Class X CBSE – English (Communicative)

Q.P. Code: HF1EG | Set: 4
Maximum Marks: 80 | Time: 3 hours

General Instructions:

The paper is divided into four sections – A, B, C, and D.
All questions are compulsory.
You may attempt any section at a time, but questions within a section must be attempted in order.
Answers should be brief and to the point.
Reading time is from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – during this time, no writing is allowed.

Section-Wise Distribution:

Section	Description	Marks
A	Reading Skills	22
B	Writing Skills	22
C	Grammar	10
D	Literature Textbook	26
	Total	80

ENGLISH (Communicative) - Exam Paper Analysis & Solutions

Welcome to my blog! Today, I'm sharing a complete breakdown and solution to an English (Communicative) exam paper. Whether you're a student preparing for an exam or just want to test your knowledge, this post has you covered. Let's dive in!

SECTION A - Reading Skills

Passage 1: India's Unity in Diversity

This passage celebrates India's unique blend of cultures, languages, religions, and traditions, highlighting how they harmoniously coexist. It covers linguistic diversity, the significance of religion, the richness of Indian cuisine, and the country's cultural art forms.

Questions and Answers:

(i) The celebration of various festivals in India demonstrates: (D) diversity.

(ii) What role does language play in Indian diversity? (C) It reflects India’s cultural richness.

(iii) Complete the following suitably: India stands as a testament to the coexistence of a multitude of identities harmoniously because it is a unique blend of various cultures, languages, religions, and traditions.

(iv) Rectify the given false statement: The linguistic diversity is reflective of the people’s tolerance and acceptance of varied means of expression.

(v) List any one classical music form mentioned in the passage: Carnatic or Hindustani.

(vi) What does the Indian Constitution guarantee to all its citizens? It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, ensuring equality and justice.

(vii) How is Indian cuisine an example of regional diversity? It features a wide range of dishes from different parts of the country—from the fiery dishes of the south to the rich curries of the north—that collectively form a national treasure.

(viii) Explain in about 30-40 words how the various Indian art forms represent cultural unity. The diverse art forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi illustrate the rich tapestry of regional expressions. While distinct, they all contribute to the single, unified cultural fabric of the nation.

(ix) What is the overarching narrative of India’s existence as per the passage? It is one of mutual coexistence and the ability to embrace diversity as a strength.

Passage 2: The Reasons for Travel

This passage explores the various reasons people travel, categorizing different types of tourism like leisure, health, educational, and business travel. It provides statistics for each category and highlights their unique purposes.

Questions and Answers:

(i) Complete with a suitable reason: People go on holidays together to create memorable experiences and spend quality time together.

(ii) Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase: The phrase ‘driven by’ in paragraph (2) suggests that the choice of holiday destination is influenced by people’s experiences.

(iii) Short holidays of 2-3 days are becoming popular: (C) to take a break from the stress of daily life.

(iv) Why do tourists travel abroad for sports tourism? (D) Only III (To be spectators at world events.)

(v) Why is India a popular destination for health tourism? Because it offers excellent medical facilities that may be unavailable or too expensive elsewhere.

(vi) Which is the most popular form of tourism and why? Leisure tourism is the most popular, making up 42% of travel for relaxation and enjoyment.

(vii) Explain why business tourism is important for the travel industry. It's important because it takes place all year round, providing a consistent income stream for many businesses, like budget hotels.

(viii) According to the above statistics, which form of tourism is the least popular at the present moment? Spiritual tourism (2%).

SECTION B - Writing Skills

Email to the Principal

Subject: Request for an Interactive Board in Class IX A

Dear Principal,

I am writing on behalf of Class IX A to respectfully request an interactive board for our classroom. An interactive board would greatly enhance our learning by making lessons more engaging and visual. It would also help us understand complex topics better through multimedia.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Rishabh/Rishita Class Prefect, Class IX A

Factual Description of 'Save Your Earth' Model

The model, "Save Your Earth," is a circular diorama (approx. 60 cm). The left side shows a polluted environment with plastic waste and smoke, while the right side depicts a clean, vibrant Earth with green trees and solar panels. A sign reads, "Your Choice, Our Future." Made from recycled materials like cardboard and plastic, the model serves as a stark reminder of our environmental impact.

Letter to the Editor

Subject: Instituting National Environment Crusader Awards for Children

To, The Editor, National Daily, [City]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to advocate for the establishment of "National Environment Crusader Awards" for children. While bravery awards are commendable, it is equally vital to recognize young individuals dedicated to environmental awareness.

Such an award would not only commend their efforts but also inspire a generation to become responsible environmental stewards. It would encourage them to innovate and take proactive steps in their communities, from clean-up drives to promoting sustainable practices. This initiative would go a long way in fostering a generation committed to protecting our planet.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Article: The Benefits of Laughter Yoga

Laughter: The Best Medicine

In a world full of stress, Laughter Yoga offers a great way to improve physical and mental health. This practice combines laughter with yogic breathing, and our bodies get the same benefits whether the laughter is real or fake.

Laughter Yoga is great for your heart, as it improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also boosts your immune system by increasing antibodies. Most importantly, it reduces stress by releasing endorphins. Best of all, it's cost-effective and requires no special equipment, making it a simple way to feel happy and healthy inside and out.

SECTION C - Grammar

(a) Prerna and Sushil had spent years together. On growing up they got separated and went their own ways. Sushil became a well-known sports personality while Prerna pursued her artistic passion.

(b) Missing words:

i. depends on the physical
ii. conditions under which the material forms.
iii. results in a wide range of colours,
iv. lustre and density that...

(c)

(i) The NEP is a more dynamic and wholesome approach which will pave the way for a holistic education experience.

(ii) Minister 2 told the king that the new education policy would provide for an interdisciplinary education that had flexible study plans.

SECTION D - Literature Textbook

Excerpts

From "Mirror": The poem explores a woman's aging through her reflection. The mirror is important because it is a witness to her passing youth, and she returns to it daily with the futile hope of seeing her younger self.
From "The Letter": This excerpt highlights Ali's deep transformation from a hunter to a sensitive soul who sees love in the universe. He abandons his sport because he is now consumed by the pain of separation from his daughter, a grief he realizes is inescapable.
From "Julius Caesar": Decius Brutus persuades Caesar to go to the Senate by appealing to his vanity and fear of being seen as weak. He tells him the Senate may change its mind about crowning him, causing Caesar to feel ashamed of having listened to his wife's "foolish" fears.

Short Answer Questions

(i) The two boys from 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' worked so hard to earn money for their older brother's medical treatment, driven by a deep sense of familial love.

(ii) 'Ozymandias' shows that human power is temporary. The king's once-great statue is now just a ruin in the desert, proving that all glory will eventually be forgotten by time.

(iii) The Ouija board in 'A Shady Plot' symbolizes a supernatural link between the living and the dead, acting as the device through which the ghost communicates with the narrator.

(iv) Sebastian's life got better when the virus was cured, allowing him to regain consciousness. He was able to leave the virtual world he was trapped in and return to his normal life.

(v) In 'Not Marble...', the pen is mightier because monuments and kings eventually decay, but poetry and art last forever, immortalizing the memory of a loved one.

(vi) Patol Babu longed to act because it was his passion. He found great joy and a sense of purpose in acting, even in small roles, and felt that it was an essential part of his life.

Long Answer Question

Both "The Frog And The Nightingale" and "Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger" explore exploitation for personal gain. The frog manipulates the nightingale to eliminate a rival and remain the sole singer in the bog. He exploits her innocence and lack of confidence, leading to her tragic death.

In "Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger," the protagonist manipulates a hunting situation for social prestige. However, her paid companion, Miss Mebbin, blackmails her, turning the tables and ensuring Mrs. Packletide pays a heavy price for her vanity. Both stories show that exploiting others, whether for power or social status, ultimately leads to negative consequences.

Class X CBSE – English (Communicative)