CBSE Class 10 – English (Language and Literature) Previous Paper 2023

Exam: English (Language and Literature)

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions :
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
(i)
This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are
compulsory.
(ii) The question paper contains THREE sections –
Section – A : Reading Skills
Section – B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section – C : Literature
(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Part.

Section – A
Reading Skills

Passage:

(1) If you’re like most kids, you may love snow. Not only can it get you out of school, but it’s also fun to play with. Who doesn’t love to sled and build snowmen? Snow can also be dangerous, too. You may have heard your parents talk about how difficult it can be to drive in snow. Car accidents aren’t the only dangers created by snow. If you’re ever skiing in the mountains, you’ll want to be aware of avalanches. An avalanche is a sudden flow of snow down a slope, such as a mountain. The amount of snow in an avalanche will vary based on many things, but it can be such a huge pile that it can bury the bottom of a slope in dozens of feet of snow.

(2) Avalanches can be caused by many things. Some of them are natural. For example, new snow or rain can cause built-up snow to loosen and fall down the side of a mountain. Earthquakes and the movement of animals have also been known to cause avalanches. Artificial triggers can also cause avalanches. For example, snowmobiles, skiers, gunshots, and explosives have all been known to cause avalanches. Avalanches usually occur during the winter and spring, when snowfall is greatest. As they are dangerous to any living beings in their path, avalanches have destroyed forests, roads, railroads, and even entire towns.

(3) Warning signs exist that allow experts to predict – and often prevent – avalanches from occurring. When over a foot of fresh snow falls, experts know to be on the lookout for avalanches. Explosives can be used in places with massive snow build-ups to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose a danger to persons or property. When deadly avalanches do occur, the moving snow can quickly reach over 80 miles per hour. Skiers caught in such avalanches can be buried under dozens of feet of snow. While it’s possible to dig out of such avalanches, not all are able to escape.

(4) If you get tossed about by an avalanche and find yourself buried under many feet of snow, you might not have a true sense of which way is up and which way is down. Some avalanche victims have tried to dig their way out, only to find that they were upside down and digging themselves farther under the snow rather than to the top! Experts suggest that people caught in an avalanche try to “swim” to the top of the moving snow to stay close to the surface. Once the avalanche stops, do your best to dig around you to create a space for air, so you can breathe easier. Then, do your best to figure out which way is up and dig in that direction to reach the surface and signal rescuers.

Questions and Answers:

(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option:
Avalanche can be caused by
(a) new snow or rain.
(b) heavy winds.
(c) high altitude.
(d) global warming.

Answer: (a) new snow or rain.

(ii) Comment on warning signs exist which allow experts to predict avalanches in two sentences.
Experts predict avalanches by monitoring over a foot of fresh snow falling. They use explosives in places with large snow build-ups to trigger smaller, controlled avalanches that do not pose danger.

(iii) Mention two reasons which destroyed the natural scenery.
Avalanches have destroyed forests and roads.

(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘massive’:
(a) tiny
(b) lengthy
(c) bulky
(d) extensive

Answer: (a) tiny

(v) The writer will agree with one of the given statements (paragraph 4):
(a) People caught in the Avalanche can try to swim to the top.
(b) Put on an oxygen mask.
(c) Digging is not possible.
(d) Should not come close to the surface.

Answer: (a) People caught in the Avalanche can try to swim to the top.

(vi) Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:
You may not have an idea of which way is up and which way is down.
(a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and disperse from Gate No. 2.
(b) Due to the torrential rain, there was a heavy flooding.
(c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching the child’s performance.
(d) The more the effort, the bigger the gain.

Answer: (c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching the child’s performance.

(vii) The major causes which do not trigger an avalanche:
(a) Earthquakes
(b) Snowfall
(c) Rain
(d) Plastic waste

Answer: (d) Plastic waste

(viii) Explosives can be used in places ___________. (complete the sentence)
Answer: where there are massive snow build-ups.

(ix) The word ‘deadly’ in paragraph 3 most nearly means:
(a) likely to cause death
(b) harmful
(c) very boring
(d) scary

Answer: (a) likely to cause death

(x) Select the most suitable title for the above passage:
(a) Avalanches
(b) Adventure with Snow
(c) Ice Games
(d) Calamity

Answer: (a) Avalanches

2.Passage:

(1) Increasing traffic congestion every year is causing increasing air pollution, wasting time and productivity and diverse respiratory diseases. Moreover, the cost of solving or reducing traffic congestion is enormous. However, neglecting the traffic jam problem would increase the social problems among citizens.
(2) The number of vehicles has increased considerably in the city in the past five years. Due to this increase, the city roads witness frequent traffic congestions, but above all, the vehicles emitting pollutants are affecting the environment adversely.
(3) The Capital’s vehicular population saw an addition of more than five lakh vehicles last year, registering an increase of over 4%, according to the Delhi Economic Survey 2020-21.
(4) In spite of the largest road network, through metro and bus services in major cities the transport system is not being able to keep pace with the growing demand. Consequently, more and more people use their private vehicles, leading to increased congestion on the roads. In spite of these challenges people in India prefer road travel over air and other means of travel. Citizens of Delhi/NCR have, time and again, pondered over the possibilities of how to reduce the traffic congestion in the city, especially during the peak hours. People should use public transport, the government must increase the facilities of public transport, people should avoid the unnecessary collection of vehicles and should use carpool and vehicle sharing.
(5) What is required is proper implementation of corrective measures by citizens to get an organized traffic management system.

Questions and Answers:

(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1.
Reducing traffic congestion is not easy.
Answer: The cost of solving or reducing traffic congestion is enormous.

(ii) Select the appropriate option to complete the following sentence. The reasons for increased traffic congestion are ________.

Use of private vehicles
Increase in demand for cars
Inability to keep pace with population control
Travelling by public transport
Emission of pollutants

Answer: (c) 1, 2

(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 5.
organized : chaotic :: lowest : _______
Answer: highest
(Clue: Just as organized is an antonym of chaotic, lowest is an antonym of highest.)

(iv) The vehicles emit pollutants which affect _______ badly.
Answer: the environment

(v) Complete the following sentence.
Use of public transport will reduce ________.
Answer: traffic congestion

(vi) Select the appropriate option which states the methods of reducing traffic congestion.

Start car pooling
Add electric buses
Increase in public modes of transport
Increase car collection points
Increase taxation

Answer: (d) 1, 3

(vii) What is required to get an organized traffic management system?
Answer: Proper implementation of corrective measures by citizens.

(viii) Give the reasons for increase in vehicular congestion.
Answer: The reasons include the increase in the number of private vehicles and the inability of the transport system (metro and buses) to keep pace with the growing demand.

(ix) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.
There are _______ consequences of increasing vehicular congestion.
(a) beneficial
(b) adverse
(c) implicit
(d) explicit

Answer: (b) adverse

(x) Substitute the underlined word with ONE WORD similar in meaning in the following sentence:
Citizens of Delhi/NCR have time and time again pondered over the possibilities of how to reduce traffic congestion.
Answer: repeatedly

Section – B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

3. Attempt any Ten of the following questions : 10 x 1 = 10

(i)
Reena always ______ the truth.
(a) speak
(b) speaks
(c) will speak
(d) speaking

Answer: (b) speaks

(ii)
Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line:
Bread and butter ______ my favourite breakfast.
(a) is
(b) am
(c) are
(d) has been

Answer: (a) is

(iii)
Read the conversation between two friends Ravi and Reena. Complete the sentence by reporting Reena’s reply correctly.

Ravi: “Reena, lend me hundred rupees.”
Reena: “I don’t have it right now, but I will arrange it for you.”

Ravi asked Reena to lend him hundred rupees, to which Reena replied that _______.
(a) she didn’t have it right then, but she would arrange it for him.
(b) she doesn’t have it at the moment, but she will arrange it for him.
(c) she didn’t have it, but she would arrange it soon.
(d) she had no money right now, but would arrange it later.

Answer: (a) she didn’t have it right then, but she would arrange it for him.

(iv)
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
I can run fast when I was young.

Answer: (a) was | is

(v)
Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
Heena _______ from fever since last Sunday.
(a) suffered
(b) will suffer
(c) suffer
(d) has been suffering

Answer: (d) has been suffering

(vi)
Fill in the blank by using the correct word in the bracket.
Anyas _______ (eat) all the chocolates kept in the tray.
(a) ate
(b) eating
(c) have eaten
(d) eaten

Answer: (a) ate

(vii)
Report the dialogue between a mother and a daughter by completing the sentence:

Mother: Why are you looking so worried?
Daughter: My exams are approaching.

In response to the question of the mother, the daughter replied that ________.
(a) her exams are approaching
(b) her exams were approaching
(c) she was feeling worried about exams
(d) her exams will come soon

Answer: (b) her exams were approaching

(viii)
Identify the error in the given sentence:
The ship Titanic and her fate continues to fascinate the imagination of the people.

Answer: (a) continues | continue

(ix)
Ritu and Randeep are talking. Report Ritu’s question.
Ritu: Where are you going?
Ritu asked ________.
(a) where were you going
(b) where you are going
(c) where you were going
(d) where you go

Answer: (c) where you were going

(x)
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan:
______ smile and pass it to others.
(a) Happy
(b) Short
(c) Always
(d) Humble

Answer: (c) Always

(xi)
Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Anil and Sanjeev:

Anil: Where are you going?
Sanjeev: To the airport.
Anil: May I drop you there as I’m going in that direction?

Anil asked Sanjeev where he was going and offered to drop him as _____.

(a) he could be going in that direction
(b) he would be going in that direction
(c) he is going in the direction
(d) he was going in that direction

Answer: (d) he was going in that direction

(xii)
Identify the error in the newspaper headline:
Attractive packages for different Tourist destination – Mizoram, Kashmir, Kerala, Goa.

Answer: (a) destination | destinations

(a)
You are pained to see that in your city, there is no proper arrangement for cleaning of drains. There are heaps of accumulated garbage and stagnant water. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your city complaining about the same as there is a fear of outbreak of disease. You are Alka/Ashish. (Word limit: 100-120)

Answer:

Alka
[Your Address]
[City, Date]

The Municipal Commissioner
[Municipal Corporation Name]
[City Name]

Subject: Complaint Regarding the Poor Drainage System and Garbage Accumulation

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to bring to your attention the sorry state of the drainage system and sanitation in our locality. There are heaps of accumulated garbage and stagnant water in the drains, which has led to an unbearable smell and an unhealthy environment.

The lack of proper cleaning and maintenance is creating a breeding ground for various diseases, especially during the monsoon season. This situation is putting the health of the residents, including children and the elderly, at great risk.

I kindly request you to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of the drainage system.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Alka
[Your Contact Information]

(b)
The authorities have been claiming that the roads in your town have been relaid and repaired. But no such work done is seen. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your concern at the present situation and giving suggestions to resolve the problem, in 100-120 words. You are Prabhu/Parvati of Vivek Vihar, Delhi.

Answer:

Prabhu
Vivek Vihar, Delhi
[Date]

The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
[City Name]

Subject: Concerns Over the Unrepaired Roads in Our Town

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the poor condition of the roads in our town, despite claims by the authorities that the roads have been relaid and repaired. It is evident that no such work has been carried out, and the roads remain riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. This situation is causing immense inconvenience to the residents and posing a danger to vehicles and pedestrians alike.

I urge the authorities to take immediate action and fulfill their promises by repairing the roads without any further delays. It would be beneficial to prioritize the most damaged stretches to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.

Thank you for publishing this matter, and I hope the concerned authorities will take swift action.

Yours sincerely,
Prabhu
Vivek Vihar, Delhi
[Your Contact Information]

5. (a) Online Activity by Age Group

The provided table illustrates varying online activity preferences across different age groups. Teens show the highest engagement in activities like downloads and online games, with percentages in the 80s. News consumption remains relatively consistent across all age brackets, hovering around 70-80%. Interestingly, searching for products and people shows a clear age-related trend. While teens show minimal interest in product searches (0%), this activity steadily increases with age, peaking in the 40s (85%). Similarly, searching for people, though less popular overall, also rises with age, though only reaching 22% in the 30s. Downloads and online games show a steep decline after the teen years, suggesting a shift in online priorities as people age.

5. (b) Activities of Interest (13-15 Year Olds)

A survey of 13-15 year olds in New Delhi schools reveals a diverse range of activity interests. Cricket stands out as the most popular choice, with 60 children expressing interest. Music also enjoys considerable popularity, attracting interest from 50 children. Dance and Theatre show moderate appeal, garnering interest from 30 and 35 children respectively. Art, however, appears to be the least favored activity among the surveyed group, with only 25 children expressing interest. The data suggests that sports and performing arts are particularly popular among this age group, while visual arts have comparatively less appeal.

6. Attempt any one of the given extracts:

(a)
Let me put this more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in this world. And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-year-old sister, and there are almost thirty people I can call friends. I have a family, loving aunts, and a good house. No, on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend. All I think about when I am with friends is having a good time. I can’t bring myself to talk about anything, but ordinary everyday things.

(i) On the surface, it appears that Anne, the thirteen-year-old girl ______.

Answer:
has everything in her life, including loving parents, a sister, and many friends.

(ii) How can we infer that the speaker felt alone in the world?
(a) She had a family of many people.
(b) She had loving parents.
(c) She had thirty friends.
(d) She craves for a true friend.

Answer:

(d) She craves for a true friend.*

(iii) Anne and her friends talked about _____.

(a) their problematic parents
(b) their financial problems
(c) common everyday things
(d) the commuting problems

Answer:

(iv) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text:
alone : friends :: nothing : _______

Answer:
true friend

(v) Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the idiom ‘bring myself’ from the extract:
(a) to do something willingly
(b) to do something unwillingly
(c) a charitable act
(d) an involuntary act

Answer:

(b) to do something unwillingly

6. (b)
Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and that the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her furniture.

(i) Mrs. Hall tripped because ______
(a) the floor was oily.
(b) she was standing on a chair.
(c) she was in a state of panic.
(d) the door was slammed.

Answer:

(ii) Mrs. Hall suspected everything in the room was put under a spell of witchcraft by ______.

Answer:
the stranger.

(iii) Fill in the blank with one word only:
Mrs. Hall was afraid that spirits had entered _______.

Answer:
her furniture.

(iv) According to the extract, the feeling of Mrs. Hall can be best described as
(1) stunned
(2) happy
(3) awestruck
(4) nervous
(5) outraged
(6) agitated
Select the correct option:
(a) (2) and (4)
(b) (3) and (6)
(c) (5) and (6)
(d) (1) and (6)

Answer:

(v) ‘Spirits’ in the above lines means the same as
(a) ghosts
(b) conscience
(c) ego
(d) attitude

Answer:

(a) ghosts

7. Attempt any one of the given two extracts:

(a)
Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re crocodiles.

(i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract:
Crocodiles can be identified by their _______.

(a) tears
(b) attitude
(c) smiles
(d) attacks

Answer:

(a) tears

(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False:
Hyenas are famous for weeping.

Answer:

False

(Explanation: The extract suggests that hyenas come with smiles, but if they weep, they are crocodiles.)

(iii) ‘Novice’ in line 2 means the same as:
(a) learner
(b) beast
(c) tender foot
(d) beginner

Answer:

(d) beginner

(iv) In this extract, the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______.

Answer:

smiles and weeping

(v) The poet uses ‘A novice might nonplus’ instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact the poem?
(a) adds an incorrect option.
(b) it is associated with beasts.
(c) it rhymes and adds humour.
(d) it simplifies the meaning.

Answer:

7. (b)
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The vivid stripes refer to the ______.

Answer:

tiger’s body

(ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of ‘loud’?

Answer:

quiet

(iii) The use of the phrase ‘pads of velvet’ means
(a) neck
(b) tail
(c) skin
(d) paws

Answer:

(d) paws

iv) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger’s steps.

Answer:

True

(Explanation: The tiger is in a cage, and the poem suggests he can only take a few steps, implying restriction.)

(v) The tiger was lurking in shadow _________.
(a) to catch its prey
(b) as the cage was dark
(c) as the velvet was quiet
(d) as he was in a rage

Answer:

(a) to catch its prey

8. Attempt any four out of the five questions given below in 40-50 words each. 4 × 3 = 12

(a) What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the journey? Why?

Answer:
Pranjol and Rajvir were on a train journey to Assam. While Rajvir was fascinated by the scenery and the tea gardens, Pranjol, who was from Assam, seemed indifferent. He was more focused on the idea of reaching home, as he had seen the tea gardens all his life.

(b) Who read the letter sent by Lencho? What did he do then?

Answer:
The letter sent by Lencho was read by the postmaster. After reading the letter, he was deeply moved by Lencho’s faith in God. He decided to help and collected money from his colleagues and sent it to Lencho, though the amount was less than what he had asked for.

(c) Where is Coorg located? Write any two characteristics of the people of Coorg?

Answer:
Coorg is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka, India, in the Western Ghats. The people of Coorg are known for their bravery and warrior-like spirit. They are also known for their hospitality, and their culture is heavily influenced by both Hindu and British traditions.

(d) How does the poem ‘The Tale of Custard The Dragon’ differ from the traditional ballad?

Answer:
Unlike traditional ballads, which usually depict heroic deeds, “The Tale of Custard The Dragon” is humorous and light-hearted. The poem tells the story of Custard, a cowardly dragon, who eventually proves his bravery in an unexpected situation, mocking the traditional idea of heroic strength and valor.

(e) What does the Buddha say about the world?

Answer:
The Buddha says that the world is full of suffering, which is caused by desire, attachment, and ignorance. He teaches that to overcome suffering, one must follow the path of righteousness, which includes ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom, leading to Nirvana, the cessation of suffering.

9. Attempt any two out of the three questions given below in 40-50 words each. 2 × 3 = 6

(a) Why does Anil not hand over Hari Singh to the police?

Answer:
Anil does not hand over Hari Singh to the police because he understands that the boy is trying to change and that everyone deserves a second chance. Despite his theft, Anil shows compassion and believes in offering trust and kindness rather than punishing him.

(b) What opinion did Mr. Weiherer, Ebright’s Social Science teacher, have about him?

Answer:
Mr. Weiherer, Ebright’s Social Science teacher, thought highly of him. He was impressed by Ebright’s curiosity and dedication to learning. Ebright’s fascination with science and his perseverance led him to achieve great success in his research, despite his initial setbacks in school.

(c) What was Mr. Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs. Pumphrey agree to his advice?

Answer:
Mr. Herriot’s strict advice to Mrs. Pumphrey was to stop overfeeding her dog, Tricki, as it was causing health problems. He advised her to limit his food intake and give him more exercise. Initially, Mrs. Pumphrey hesitated, but later she followed the advice to improve Tricki’s health.

10. Answer any one of the following questions in 100-120 words:

(a) Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. What did Valli have to do to go and ride in a bus?

Answer:
Valli, a little girl from the village, was determined to ride in a bus to the nearby town, despite the challenges that came her way. First, she saved up the money for the ticket by being careful with her spending. She had to hide her plan from her mother, who discouraged her from making the trip. On the day of the journey, she had to ensure no one knew her intentions, as they might stop her. After a few setbacks and nervous moments, she finally boarded the bus, feeling both scared and excited. Valli faced difficulties with determination and perseverance to fulfill her dream of traveling on the bus.

(b) Through the story of Kisa Gotami, what did the Buddha try to preach to the common man?

Answer:
Through the story of Kisa Gotami, the Buddha taught the lesson of impermanence and the universality of suffering. Kisa Gotami, after losing her son, was devastated and sought the Buddha’s help. The Buddha asked her to find mustard seeds from a house where no one had died. As she went from house to house, she realized that death touches everyone, and no one can escape it. This realization helped her come to terms with her grief. The Buddha’s message was clear: suffering is a part of life, and one must learn to accept the inevitable reality of loss and impermanence in order to live peacefully.

11. Answer any one of the following questions in 100-120 words:

(a) Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the challenge posed by Bishamber’s greed?

Answer:
Bholi, a shy and less fortunate girl, overcame her fears and insecurities due to her education. When she was being forced into marriage with Bishamber, an old and greedy man, Bholi’s education played a significant role in her empowerment. During the wedding ceremony, Bishamber demanded a large dowry, but Bholi, who had gained self-confidence through her schooling, refused to accept his demands. She realized that her education gave her the strength to assert herself and stand up for her rights. Bholi’s courage to refuse to marry him and call off the wedding was a direct result of the empowerment that education brought her, showing how it transformed her life.

(b) Those who are satisfied with what they have are happy in life. Those who aspire more than what they can afford ruin their life. Matilda was one such person. If she were content with her life, she would have led a happy life. Elaborate on the basis of the chapter ‘The Necklace.’

Answer:
In “The Necklace,” Matilda, a woman who feels discontent with her life, desires wealth and luxury beyond her means. She is unhappy with her modest lifestyle and longs for a life of glamour and sophistication. When she borrows a necklace for a fancy ball, she loses it and spends the next ten years in poverty, working hard to pay off the debt. The irony comes when she later learns that the necklace she had borrowed was a fake, worth only a fraction of what she had paid to replace it. Matilda’s desire for more, instead of being content with what she had, ultimately ruined her life, highlighting how dissatisfaction and greed can lead to misery.

CBSE Class 10 – English (Language and Literature) Previous Paper 2023

Exam: English (Language and Literature)

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Maximum Marks: 80

Section – AReading Skills

Section – A
Reading Skills