COMMON HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION - 2024
Standard: X
Subject: ENGLISH
Marks: 100
Time: 3.00 hrs
PART I
Answer all the questions. (14 x 1 = 14)
Choose the appropriate synonyms
1. How cranky he was?
- a) normal
- b) strange
- c) abnormal
- d) happy
Answer: b) strange
2. He was delirious
- a) sick
- b) disappointed
- c) troubled
- d) forced
Answer: c) troubled (or a) sick depending on interpretation of text context)
3. The spoilt child of affluent parents
- a) poor
- b) deprived
- c) old
- d) wealthy
Answer: d) wealthy
Choose the appropriate antonyms
4. Technology is a boon
- a) bonus
- b) bane
- c) blast
- d) block
Answer: b) bane
5. He uttered a delightful scream.
- a) plentiful
- b) beautiful
- c) hopeful
- d) sorrowful
Answer: d) sorrowful
6. His mother swooped upwards
- a) very quick
- b) very fast
- c) very nice
- d) Very slow
Answer: d) Very slow
7. Choose the correct plural form of Syllabus
- a) syllabus
- b) syllabum
- c) syllabi
- d) syllables
Answer: c) syllabi
8. Form a derivative by adding the write prefix to the word understand
- a) dis
- b) in
- c) mis
- d) im
Answer: c) mis (misunderstand)
9. Choose the correct expansion of GPS
- a) Geometric position system
- b) Global positioning system
- c) Global pointing structure
- d) Globe position system
Answer: b) Global positioning system
10. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
Walking helps to ______ the calories
Walking helps to ______ the calories
- a) put on
- b) get through
- c) burn out
- d) burn off
Answer: d) burn off
11. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word moon to form a compound word
- a) day
- b) light
- c) mark
- d) shine
Answer: b) light (moonlight)
12. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate proposition
Peter close the whole ______ his finger
Peter close the whole ______ his finger
- a) in
- b) with
- c) on
- d) into
Answer: b) with
13. Complete the following sentence using the most appropriate tense form
After he ______ his lunch he went across to the window
After he ______ his lunch he went across to the window
- a) will finish
- b) finish
- c) was finishing
- d) had finished
Answer: d) had finished
14. Choose the most appropriate linkers from the given four alternatives
Women are strong brave. resolute
a) still ______ ! b) but ______ c) and ______ d) however
Women are strong brave. resolute
a) still ______ ! b) but ______ c) and ______ d) however
Answer: a) still
PART II - SECTION 1
Answer any three of the following questions in a sentence or two. (3 x 2 = 6)
15. Why did the seagull fail to fly?
The seagull failed to fly because he was afraid that his wings would not support him. He lacked confidence and was terrified of the vast sea beneath him.
16. What does INSV stand for?
INSV stands for Indian Naval Sailing Vessel.
17. Where was Nagen uncle's shop?
Nagen uncle's shop was located next to the grocery shop, opposite a Lord Shiva temple in the narrator's village.
18. What did Mr. Hamel say about the french language
Mr. Hamel said that French was the most beautiful language in the world—the clearest and the most logical. He asked the people to guard it and never forget it.
PART II - SECTION 2
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any three of the following. (3 x 2 = 6)
19. Let me but live my life from year to year
With forward face and unreluctant soul
With forward face and unreluctant soul
a) Whom does the word me refer to ?
The word 'me' refers to the poet (Henry Van Dyke).
b) What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
The poet wants to lead a life with a forward-looking attitude and without any hesitation or reluctance.
20. It sat alone
What Happened there is still today unknown
a) What does it refer to?
b) What happened inside it?
What Happened there is still today unknown
a) What does it refer to?
b) What happened inside it?
a) What does it refer to?
'It' refers to the house on Elm Street.
b) What happened inside it?
What happened inside the house is a mystery and is still unknown to everyone.
21. And now , if you will set us to our task
We will serve you four and twenty hours a day
We will serve you four and twenty hours a day
a) Who does the pronoun you refer to?
'You' refers to human beings.
b) Who did we refer to?
'We' refers to the machines.
22. A woman is beauty innate
A symbol of power and strength.
a) How is a woman?
b) What does she symbolise?
A symbol of power and strength.
a) How is a woman?
b) What does she symbolise?
a) How is a woman?
A woman is described as naturally beautiful (beauty innate).
b) What does she symbolise?
She symbolizes power and strength.
SECTION 3
Answer any three of the following (3 x 2 = 6)
23. Rewrite the following sentence in other voice
You are requested not to use mobile phones here.
You are requested not to use mobile phones here.
Active Voice: Please do not use mobile phones here.
24. Rewrite the sentence in reporter speech
"Where are we going , sir?" asked the aero-coachman.
"Where are we going , sir?" asked the aero-coachman.
Reported Speech: The aero-coachman asked the sir where they were going.
25. Punctuate the following sentence
Stand back stand right back he cried
Stand back stand right back he cried
"Stand back! Stand right back!" he cried.
26. Combine the following into compound sentence
Radha was ill. She was not hospitalized
Radha was ill. She was not hospitalized
Radha was ill, but she was not hospitalized.
27. Rearrange the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences
a) as / I / healthy / are / you / am / as
I am as healthy as you are. (or) You are as healthy as I am.
b) these / of / was / the / Ariel / chief
Ariel was the chief of these.
SECTION-IV (compulsory)
28. A stranger wants to go to a book shop. Guide him to reach his destination. (1 x 2 = 2)
Instructions:
- Go straight from your current position.
- Reach the signal point.
- Don't turn at the signal.
- Walk straight, passing the 'School' on your left and a 'Bus Stand' on your right.
- Walk a few more steps; you will find the Book shop opposite the playground on your left.
PART III - SECTION 1
Answer any two of the following in a paragraph (2 x 5 = 10)
29. Describe the struggles under went by the young Seagull to overcome its fare of flying
(Summary Points) The young seagull was alone on the ledge, terrified to fly because he thought his wings wouldn't support him. He watched his siblings fly but failed to muster courage. He suffered from hunger and heat for 24 hours. His mother tempted him with a piece of fish but halted just out of reach. Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish, falling into space. Terror seized him, but soon his wings spread outwards. He realized he was soaring, not falling, and finally overcame his fear, joining his family on the green sea.
30. Highlight the factors responsible for the all women in the Navy crew to carry out their expedition.
(Summary Points) The all-women Indian Navy crew circumnavigated the globe on INSV Tarini. Factors included:
- Determination and Courage: They were resolute in their goal.
- Training: They underwent rigorous training for 3 years, including courses in navigation, communication, and boat repair.
- Teamwork: They worked cohesively, supporting one another during rough seas and crises.
- Mentorship: They were trained by Capt. Dilip Donde.
- Self-sufficiency: They repaired the boat and managed food/supplies themselves.
31. "Technology is a boon to the disabled" -justify.
(Summary Points) Technology empowers people with disabilities to live independently. For example, Alisha, who has cerebral palsy, uses Dragon Dictate to type and speak. David, born with athetoid cerebral palsy, uses a Liberator Communication Device and an ECO2 with eye-tracking to communicate and control his environment (playing music, watching TV). It allows them to study, work, and interact with the world, breaking physical barriers and proving that disability does not mean inability.
32. Give an account of the last day of Mr.Hamal in school.
(Summary Points) It was a solemn day. Mr. Hamel wore his fine Sunday clothes. The village elders sat on the back benches. Mr. Hamel announced it was the last French lesson due to the order from Berlin. He taught with great patience and emotion. He praised French as the clearest language. Even the students listened more attentively than ever. At noon, when the church clock struck twelve, Mr. Hamel, overcome with emotion, wrote "Vive La France!" on the blackboard and dismissed the class with a gesture, unable to speak.
SECTION-2
Answer any two of the following (2 x 5 = 10)
33. Compare and contrast the attitude of the ant and the cricket.
The Cricket was foolish, lazy, and careless. He spent the warm summer and spring singing and dancing, saving nothing for the winter. When winter came, he was starving. The Ant, on the other hand, was wise, hard-working, and foresightful. He toiled during summer to store food for winter. The Ant believed in the principle "We ants never borrow; we ants never lend." The poem highlights the contrast between the prudent ant and the improvident cricket.
34. Write a paragraph on 'The Grumble family' and their attitude towards other Folks.
The Grumble family lives on 'Complaining Street' in the city of 'Never-Are-Satisfied'. Their attitude is purely negative. They find fault with everything—the weather (too hot or too cold), the rain, or the sun. Nothing is ever right for them. They growl at everything. Their most dangerous trait is that if anyone stays with them too long, they too learn to be complainers. They are never happy with their station in life, be it high or humble.
35. Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below
It sat alone.
What happened there is still today unknown.
It is a very mysterious place.
And inside you can tell it has a ton off space.
What happened there is still today unknown.
It is a very mysterious place.
And inside you can tell it has a ton off space.
a) Pick out the rhyming words from the given stanza.
Rhyming words: alone - unknown; place - space.
b) Give the rhyming scheme for the given stanza.
Rhyme Scheme: aabb
c) Identify the figure of speech employed in the first line of the given stanza.
Personification ("It sat alone" - giving human quality of sitting to the house).
d) Pick out the alliterating words in the fourth line.
Alliteration: tell - ton (repetition of 't' sound).
36. Paraphrase the following stanza.
"Strong is she in her faith and belief
Persistence is the key to everything saysshe
Despite the sight and groans and the moans
She's strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
Persistence is the key to everything saysshe
Despite the sight and groans and the moans
She's strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
Paraphrase: The poet emphasizes the inner strength of a woman. She holds deep convictions and never wavers in her faith and beliefs. She believes that being persistent is the secret to achieving success in everything. Even when she faces difficulties, complaints, or suffering (sighs, groans, and moans), she does not give up. Instead, she remains steadfast in her faith and unshaken in her beliefs.
SECTION-3
37. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order. (1x5=5)
i) "Make rope of twisted straw"she said.
ii) The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
iii) On the second day she told him what to do.
iv) One night, in great distress,the son whispered the news to is hidden mother.
v) "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
ii) The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
iii) On the second day she told him what to do.
iv) One night, in great distress,the son whispered the news to is hidden mother.
v) "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
Correct Order:
- ii) The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
- iv) One night, in great distress,the son whispered the news to is hidden mother.
- v) "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
- iii) On the second day she told him what to do.
- i) "Make rope of twisted straw"she said.
38. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
That morning Francis Bennett awoke in rather a bad temper.This was eight days since his wife been in France and he was feeling a little lonely. As soon as he awoke,Francis Bennett switched on his phone telephote whose wires led to the house, he owned in the Champs -Elysess. The telephone, completed by the telephote,is another of our times conquests!.Though the transmission of speech by the electric current was already very old, it was only since yesterday could also be transmitted.
Questions:
- i) Who was in a bad temper?
- ii) Where was his wife?
- iii) What did he switch on?
- iv) Where did the wires lead to?
- v) What was very old?
Answers:
i) Francis Bennett was in a bad temper.
ii) His wife was in France.
iii) He switched on his phonotelephote.
iv) The wires led to the house he owned in the Champs-Elysees.
v) The transmission of speech by the electric current was very old.
i) Francis Bennett was in a bad temper.
ii) His wife was in France.
iii) He switched on his phonotelephote.
iv) The wires led to the house he owned in the Champs-Elysees.
v) The transmission of speech by the electric current was very old.
SECTION 4
(4 x 5 = 20)
39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below.
Homemade taste- Hygiene -Family restaurant- Fresh juice- available -Free home delivery- card accepted.
[Sample Advertisement Structure]
(Border Box)
"Experience the Real Homemade Taste!"
PAYMENT: All Cards Accepted.
Address: 10, Main Road, City Center.
Contact: 9876543210
(Border Box)
TASTY BITES FAMILY RESTAURANT
- Delicious Homemade Food
- 100% Hygienic Preparation
- Fresh Juices Available
- Dine-in with Family
PAYMENT: All Cards Accepted.
Address: 10, Main Road, City Center.
Contact: 9876543210
40. You are Raja. You are upset about the bad influence of TV channels on the young children. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a leading newspaper suggesting measures to upgrade the standard. Write this formal letter in about 100 -120 words.
Letter to the Editor
From,
Raja,
12, Gandhi Road,
Chennai.
To,
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Chennai.
Sir,
Sub: Bad influence of TV channels on children.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the deteriorating standard of TV programs and their negative impact on children. Many channels air content filled with violence and inappropriate language, which impressionable minds easily imitate.
I suggest that strict censorship be implemented. Channels should dedicate specific slots for educational and value-based programs. Parents must also monitor viewing habits. It is time for media houses to take responsibility and upgrade their standards to shape a better future generation.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Raja.
From,
Raja,
12, Gandhi Road,
Chennai.
To,
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Chennai.
Sir,
Sub: Bad influence of TV channels on children.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the deteriorating standard of TV programs and their negative impact on children. Many channels air content filled with violence and inappropriate language, which impressionable minds easily imitate.
I suggest that strict censorship be implemented. Channels should dedicate specific slots for educational and value-based programs. Parents must also monitor viewing habits. It is time for media houses to take responsibility and upgrade their standards to shape a better future generation.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Raja.
41. You are the coordinator of the science forum of your school. An event had been organized on account of National Science Day for the members of the forum. Now, write a report on the observation of "National Science Day" at your school.
REPORT: NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY CELEBRATION
By: Coordinator, Science Forum
Chennai, Feb 28: Our school celebrated National Science Day with great enthusiasm yesterday. The event was organized by the Science Forum to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect. The Chief Guest was Dr. Rao, a senior scientist from ISRO.
Students displayed various working models depicting renewable energy and robotics. A quiz competition was held for the forum members. The Chief Guest inspired students to pursue research. The day ended with a vote of thanks and the distribution of certificates to the participants. It was an enlightening day for all.
By: Coordinator, Science Forum
Chennai, Feb 28: Our school celebrated National Science Day with great enthusiasm yesterday. The event was organized by the Science Forum to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect. The Chief Guest was Dr. Rao, a senior scientist from ISRO.
Students displayed various working models depicting renewable energy and robotics. A quiz competition was held for the forum members. The Chief Guest inspired students to pursue research. The day ended with a vote of thanks and the distribution of certificates to the participants. It was an enlightening day for all.
42. Look at the following picture and express your views on it in about five sentences.
This is a charming picture of a small kitten being fed.
The image has a grainy texture, which gives it a vintage photograph feel.
A human hand is holding a spoon with food and offering it to the kitten.
The kitten, which looks like a Scottish Fold, is standing and looking at the spoon.
The background is blurry, making the kitten and the hand the main focus of the image.
The image has a grainy texture, which gives it a vintage photograph feel.
A human hand is holding a spoon with food and offering it to the kitten.
The kitten, which looks like a Scottish Fold, is standing and looking at the spoon.
The background is blurry, making the kitten and the hand the main focus of the image.
43. Make notes or write summary of the following passage .
Dragon tales are known in many cultures , from the Americas to Europe, and from India to China . It's not clear when or where stories of dragons first emerged , but huge, flying serpents were described by the ancient Greeks and Sumerians. The word 'dragon' comes from the ancient Greek word 'draconta' meaning 'to watch' suggesting that the dragons are responsible for guarding, valuables . Dragons typically Guard treasures such as mountains of gold coins or gems. Some dragons have wings; others don't . Some dragons breathe fire; others can't. Some are only a few feet long; others span miles . Some live under the ocean ; others can only be found in caves and inside the mountains.
SUMMARY: Dragon Tales
Dragon stories exist globally, from the Americas to Asia. Though their origin is unclear, ancient Greeks and Sumerians described them as flying serpents. The term 'dragon' originates from the Greek 'draconta', meaning 'to watch', implying their role as guardians of treasures like gold and gems. Dragons vary greatly in appearance and ability; some have wings or breathe fire, while others do not. They range in size from small to miles long and inhabit diverse places like oceans, caves, or mountains.
Dragon stories exist globally, from the Americas to Asia. Though their origin is unclear, ancient Greeks and Sumerians described them as flying serpents. The term 'dragon' originates from the Greek 'draconta', meaning 'to watch', implying their role as guardians of treasures like gold and gems. Dragons vary greatly in appearance and ability; some have wings or breathe fire, while others do not. They range in size from small to miles long and inhabit diverse places like oceans, caves, or mountains.
44. Identify the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them correctly.
a) I bought an book this morning.
Ans: I bought a book this morning.
b) He has good knowledge of english grammar.
Ans: He has good knowledge of English grammar.
c) Myself I am Riya.
Ans: I am Riya.
d) As we were late so we apologised.
Ans: As we were late, we apologised. (Remove 'so')
e) Chennai is one of the biggest city in India
Ans: Chennai is one of the biggest cities in India.
Ans: I bought a book this morning.
b) He has good knowledge of english grammar.
Ans: He has good knowledge of English grammar.
c) Myself I am Riya.
Ans: I am Riya.
d) As we were late so we apologised.
Ans: As we were late, we apologised. (Remove 'so')
e) Chennai is one of the biggest city in India
Ans: Chennai is one of the biggest cities in India.
SECTION 5
45. Quote from Memory
A woman is beauty.......
........... to see in spring
........... to see in spring
A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She's real, she's not fake!
The summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She's real, she's not fake!
The summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
PART - IV
46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints. (2x8=16)
a) Uncle Philip - cunning- living alone - interest collecting stones - death bed calls Tom - sole heir- hands over iron box - gems -warns- opening -Dynamite- headache- Tom- read books- consults- technicians -doctors- priest -salary- reduce afraid tax- failure -donates- human -vivisection centre. (OR)
b) Holland-dikes -lie below level - Peter- prevent seawater - walks - besides the cana - I small hole in the dike -put his finger- Holland drowned while I am here. the little fellow- and screamed -next morning -a man - notice Peter - alarm -people mended - brave hero
b) Holland-dikes -lie below level - Peter- prevent seawater - walks - besides the cana - I small hole in the dike -put his finger- Holland drowned while I am here. the little fellow- and screamed -next morning -a man - notice Peter - alarm -people mended - brave hero
(Option A: The Dilemma)
Uncle Philip was a cunning man who lived alone and collected precious stones. On his deathbed, he called his nephew, Tom, his sole heir. He handed Tom an iron box claiming it contained gems but warned that opening it incorrectly would trigger dynamite inside. This created a huge headache for Tom. He wanted the wealth but feared the explosion. He read books, consulted technicians, doctors, and even a priest, but found no safe solution. The anxiety affected his life and salary. Finally, fearing the tax and failure, he donated the box to a human vivisection centre, leaving the dilemma unsolved.
(Option B: The Little Hero of Holland)
Holland is a land where dikes prevent the sea from flooding the land which lies below sea level. One day, a boy named Peter was walking beside a canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized that if left unchecked, the hole would widen and Holland would be drowned. He bravely put his finger in the hole to stop the leak. He stayed there all night, shivering in the cold, thinking "Holland shall not drown while I am here." The next morning, a man noticed Peter and raised an alarm. The people mended the dike, and Peter was hailed as a brave hero who saved his country.
Uncle Philip was a cunning man who lived alone and collected precious stones. On his deathbed, he called his nephew, Tom, his sole heir. He handed Tom an iron box claiming it contained gems but warned that opening it incorrectly would trigger dynamite inside. This created a huge headache for Tom. He wanted the wealth but feared the explosion. He read books, consulted technicians, doctors, and even a priest, but found no safe solution. The anxiety affected his life and salary. Finally, fearing the tax and failure, he donated the box to a human vivisection centre, leaving the dilemma unsolved.
(Option B: The Little Hero of Holland)
Holland is a land where dikes prevent the sea from flooding the land which lies below sea level. One day, a boy named Peter was walking beside a canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized that if left unchecked, the hole would widen and Holland would be drowned. He bravely put his finger in the hole to stop the leak. He stayed there all night, shivering in the cold, thinking "Holland shall not drown while I am here." The next morning, a man noticed Peter and raised an alarm. The people mended the dike, and Peter was hailed as a brave hero who saved his country.
47. a) Read the following paragraph and answer the questions given below.
The Olympic games began in Greece about 3000 years ago .All Wars stopped for the Olympics in those days. The discus and the Pentathlon began in thess early Olympic Games. In 394 ,the Roman stopped the Greek Olympic Games because they didn't like them. In 1896 a French Man - Pierre de Coubertin began the Olympic Games again.These days the Olympic Games usually happen every four years. But how did he Paralympics for disabled begin? In the 1940 Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a doctor at the Stroke Mandeville hospital in England. At the hospital there were many disable soldiers from World War II and Guttmann wanted these soldiers to get better by doing sports.
Questions
- Where did the Olympics games begin?
- Why did the Roman stop the Olympic Games ?
- How did the Paralympic for disabled begin?
- Who was Sir Ludwig Guttmann?
Answers:
1. The Olympic games began in Greece.
2. The Romans stopped the Olympic Games because they didn't like them.
3. Paralympics began when Sir Ludwig Guttmann wanted disabled soldiers from World War II to get better by doing sports.
4. Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a doctor at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in England.
1. The Olympic games began in Greece.
2. The Romans stopped the Olympic Games because they didn't like them.
3. Paralympics began when Sir Ludwig Guttmann wanted disabled soldiers from World War II to get better by doing sports.
4. Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a doctor at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in England.
(OR) b) Read the following poem and answer the questions given below:
A bird came down the walk
He did not know I saw
He bit an Angel worn I halves
And ate the fellow raw
And then he drank a Dew
From a convenient Grass-
And then hopped sidewise to the wall
To let a Beetle pass-
He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all abroad
They looked like frightened Beads, I thoughts,
He stirred his Velvel Head,
He did not know I saw
He bit an Angel worn I halves
And ate the fellow raw
And then he drank a Dew
From a convenient Grass-
And then hopped sidewise to the wall
To let a Beetle pass-
He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all abroad
They looked like frightened Beads, I thoughts,
He stirred his Velvel Head,
Questions:
- What did the poet see?
- How did the bird eat the worm?
- Did the bird drink water?How?
- What are the eyes compared to?
Answers:
1. The poet saw a bird coming down the walk.
2. The bird bit the worm (Angle worm) in halves and ate the fellow raw.
3. Yes, the bird drank dew from a convenient grass.
4. The eyes are compared to frightened beads.
1. The poet saw a bird coming down the walk.
2. The bird bit the worm (Angle worm) in halves and ate the fellow raw.
3. Yes, the bird drank dew from a convenient grass.
4. The eyes are compared to frightened beads.
