10th English - Second Mid-Term Test 2023
Solved Paper
Section - I
Choose the appropriate Synonyms for the underlined words.
1. They continue to grapple with the challenges
d) fight
2. I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk
d) uproar
Choose the appropriate Antonyms for the underlined words.
3. Technology is also a boon to citizens with special needs
c) curse
4. Lesson repeated in unison very loud
b) disharmony
Choose the correct plural form of loaf
5. loaf
c) loaves
Choose the abbreviation for GPS
6. GPS
c) Global Positioning System
Choose the correct meaning for the idiom break off.
7. break off
c) finish (or to end a relationship/discussion suddenly)
Choose the suitable option to pair with the word to form a compound word.
8. _____ wall
c) wall (as in wall-to-wall)
Section - II
Answer any three of the following questions.
9. Who is Kim?
Kim is a young girl who uses the ACTIV (Access to Independent Living and Work) controller to interact with her environment. It helps her control devices like the TV, lights, and fan, giving her independence despite her physical limitations.
10. Which devices are controlled by ACTIV controller?
The ACTIV controller can control various household devices such as the television, music player, fan, lights, and even open and close doors.
11. What was Franz sorry for?
Franz was sorry for not taking his French lessons seriously. He regretted wasting his time on trivial pursuits like seeking birds' eggs or going sliding on the Saar instead of learning his own language, which he was now losing forever.
12. How many years had M. Hamel been in the village?
M. Hamel had been in the village for forty years, faithfully serving the school and the community.
Section - II (Poetry)
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer the questions.
13. i) They too aware of sun and air and water
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war's long winter starv'd
a) What is common for all of us?
The fundamental elements of life like the sun, air, and water are common for all of us. We are all nourished by harvests and suffer from starvation during war.
b) Mention the season referred here.
The season referred here is winter, specifically the harshness of "war's long winter".
ii) We can pull and haul and push and lift and drive
We can print and plough and weave and heat and light
a) Who does 'we' refer to?
'We' refers to the machines.
b) Who are the speakers and listeners of this poem?
The speakers are the machines, and the listeners are human beings (the readers).
Section - III
Answer the following questions.
14. Join the sentences using relative pronoun.
She invited most of her friends.
They attended the party.
She invited most of her friends, who attended the party.
15. Rewrite using indirect speech.
"Why do volcanoes erupt?" said the teacher.
The teacher asked why volcanoes erupt.
16. Punctuate the following.
i am glad they are strong he said
"I am glad they are strong," he said.
17. Replace the underlined words by a participle in the sentence.
Since he is a king, he can order everybody.
Being a king, he can order everybody.
Section - IV
Answer in a paragraph.
18. a) How do we use technology in our day to day life? (OR)
b) Give an account of the last day of M. Hamel in School.
a) Technology in Daily Life:
Technology is an integral part of our modern daily lives. We begin our day with alarms on smartphones, which also serve as our primary tools for communication through calls, messages, and social media. In education, e-learning platforms and online resources have made knowledge accessible to everyone. In entertainment, streaming services provide endless content. For travel, GPS helps us navigate, and online booking makes planning easy. Even basic tasks like shopping and banking are now done online. Assistive technology, like screen readers and mobility aids, empowers people with disabilities, enabling them to live more independently. From smart homes to advanced medical equipment, technology has revolutionized every aspect of our existence, making it more efficient, connected, and convenient.
19. a) What is the importance of machines in our life? (OR)
b) Sum up the theme of the poem No men are foreign.
b) Theme of 'No Men are Foreign':
The central theme of the poem 'No Men Are Foreign' by James Kirkup is the concept of universal brotherhood and the fundamental unity of all humankind. The poet argues that divisions based on nationality, race, or language are artificial and superficial. Beneath these differences, all people are the same. We all walk on the same Earth, breathe the same air, and are nourished by the same sun and water. Everyone longs for peace and suffers from the devastation of war. The poem is a powerful plea against hatred and conflict, reminding us that when we wage war against others, we are ultimately harming ourselves and desecrating our shared planet. It urges us to recognize our common humanity and live in harmony.
Quote from memory.
20. We were taken... gauged to fit.
We were taken from the ore-bed and the mine,
We were melted in the furnace and the pit—
We were cast and wrought and hammered to design,
We were cut and filed and tooled and gauged to fit.
Section - V
21. Develop the hints and write the summary of the story.
a) Holland - dikes-peter-walks beside the canal - small hole in the dike-puts his finger - all night - next morning a man - notices peter - alarm - people mended - brave hero.
The Hero of Holland
In Holland, a country protected from the sea by large walls called dikes, lived a young boy named Peter. One evening, as he was walking home beside a canal, he noticed a tiny trickle of water coming through a small hole in the dike. He knew that even a small leak could quickly grow larger and cause a devastating flood. Without hesitation, Peter put his finger into the hole to stop the water. The night grew cold and dark, but he stayed at his post, pressing his finger against the leak all through the long night. The next morning, a man walking along the dike found Peter, shivering but resolute. The man quickly raised an alarm. Villagers rushed to the spot, mended the dike properly, and carried the brave boy home. Peter became a hero, celebrated for his courage and quick thinking that saved his town from disaster.
Section - VI
Answer any one of the following questions.
22. Say 'No to Drugs' - design a poster for it in not more than 50 words. You may use slogans / phrases.
(Design for a Poster)
SAY NO TO DRUGS!
Choose Life, Not Drugs.
Your Future is in Your Hands.
- D - Doom
- R - Ruin
- U - Useless
- G - Grave
- S - Suffering
Issued by: Health Club, XYZ School
23. You are Raja. The street lights of area do not work properly. Write a letter to the Newspaper Editor about the problem.
Raja
15, Gandhi Street,
Chennai - 600020.
25th October 2023
The Editor,
The Indian Express,
Chennai - 600002.
Subject: Poor Maintenance of Street Lights on Gandhi Street
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned municipal authorities to the poor condition of street lights in our locality, Gandhi Street.
Most of the street lights in our area are not functioning for the past month. As a result, the entire street is plunged into darkness after sunset. This has made it very difficult and unsafe for residents, especially women and elderly people, to walk on the street at night. The darkness also provides cover for anti-social elements, leading to an increase in petty crimes.
We have lodged several complaints with the local municipal office, but no action has been taken so far. I kindly request the higher authorities to look into this matter urgently and take the necessary steps to repair or replace the faulty street lights.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Raja
24. Look at the following picture and express your views on it in about five sentences.
1. The picture shows a magnificent rocket, likely an Indian GSLV, standing tall on its launchpad, ready to embark on a journey into space.
2. It symbolizes India's remarkable progress and self-reliance in the field of space technology and exploration.
3. This powerful machine represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and brilliance of our scientists and engineers at ISRO.
4. Such missions contribute significantly to scientific research, communication, weather forecasting, and national pride.
5. It inspires the younger generation to pursue careers in science and technology and to dream of reaching for the stars.