Virudhunagar District
Common First Mid Term Test - 2024
Standard 10 - ENGLISH: Solved Paper
I. Choose the appropriate synonyms for the italicized words: 3 × 1 = 3
1) It was the gaunt face staring from the bed that brought chill to my heart.
Answer
c) lean
Explanation: 'Gaunt' means very thin and bony, often due to hunger or illness. 'Lean' is the closest synonym.
2) He was delirious.
Answer
b) troubled
Explanation: 'Delirious' means being in a state of mental confusion or disturbance. 'Troubled' in mind is the best fit among the given options.
3) The attic has always been a favourite with children.
Answer
a) loft
Explanation: An 'attic' is a room or space directly below the roof of a house. 'Loft' is the correct synonym. (Note: The original paper had a typo "left" which has been corrected to "loft").
II. Antonyms, Derivatives & Abbreviations 5 × 1 = 5
Choose the appropriate antonyms for the italicized words:
4) They picked up a shoe and whammed it through the window.
Answer
a) tapped
Explanation: 'Whammed' means to hit something forcefully. The opposite is a gentle action, which is 'tapped'.
5) 'Nothing' he said gruffly.
Answer
a) happily
Explanation: 'Gruffly' means in a rough, surly, or bad-tempered manner. 'Happily' is a suitable antonym for this mood. (Note: The original paper's typo "clainly" has been corrected to "calmly", but "happily" is a better antonym in this context).
6) Then a monstrous terror seized him.
Answer
b) released
Explanation: To 'seize' something is to take hold of it. The opposite is to 'release' or let go.
7) Form a derivative by adding the right prefix to meter:
Answer
c) dia
Explanation: The prefix 'dia-' can be added to 'meter' to form the word 'diameter'.
8) Choose the correct expansion of the abbreviation 5G:
Answer
b) Fifth Generation
Explanation: 5G stands for the 'Fifth Generation' of wireless technology.
III. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions: 2 × 2 = 4
9) What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
Answer
The young seagull was maddened by hunger. When he saw his mother tearing a piece of fish just opposite him, he cried for food. The mother flew towards him with the fish, but halted just out of his reach. Unable to control his hunger, the seagull dived at the fish, which prompted his first flight.
10) How was the young seagull's first attempt to fly?
Answer
In his first attempt, the young seagull ran to the edge of the ledge and flapped his wings. However, he became terrified by the vast expanse of the sea beneath him. Convinced his wings would not support him, he lost his courage and ran back to his little hole under the ledge.
11) Who used the zither and how?
Answer
The narrator's grandfather used the zither. During the police investigation, he mistakenly thought the police were army deserters from General Meade's army. He grabbed one of the policemen's guns, then pulled an old zither out of a box and started strumming it, which confused and frightened the policemen.
IV. Read the following poetic lines and answer ANY TWO: 2 × 2 = 4
12)
Whatever comes, there is something amiss
Answer
a) Here, the word 'growl' means to complain about something in a low, angry, or grumpy voice.
b) They find everything amiss because it is in their nature to be dissatisfied and complain about everything. They belong to the "Grumble family".
13)
And if everything pleased them, there isn't a doubt.
Answer
a) The poem implies that if everything pleased them, they would grumble that they had nothing to grumble about.
b) No, their growling never ends; it is a constant and unending habit. (Note: Typo "thin" corrected to "their").
14)
And hope the road's last turn will be the best
Answer
a) 'Quest' means a long and adventurous search for something important.
b) The poet's hope is that the final stage of his life's journey will be the most fulfilling and best part of his life.
V. Grammar and Map Reading 2 × 2 = 4
15) Rewrite the following sentence into the passive voice: "You are making a cake now."
Answer
A cake is being made by you now.
16) A stranger wants to visit the post office. Give directions.
Answer
Here are the directions to the post office:
"Excuse me. Please go straight along this road, which is Gandhi Road. When you reach the intersection, take a right turn onto Raja Road. Walk for about 50 meters, and you will find the Post Office on your left."
VI. Answer ANY ONE in about ten lines: 1 × 5 = 5
17) Explain the experience of the young seagull in "His First Flight" written by Liam O' Flaherty.
18) Narrate the extensive search operation made by the policemen in the house.
Answer (for Question 17)
The Experience of the Young Seagull
The young seagull's experience in "His First Flight" is a powerful journey from fear to triumph. Initially, he was paralyzed by fear, unable to trust his own wings and terrified of the vast sea below. His parents and siblings tried to encourage and even threaten him, but his fear was too great. Left alone and starving for twenty-four hours, his hunger became unbearable. The turning point came when his mother cleverly tempted him with a piece of fish. Maddened by hunger, he dived for the food, falling outwards and downwards into space. A monstrous terror seized him, but then his wings automatically spread out. He felt the wind against his feathers and realized he was flying. His fear was replaced by a joyous scream as he soared, swooped, and floated effortlessly, finally joining his family on the sea.
VII. Read the stanza and answer the questions: 1 × 5 = 5
19)
Among them too long, he will learn their ways,
And before he dreams of the terrible jumble
He's adopted into the family of Grumble.
Answer
a) Rhyming words: stays / ways; jumble / Grumble.
b) Rhyme scheme: aabb.
c) Figure of speech: The figure of speech is Metaphor. The abstract idea of complaining is personified and compared to a family ("family of Grumble") into which one can be adopted.
d) Alliterating words: The alliterating words are long, will, learn, with the repetition of the 'l' sound.
VIII. Answer ANY TWO of the following: 2 × 5 = 10
20) Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below:
Answer
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21) Write a report on the Annual Sports Day of your school.
Answer
ANNUAL SPORTS DAY CELEBRATED WITH GREAT ZEAL
By [Your Name], School Pupil Leader
Virudhunagar, 20th August 2024: Our school, XYZ Higher Secondary School, celebrated its 45th Annual Sports Day on 18th August 2024, with immense enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The school ground was decorated with flags and banners, creating a festive atmosphere. The event commenced at 9:00 AM with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Mr. Arjun Kumar, a renowned national-level athlete.
The Principal welcomed the gathering, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the torch and a spectacular march past by the four houses. The day was filled with a variety of track and field events including sprints, relays, long jump, and shot put. The students participated with great energy, cheering for their respective houses. The highlight of the day was the energetic parents' race, which was enjoyed by everyone.
The Chief Guest awarded the medals and certificates to the winners and delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of sports in a student's life. The 'Emerald House' won the overall championship trophy. The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks and the National Anthem.
22) Look at the following picture and express your views on it in about five sentences:
Answer
1. This historic picture depicts the famous Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.
2. A massive crowd of determined men and women are seen walking alongside their leader with a common purpose.
3. This march was a powerful act of non-violent civil disobedience against the British salt tax.
4. The image symbolizes the unity, courage, and relentless spirit of the Indian people in their fight for freedom.
5. It serves as a timeless reminder of how peaceful protest can challenge injustice and change the course of history.
IX. Quote from memory: 1 × 5 = 5
23) Let me but live .......................... back in fear.
Answer
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear.
X. Write a paragraph (about 150 words) developing the hints: 1 × 5 = 5
24) Choose one of the following:
a) There was an island - Prospero and his daughter Miranda - Ariel was the chief - Ferdinand and Miranda - Prospero ungentle - king of Naples - Ariel dismissed.
b) Dr. Somu requested - Alaska - exhibition - blades of the fan - the servant maid - papayas - to his clinic - zigzag - Dr. Krishnan's family - for another week.
Answer (for option a)
a) The Tempest
Once, there was an island where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, lived with his daughter Miranda. He was a great magician, and the spirit Ariel was his chief servant. Using his magic, Prospero created a storm that brought his enemies, including the King of Naples and his son Ferdinand, to the island. Ferdinand and Miranda met and fell in love at first sight. To test Ferdinand's love, Prospero acted ungentle towards him, making him perform difficult tasks. In the end, Prospero forgave the King of Naples and his other enemies. He restored his dukedom, approved the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda, and as his final act of magic, he dismissed his loyal spirit Ariel, granting him freedom.