Rover
(5) 
Founder of Indian Space
Programme
Ans.

Table Information
(1) Name of the Mission Chandrayaan-2
(2) Date of Launch 22 July, 2019
(3) Centre of Launch Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota
(4) Name of the Rover Pragyan
(5) 
Founder of Indian Space Vikram Sarabhai
Programme
 QUESTION SET 7 – verbal to non-verbal 193

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

(1) Here are some tips about hair care. Read and write in
the form of a Dos and Don’ts table. Give a suitable title for the
table : (Sept. ’21)

We must take care of our hair. Healthy hair looks beautiful

and makes us look good. It is important to keep our hair clean
by washing it regularly with soap or shampoo. At the same time,
washing our hair too often can spoil our hair, it can make it dry
and brittle. To have healthy hair, we must eat a balanced diet, which
provides nourishment to our hair and skin. We should eat lots of
green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and cereals. Consumption of
amla juice, ash gourd juice, pumpkin and coconut water enhances
hair growth. We should avoid hard chemicals and dyes. We should
also avoid the intake of maida (fine flour) and deep fried dishes,
sweets made of white sugar, soft drinks, tea and coffee. We should
not expose the hair to the sun during the hottest time of the day.
We should cover it up and wear a hat instead. If we follow a healthy
regime of yoga and breathing exercises, we can enjoy healthy hair
for a long time as it slows down the process of greying and ageing.

(2) Read the following information and complete the table

on the basis of the given points. Suggest a suitable title :

For a man, both physical as well as moral courage are

necessary. There is, however, a wide difference between the two.
The examples of physical courage are wrestlers and racers. The
examples of moral courage are found in the personalities of Swami
Vivekanand and Mahatma Gandhi. Both of them had lean figures.
Physical courage can be acquired through physical exercise.
Mental courage can be acquired by exercising the mind which
infuses moral courage. The pre-requisite for physical courage is
nutrition and diet, whereas for moral courage it is a strong value
system. It is a widely known fact that for cultivating moral courage,
it is necessary to keep away from the desires of the material
world, and to cultivate physical courage one should be away from
dominating others on the basis of their physical strength. Moral
courage is more powerful than physical courage.
194 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Points Moral courage Physical courage

(1) Acquired through
(2) Pre-requisite for
(3) Keep away from
(4) Examples

(3) Read the following information. Transfer it into a flow

tree diagram and suggest a suitable title : (July ’22)

The tulsi plant is a close relative of culinary basil. It is

differentiated by its medicinal properties and some physical
characteristics. There are three main types of tulsi plants :
* Rama Tulsi (also known as Green Leaf Tulsi) – A green tulsi
with light purple flowers and an aromatic, clove-like scent, thanks
to its chemical component of eugenol, which is the main aroma in
cloves and has a mellow flavour.
* Krishna Tulsi (also known as Shyama Tulsi or Purple Leaf
Tulsi) – A purple plant with a clove-like aroma and peppery flavour.
* Vana Tulsi (or Wild Leaf Tulsi) – A bright, light green tulsi
plant that grows wild and is indigenous to many areas of Asia and
North/East Africa, it has a more lemony aroma and flavour.

(4) Given below is a paragraph giving an idea of what success

means to different people. Prepare a web diagram depicting the
information correctly :

For most people success means financial gain. If one is able to

afford the luxuries of life, one considers that as success. However,
for some, success means achieving fame and position in one’s
field. To others it is acquiring some sort of status in society. A few
people believe that if they can create employment opportunities for
others, then they have achieved success. Very few people aim to
become role models for others by being successful in their chosen
fields.

_________
 Question Q. 6 (A) A2. – Information Transfer
Set NON-VERBAL TO VERBAL
8 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) 
For this question, you will be given some information in
the form of a table, a tree-diagram/flow chart, a web, a pie-
diagram, etc.
(2) Information of this type is called non-verbal. The information
given will be a bare minimum. It will be diagrammatical or
pictorial and consist of a few words or phrases.
(3) The information will be about some topic or issue which will
be mentioned either as the title of the table, pie-diagram or
tree-diagram or in the centre of the web or map.
(4) Read the points carefully. It is very important to understand
what is expected in the answer.
(5) You are expected to use the information to write a paragraph
covering all the points given. Don’t forget to give a title to the
paragraph.
Marking Scheme :
• Title 1 mark
• Use of given points 2 marks
• Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate language and conclusion 1 mark

 Total 5 marks

Important :
(1) Study ALL the questions in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.
Note : Statistical information in some questions in this section
may not be updated as per the latest data. However, the purpose
of such questions/activities is to give practice in the use of
language and writing skills for students.

195
196 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(A) MODELS FOR INFORMATION TRANSFER

(Non-verbal to Verbal) WITH SOLUTION
(1) Transfer the given information into a paragraph. Suggest
a suitable title : (March ’24)

Caused by Man Caused by Nature Solutions

  (i) Too many people Droughts Stricter laws to
control
population
(ii) More agricultural Floods Stricter laws
land required to and proper
meet the needs of execution of
the evergrowing laws
population
(iii) Cutting of forests for Forest fires Use alternative
wood, etc. products
(iv) Poaching by hunters. — Reduce demand
for illegal
wildlife parts
and products
by not
purchasing
products made
from these
items.

Ans.   Natural and Man-made Problems and their Solutions

Droughts, floods and forest fires are disasters caused by nature.

Man cannot do very much to stop these completely. However, many
man-made problems are caused due to over-population. There are
just too many people on our earth, and more and more land is used
for agriculture to meet the needs of this evergrowing population. To
add to this, man harms the environment by cutting down forests for
wood and other needs. Poaching by hunters causes an imbalance in
animal life. The solutions to these problems are clear. There must
 QUESTION SET 8 – non-verbal to verbal 197

not only be stricter laws to control population but also a proper

execution of all the laws. One can try to find alternative products to
save wood. Poaching can be stopped by reducing demand for illegal
wildlife parts and by not purchasing products made from these
items.
(2) Given below is the process of manufacturing paper.
Transfer the given information into a paragraph :

Raw materials :
wood, grass, bamboo, rags.

Cut into pieces and

immersed in water and
and made into pulp.

Mixed with lime for

whitening and pulp is
boiled and passed through
wire meshes

Wet paper

Passed over heated

roller and thin sheets
of paper is made.

Ans. Manufacture of Paper

For the manufacture of paper, the raw materials needed are
wood, grass, bamboo and rags. These are cut into small pieces and
immersed in water. They are then converted into pulp. Later, the pulp
is mixed with lime for whitening and passed through wire meshes,
where it gets transformed into paper. This wet paper passed over
heated rollers and we finally get the thin sheets of paper which we
normally use.
198 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(3) Given below are some statistics of the population of India

according to the 2011 census. Reference date was 1st March
2011. Write a paragraph that includes all the information given :

(1) Total Population : 1.21 billion

(2) Rural-urban structure : 627,000 plus villages; 2000 plus
towns and cities
(3) Rural population : about 70%
(4) Male/Female population : Males, about 62 crores (52.66%);
females about 58 crores (47.34%)
(5) Adult literacy : 74.4%
(6) Average density of population in the country : 382 persons
per sq. km.
(7) Average density of population in the ten major cities of
India : 6888 people per sq. km.
(8) Age structure : Youth population (below 16 years), about
44%; elderly population, (above 65 years) increased from
6.2% to 6.7% (due to better health services)

Ans. Problems Census in India – 2011

The Reference Date for the census of 2011 was 1st March
2011. The total population of India was found to be 1.21
billion. There were more than 627,000 villages in the country
but only about 2000 towns and cities. The rural population
accounted for about 70% of the total population. The population
of males in India was about 62 crores, which was about
52.66% of the total population. The female population was about
58 crores, which was about 47.34%. The adult literacy rate is now
about 74%. Across the nation, the average density of the population
is 382 persons per sq. km. However, in the ten major cities of India,
the average population density is as high as 6888 persons per sq.
km. About 44% of the population in India is made up of the youth
(below 16 years of age). The population of the elderly (above 65
years of age) has increased from 6.2 to 6.7% due to better health
facilities.
 QUESTION SET 8 – non-verbal to verbal 199

(4) Observe the following bar-graph, which shows the results

of a survey of the reading habits of the students studying in
schools. Write a paragraph and suggest a suitable title :
 (Sept. ’21)

100
90
Percentage of students

80
Syllabus books
70
60
50 Comics Science fiction
40
Magazines
30
20
Newspaper
10
0
Types of reading materials

Ans. Reading Habits of School Students

The results of a survey of the reading habits of the students
studying in schools was revealing. A large majority, 70% read
syllabus books. This is natural seeing the stress laid on academics
in our society. Surprisingly, a good 50% of students read science
fiction books. This interest in science fiction is encouraging. 45%
still read comics, showing that illustrations along with the written
word still carries a lot of importance. 30% read magazines, though
the type of magazines they read is not clear. Only a meagre 10%
read newspapers; it is to be hoped that they got information about
the happenings round the country and the world from TV and the
Internet. Students should be encouraged to read more and to keep
themselves well informed.
200 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(5) Transfer the information given in following tree diagrams

into a paragraph :
Values

Material Spiritual
(hard work, discipline, etc.) (truth, generosity, etc.)

Source from where children get their values

Family School Books & Self-

electronic media experience

Direct Simple
instruction observation Religious scriptures, Films,
biographies, etc. documentaries, etc.

Formal teaching Extra curricular activities

(books & syllabus) (sports, cultural programmes, etc.)

Ans. Types of Values and their Sources

Values can be classified as material values like hard work,
discipline, etc. and spiritual values like truth and generosity. There
are different sources from where children get their values. They can
get it from the family, either by direct instruction or through simple
observation of other members of the family. At school, values can be
taught formally, by making use of books and a well-defined syllabus,
or informally through extra curricular activities like sports, cultural
programmes, etc.
Today, books and the electronic media too are helpful in
imparting values. Books can be religious scriptures, biographies of
renowned people, motivational books, etc. Films and documentaries
can also be of immense help. However, one of the best ways to
inculcate values is probably through self-experience.
 QUESTION SET 8 – non-verbal to verbal 201

(6) Study the following pie-diagram and write a paragraph

based on the information given in it :
Sources of Emissions of Air Pollutants
Commercial and Agriculture 10%
Residential Heating 1% Others 2%
Consumer and
Commercial products 8%

Transpor-
tation Industry
27% 52%

Ans. Sources of Emissions of Air Pollutants

From a quick look at the pie-diagram, we realize the well-known
but shocking fact that Industry is largely responsible for the emission
of air pollutants. The pie-chart places the figure at 52%. Second on
the list is transportation. This accounts for 27% of toxic gases sent
out into the air. Surprisingly, agriculture is responsible for 10% of
air pollutants. This may be because of fertilizer sprays and aerial
sprays of chemicals such as pesticides and weedicides. Consumer
and commercial products are responsible for 8% of air pollution.
Commercial and residential heating causes a negligible 1% of air
pollution. Other factors account for a nominal 2% of air pollution.
(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
(1) Write a paragraph of about 100 words based on the
information given in the following table and give a suitable title
for it : (March ’23)

Type of Forests Plants Animals

  (i) Equatorial Mahogany, Rosewood, Different types of monkeys,
Evergreen Ironwood, Oil palm snakes, lizards, bats, tse-
tse flies
(ii) Marshes Mangrove, Creepers, Different types of insects,
Numerous tall trees snakes, crocodiles, tse-tse
like Mahogany and other flies
202 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(2) Write a paragraph of about 100 words based on the

information given in the following table :

House sparrows Forest sparrows

Eat seeds and insects Eat seeds and insects
Black and brown in colour Bluish and grey in colour
Build nest in a hole in a house Build nests in hedges and bushes
Lay three to six eggs at a time Lay two or four eggs at a time
Make noises in a series of calls Sing a warbling song

(3) Observe the web and transform it into a paragraph by

adding your own points :

Devotion

Determination

Optimism Sportsmanship Hardship

Dedication

(4) Given below is a factfile for a hill station. Write the

information in the form of a paragraph :

Matheran – Mother Forest

* How to get there : (a) by train : From Mumbai or Pune to Neral

Junction. From Neral to Matheran by narrow-gauge trains.
(b) by road : Shared taxi or mini bus from Neral.
* Where to stay : Private resorts, hotels, MTDC hotel, homestays.
* Best time to visit : All the year round except rainy season.
* What to see : Porcupine Point, Echo Point, Monkey Point, Treks to
Table Top, Flora and Fauna.
* Things to enjoy : Horse-rides, serene nature, trekking.
_________
 Question Q. 6 (B) B1. – Speech Writing
Set SPEECH WRITING
9 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) 
This activity involves writing a formal paragraph ( or
paragraphs ) on the topic given for the speech.
(2) 
The objective of a speech is to express and convey your
opinions, views, knowledge and thoughts to an audience. It
also helps to enhance one’s oratory skills.
(3) 
Begin with an address to the audience such as ‘Ladies and
Gentlemen’, ‘My dear teachers and friends’, ‘Respected
Principal, Beloved Teachers and my dear friends’, etc. The
address should be appropriate for the audience that you are
addressing.
(4) 
Your statements must be directly addressed to the audience
and can contain rhetorical questions. The language should be
formal and the tone serious.
(5) 
You will be given points, questions, news items, etc. as
guidelines. Use them to frame the sentences for the speech.
(6) End off with salutations such as ‘Jai Hind’, ‘Thank you’, etc.
suitable to the occasion and to the nature of the speech.
Marking Scheme :
• Appropriate beginning/conclusion 1 mark
• Body – Use of given points and additional points;
appropriate use of language 2 marks
• Appropriate sequence and flow of language 1 mark
• Use of appropriate grammatical structure 1 mark

 Total 5 marks

Important :
(1) Study ALL the questions in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

203
204 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(A) MODEL SPEECHES WITH SOLUTIONS

(1) Prepare a speech to be delivered in your school assembly.

The topic given to you is : (March ’24)
‘Nothing is more important than self-study.’
You may use the following points :
• Learn more efficiently
• Learn at your own pace
• Encourages curiosity
• Boosts student’s self-esteem.
Ans. The importance of self-study
Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,
Good morning. Our topic for this week’s assembly is – ‘Nothing
is more important than self-study’, and I, XYZ, will share my views
on this topic with you.
We are all different and have our own pace of studying. If we
study with others, we may find that they are either slower than us
or faster than us in understanding the topics. Self-study helps us to
learn more efficiently and understand the lesson before us at our
own pace. We can spend more time on topics that we find difficult
and go quickly through the easier topics.
Self-study also helps us to retain the information that we have
gathered. If we find a topic interesting, we can delve deeper into it.
It helps us to develop analytical and thinking ability. It encourages
curiosity and boosts the self-esteem of students. It reduces stress and
helps us to organize our schedule in a way that suits us. Thus, I will
conclude my speech by reiterating that nothing is more important
than self-study, and we must all accept this. Thank you.

(2) Prepare a speech to be delivered in the school assembly

on ‘Science and Spirituality go hand in hand’. Use the following
points :
• Can work together
• Can explain lot of things of life.
• Gives scope for reasoning and thinking.
• Can give scope for intelligence and creativity.
• Can make more and more discoveries.
 QUESTION SET 9 – speech writing 205

Ans. Science and Spirituality go hand in hand

Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,
I wish you all a very good morning and a hearty welcome.
I am happy that I, XYZ, have been given the privilege of starting the
Science Day programme with a speech. The topic of my speech is :
‘Science and spirituality go hand in hand’.
No doubt, this is a difficult concept to understand, for we have
always been given to believe that they are mutually exclusive. However,
that is not so. There is no contradiction between the two. Both
genuinely seek the truth. Science explores the truth about the body
and physical world. Spirituality introspects on the nature of ‘self’ and
its relationship with the outer world. Science helps us understand
the physical structure of the universe, while spirituality deals with
human existence, values and morals. Both complement each other.
Both are two sides of the same coin. Both require mental discipline.
Science is the body. Spirituality is the mind. One explores the external
world; the other delves into the internal sphere. Their harmonious
co-existence contributes to the well-being of humankind.
Thank you all for listening to me attentively. I hope most of you
agree with my views on the topic. I end my speech with a very suitable
quote from none other than Albert Einstein : ‘Science without religion
is lame; religion without science is blind’.
Thank you once again.

(3) Prepare a speech on ‘Conservation of Water’. You may

use the following points :

• need for conservation

• methods of conservation
• future plans to increase water resources
Ans. Save Every Drop
Respected teachers and my dear friends,
Today, our school is celebrating ‘Environment Day’, and on this
occasion I, XYZ, would like to say a few words about the conservation
of water, which is the need of the day.
Water is the basis of life. Without water, there can be no life.
However, we cannot use this resource irresponsibly; we need
206 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

to conserve it so that everyone has enough for his or her needs.

The methods of conservation can be artificial, like building dams
and bunds. It can also be by eco-friendly means. The water table
can be improved; rain-water harvesting can be done. Trees attract
rain clouds and the roots of the trees help to hold water. Hence,
more trees should be planted especially on the banks of rivers and
lakes, and the sides of mountains and hills. Afforestation should be
initiated wherever there is a lack of trees.
At a personal level, each of us can help to conserve water by
using it judiciously. Instead of taking long showers, we can use a
bucket for bathing. Taps should be turned off while brushing teeth,
washing vessels, clothes, etc. and water should not be allowed to
flow unnecessarily down the drain. Water can be recycled and used
in the toilets and for watering plants.
Finally, I will end my speech by repeating that one of the best
and easiest methods to increase water resources is by planting more
trees.
Thank you.

(3) Write a speech acquainting your class about the

environment crisis that is worsening around the world.
Use the following points :
• environment in the past
• our environment today
• pollution problems
• steps to be taken
Ans. The Environment Crisis
Dear friends,
Good morning. Today is ‘Environment Day’, and on this
important day, I would like to say something about the ‘Environment
Crisis’. In the past our environment was the way God intended it
to be. It was green and clean and pristine and fresh. Our forests
were thick with trees. Birds, animals and insects co-existed there in
millions.
Just take a look at the surroundings today. You will see concrete
jungles and tall skyscrapers hiding the natural scenery, if there is
any scenery left to see at all! Almost 11 billion trees are being cut
 QUESTION SET 9 – speech writing 207

down every year. Roads and parks are littered with different kinds
of waste. Plastic is the king. There is hardly any sphere of our lives
where we do not use plastic. And then we throw it away as waste to
pollute the environment! Vehicles and industries have made the air
we breathe unclean.
The amount of pollution is on the rise. What kind of a future
can we look forward to? A life of impure air, a host of lung diseases,
epidemics and unheard of ailments? No trees? No mountains?
No hills? Only desert wastelands that we ourselves have created?
What can we as students do? We have to take urgent steps to
make people aware of how dangerous the environment crisis is. We
have to think and come up with innumerable ways of saving our
Mother Planet. We have to do everything in our power to conserve
our forests, to conserve the landscape, to manage waste effectively,
to keep our earth as natural as Mother Nature intended it to be!
For a better environment and to save our world, let us all work
as one! Save our Planet! Save humanity!
Thank you.
(5) Prepare a speech to be delivered in the school assembly
on ‘The India of my Dreams’ : (Sept. ’21)
Use the following points :
Free from –
• Pollution • Poverty • Plastic • Child labour • Corruption.
You can add your own points.
Ans. The India of my Dreams
Respected Principal and teachers and my dear friends,
Good morning. Today is ‘Children’s Day’, and let me, XYZ, begin
this wonderful day by giving you a brief idea of the dreams my
friends and I have for India. In fact, what each one of us thinks of as
‘My Dream India’.
I would like my country and all other countries of the world
to be free from all types of pollution. Our earth should be as clean
and pure as it was thousands of years ago. All production of toxic
and harmful plastic should be stopped. Yes, in some cases plastic
is a boon – but it should be used with care and responsibility, not
as we are doing it today. My dream India would not have any poor
people – everyone should be able to fulfill their basic needs. This
208 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

would be possible if there was no corruption. Corruption is that

venom that poisons all the good that anyone tries to do.
And last but not the least, India should be free from that social
ill that makes all heads hang down in shame – child labour. Yes,
today, on Children’s day, I truly wish and hope that the children of
our country are safe and sound. These are my ideas for a ‘Dream
India’; I’m sure, as we think over it, there will be many more hopes
and dreams! Thank you.
(6) Prepare a speech to be delivered in an inter school
competition. The subject given to you is ‘Importance of Festivals
in Indian Culture’. Use the following points.
• Testimony to our diverse tradition and culture
• An environment of cultural harmony
• Celebration irrespective of religion and caste
• Forgetting enmity; forging bond of love
• Moral, ethical, social values of life; entertainment
Ans. ‘Importance of Festivals in Indian Culture’
Honourable Judges, Respected Teachers and Dear Friends,
Good morning. I, Kushal Khanna, would like to say few words on
‘Importance of Festivals in Indian Culture’. A festival is an auspicious
day or period of religious or other celebration prevalent in all societies
and religious communities. Festivals play an important role in our
life. It is said that India is a rich country with a varied culture and
religious festivals play a very important role in Indian culture.
We celebrate festivals to keep alive the cultural heritage of our nation.
A festival helps us to embrace one another in a bond of love. It is during
festivals that people exchange gifts, celebrate events together and enjoy
the time spent in the company of each other. National level festivals help
to promote patriotic spirit and solidarity in society. Thus, festivals keep
us together and are a symbol of our customs and traditions.
More than their entertainment value, festivals reinforce values
like love, brotherhood, sacrifice and the victory of good over evil.
So let us all join hands and make life a celebration. Should we
not celebrate festivals to spread happiness and make our relations
strong forever? Enjoy festivals and bring to life a state of exuberance
and enthusiasm.
Thank you!
 QUESTION SET 9 – speech writing 209

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

(1) Prepare a speech to be delivered for state level elocution

competition.
The subject given to you is ‘Fit India, Happy India’.
Use the following points :
• Live healthy
• Practise Yoga
• Daily meditation and exercise
• Maintain balanced diet
• Stress management
• Follow the ideal lifestyle.
(2) Write a speech of about 15 lines that you would deliver
on the occasion of Teachers’ Day Celebrations in your school.
You may take the help of the following points for your speech :

* Importance of teachers
* Relationship between teachers and students
* Gratitude towards teachers

(3) After going through the message on the School

Noticeboard, draft a speech to be delivered on ‘Organ Donation’.
Use the following points :
• saves lives of others
• noble deed
• service to society
• any other points
(4) Prepare a speech to be delivered for the District Level
Elocution Competition.
The subject given to you is ‘How to live a happy and joyful life’.

Use the following points :
• Live in a stress free atmosphere.
• Daily meditation and exercise.
• Be in the company of cheerful people.
• Take inspiration from great people.
_________
 Question Q. 6 (B) B2. – View/Counterview
Set VIEW/COUNTERVIEW
10 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) The objective of this activity is to help you to think logically
and express your views and counterviews about the given
subject politely, firmly and convincingly.
(2) 
You will be given a particular view regarding some current
issue or topic. You are expected to write a counterview of that
issue or topic. This means that you have to give your opinion
against the issue or topic given.
(3) 
Some kind of guidance regarding the ‘View’, perhaps in the
form of points, or in the form of a news item, etc. will be given.
You are expected to write a paragraph which reflects the exact
opposite of the views expressed.
(4) The answer to this question should be almost like a speech.
It should be argumentative and you should state your opinions
firmly.
(5) 
Hence, the language used for this answer should be very
formal and the tone should be as if you are addressing an
audience. You can use exclamations and rhetorical questions.
Give a suitable title to your answer.
Marking Scheme :
• Proper beginning and conclusion 1 mark
• Appropriate vocabulary and grammar 1 mark
• Expressing opinion in good and lucid
language with logical order 2 marks
• Appealing and convincing thoughts 1 mark

 Total 5 marks

Important :
(1) Study ALL the questions in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

210
 QUESTION SET 10 – view/counterview 211

(A) MODEL SELECTIONS FOR VIEW/COUNTERVIEW

(1) Write your counterview in a paragraph on the following
views :
‘Social networking sites are not a necessity’ (March ’24)
Views :
• There are other ways of connecting and staying in touch.
• People may resort to dishonesty.
• Cyber crimes are on the rise.
• Vital personal information may be misused.
Ans. Social Networking Sites – a Boon

We have to accept the fact that we live in a fast world today.

Everybody is in a hurry. The days when we had to wait for the
postman to bring us a letter are in the distant past. It is a busy
world, and social networking helps us to keep in touch with friends
instantly, even those with whom we had lost contact. This was
evident during the recent Covid epidemic, when these very sites
helped us tremendously. Yes, people may resort to dishonesty and
cheating. Privacy is an issue, and cyber crimes are unfortunately on
the rise. The criminals may use vital personal information against
us. However, isn’t cheating prevalent in any area, and isn’t it up to
us to be careful? Just like we have learnt to be careful while opening
the door of our home, so too we have to be careful about the way we
use these sites. Social networking sites are certainly a necessity – to
be used prudently and with care.

(2) Write your counterview on the topic : ‘Skyscrapers – the

bane of Mumbai’, on the basis of the views given below. Add your
own points :
View :
Skyscrapers are a nuisance
• Block the skyline
• Harm the environment
• No proper planning
• Increase urban population.
(Add more details and write a paragraph.)
212 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Ans. Skyscrapers – A Necessary Evil

In my view, skyscrapers are a must in order to accommodate
the rising growth of population in developed and developing cities.
Mumbai is no exception. However, this will affect the skyline. If there is
proper planning by civic officials, the construction of skyscrapers will
be accompanied by the establishment of parks, playgrounds, lakes,
ponds and green areas. Take a look at high-tech cities around the
world like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo in the east and New
York, Washington D.C., Paris and London in the west. These cities
are dotted with skyscrapers, yet have plenty of green areas, natural
sanctuaries, fish aquariums, bird parks and greenery everywhere. If
there is sensible planning, the construction of skyscrapers will only
change the venue of the natural habitat of birds and animals, but will
not affect their vital presence in the vicinity.
(3) Write your counterview in a paragraph on the topic ‘Short
cuts to success is not a wrong choice’ : (March ’22)
Use the following points :
• Followed by people with wrong principles.
• Quality of work will suffer.
• The result will not last long.
• Limitations to creative thinking.
Ans. There Are No Short Cuts to Success
A short cut is generally followed by a person who is in a hurry
and who wants things immediately, whatever the cost may be. It is
adopted by a person who does not have the right principles and
values. If one takes a short cut while doing work, then the quality of
work will suffer. For example, if, while checking a patient, a doctor
takes a short cut and omits some part of his examination, the
resultant diagnosis may not be right. The patient will then suffer.
If a person takes a short cut while doing some important job, the
results may not last long. For example, if a painter applies a second
layer of paint hurriedly before the first one can dry, the painting will
develop cracks and crumble faster. One should be slow and steady
to reach one’s goal. In addition, a creative person who tries to take
a short cut will find that the end result is not satisfactory. Creativity
cannot be hurried and here, definitely, there can be no short cuts.
 QUESTION SET 10 – view/counterview 213

Hence, the bottom line is that there are no short cuts to success and
we should all remember this.

(4) Prepare a paragraph of counterviews on the given topic.

Use the following view to write your counterview :

Computer has modernized education

• Information is easily available.

• Online study possible.
• Audio-visual studies available.
(Add more details and write a paragraph.)
Ans. Has the computer killed education?

Education does not mean just gaining information. Education

means the all-round development of a person into a worthy individual,
capable of being humane and looking after the environment and
the needy. It means feeling compassion towards others, and having
empathy for others. How on earth can a computer teach a person
all these things? It can certainly provide data and information; but
there is no face-to-face interaction and there is no personal touch.
There is no emotion, no encouragement. There are no teachers
who can help the students’ mental development. The youth need
role models whom they can emulate; the computer cannot provide
this. No doubt, online studies and audio-visual aids might come in
handy in an emergency situation just as we had witnessed during
the Covid – 19 pandemic. But it was a litmus test as well. Now every
student, through his/her personal experience, can vouch for the
inadequacy of online education. So modernization of education is all
fine but meaningful education is a different kettle of fish altogether.

(5) Write your counterview on ‘Old persons are burden to

society’ view :
• Their experience
• Their support and guidance
• Their role
• Their value
• Their knowledge
214 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Ans. Old persons are NOT a burden to society

In today’s materialistic society, there is a general feeling that
old people are a burden to society. However, it has been found that
after retirement if elders are re-employed, they are more dedicated
and take pains to do more work than youngsters. The youth may
think that they know everything and the senior citizens do not know
anything, but with their type of experience we can learn a lot of things
from them. The wisdom in an old head is worth all the treasures of
the world. The elderly can share their expertise with the younger
generation. Becoming old is a cyclic change which everyone has to
pass through. Hence at the time when old people require the help
of youngsters, one should always help them. They can in turn help
the younger generation by giving them ideas from their experiences
on how to bring up their family. Thus their role of a guide, caretaker
and supporter is very valuable. They might be capable of giving us
a sense of direction to our aims; they are the guardians of tradition
and family structures.
(6) Write your counterview on the topic ‘Internet will soon
replace books’ :
Points :
• easily accessible
• time saving
• economical
• authentic
• storehouse of information
Ans. The Internet Versus Books
Today, there is a lot of talk about the internet replacing books.
I beg to differ. This is not possible.
The internet is certainly easily accessible – to those fortunate
enough to live in cities. In a vast country like India, where lakhs
of people do not have electric connections, the very thought of the
internet replacing books is laughable. Besides, it is a well-known
fact that easily accessible things are generally not very valuable!
Yes, the internet may save time, but at what cost? Continuous
exposure to the computer screen affects our eyes and our health.
Is it really worth it? The internet provides ready information, no
doubt, but this also means that it does not allow the imagination
 QUESTION SET 10 – view/counterview 215

of the reader to grow. It retards creativity. It makes research seem

unnecessary. It is economical, but how authentic are some of the
inputs? How much of what is given on the internet is verified? It is
true that it is a storehouse of information, but much of it is repetitive
and unverified. Besides, books have a feel and smell that can never
be replaced by e-books. No, the internet can supplement books but
can never replace books.

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

Q. Write counterviews for the following views/topics :

(1) Write your counterview in a paragraph on the topic :

‘It is better to follow your heart than to listen to the advice of
others’, (July ’22)
View :
• People find it easy to advise.
• Not everyone is your well wisher.
• You are the master of your fate.
• Trust your instincts.

(2) Prepare a paragraph of counterviews on the topic :

Dog – Man’s Best Friend. Use the following viewpoints to express
your counterviews : (March ’23)
Viewpoints :
• Friendly and playful.
• Safeguard our homes.
• Stress busters.
• Honest and faithful to their masters.
• Create liveliness in the family.
• Add your own points.

(3) Write a paragraph using the points given below expressing

the views on :
‘Overuse of Electronic Gadgets : Electronic Gadgets are
Hazardous to Health’.
216 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

View :
• Overuse of Electronic Gadgets.
• Adversely affects independent thinking.
• Leads to physical problems.
• Adds to dangerous non-degradable e-waste.
• Affects the faculties of creativity and imagination.

(4) Read the View expressed in the following conversation

and write the Counterview for it :
View :
Mobile phones should be banned in schools
Mother A : My daughter wants a mobile phone, but I am not going
to give her one.
Mother B : Neither am I. Our daughters are too young for them and
may use them mainly to play games or SMS each other
all the time.
Mother A : 
Yes, we managed well enough during our school days
without any phones at all.
Mother B : I will try to persuade their school to ban mobile phones.

(5) Prepare a paragraph of counterviews on the given topic :

Life of an animal is better than that of a human being.

 (Sept. ’21)
Use the following view to write your counterview :
• Animals suffer humiliation silently
• 
Animals do not have stress of studies, career and earning
money
• Animals are protected by Government and NGOs
• Animals have freedom to move or do anything.
_________
 Question Q. 7 (A) A1. – Expansion of Themes
Set EXPANSION OF THEMES
11 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) In this question, a proverb, maxim, quotation or slogan will
be given to you. You are expected to expand the theme (idea)
contained in it briefly, with the help of a short explanation and
examples.
(2) The ‘Expansion of a Theme’ should have a proper beginning
and an ending. The ideas should flow effortlessly. You may write
down your ideas in 2 or 3 short paragraphs or as instructed.
(3) Always give a title and begin properly.
Marking Scheme :
• Title and Beginning 1 mark
• Vocabulary and Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate Points 1 mark
• Logical Order 1 mark
• Conclusion 1 mark

 Total 5 marks

Important :
(1) Study ALL the questions in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

(A) MODEL EXPANSION OF THEMES (IDEAS) WITH SOLUTION

(1) Expand the given proverb into a paragraph of about

100 words : ‘A Bad Workman Blames his Tools’.
Ans. A Bad Workman Blames his Tools
When a workman does not have the skills for a particular job,
or does not use his skills in the right way, he fails. He then blames
the tools that he has, saying that the tools were faulty, hence he has
failed. He does not accept his shortcomings or take the responsibility
for his failure.
8/Navneet 21 M. L. Q. Sets : English (HL) – Std. X D0051 (2025)

217
218 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

This is applicable in all spheres of life. A person who is really

talented and good at his job will know how to use the opportunities at
his disposal. Even if these opportunities are not very good, he makes
the best use of them and succeeds. On the other hand, a person who
is not talented or is lazy, does not use the opportunities provided to
him, however good they are, and then fails. He conveniently finds
someone or something to blame for his failure. He does not want to
admit that it is he himself who is at fault.
It does not matter what ‘tools’ we have; what matters is the
way we use them; the use we make of our opportunities. For doesn’t
everyone know that a ‘bad dancer blames the floor’?
(2) Expand the given quote into a paragraph of about
100 words :
‘Education is the most powerful weapon to change the
World’. (March ’23)
Ans. Education – A Powerful Weapon
‘Education’ is a word with a depth of meaning. ‘Education’ does
not mean only learning to read and write. It does not mean only
gaining knowledge. It also means developing different skills to live a
positive life. It means developing emotional awareness of the people
and things around one.
Education is essential for the progress of human beings. It helps
an individual to develop to the best of his or her ability. It is like
a huge umbrella under which a person learns all types of physical,
social and emotional skills and values. Education teaches us the ways
of people living in different parts of the world and helps us to develop
empathy and understanding. It helps us to have opinions about
important matters and be able to express these opinions in a suitable
way. Through proper education, we can eradicate social ills like
poverty, gender inequality, caste and communal bias and intolerance.
In a world torn by wars, a good education will instill tolerance and
empathy. Thus, a good education is essential for every human to live
a successful life. It is the most powerful weapon to change the world.
(3) Expand the following idea in 80 – 100 words :
‘A quitter never wins and a winner never quits’.
Ans. A quitter never wins and a winner never quits
This majestic world created by God is dotted with all kinds
of creatures, of which man is the supreme, as he is endowed with
 QUESTION SET 11 – expansion of themes 219

great intelligence. Through his intelligence he has been able to make

a mark in every sphere, be it conquering space or making many
labour-saving machines.
The saying ‘Winners never quit and quitters never win’ holds
much significance in our lives today. Simply put, if at all you have
to overcome any challenge and emerge victorious, you have to be
strong willed and endure to the end. This is what distinguishes a
winner from a loser. However, most of us give up when the going gets
tough, not realizing that our success was near.
The well-known saying, ‘Where there is a will there is a way’ can
be well adapted here. Every human possesses will power in varying
degrees. There are some men who have been able to achieve the
impossible despite many hurdles whereas there are some who fail in
accomplishing the goals they set in life. Victor Hugo very rightly said
that, ‘People do not lack in strength, they lack in will’.
I firmly believe that not only must one wish and aspire for
something but also work with resolve for achieving it. Only if we
pursue can we ask God to be with us as it is rightly stated that, ‘God
helps those who help themselves’.

(4) Expand the following idea in 80 – 100 words :

‘Little drops of water make a mighty ocean’. (July ’22)
Ans. Little Drops of Water Make a Mighty Ocean
A little baby does not learn to run in one day. It first takes small,
uncertain steps. Then it begins to walk. And finally, it can run.
In the same way, if we want success in life, we must be satisfied
with small rewards in the beginning. We must have patience and not
try to run before we can walk. If we want to lose or put on weight,
we must begin gradually. A few grams everyday will result in a large
weight loss or gain at the end.
If we wish to do any good deeds, we can begin in a small way. We
must not think: What can one person do? Each person can contribute
and this will ultimately end up as a big ocean. Each tree we save will
result in the numbers finally increasing. Each day that we live well will
ultimately result in a year well-lived.
And finally, we must remember that a journey of thousand miles
begins with just a single step.
220 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(5) Expand the following idea in about 80 – 100 words :

‘Perseverance is the Key to Success’.
Ans. Perseverance is the Key to Success
The city of Rome, like all great works, was built over many years
of hard work. It took Ronald Ross almost 18 years to find out how
the malarial parasite entered the body of the human being. William
Harvey took 12 years to find out how blood circulated in the body.
It took Konrad Zuse 3 years to build the world’s first programme-
based computer.
It takes one year of continuous and hard study to do well in
the examination. Students who come in the merit list in the SSC
examination study for long hours every day. If you want to be good at
any sport or to play a musical instrument well, you have to practise
for hours. Then only will you be able to impress people with your
skill. So always remember, in order to achieve something great you
have to persevere for a long period of time. Thus the proverb implies
that we should not expect to achieve something great in a short
period of time. Perseverance is the key to success.

(6) 
Expand the following idea into 100 words :
‘Be the change you want to see’. (March ’20)
Ans. Be the Change You Want to See
Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see
in the world.” In other words, if we wish to see any change around
us, we must initiate that change. It is not enough merely to wish for
such a change. For example, if we wish to see a reduction in the use
of plastic bags, we ourselves must stop using them and also actively
initiate something that will make others stop using them too. Often,
we cannot convince others by speech alone; our actions, however,
will go a long way towards convincing them. We complain about
the evils of corruption and bribery, but we must look at ourselves
and see if we are also a party to it, and if so, whether we have to
change our ideas. A father who is himself lazy cannot expect his lazy
children to improve, unless he brings a change in himself. He has
to become a role model by changing his own behaviour. Thus, if we
correct our own behaviour, then others too will be inspired to do the
same and we can bring about a positive change in society.
 QUESTION SET 11 – expansion of themes 221

(7) Expand the theme :

‘Nature – The Best Teacher’ in about 80 – 100 words :
Ans. Nature  – The Best Teacher
Nature is a great teacher. When we observe nature carefully, we
learn many things. We learn that every action has a reaction. If we
cut trees indiscriminately, we suffer from disasters like droughts,
floods, etc. If we take care of nature, nature will also look after us.
Nature teaches us how to be patient and wait for the fruits of
what we have sown. The trees that stand patiently all through the
year teach us selflessness. They teach us to give rather than receive.
By observing animals, we learn how to live together and help each
other; we learn that each and every animal is important in the food
chain, and the disappearance of even one can cause problems. Each
plant is different with different requirements; so also each human
being is different and has his or her own needs and capabilities.
Nature teaches us to obey the laws of the changing seasons and
adjust accordingly.
The most important teaching that Nature has at present given us
is not to fool around with her but to respect her.
(8) Expand the following idea in about 80 – 100 words :
‘As you Sow, so shall you Reap’.
Ans. As You Sow, So Shall You Reap
If a farmer desires to reap a harvest of wheat, he sows wheat;
if he wants rice, he sows rice. What should we think of him if he
planted wheat and expected to harvest rice; or the other way round?
The law of nature tells us that we must sow what we wish to reap. If
we sow nothing, we shall reap nothing.
So it is with life. We have always to bear the consequences of our
actions. If we perform good deeds, we shall be rewarded with good.
If we perform bad deeds, we shall never enjoy peace of mind. Our
lives will be wretched and miserable. We cannot achieve fair ends by
using foul means. Even if we do, it will be short-lived.
Man can decide his own future by his present deeds. If he sows
the seeds of vice, corruption and sin, he reaps the harvest of misery
and ruin. If he plants virtue, purity and goodness, he plucks the
golden fruit of success and happiness. If we want to achieve good,
we should do good, for as we sow, so shall we reap.
222 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(9) Expand the following idea into two or three paragraphs

(80 – 100 words) :
‘Handsome is as Handsome Does’.
Ans. Handsome is as Handsome Does
This is a well-known proverb which tells us not to judge a person
by his or her appearance but by their deeds. Everyone is impressed
by a good-looking person. This is only temporary, for the person
may not behave as charmingly as his or her looks seem to indicate.
In the long run, the actions of a person make him or her more
attractive than the looks. People like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma
Gandhi or Mother Teresa did not have very striking or impressive
looks. But who will ever forget them? They will be remembered for
eternity as people who had an inner glow and whose deeds helped
the world. They glow with an inner light.
In fact, very often we find that good-looking people can be quite
rude and selfish, and we are surprised and troubled by this, for
we expect a handsome or beautiful person to behave in a positive
manner. On the other hand, a person with ordinary looks can be a
gem. Hence, we should never judge a person by his or her looks but
by their deeds.

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

(1) Expand the ideas contained in the topics given below in

80 – 100 words each :
(1) Cut your coat according to your cloth.
(2) Actions speak louder than words.
(3) Time and tide wait for none.
(4) Pride goes before a fall.
(5) ‘Nothing Teaches better than Travelling’.
(6) The time to be happy is Now !

(2) You read the slogan ‘Green City; Clean City’ in an appeal
of the municipal corporation. Explain it in 2 – 3 paragraphs.
_________
 Q. 7 (A) A2. – Report Writing
Question
REPORT WRITING
Set
Based on the given headline
12 (Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) 
This question involves writing a short report about some
incident or event that has taken place in your locality or region.
(2) You will be given headlines or points for guidance.
(3) Read and understand the headlines/points carefully. Make use
of all the information given in the question.
(4) Your report should have a headline, dateline (place and date),
by line (by whom it has been written), introductory paragraph,
body and conclusion.
(5) The introductory paragraph, which is based on the headline,
states what has happened, when and where, and its outcome.
The body of the report gives the details. In the conclusion, you
can include a remark made by an important personality or a
reference to a past or future event of the same kind.
(6) The report should be written in the third person with passive
voice construction. The language should be formal and in the
style of a newspaper report.
(7) If no headline is given for the report, give one of your own.
It should be short and catchy.
(8) 
The report should answer questions like ‘Where?’, ‘At what
time?’, ‘What happened?’, ‘How’, ‘Why’, ‘Who’ and so on. It
should consist of one or two paragraphs of up to a total of
around 15 lines.
Marking Scheme :
• Title/Headline/Dateline 1 mark
• Logical sequence of events 2 marks
• Use of appropriate grammar and vocabulary 1 mark
• Conclusion and layout 1 mark

 Total 5 marks

223
224 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

Important :
(1) Study ALL the Reports in this Question Set carefully.
(2) Also attempt the Questions for Practice.

(A) MODEL REPORTS

(1) Prepare a news report based on the following :

‘Child labourers rescued from stone quarries’.

 (March ’24)
Ans. ‘Child labourers rescued from stone quarries’
– By a News Reporter
March 6, New Delhi : In a shocking incident, 14 child labourers
were rescued from three stone quarries here yesterday. They were
then taken to the civil hospital for medical check-ups.
Acting on a tip-off, the ‘Anti Child Labour Cell’ raided the stone
quarries yesterday morning. The owners objected to the accusation
and insisted that there were no children working anywhere in their
quarries. However, the activists were accompanied by a specially
trained dog, which soon sniffed out the children who were hidden
in a makeshift shack not far from the quarries. They were cramped
together and many were crying.
“It was indeed a pitiable sight,” said one of the officers. “Many
of us had tears in our eyes when we saw the condition of the little
children, most of whom had skin infections. All of them were severely
malnourished. The owners have been arrested and will be tried in
court.” One wonders: how can human beings be so cruel?

(2) Knowing the importance of teeth, your school had

arranged a dental check-up camp. Prepare a report for your
school magazine based on the following headline :
‘Model School organises Dental Check-up Camp’
Ans. Model School organises Dental Check-Up Camp
July 21 : The dental camp organised at our School yesterday
was a huge success. Over 200 students from the secondary section
had their teeth checked by a panel of four doctors. They were then
 QUESTION SET 12 – Report writing 225

advised about the future course of action that they would have to
take.
Just before the start of the camp, the students were given a short
lecture by Dr. A.S. Nadkarni, one of the doctors present. He laid
great emphasis on healthy eating habits. He spoke about the harmful
effects of consuming junk food, which is a growing habit today, on
the teeth. He tried to discourage the audience from eating sweets
and chocolates, which also were bad for the teeth. He elaborated
that our teeth were an important part of our personality and should
be kept white and sparkling. He then suggested that the school could
have regular check-up camps to help their students maintain good
dental health.
– XYZ

(3) Write a news report based on the given headline :

‘Snatch Theft is on the Rise’

Ans. Snatch Theft is on the Rise
 – By a News Reporter
Mumbai, October 12 : A miscreant on a motorcycle snatched
a handbag from a woman who was crossing the road at the local
market here, and escaped before anyone could even realize what had
happened.
It was 12 noon, and there were not too many people near the
M.G. Market. The woman, middle-aged and sari-clad, was crossing
the road when a motorcycle came at full speed towards her. There
were two men on the motorcycle, both of whom had worn helmets
and long-sleeved shirts. The pillion rider snatched the woman’s
handbag, pushing her on the road, and zoomed off. Passers-by
rushed to help the woman who had fallen on the road. She was
dazed and shocked; luckily, there was sparse traffic at that moment,
and she only had a few minor bruises.
“I had over ten thousand rupees in cash in my bag,” she said
with tears in her eyes. “I was planning on doing Diwali shopping.
Now all my savings are gone”, she added. Such incidents are on the
rise and the local people want better policing in the area.
226 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(4) Write a news report based on the given headline :

‘Grand Arts and Craft Competition at SCZCC, Nagpur’

Ans. Grand Arts and Crafts Competition
– By S. Menon
Nagpur, January 7 : The Grand Arts and Crafts Exhibition
held at the SCZCC here from December 25th to January 5th went
off superbly. There were stalls exhibiting paintings, photographs,
various artefacts, arts and traditional wear from the various states
of India. There were also food stalls and folk dance competitions.
Visitors came and went all through the day and evening, between
9 a.m. and 9 p.m., to view the local talent. To attract more people,
parking and entrance was free. This year, prizes had been announced
for the best stall and best idea. The prize for the best stall went to the
‘Banjara Samajik Pratisthan’. They had displayed beautiful, natural,
hand-woven materials and bags. The prize for the best idea went
to the ‘Environmentalists of Nagpur’. Their stall had useful articles
made out of waste material. ‘Scales have been brisk’, said a pleased
participant. It was obvious from the happy looks that everyone was
thrilled with the exhibition.

(5) Prepare a report for your school magazine based on the

following headline :

India’s Vikram lands on the South Pole of Moon

Ans. India’s Vikram lands on the South Pole of Moon

 – By a Staff Reporter
Bengaluru, Aug. 24 : India has become the first country to
successfully land a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon, in a
historic moment that drew cheers from citizens all over the country.
“This moment is unforgettable. It is phenomenal. This is a victory cry
of a new India,” said the Prime Minister.

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft’s Vikram lander touched down shortly

after 6 pm near the little-explored lunar south pole, in a world first
 QUESTION SET 12 – Report writing 227

for any space programme. Scientists and officials clapped, cheered

and hugged each other as the spacecraft landed and people across
India celebrated joyously. The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain
functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments.

“India is on the moon,” said S. Somanath, Chief of the Indian

Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ISRO shared pictures from
the spacecraft showing the moon’s surface. India became the fourth
nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United
States, China and the former Soviet Union.

(6) Prepare a news report based on the following :

‘Sweeper’s daughter/son scores 96% in Class XII’

 (March ’20)
Ans. Sweeper’s Daughter Scores 96% in Class XII
 – By XYZ
Pune, 27 June : It was indeed a heart-warming sight to see
Meena being felicitated and cheered during a function at her school,
by students and staff alike. She had scored 96% in Class XII.
Why was Meena selected for this honour when she was not
the topper? The reason is this : Meena is Harihar’s daughter, and
Harihar is the sweeper-helper at the same school. The staff and
students are thrilled because it is through their efforts that she has
reached this milestone in her life.
“I have to thank all of you here for this achievement,” said
Meena, with tears in her eyes, during her thanksgiving speech. “It
would not have been possible for me to even appear for the exam,
leave alone score so well, if it was not for the financial and moral
support given by all of you.” Harihar too had tears in his eyes as
he watched his daughter being felicitated on the very same stage
that he had so diligently cleaned that day. Meena plans to become a
computer engineer and help her family.
228 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

(1) Prepare a news report based on the following headline :

‘Government encourages classrooms to go digital’

(2) Write a report about the neglected condition of your city/

town/village. You may use the following headline :

Village Neglected by Authorities.

(3) Prepare a newspaper report based on the following

headline :

‘Potholes claim 2 lives in Mumbai’

(4) Prepare a newspaper report based on the following headline :

‘Water crisis in Beed’

(5) Prepare a newspaper report based on the following

headline :

‘Penalty for use of plastic bags’

(6) Prepare a news report based on the following headline :

‘Flood situation grim in Kolhapur’

________
 Q. 7 (B) (B1) OR (B2)  – Story OR Narration
Question DEVELOPING A STORY OR
Set NARRATING AN EXPERIENCE
13 WITH THE GIVEN BEGINNING/END
(Total : 5 Marks)

How to attempt this question :

(1) 
You will be given either the beginning words or the ending
words on which to base your story/narration.
(2) 
Using the help of the given words, you have to use your
imagination and develop your own story or narrate an
experience.
(3) The sequence of events in the story should flow naturally and
easily in their order of occurrence. The names of characters,
events, places, situations, etc. must be included in your story.
(4) The story should be short and well-organised. Don’t forget to
give your story a title.
Marking Scheme :
• Title and Beginning 1 mark
• Vocabulary and Grammar 1 mark
• Appropriate Points 1 mark
• Logical Order 1 mark
• Conclusion 1 mark
 Total 5 marks

(A) STORY/NARRATION WITH SOLUTION

(1) Develop a story in about 80 – 100 words with the

following beginning. Give a suitable title :
Anita was in a cake shop to buy a cake for her birthday.
She saw a small beggar boy outside the shop ... (March ’24)
Ans. The Joy of Giving
Anita was in a cake shop to buy a cake for her birthday. She
saw a small beggar boy outside the shop. He was looking at the

229
230 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

array of cakes with silent longing in his eyes. Anita felt a stirring of
compassion within her.
She counted the money she had, then looked at the prices of the
cakes and made up her mind. There was only one thing to do. She
would buy a smaller cake for herself and with the leftover money, a
slice for the little boy.
Coming out of the shop a few minutes later, she gestured to the
boy and gave him a small box. She watched his face as he opened
the box and saw the mouth-watering slice of strawberry cake. That
look of thrill and wonder in his eyes was her best birthday gift.
(2) Develop a story in about 80 – 100 words with the following
ending. Give a suitable title :
… and that’s how he got inspired to avoid the use of plastic.
Ans. Say ‘NO’ to Plastic
It was a day of heavy rains. Kapil reached home, and saw a
terrible sight.
The rain water had entered his small house. His mother was
standing by helplessly, as the water rose higher by the second; their
clothes, TV set, cupboard, all began going under water. People were
sobbing as they saw their precious belongings carried away by the
rain.
Suddenly Kapil saw what the problem was. The drain next to his
building was completely choked—with what seemed to be millions of
plastic bags and other bits of plastic. Broken plastic buckets, plastic
containers, plastic school bags, plastic carry-bags,—they were all
there, piled up. Unable to flow through the drain because of the
plastic items clogging it, the rain water had entered their homes.
“Plastic! It has ruined our lives,” said an old lady standing
nearby. Kapil nodded slowly. At that moment that he made a vow to
himself to stop using plastic, and to make others stop it too.
That was how Kapil got inspired to avoid the use of plastic.

(3) Develop a story in about 80 – 100 words with the

following beginning. Give a suitable title :
He boarded the train happily and he searched his pocket for the
tickets and found … (March ’20)
 QUESTION SET 13 – developing a story ... 231

Ans. The absent-minded professor

He boarded the train happily and searched his pocket for the
tickets. He found it empty.
Professor Godbole searched both the pockets again. He knew
that he had kept the tickets in his trouser pocket that morning.
What could have happened to them? He then peered into his shirt
pocket. But that too was empty.
The professor sat down on the seat in dismay. Had the
tickets – along with his wallet, his glasses and his phone – fallen to
the floor? Had his pocket been picked? He noticed the man on the
opposite seat look at his feet curiously. He too looked down at his
feet, and then stood up abruptly. The trousers were at least 8 inches
above his ankles.
He sat down again in shock, suddenly realising what he had done.
He had worn his 16-year-old son’s trousers by mistake! And here he
was, in the first-class compartment of a long-distance express train!
What would happen when the ticket checker came along? He had no
ticket, no money and no phone! The professor moaned. Why was he
so absent-minded?

(4) Develop a story on someone whom you know, has started

from scrap and has reached great heights. You may end your
story with the following ending in about 80 – 100 words. Give a
suitable title having a moral :
... and today he is a millionaire.
Ans. No Short Cuts to Success
This is the story of my uncle, who came to Mumbai from a small
village in Gujarat, and started a scrap business. He bought metal
scrap from merchants and recycled it. It was a very boring job, but
my uncle saw a prosperous future in it. He went about diligently
in his work, and he soon had his own recycling factory. Due to
sheer hard work, he progressed, till he became the owner of several
factories. He then diversified and entered the electronics market at
the correct time. He set up shops to sell electronic gadgets and his
showrooms just kept on increasing. Still, he did not give up working
hard. He always told us that we must work hard for there are no
232 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

short cuts to success. We believe him, for he started from scratch

and has now reached great heights. He was a pauper, and today he
is a millionaire!
(5) Narrate an experience in about 80 – 100 words with the
following ending. Give a suitable title :
... After the sumptuous meal in a luxurious hotel, I discovered
that I had forgotten my wallet at home. (March ’24)
Ans. An Embarrassing Incident
I remember the incident clearly. It was my birthday and I wanted
to give my friends a treat.
“I want to take my friends to ‘Joe’s Diner’, Daddy,” I said. Now,
Joe’s Diner was a luxurious, expensive restaurant, but Daddy had
promised me that I could take my friends there.
“Certainly,” beamed Daddy. “Mummy will accompany you.”
“No adults. I will take my friends myself,” I said firmly. My father
agreed and explained how I had to order, how to check the prices,
etc. Finally, that evening, I happily went with Amar and Roshan for
dinner at ‘Joe’s Diner’.
We checked prices, calculated what the bill and the tip would
be, and ate a comfortable dinner. I felt very proud of myself. I had
managed it!
And then I made the horrifying discovery that I could not pay the
bill. After the sumptuous meal in a luxurious hotel, I discovered that
I has forgotten my wallet at home.

(6) Narrate an experience of your own. Write it in about

100 words (Beginning is given below) :
After the recess, we were chatting and fighting in the class ....
 (March ’23)
Ans. Helping Hands
After the recess, we were chatting and fighting in the class as
usual, when all of a sudden we heard the loud squeal of brakes and
some shouts. Now, our classroom is very close to the main road and
we knew that the noise had come from this road. Had there been an
accident?
 QUESTION SET 13 – developing a story ... 233

We got up and ran out. A young woman, holding two children

by the hand and carrying a huge bag of vegetables, had fallen on
the road right in front of a bus. The children had also fallen and
the vegetables were scattered all over the road. The bus driver had
poked his head out of the window and was shouting at the poor lady.
My friends and I ran out of the gate to help. We first brought
the little children to the safety of the school compound. Then we
went back to help the mother. She had nearly fainted with shock
but recovered when we gave her some water. We quickly picked up
whatever vegetables we could and stuffed them back into her bag.
To our great surprise, neither the passengers from the bus nor the
driver got down to help.
By this time some of our teachers too had come out to help.
The matter was soon settled and the poor woman went on her way,
thanking us profusely and leaving us with a warm feeling in our
hearts.
(7) Narrate an experience in about 80 – 100 words with the
following ending :
... before the last date of submission!
Ans. The day I will never forget
I will never ever forget the day when I lost my Science Journal.
It was just two days before my practical exams, and I had gone to
my friend Rashmi’s house with my father, to show her my completed
Science journal. I was in a hurry and forgot the journal in the car.
My father left the car for a few moments to get some batteries; in
those few moments, the bag carrying my journal vanished from the
car. When I returned to the car and realized it was missing, I got into
a panic. I started crying loudly.
A few urchins gathered to watch what was happening. I told
them that I would give ` 100 to the one who found my journal.
They ran off and soon returned with the precious journal. It had
been thrown in the nearby garbage heap. My wallet, which was inside
the bag, was missing, but I did not care about that. I gave them the
promised amount and hugged my journal. Thank God I had found
my Science Journal before the last date of submission!
234 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

(8) Narrate an experience to the given beginning (in about

80 – 100 words) : (Sept. ’21)
It was a hot sunny day, I was relaxing under a mango tree …
Ans. One hot afternoon …
It was a hot sunny day. I was relaxing under a mango tree at the
bottom of our garden, when suddenly a mango seed hit me on my
shoulder.
I sat up indignantly and looked around. There was not a soul in
sight. I heard a small sound like a giggle; then another seed hit me
on my head.
“Ouch! Who is it? Where are you? Come on out!” I yelled angrily,
looking up into the tree. I could not see anyone in the branches.
There was another small giggle.
“Coward! Show yourself!” I shouted. Picking up the mango seed
I flung it back into the tree.
There was a sudden, loud blood-curling screech which froze my
blood. What on earth was in the tree that made such a sound?
“Who is it?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Who is it?” There was
another horrible screech and then a small monkey leapt down from
the tree, a mango in its paw. Looking at me angrily it bounded away.
I sighed with relief. It was only a monkey that had been in the tree –
not some alien or extra-terrestrial!

(B) QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

(1) Develop a story in about 80 – 100 words with the following

beginning. Give a suitable title. (Sept. ’21)
‘It all happened because Kapil got up late …’
(2) Develop a story suitable to the end/conclusion given
below. Suggest a suitable title : (in about 80 – 100 words)
… and on that day, I realised that, we should surround ourselves
with good friends.
(3) Develop a story and suggest a suitable title. The
conclusion/end is given :
... and they realized the importance of water.
 QUESTION SET 13 – developing a story ... 235

(4) Narrate an experience with the given beginning. Give it a

catchy title :
It was summer vacation. I was at home ...

(5) Narrate an experience when you became the laughing

stock of your friends, with the following ending. Give it a suitable
title.
… I was so relieved that the situation was not as serious as
I had imagined.

(6) Develop a story in about 80 – 100 words with the

following ending. Give a suitable title : (March ’23)
... and I realised I must never ignore the words of the wise.
_________
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET
Section 3 JULY 2024
(FOR PRACTICE)
Time : 3 Hours] With Answers on QR Code  [ Max. Marks : 80

SECTION I : LANGUAGE STUDY

Q. 1. (A) A1. Do as directed : (any four) (4 Marks)

(1) 
Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the
following phrase :
‘to be known as’ 1
(2) Identify the kind of sentence :
Don’t waste your time in living someone else’s life. 1
(3) State whether the underlined verb is finite/non-finite :
The hermit was digging the ground. 1
(4) 
Punctuate the following sentence :
perhaps you could frighten her sir 1
(5) Write two compound words beginning with “Black”. 1
A2. Do as directed : (any two) (4 Marks)
(1) 
The king said to the hermit, “Who are the people I most
need?” (Rewrite the sentence in indirect speech.) 2
(2) 
The state parties are responsible for identifying and
nominating new sites.
 (Rewrite the sentence using ‘not only ... but also ...’.) 2
(3) Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function :
We must keep our promises. 2
Q. 1. (B) Do as directed : (any one) (2 Marks)
(1) 
Make two different sentences to bring out the difference
between homophones :
wear, ware 2
(2) Identify the subordinate clause and state its type :
When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on
the deserted platform. 2

236
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024 237

SECTION II : TEXTUAL PASSAGES

[Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar]

Q. 2. (A) 
Read the following passage and do the given
activities : (10 Marks)
A1. Complete the web : 2

Features of
Hemingway’s
writings

Hemingway’s language is simple and pithy. He mostly writes

in short and straight-forward sentences and practises an extreme
economy in his use of words. This simplicity is deceptive and a
reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of
meaning every time.
I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand
it at all and was left unimpressed. In spite of this a vivid image
remained with me – an old man holding on to his fishing line
with the last of his strength. Recently I read this book again and
was extremely moved. The formidable strength of the old man’s
character, the quiet devotion of the empathetic Manolin and the
relationship between the two are heart-warming. Hemingway’s
descriptions of the sea and the creatures of the water are beautiful.
The marlin fights for its life desperately and it’s hard to know
whether our sympathies should lie with the old man or with the
marlin. But as the novel progresses the old man and the marlin
are inseparably linked because both stand for the same ideals,
that is, a noble struggle against destruction.

A2. Explain the qualities of the following characters :  2

(1) Old man
(2) Manolin
238 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A3. Find the suitable adverbs which modify the following

words :  2
Words Adverbs
(1) linked
(2) fights
(3) moved
(4) writes
A4. Do as directed : 2
 (i) I did not understand it. (Make it affirmative.) 1
(ii) The marlin fights for its life.
 (Change into Present Perfect Tense.) 1
A5. Personal Response :
‘Every hardworking person achieves success in life.’ Explain. 2

Q. 2. (B) Read the given passage and do the activities :

 (10 Marks)
B1. State whether the following statements are True/False : 2
  (i) Kailash Satyarthi sees children growing freely with dignity.
 (ii) Let us march from morality to divinity.
(iii) 
Today, beyond the darkness, Kailash Satyarthi sees the
smiling faces of our children in the blinking stars.
 (iv) Let us march from ignorance to awakening.

As a child, I had a vision of tomorrow : A vision of that

cobbler boy sitting with me in my classroom.
Now, that tomorrow has become TODAY.
I am TODAY, and you are TODAY. TODAY it is time for every
child to have a right to life, right to freedom, right to health, right
to education, right to safety, right to dignity, right to equality, and
right to peace.
TODAY, beyond the darkness, I see the smiling faces of our
children in the blinking stars. TODAY, in every wave of every ocean,
I see my children are playing and dancing. TODAY, in every plant,
in every tree and mountain, I see our children growing freely with
dignity.
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024 239

Friends, I want you to see and feel this TODAY inside you.
My dear sisters and brothers, as I said many interesting
things are happening today. May I please request you to put your
hand close to your heart – close your eyes and feel the child inside
you?
I am sure you can – Now, listen to that child. Listen please.
Today, I see thousands of Mahatma Gandhis, Nelson Mandelas
and Martin Luther Kings calling on us.
Let us democratise knowledge. Let us universalise justice.
Together, let us globalise compassion!
I call upon you in this room, and all across the world. I call
for a march from exploitation to education, I call for a march from
poverty to shared prosperity, a march from slavery to liberty, and
a march from violence to peace.
Let us march from ignorance to awakening. Let us march
from darkness to light. Let us march from mortality to divinity.
Let us march!

B2. Complete the given diagram :  2

Children’s Rights

B3.
(1) Write the noun forms of the following :1
 
(i) democratise –
(ii) universalise –
(2) Write the adjective forms of the following :  1
 
(i) prosperity –
(ii) liberty –
240 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

B4. Do as directed : 2
(1) Today, I see thousands of Mahatma Gandhis, Nelson
Mandelas and Martin Luther Kings. (Begin the sentence
with : “Today, thousands of Mahatma Gandhis ... .”) 1
(2) Tomorrow has become TODAY.
 (Make it a Yes/No Interrogative Sentence.) 1
B5. What measures would you take to prevent child labour?2

SECTION III : POETRY

Q. 3. (A) 
Read the following poem and answer the
questions : (5 Marks)
A1. Read the words in the given cloud. Match them with what
they signify :2

  (i) players (a) birth

(ii) exit (b) characters
(iii) stage (c) death
(iv) entry (d) life

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages, At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024 241

Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,

In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part.

A2. Write down in your words the difference between the

following stages of a man’s life : 2
 (i) 3rd stage :  
1
(ii) 5th stage :  
1
A3. Name the figure of speech :  1
‘All the world’s a stage’.
Q. 3. (B) Read the following poem and write its appreciation
of it with the help of the given points in a paragraph :
 (5 Marks)
The Will to Win
If you want a thing bad enough
to go out and fight for it,
work day and night for it,
give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it
If all that you dream
and scheme is about it and life
seems useless and worthless without it
If you gladly sweat for, fret for and plan for it and lose
all your terror of the God or man for it.
If you simply go after that thing that you want with all
of your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith, hope and
confidence and stern pertinacity.
If neither cold or poverty, famished or gaunt
or sickness or pain
of body and brain
can keep you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
with the help of GOD you’ll get it!
– Berton Braley
242 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

You can use the following points while appreciating the given
poem :
✽ The title ½
✽ The poet ½
✽ Rhyme scheme 1
✽ Figures of speech 1
✽ Central Idea/Theme. 2

SECTION IV : NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGE

[Reading Skills, Vocabulary, Grammar and Summary]

Q. 4. (A) Read the following passage and do the given

activities : (10 Marks)
A1. Complete the following sentences :  2
(i) If you have type 2 diabetes .
(ii) Organic options are fine .
(iii) Different fruits and vegetables contain .
(iv) Peas, corns and potatoes were not associated with .

Variety is key, because different fruits and vegetables contain

different beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Wang’s study showed
that almost all fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, citrus
fruits and berries, were associated with lower mortality, but there
were some exceptions. Fruit juices and starchy vegetables such as
peas, corn and potatoes were not associated with reduced risk of
death or chronic diseases. It may be due to their higher glycaemic
load compared with other fruits and vegetables, which means they
have a greater ability to raise blood sugar levels. While the sugar
content in two servings of fruit isn’t a cause for concern in general,
if you have Type 2 diabetes you should discuss your portions with
a dietician.
Your five daily servings can be met from a variety of fresh,
frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or
organic. Whichever options are available, affordable and appealing
are good choices.
Studies show that freezing and canning preserves nutrients,
which often makes these foods even more nutrient-dense than their
fresh counterparts. Plus, canned and frozen produce are good
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024 243

options for people whose barriers to consuming enough servings

per day include the high cost, low access, poor quality and lack of
fresh fruits and vegetables.
And what about organic options? They’re fine if you can access
and afford them, but it’s not necessary to purchase organically
grown produce.

A2. How can you fulfil your five daily servings?2

A3. Add a prefix to make opposites of the following : 2
(1) mortality ×  (2) ability ×
(3) affordable ×  (4) available ×
A4. Do as directed : 2
 (i) They have a greater ability to raise blood sugar levels.
 (State the word class of the underlined words.) 1
(ii) Studies show that freezing and canning preserves nutrients. 1
 (Rewrite the sentence adding a question tag.)
A5. ‘Eating fruits are good for health’. Do you agree/disagree? Give
reasons for your answer.2
Q. 4. (B) Summary Writing : (5 Marks)
Read the passage given in Q. 4. (A) and write a summary of it
in a paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.

SECTION V : WRITING SKILLS

Q. 5. Letter Writing : (5 Marks)

(A1 or A2) Do any one of the following :

The students’ committee of your school has decided to organize
‘A Music Festival’ in your school. You are Meet/Meeta Shinde the
students’ representative of New Vision High School, and residing
at B/102, Rambaag Colony, Nashik – 422 001. Use the following
points and write any one of the letters given below :
✽ Day, date and time of the festival.
✽ The reasons for arranging it – interest and love of the
students for music. It is a good stress reliever.
✽ Your plan to manage the festival.
✽ You have decided to invite a famous singer as a chief guest.
244 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A1. Formal Letter : OR A2. Informal Letter :

Write a letter to the Write a letter to your
Principal of your school friend Amit/Amita inviting
seeking permission to and urging him/her to attend
organize ‘A Music Festival’ in the music festival.
your school.

Q. 6. (A) Information Transfer : (5 Marks)

(A1 or A2) Do any one of the following :

A1. Verbal to Non-verbal :

Read the following paragraph. Transfer it into a tree diagram
and give a suitable title :

A nation’s development depends on the nature of the economic

system. Every country has its economic system. Two different
criteria are applied while classifying the economic system. According
to the ownership of the means of production, the economies are
classified into Capitalist, Socialist and Mixed economy. As well as
according to the stage of economic development, they are classified
into Developed, Developing and Underdeveloped economies. The
nature of nations differ as per the system of the economy.

OR
A2. Non-verbal to Verbal :
Read the following web diagram and transform it into a
paragraph. Give a suitable title :

Distance Language

Barriers to
Discomfort effective Noise
with topic communication

Distraction Lack of
interest
 BOARD’S ACTIVITY SHEET : JULY 2024 245

Q. 6. (B) Drafting a Speech/View-counterview : (5 Marks)

Attempt any one of the following (B1 or B2) :
B1. Drafting a speech :
Draft a speech to be delivered in your school assembly on
the topic “What I can give for India”.
Use the following points :
✽ Taking care of the environment
✽ Saving every drop of water
✽ Helping to maintain a green cover
✽ Supporting each other
✽ Add your own suitable points.
OR
B2. View/counterview :
Write your counterview in a paragraph on the topic :
‘E-books are better than real books’.
Given below are the views on the above given topic. You may
refer to the following them to write your counterviews.
Viewpoints :
✽ It is available at much lower prices.
✽ It can be accessed through mobile phones and laptops
comfortably even while travelling.
✽ Users can carry hundreds of books anywhere they go.
✽ E-books are equipped with interactive elements for better
reading experience. These contain audio, video and animations
which are ideal for children.
✽ E-book publishing is very easy, fast and less time consuming.

SECTION VI : CREATIVE WRITING

Q. 7. Do any one of the following (A1 or A2) : (5 Marks)

A1. Expand the theme :
Expand the following proverb into a paragraph of 100 words :
Go Green : Breathe Clean
OR
246 21 M. L. QUESTION SETS : ENGLISH (HL) – STD. X

A2. News Report :

Write a news report based on the given headline :

‘Book Lovers’ Society organises a Book Fair’.

Q. 7. (B) Developing a Story/Narration : (5 Marks)

Do any one of the following (B1 or B2) :
B1. Developing a story :
Develop a story with the given beginning. Give a suitable
title.
It was Sunday, Anuj/Anuja along with his/her friends were going
trekking. As soon as they reached ………………….
OR
B2. Narrate an experience :
Narrate your experience with the following ending. Give a
suitable title.
…………………. Thus, my friend helped me in my academic
development.
_________

Scan ☞ this QR Code for the

Model Answers to
July 2024 Activity Sheet
NOTES

247
NOTES

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248
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