Common Half Yearly Examination - 2024-25
English | Standard 10 | Marks: 100 | Time: 3.00 Hours
Complete Solutions & Answer Key
PART - I (SECTION - I)
Note: Answer all the questions. Choose the most appropriate answers from the four alternatives and write the option code and the corresponding answer. (14x1=14)
1.
Choose the appropriate Synonyms for the underlined words.
She flung up a window of her bedroom.
She flung up a window of her bedroom.
Solution
(b) Threw
2.
It is Deadly and contagious Watson.
Solution
(d) Spreadable
3.
His Father was pruning the feathers.
Solution
(c) Cleaning
Note: In the textbook ("His First Flight"), the word is "preening", which means cleaning/arranging feathers. While 'pruning' technically means cutting, in the context of the story, 'Cleaning' is the intended meaning.
Choose the appropriate Antonyms for the underlined words.
4.
We picked up some hobbies.
Solution
(a) Ignored
5.
Though I was a little curious, I didn't ask anything.
Solution
(d) Incurious
6.
Lesson repeated in unison, very loud.
Solution
(c) Disharmony (or Disunity, but Disharmony is the direct opposite of unison in sound)
Grammar & Vocabulary
7.
Choose the correct plural form of penny from the following options.
Solution
(b) pennies
8.
Form a derivative by adding the right prefix to the word -------- 'lingual'
Solution
(d) multi
(Word: Multilingual)
9.
Choose the correct expansion of the abbreviation NET
Solution
(a) National Eligibility Test
10.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate Phrasal Verb given below.
Jai felt happy to ---------- the neighbours in the new locality.
Jai felt happy to ---------- the neighbours in the new locality.
Solution
(c) get along with
11.
Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word show to form a compound word.
Solution
(c) case
(Compound word: Showcase)
12.
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate Preposition given below.
The young seagull was alone ---------- his ledge.
The young seagull was alone ---------- his ledge.
Solution
(c) on
13.
Complete the following sentence by using the most appropriate form of the tense given below.
Mirudhla and Adhira --------- (enjoy) each others company very much.
Mirudhla and Adhira --------- (enjoy) each others company very much.
Solution
(c) enjoy
(Plural subject "Mirudhla and Adhira" takes the plural verb "enjoy")
14.
Choose the appropriate linker from the given alternative.
---------- he is playful, he studies well.
---------- he is playful, he studies well.
Solution
(a) though
PART - II (SECTION - I)
Answer any three of the following questions in one or two a sentence. (3x2=6)
15.
Who was Mrs. Hudson? Why was she worried?
Answer
Mrs. Hudson was the landlady of Sherlock Holmes. She was worried because Holmes was continuously ill without food or water for three days and was acting delirious.
16.
Why does M. Hamel say that we must guard our language?
Answer
M. Hamel says that when people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they have the key to their prison.
17.
What does the term circumnavigation mean?
Answer
Circumnavigation means to travel all the way around something, especially the entire Earth, usually by sea.
18.
What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
Answer
The young seagull was maddened by hunger. When his mother flew across with a piece of fish and halted just out of reach, he dived at the fish in desperation, which finally prompted him to fly.
SECTION - II (Poetry)
Read the following set of poetic lines and answer any three of the following. (3x2=6)
19.
It never grows leaves,
Not in the winter, spring, summer or fall.
(a) What does 'it' refer to?
(b) What are the seasons mentioned in the above lines?
Not in the winter, spring, summer or fall.
(a) What does 'it' refer to?
(b) What are the seasons mentioned in the above lines?
Answer
(a) 'It' refers to the tree (or the naked tree/bark).
(b) The seasons mentioned are Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall (Autumn).
(b) The seasons mentioned are Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall (Autumn).
20.
They too aware of sun and air and water,
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war's long winter star v'd
(a) What is common for all of us?
(b) How are we fed?
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war's long winter star v'd
(a) What is common for all of us?
(b) How are we fed?
Answer
(a) Sun, air, and water are common for all of us.
(b) We are fed by peaceful harvests (crops grown during peacetime).
(b) We are fed by peaceful harvests (crops grown during peacetime).
21.
Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket,
And out of the door turned the poor little cricket.
(a) What does 'wicket' refers to?
(b) Who turned oust the door?
And out of the door turned the poor little cricket.
(a) What does 'wicket' refers to?
(b) Who turned oust the door?
Answer
(a) 'Wicket' refers to a small door or gate.
(b) The Ant turned the cricket out of the door.
(b) The Ant turned the cricket out of the door.
22.
Let us learn to walk with a smile and a song,
No matter if things do sometimes go wrong.
(a) What does the poet expect everyone to learn?
(b) What should we do when things go wrong sometimes?
No matter if things do sometimes go wrong.
(a) What does the poet expect everyone to learn?
(b) What should we do when things go wrong sometimes?
Answer
(a) The poet expects everyone to learn to walk with a smile and a song (to remain cheerful).
(b) Even when things go wrong, we should continue to smile and be happy.
(b) Even when things go wrong, we should continue to smile and be happy.
SECTION - III (Grammar Exercises)
Answer any three of the following. (3x2=6)
23.
Rewrite the following sentence in Other Voice.
Minu is going to prepare ice cake for everyone.
Minu is going to prepare ice cake for everyone.
Answer
Ice cake is going to be prepared by Minu for everyone.
24.
Change the given sentence into indirect speech.
Sidhu said to Sadhu, "I am going to Bangalore next week".
Sidhu said to Sadhu, "I am going to Bangalore next week".
Answer
Sidhu told Sadhu that he was going to Bangalore the following week.
25.
Punctuate the following sentence.
do you remember aditya narayan chowdhury aditya asked him.
do you remember aditya narayan chowdhury aditya asked him.
Answer
"Do you remember Aditya Narayan Chowdhury?" Aditya asked him.
26.
Combine the following sentences into Simple Sentence.
He is so weak that he cannot run.
He is so weak that he cannot run.
Answer
He is too weak to run.
27.
Rearrange the words to make a meaningful sentence.
(a) as / am / you / as / healthy / I / are
(b) warrior / china / from / mulan / a / enemies/ brave / saved
(a) as / am / you / as / healthy / I / are
(b) warrior / china / from / mulan / a / enemies/ brave / saved
Answer
(a) I am as healthy as you are. (or) You are as healthy as I am.
(b) Mulan, a brave warrior, saved China from enemies.
(b) Mulan, a brave warrior, saved China from enemies.
SECTION - IV
28.
A stranger wants to visit the Stadium. Guide him to reach his destination. (1x2=2)
Answer
1. Start from your current position ("You are here").
2. Go straight and turn left onto the Main Road.
3. Walk straight along the Main Road, passing the Bus Stop on your left.
4. Continue walking past the Hotel which is on your right.
5. The Stadium will be on your left side opposite the Hotel.
2. Go straight and turn left onto the Main Road.
3. Walk straight along the Main Road, passing the Bus Stop on your left.
4. Continue walking past the Hotel which is on your right.
5. The Stadium will be on your left side opposite the Hotel.
PART - III (SECTION - I)
Answer any two of the following in a paragraph. (2x5=10)
29.
How did Watson help his friend to arrest the Criminal?
Key Points for Answer
- Watson was worried about Holmes' declining health and wanted to fetch a doctor, but Holmes refused.
- Holmes asked Watson to fetch Mr. Culverton Smith, a planter, under the pretext that only he could cure the disease (Tapanuli Fever).
- Watson went to Smith's house and pleaded with him to come.
- Watson returned before Smith and hid behind the bed headboard as instructed by Holmes.
- From his hiding place, Watson witnessed Smith confessing to the murder of his nephew and attempting to kill Holmes.
- When Inspector Morton arrived, Watson emerged as the witness to the confession, helping arrest the criminal.
30.
Give an account of the last day of M. Hamel in school?
Key Points for Answer
- M. Hamel wore his special Sunday clothes (green coat, frilled shirt, black silk cap).
- The village elders were sitting on the back benches to pay respect.
- He announced it was the last French lesson due to the order from Berlin.
- He taught with great patience and dedication, explaining grammar and writing.
- He spoke about the beauty and importance of the French language, calling it the clearest and most logical.
- Overcome with emotion at the end, he couldn't speak and wrote "Vive La France!" on the blackboard before dismissing the class.
31.
Technology is a boon to the disable - Justify?
Key Points for Answer
- Technology empowers disabled people to live independently and communicate freely.
- Examples like Alishia (cerebral palsy) use Dragon Dictate to type by speaking.
- David (athetoid cerebral palsy) uses a Liberator Communication Device and eye-tracking technology (ECO2 point) to speak and control his environment.
- It allows them to access education (GCSEs) and handle curriculum.
- It enables them to control household appliances, play music, and socialize.
- Overall, it breaks barriers and integrates them into society.
32.
Describe the struggle underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying?
Key Points for Answer
- The young seagull was afraid the vast sea beneath him and thought his wings wouldn't support him.
- He was left alone on the ledge without food for 24 hours while his family flew away.
- He watched his parents teaching his siblings and eating fish, which made him desperate with hunger.
- He tried to attract attention by pretending to sleep but was ignored.
- His mother tempted him with a piece of fish but halted just out of reach.
- Maddened by hunger, he dived for the fish, fell into space, and instinctively opened his wings, realizing he could fly.
SECTION - II (Poetry Paragraphs)
Answer any two of the following. (2x5=10)
33.
Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem 'Life' by Henry Van Dyke?
Key Points for Answer
- The poet wants to live life with a forward-looking attitude, without hurry.
- He does not want to mourn for the past or fear the future.
- Life should be lived with a "whole and happy heart" that pays its toll to youth and age.
- Even if the path is rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful.
- He seeks new friendship, high adventure, and a crown (success).
- He hopes the last turn of life will be the best.
34.
How are today's woman portrayed by the poet?
Key Points for Answer
- (From the poem "I am Every Woman" by Rakhi Nariani Shirke).
- Today's woman is portrayed as innate beauty and a symbol of power and strength.
- She is ready to sacrifice and puts her life at stake for her loved ones.
- She is persistent and determined ("She is a lioness").
- She has no fear and is ready to tackle pranksters.
- She demands respect and should not be messed with.
SECTION - III
35.
Read the following poetic stanza and answer the questions.
There's a family nobody likes to meet;
They line, its is said, on Complaining street.
In the city of Never - Are Satisfied,
The River of Discontent beside.
(a) Pick out the rhyming words?
(b) Write the rhyme scheme of the poem?
(c) Identify the figure of speech employed in the second line?
(d) Pick out the alliterating words?
There's a family nobody likes to meet;
They line, its is said, on Complaining street.
In the city of Never - Are Satisfied,
The River of Discontent beside.
(a) Pick out the rhyming words?
(b) Write the rhyme scheme of the poem?
(c) Identify the figure of speech employed in the second line?
(d) Pick out the alliterating words?
Answer
(a) Rhyming words: meet - street; Satisfied - beside.
(b) Rhyme scheme: a a b b.
(c) Figure of speech: Metaphor (Complaining street) / Personification.
(d) Alliterating words: The prompt likely refers to the second line: "They line, it is said...". No strong alliteration in line 2. In line 1: "likes", "line"? No. Let's look at the stanza generally. "The", "They"? "Said", "Street" (s sound). Answer: said - street.
(b) Rhyme scheme: a a b b.
(c) Figure of speech: Metaphor (Complaining street) / Personification.
(d) Alliterating words: The prompt likely refers to the second line: "They line, it is said...". No strong alliteration in line 2. In line 1: "likes", "line"? No. Let's look at the stanza generally. "The", "They"? "Said", "Street" (s sound). Answer: said - street.
36.
Paraphrase the given stanza.
At might the house seems to be alive,
Lights thicker on and off.
I am often tempted to go to the house,
To just take a look and see what it is really about,
But fear takes over me.
At might the house seems to be alive,
Lights thicker on and off.
I am often tempted to go to the house,
To just take a look and see what it is really about,
But fear takes over me.
Paraphrase
The poet describes a mysterious house that appears to come alive at night. He observes lights flickering on and off inside it. He feels a strong urge to visit the house to discover what is truly happening inside. However, despite his curiosity, fear overwhelms him and stops him from going there.
SECTION - IV
37.
Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order. (1x5=5)
(a) There was pin - drop silence in the room.
(b) Dr. Krishnan heard a voice.
(c) Everyone waited, open mouthed for Zigzag's next sentence.
(d) It was clear and commanding.
(e) The voice was from Zigzag.
(a) There was pin - drop silence in the room.
(b) Dr. Krishnan heard a voice.
(c) Everyone waited, open mouthed for Zigzag's next sentence.
(d) It was clear and commanding.
(e) The voice was from Zigzag.
Answer
Correct Order: (b) -> (e) -> (d) -> (a) -> (c)
1. Dr. Krishnan heard a voice.
2. The voice was from Zigzag.
3. It was clear and commanding.
4. There was pin - drop silence in the room.
5. Everyone waited, open mouthed for Zigzag's next sentence.
1. Dr. Krishnan heard a voice.
2. The voice was from Zigzag.
3. It was clear and commanding.
4. There was pin - drop silence in the room.
5. Everyone waited, open mouthed for Zigzag's next sentence.
38.
Read the passage and answer the following.
Uncle Philip was the brother of Tom's father. He was an Inventor and a Mechanical Engineer. He called Tom and told him a strange story. He announced Tom as his heir and wanted him to pay for his funeral. Leaving an Iron box full of precious stones for Tom, His uncle instructed him not to shake the box.
Questions:
(a) Who was Uncle Philip?
(b) What was he?
(c) What did Uncle Philip announce?
(d) What was his demand?
(e) What was the instruction given by his uncle?
Uncle Philip was the brother of Tom's father. He was an Inventor and a Mechanical Engineer. He called Tom and told him a strange story. He announced Tom as his heir and wanted him to pay for his funeral. Leaving an Iron box full of precious stones for Tom, His uncle instructed him not to shake the box.
Questions:
(a) Who was Uncle Philip?
(b) What was he?
(c) What did Uncle Philip announce?
(d) What was his demand?
(e) What was the instruction given by his uncle?
Answer
(a) Uncle Philip was the brother of Tom's father.
(b) He was an Inventor and a Mechanical Engineer.
(c) Uncle Philip announced Tom as his heir.
(d) His demand was that Tom should pay for his funeral.
(e) The instruction was not to shake the iron box.
(b) He was an Inventor and a Mechanical Engineer.
(c) Uncle Philip announced Tom as his heir.
(d) His demand was that Tom should pay for his funeral.
(e) The instruction was not to shake the iron box.
PART - IV
39.
Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below:
Gorgeous and colourful dresses - attractive price - varieties for men, women and children - buy one get one offer - Mega sale - hurry up - Bazaar street - T - Nagar.
Gorgeous and colourful dresses - attractive price - varieties for men, women and children - buy one get one offer - Mega sale - hurry up - Bazaar street - T - Nagar.
Solution Structure
[BOX BORDER]
MEGA SALE! MEGA SALE!
FASHION WORLD
Gorgeous & Colourful Dresses!
- Varieties for Men, Women & Children
- Attractive Prices
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE OFFER!
Hurry Up! Limited Stock!
Address: Bazaar Street, T. Nagar, Chennai.
Contact: 9876543210
40.
Write a letter to a Newspaper highlighting the Unhygienic condition of your area.
Solution Structure
From:
X.Y.Z,
10, Gandhi Road,
Chennai - 600001.
To:
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Chennai - 600002.
Subject: Complaint regarding unhygienic conditions in Gandhi Road area.
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the poor sanitary conditions in our locality. Garbage bins are overflowing and have not been cleared for days. The stench is unbearable, and it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, posing a severe health risk.
Despite repeated complaints to the local municipality, no action has been taken. I request the concerned authorities to look into this matter immediately and ensure regular garbage clearance.
Yours truly,
X.Y.Z
41.
You are Saran / Sanjana, the school pupil leader of GHSS, Villupuram. Your principal has requested you to inform the students about a trip to Yelagiri. Prepare a notice giving the details such as date of journey, mode of transport, amount etc....
Solution Structure
GHSS, VILLUPURAM
NOTICE
SCHOOL TRIP TO YELAGIRI
15th October 2024
All students are hereby informed that the school is organizing an educational trip to Yelagiri.
Details of the trip:
Date: 25th October 2024
Mode of Transport: Luxury Bus
Contribution: Rs. 500 per student (includes breakfast and lunch)
Interested students must register their names with the undersigned by 20th October.
Saran/Sanjana
(School Pupil Leader)
42.
Look at the picture and express your views in about Five sentences.
Answer
1. The picture depicts a lively scene of a cricket match.
2. The batsman is hitting the ball with his bat.
3. Many people are watching the game in the stadium. The crowd is cheering loudly for the players.
4. The umpire is standing on the field to watch the game. Everyone looks happy and excited.
5. The wicketkeeper is waiting behind the stumps.
2. The batsman is hitting the ball with his bat.
3. Many people are watching the game in the stadium. The crowd is cheering loudly for the players.
4. The umpire is standing on the field to watch the game. Everyone looks happy and excited.
5. The wicketkeeper is waiting behind the stumps.
SECTION - V
43.
Make Notes or write summary of the following passage.
(Passage about benefits of waking up early...)
(Passage about benefits of waking up early...)
Summary
Title: Benefits of Early Rising
Waking up early offers numerous benefits such as providing more time, reducing chronic conditions, and improving concentration. It allows for exercise before daily distractions, leading to healthier skin and better focus. Early risers can skip late workouts. Ultimately, it provides extra time to plan and enjoy daily chores efficiently.
Waking up early offers numerous benefits such as providing more time, reducing chronic conditions, and improving concentration. It allows for exercise before daily distractions, leading to healthier skin and better focus. Early risers can skip late workouts. Ultimately, it provides extra time to plan and enjoy daily chores efficiently.
44.
Describe the process of making a Cup of Tea.
Answer
1. Boil a cup of water in a vessel.
2. Add a teaspoon of tea powder and sugar to the boiling water.
3. Add half a cup of milk and let it boil for a few minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and filter the tea into a cup.
5. Serve the hot tea.
2. Add a teaspoon of tea powder and sugar to the boiling water.
3. Add half a cup of milk and let it boil for a few minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and filter the tea into a cup.
5. Serve the hot tea.
45.
Quote from memory:
We were ...........
........... we ask
We were ...........
........... we ask
Answer
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.
Some water, coal, and oil is all we ask,
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.
Some water, coal, and oil is all we ask,
PART - IV (Developing Hints)
46.
Write a paragraph about 150 words by developing the following hints. (2x8=16)
(a) Holland - dikes peter - walks the canal - small hole - in the dike - puts his finger - all night - next morning - a man - notices peter - alarm - people mended - brave hero.
OR
(b) Chinese emperor - declared - one member - family - join army - Mulan - teen girl - trained in Kung fu - disguise boy - ruins battles - general - falls sick - doctor reveals - identity - emperor forgives - gifted six horses and swords.
(a) Holland - dikes peter - walks the canal - small hole - in the dike - puts his finger - all night - next morning - a man - notices peter - alarm - people mended - brave hero.
OR
(b) Chinese emperor - declared - one member - family - join army - Mulan - teen girl - trained in Kung fu - disguise boy - ruins battles - general - falls sick - doctor reveals - identity - emperor forgives - gifted six horses and swords.
Answer (Option a)
The Little Hero of Holland
Holland is a land where dikes protect the country from the sea. One day, a boy named Peter was walking along the canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized the danger; if the hole grew, the sea would flood the town. Peter put his finger in the hole to stop the water. He shouted for help, but no one heard him. He stayed there all night, shivering in the cold, but he did not move. The next morning, a man walking to work noticed Peter and raised an alarm. The villagers rushed to the spot and mended the hole. They praised Peter as a brave hero who saved the town.
Holland is a land where dikes protect the country from the sea. One day, a boy named Peter was walking along the canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized the danger; if the hole grew, the sea would flood the town. Peter put his finger in the hole to stop the water. He shouted for help, but no one heard him. He stayed there all night, shivering in the cold, but he did not move. The next morning, a man walking to work noticed Peter and raised an alarm. The villagers rushed to the spot and mended the hole. They praised Peter as a brave hero who saved the town.
47.
(a) Read the following Passage and answer the questions given below:
It was around 440 A.D that the Church officially declared December 25th as the birth of Jesus Christ... (Passage on Christmas traditions)...
Questions:
(a) When and Who declared the birth of Jesus Christ?
(b) What is the Tradition of celebrating Christmas?
(c) Where do they place gifts?
(d) How is Christmas celebration described?
OR
(b) Read the following poem and answer the questions given below.
FESTIVALS... (Poem about work, stress, and festivals)...
Questions:
(a) How do we humans live?
(b) What festivals bring us?
(c) Name some festivals mentioned above?
(d) Which is your favourite festival?
It was around 440 A.D that the Church officially declared December 25th as the birth of Jesus Christ... (Passage on Christmas traditions)...
Questions:
(a) When and Who declared the birth of Jesus Christ?
(b) What is the Tradition of celebrating Christmas?
(c) Where do they place gifts?
(d) How is Christmas celebration described?
OR
(b) Read the following poem and answer the questions given below.
FESTIVALS... (Poem about work, stress, and festivals)...
Questions:
(a) How do we humans live?
(b) What festivals bring us?
(c) Name some festivals mentioned above?
(d) Which is your favourite festival?
Answer (Option a - Passage)
(a) Around 440 A.D, the Church officially declared December 25th as the birth of Jesus Christ.
(b) The tradition involves decorating houses with the Christmas tree, lights, and other decorative articles.
(c) They place gifts in the Christmas tree as a surprise for the children.
(d) Christmas is described as the festival of sharing happiness, where the divide between poor and rich is diminished.
Answer (Option b - Poem) (a) We humans live just like clocks, constantly working without enjoyment.
(b) Festivals bring down the value of stress; they make running legs dance and speaking tongues sing.
(c) Christmas, Holi, Diwali, Id.
(d) My favourite festival is Diwali (Personal answer).
(b) The tradition involves decorating houses with the Christmas tree, lights, and other decorative articles.
(c) They place gifts in the Christmas tree as a surprise for the children.
(d) Christmas is described as the festival of sharing happiness, where the divide between poor and rich is diminished.
Answer (Option b - Poem) (a) We humans live just like clocks, constantly working without enjoyment.
(b) Festivals bring down the value of stress; they make running legs dance and speaking tongues sing.
(c) Christmas, Holi, Diwali, Id.
(d) My favourite festival is Diwali (Personal answer).