DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL, AJMAN

Mock Examination-I (Session 2024-25)

Grade:10 Subject: English Language and Literature(Code: 184)
ANAN

Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
(i) This question paper comprises 18 questions.
(ii)The question paper contains three sections
Section A —Reading Skills
Section B- Grammar and Creative WritingSki//s
Section C — Language Through Literature

(iii)Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION-A Reading Skills (20 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully.

As a high school student, studying poetry can be a roller-coasterride. This journey is

punctuated by momenÉ of profoundappreciationfor simpler pieces and intermittent
frustration with more complex works. Let's be real here -some poems are just plain
confusing and no amount of re-reading seems to help decipher the intended meaning.
The puzzlementthat results from such instances can be both vexing and demotivating.
If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better option. One is
led to ponder if obscurity was the goal.
Conversely, some pieces resonate with the reader's soul stirring feelings of warmth,
happiness, and connection to the world. Often these compositions centre on themes that
are universally understood, such as love, nature, or faith. Being able to actually
understandwhat the poet is trying to say can feel like a little victory and is a welcome
relief after grappling with more perplexing poetry.

Then frere are poems that are emotionally charged; the ones that make the reader curl
up in a ball and cry or jump up and down with joy. One is left in awe of the poet's ability
to convey emotion through words. Let's not forget the downright weird poems. These are
tie ones that defy categorization and leave the reader to their own devices in attempting
to interpret meaning. The author's use of figurative language and unconventional imagery
can create a sense of bewilderment that is either intriguing or off-putting. Regardless, the
reader can appreciate the uniqueness of the work.

Grade 10 (English) Page 1 of 11 21st November, 2024

 studying poetry, it can
Despite the wide range of emotions and reactions that come with appreciate the artistic
be a rewarding pursuit. Not only does reading poetry allow one to
critical thinking and
beauty of the written word but also enables one to develop crucial cracking a code
analytical skills. The process of unlocking a poem's meaning can feel like a challenging
or solving a puzzle but the sense of accomplishmentderived from masteringwell-analysed
piece can be deeply gratifying. Finally, impressing an English teacher with a
poem can be a source of pride and validation.
you're
Overall, studying poetry is like a box of mixed chocolates, you never vynowwhat
going to get. But whether it's complex, emotional,simple, or just ownright weird,
there's always something to be gained from the experience. So, let' applaud all the
poets out there, for making us laugh, cry, scratch our heads, and occasionally feel like a
genius.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.

i. Which of the following statements best describes the author's attitude towards studying
poetry? (1)
A. Finds poetry to be a frustrating and meaninglessendeavor.
B. Believes that the emotional roller-coaster of studying poetry is not worth the effort.
C. Recognizes the challenges of studying poetry but also acknowledges the rewards it
offers.
D. Feels that poetry is too obscure and abstract for the average person to appreciate.
ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph (1)? Rationalise your
response in about 40 words. (2)
If solving a riddle is what was intended,then playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led
to ponder if obscurity was the goa/.
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
in a ball and cry"
The author's use of vivid imagery in the paragraph (3), such as "curl up
because (1)
and "jump up and down with joy", greatly affects the reader (a)
of each other. From the sets
iv. The passage includes some words that are opposites (1)
to (e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(Y) deciphering and interpreting (C) appreciate and
(a) intriguing and off-putting
(d) simple and challenging (t) emotions and feelings
applaud
(1)
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
more neutral and objective when discussing
We can say that the author's tone becomes
poetry because
weird poems, compared to other types of
poetry
on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how studying
vi. Based (2)
can be like exploring a new city.
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Grade 10 (English)
vii. What is the message conveyed by Hina's experience, in the following case? (1)

Hina spends hours trying to analyze a poem for her assignment and finally feels a sense of
accomplishment and pride, once she understands.

A. Only those with natural talent for poetry should engage with it.
B. Persistence makes studying poetry a rewarding pursuit.
C. Study of poetry is guaranteed to impress others.
D. The efforts of studying poetry is inversely proportionalto the rewards gained

viii. State whether the following lines display an example of a simple / complex /
emotionally charged / downright weird , poem. (1)
The sun rises in the east,
A new day begins, a fresh start.
Birds chirp, nature wakes up,
A peacefu/ feeling in my heart.

2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions that follows.
agriculture,
(1) In a recent study examining the relationship between biodiversity and
exhibited a richer
scientists observed that regions practicing traditional farming methods
resilience
diversity of both plant and animal species. These areas also demonstrated more
to environmental changes, such as droughts and pest invasions.
are
(2) It was noted that around 70% of traditionalfarming practices across the globe
found in regions where communities have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
These methods often involve crop rotation, agroforestry, and the use of natural fertilizers.

(3) On the other hand, only about 20% of modern, intensive farming regions reported
and
similar levels of biodiversity, highlighting the negative impact of monocultures
farms are
chemical fertilizers on local ecosystems. However, around 10% of modern
to the
beginning to adopt sustainable practices, attempting to restore balance
environment.
the species
(4) Among the traditional farming communities, approximately 60% of
crops on the
diversity comes from multi-cropping systems, where farmers grow various
fauna. The
same land. Another 30% stems from the preservation of native flora and
avoid the
remaining 10% of biodiversity is attributed to organic farming techniques that
use of synthetic chemicals.
with modern
(5) Futher research into how traditional knowledge can be integrated also ensure
farming techniques is essential. This will not only enhance biodiversity but
food security and sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

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 Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
l. What does the use of the phrase 'richer diversity' by the writer, in paragraph 1, indicate
about their observation? (1)

A. The writer is emphasizinga problem.

B. The writer is highlighting a beneficial outcome.
C. The writer is questioning the results.
D. The writer is presentinga challenge.

Il Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. (1)

Assertion: Traditional farming methods help preserve biodiversity.

Reason: These methods rely on crop rotation and agroforestry

A. Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the
assertion.
B. Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of
the assertion.
C. The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
D. The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Ill Identify the word in the passage that suggests the negative effects of modern farming
methods on biodiversity. (1)

IV How do traditional farming practices contributeto environmental sustainability? (1)

V Read the given prompt and select the correct option given in the brackets. (1)
Lila's village, a farming method that avoids synthetic chemicals is widely practiced.
The percentage of traditional farming techniques this would fall under is
(60%/ / 10%)
VI What does the higher percentage of biodiversitystemming from multi-croppingsystems
suggest about traditional farming methods? (1)

VII Complete the sentence suitably. (1)

The widespread use of natural fertilizers in traditional farming techniques demonstrates.

VIII Complete the following with a suitable reason. (1)

The most likely reason the writer believes traditional knowledge should be integrated
with modern farming techniques is because it can
of integratingtraditional
IX In the context of the last paragraph, describe the significance (2)
agriculture.
knowledge with modern farming techniques in achieving sustainable
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Grade 10 (English)
 SECTION-B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)
3. Read the dialogue between
Shabnam and her mentor, Sara, regarding her summer
internship programme.

Sara: Why did you choose to participate in this internship

programme?
Shabnam: Ah! I am convinced this programme has the potentialto enhance
my abilities.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.

A. Sara asked Shabnam in that internship programme. (1)

B. Shabnam sighed and exclaimed that she was convinced that programme
the potential to enhance her abilities. (1)
A. why to choose to participate/has B. to choose participation/has been
C. why he had chosen to participate/had D. with her choice in participating/have
4. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to completethe live feed on a school
news channel. (1)
Congratulations Change Makers!
The regional competition awards have been announced and our school music club
the first prize.

A. had been won B. will win C. was winning D. has won

5. Read the given sentence from a recipe review article. Identify the error and
supply the correctionin the sentence. (1)
This de/ightfu/ recipe must keep your hunger pangs at bay with its balanced
spices and orienta/ flavour.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

6.Fill the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the concluding line of an
issued circular by an Organisation to its Managers. (1)

A copy of the plan is enclosed and (that/ then/ this) may be communicated
to all Team Leaders for compliance.

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 blank with the correct
7. Complete the line from a self- awareness song, by filling the (1)
option.
The river runs through your veins
The trees and mountains your name
The moon and stars watch over
You're guiding your way back home
To dream the night away.

A. will call B. call C. had called D. calls

8. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the closing
line, from an analytical report. (1)

In conclusion,this study explores the association among short-sleep pattern and

overweightyoungsters.
A. explores/explore B. and/or C. among/ between D. in /for
9. Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from a commercial
company's current marketing strategy. (1)
The company aimed at increasing authority in areas frequent/y visited by the clients.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

10. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the
sentence:

Vendor: It is nice to see you, Sir!

Customer: Yes, indeed! Unlike last month, I have been away for quite some time this
month.

A. The vendor greeted his customer respectfullyand mentionedthat he was (1)

B. The customer answered in the affirmative and explained that (1)

I IA. You are Nirmal Pillai, a concerned citizen from Aluva, Kochi. Compose a letterin 5
about 120 words, to the Project Head of the E-Waste Management Cell at
Electronics Vatika, New Delhi, highlightingthe adverse effects of e-waste pollution.
Suggest measures for addressing its management through community
engagement and government initiatives.

Grade 10 (English) Page 6 of 11 21st November, 2024

 OR

11B. As Armaan Khan, the School Literary Captain of Ujjwal Academy, Old City,
Kiladerabad, you believe that languages can help bridge regional divides and
promote unity.
Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting the
introduction of an online regional language learning programme managed and run
by student councils and language clubs in the city. The programmeaims to help
residents who have recently relocated to a new region in picking up the local
language organically. Share the importanceand credibility of such a programme
and suggest a feasible way to execute it along with possible activities.
5
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions:

effects of carbonated drinks.

12A. Read the following lines on the harmful A
"According to a health report, the soft carbonated drinks are harmful to health.
latest research has revealed that it is not safe for children. Unfortunately children
are addicted to soft drinks nowadays."

Write an analytical paragraph on 'Harmful Effects of Soft Drinks'. (120 Words)

OR

12B. Children tend to become tense and nervous before the board exams. This may
affect their health and performance in the examination. Write an analytical
paragraphin 100-120 words on the topic 'Need for Counselling before Board
Examination'.

Grade 10 (English) Page 7 of 11 21 st November, 2024

 SECTION-C
(40 marks)
Language Through Literature
follows.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that
of a low hill. From
13A. The house- the only one in the entire valley -sat on the crest flowers
dotted with the
this height one could see the river and the field of ripe corn
needed was a good
that always promised a good harvest. The only thing the earth
-who knew his
downpour or at least a shower. Throughout the morning Lencho
north-east.
fields intimately- had done nothing but see the sky towards the to God)
(ALetter
i. Based on the detail of the house's location, how can it best be described?
a) majestic b) imposing c) solitary d) unique
ii. The field of corn dotted with flowers means that
a) not a single flowerwas bigger than a dot
b) the flowers were scattered across.
c) the flowers were in shaped like dots.
d) the flowers had shrunk in size.
iii. Which quote supports the idea in the given extract?
a) "Farming is a profession of hope."
b) "l would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world."
c) "Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and you're a
thousand miles from the corn field."
d) "Those too lazy to plough in the right season will have no food at the
harvest."
iv. Based on the given extract, what is Lencho NOT likely to think while looking at his
field?

(ii) Just a downpour, God,

And everything will be
perfect.

I wish we have enough

(iii)All set for the grand food to eat after this
harvest. harvest.
cm going to be rth!

a) Option (i) b) Option (ii) c) Option (iii) d) Option (iv)

v. The word in the above lines is opposite of 'a trickle'.

Grade 10 (English) Page 8 of 11 21 st November, 2024

 OR
1 The question he tried to answer was simple: What is the purpose of the twelve tiny
gold spots on a monarch pupa?
"Everyone assumed the spots were just ornamental," Ebright said.
"But Dr Urquhart didn't believe it."
To find the answer, Ebright and another excellentscience student first had to build
a device that showed that the spots were producing a hormone necessary for the
butterfly's full development. This project won Ebright first place in the county fair
and entry into the International Science and Engineering Fair. There he won third
place for zoology. He also got a chance to work during the summer at the
entomology laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
(The Making of a Scientist)
i. State any one inference about Dr Urquhart from the given context:
Everyone assumed the spots werejust ornamenta/, "Ebright said.
"But Dr Urquhart didn't be/ieve it. ''
ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a) -(d) below, can be applied to the question - What is the
purpose of the twe/ve tiny go/d spots on a monarch pupa?
(a) A hypothesis- a proposedexplanationfor a phenomenon
(b) An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true
without proof
(c) A premise - a propositionthat forms the basis of an argument
(d) A theory - a well-substantiatedexplanation for a natural phenomenon

iii. Ebright's approach towards finding the purpose of the gold spots on a monarch
pupa was highly effective. Why?
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute 'a chance' , in the given sentence from the
extract?
He a/so got a chance to work during the summer at the entomo/ogy /aboratory of
the Wa/ter Reed Army Institute of Research.

v. Pickout the word which means 'study of insects' in the above lines

Read the given stanzas and answer the questions that follows.
14A he fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on. (Fog)

In what way does the language used in this poem challenge traditional ideas of
what poetry should be?

Grade 10 (English) Page 9 of 11 21st November, 2024

ii. What is the significance of the use of the word "little" to describe the fog in the
poem and how does this word choice contributeto the overall mood and tone of
the poem?
iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriateoption.
The lines from the poem tell us that the city is
A, hilly
B. coastal
C. industrial
D. under-developed
iv. Identify the type of imagery used in the lines of the poem.
v. The word in the above lines that means 'sitting
with knees bent' is

OR
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed. (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

i. Name the poet.

ii. Examine the portrayal of Blink in the given lines.
iii. Complete the following suitably.
The word 'paled' implies that Belinda
iv. What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line, 'Ink trickled down
to the bottomof the household'?
Identify the figure of speech used in the lines 'And no one buys a ball back.'
v. What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines?
Select the correct option
1. IJrgency 2. Apprehension3. Uncertainty4. mystery 5. Aggression
A. I and 4
B. only 2
1, 2 and 3
D. 4 and 5

15. Ansvær ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words.
i.
Lomov and Natatyatrade charges against each other about the ownership of
Meadows. Explain (The Proposal)
Y
ii. Both the tex#, For Anne Gregor/ and The Sermon at Benares,' grapple with the
idea that external attributes are fleeting and subject to decay. Examine the
similarities.
iii. Validate the given statement with referenceto baby seagull's fear.
"Fear doesn't
exist anyvv'hereelse other than in one's mind". (His First Flight)

Grade 10 (English) Page 10 of 11 21st November, 2024

 iv. When the pitate attacked Belinda,
Illof her brave (fiends Ink, Blinkand Mustard
ran away. Only Custard [ought with the
enemy. Describe how Custard's reaction
was different that (ff others, on seeing the pirate, (The Tale of Custard the
Dragon)
Mandela feels that courage is over [ear, According to Nelson Mandela,
who is a coutaqeous man? How would you define courage in this
context? (NelsonMandela Long Walk to freedom)

16. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x3=

i. Evaluate how Griffin's character is shaped by a combination of personal ambition,

the unintended consequences of his scientific pursuits, and the reactions of the
society he faces. (Footprints without Feet)
saying
ii. The story, A Triumph of Surgery is a powerful example of the importance of
"no". Explain.
attributes of
iii. Do you think that the names 'Think Tank' and 'Noodle' replicate the
"The Book
the two characters? Justify your answer with reference to the chapter
that Saved the Earth".
words. Ix6=6
17. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120
to help me, said
i. Never mind 'she said, "I can get on by myself" "You do not have
the bus journey
Valli to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making
something different and
all alone. Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing
of visiting the
great. Which characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder
town at such a tender age? (Madam Rides the Bus)
transported
Without the assistance of the airhostess, the narrator could not have
ii. very queen of her
Mijbil from Basra to London safely. The airhostess was "the
(Mijbil the Otter)
kind". Do you agree? Comment.

18. Answer of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

surrendering herself to a greedy
i. Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than
stimulus to
old man for the rest of her life. Education provides the required life
overcome one's personal barriers. Explain the role of education in shaping the
of a child with respect to the lesson 'Bholi'.
(Bholi)
who aspire
ii. Those who are satisfied with what they have are happy in life. Those
more than what they can afford ruin their life. Matildawas 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.'

Grade 10 (English) Page 11 of 11 21st November, 2024