10th English - Half Yearly Exam 2024 - Original Question Paper | Ariyalur District

10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024 - Ariyalur District
Ariyalur District 10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024

Ariyalur District
Half Yearly Examination - 2024

STD: 10 Subject: ENGLISH Marks: 100 Time: 3.00 hrs
Ariyalur District 10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024 Ariyalur District 10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024 Ariyalur District 10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024 Ariyalur District 10th English Half Yearly Question Paper 2024
PART - I

Note: Answer all the questions. Choose the appropriate synonyms for the underlined words: (14x1=14)

1. With his eyes dilated he began to recite a poem.
  • a) narrowed
  • b) widened
  • c) built
  • d) constructed
Answer
b) widened
2. Lessons are repeated in unison
  • a) simultaneous utterance
  • b) speech
  • c) laugh
  • d) cry
Answer
a) simultaneous utterance
3. Women are empowered to attain their full potential
  • a) personality
  • b) existent
  • c) capability
  • d) involvement
Answer
c) capability

Choose the appropriate antonyms for the underlined words.

4. They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly,
  • a) resonantly
  • b) acutely
  • c) terribly
  • d) calmly
Answer
d) calmly
5. Grandfather grabbed the cop's gun.
  • a) snatched suddenly
  • b) used forcefully
  • c) shot carefully
  • d) catch quickly
Answer
None of the options are correct antonyms.
Note: "Grabbed" means to take hold of suddenly or roughly. The correct antonym should be "released" or "let go". All options provided (snatched, catch, used forcefully) are synonyms or related actions.
The question asks for an antonym (opposite word), but the options provided do not include a correct antonym. Instead, option (a) provides the synonym (same meaning).
Here is the breakdown:
Underlined Word: grabbed
Meaning: To seize, grasp, or take hold of something suddenly or roughly.
Correct Antonym: released, let go, freed.
Analysis of Options:
a) snatched suddenly: This is a synonym. "Snatch" means the same as "grab".
b) used forcefully: Incorrect.
d) shot carefully: Incorrect.
d) catch quickely: Incorrect (and misspelled).
Conclusion: The question likely contains a typo and intended to ask for the synonym. If you must choose from the given options, the best choice is:
a) snatched suddenly (as a synonym)
If you are strictly looking for the antonym, none of the options are correct. The answer would be released.
6. They continue to grapple with the changes.
  • a) agree
  • b) fight
  • c) move
  • d) stop
Answer
a) agree

General Grammar and Vocabulary

7. Choose the correct plural form of ‘photo’ from the following
  • a) photoes
  • b) photos
  • c) photo
  • d) photse
Answer
b) photos
8. Attach a suitable suffix to the word ‘magic
  • a) ist
  • b) ate
  • c) ian
  • d) able
Answer
c) ian (Magician)
9. Choose the correct expansion of the abbreviation 'INSV'
  • a) Indian national ship vessel
  • b) international navel ship vessel
  • c) Indian Naval super vessel
  • d) Indian naval ship vessel
Answer
d) Indian naval ship vessel
Note: The accurate expansion is "Indian Naval Sailing Vessel". Option (d) is the intended answer in this context despite the minor inaccuracy.
10. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
Many students _______ of schools due to poverty.
  • a) Drop in
  • b) drop up
  • c) drop out
  • d) drop on
Answer
c) drop out
11. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word ‘pop’ to form a compound word.
  • a) shop
  • b) deep
  • c) sight
  • d) corn
Answer
d) corn (Popcorn)
12. Fill in the balnks with the most appropriate preposition given below.
He dropped his legs to stand _______ the green sea.
  • a) in
  • b) of
  • c) on
  • d) off
Answer
c) on
13. Complete the following sentence using the most appropriate tense form of the verb given Below.
She _______ in this house for five years.
  • a) have lived
  • b) lives
  • c) had lived
  • d) has lived
Answer
d) has lived
14. Choose the most appropriate linker from the given four alternatives.
_______ the teacher enter the class then the boys stood up
  • a) No sooner did
  • b) As soon as
  • c) Hardly had
  • d) Scarcely did
Answer
a) No sooner did
Note: Based on the grammatical structure of the sentence, the correct option is a) No sooner did.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown:
Verb Form Clue: The verb used in the sentence is "enter" (base form).
Auxiliary verbs like "had" require the past participle form (i.e., "entered"). This eliminates option (c) Hardly had.
Auxiliary verbs like "did" function with the base form (i.e., "did enter"). This leaves us with options (a) and (d).
Option (b) As soon as would typically be followed by "the teacher entered" (past tense) to match "stood up", so it is grammatically incorrect with "enter".
Conjunction Pairing:
"No sooner" is always paired with "than".
"Hardly" and "Scarcely" are paired with "when".
The sentence uses the word "then". In many exam papers, this is a common typo for "than". Since "then" is phonetically and visually closest to "than", it points to the "No sooner... than" structure.
Corrected Sentence: "No sooner did the teacher enter the class than the boys stood up."
PART – II SECTION – I

Note : Answer any Three of the following questions in a sentence or two (3x2=6)

15. What did the narrator think the unusual sound was?
Answer
The narrator thought the unusual sound was either a burglar or a ghost.
16. When did Aditya leave the local school?
Answer
Aditya left the local school after he had passed the matriculation examination (10th standard).
17. What kind of news was usually put up on the bulletin board?
Answer
For the last two years, all the bad news had come from the bulletin board—the lost battles, the draft, and the orders of the commanding officer.
18. According to Holmes what was the disease he was suffering from?
Answer
According to Holmes, he was suffering from Tapanuli fever (also known as the Black Formosa Corruption), a coolie disease from Sumatra.
SECTION – II (Poetry)

Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any THREE of the following (3x2=6)

19. In the dim post, nor holding back in fear.
From what the future veils; but with a whole
  • a) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’?
  • b) Is the poet afraid of future?
Answer
a) The phrase 'in the dim past' refers to the unhappy or unpleasant events of the past.
b) No, the poet is not afraid of the future.
20. Beside the house sits a tree.
It never grows leaves.
  • a) What does ‘it’ refer to?
  • b) In what way the tree is mystery?
Answer
a) 'It' refers to the mysterious tree beside the house.
b) The tree is a mystery because it never grows leaves in any season, yet it never decays or dies.
21. They, too, aware of sun and air and water,
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starved
  • 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 peace).
22. They growl at that and they growl at this;
Whatever comes, there is something amiss;
  • a) What does the word ‘growl’ mean here?
  • b) Why do they find everything amiss?
Answer
a) 'Growl' here means to complain or grumble.
b) They find everything amiss because it is their nature to find fault with everything; they are never satisfied.
SECTION – III (Grammar)

Answer any Three of the following (3x2=6)

23. Rewrite the following sentence to other voice :
Raja will teach the mother tongue to him
Answer
The mother tongue will be taught to him by Raja.
24. Rewrite the following sentence using indirect speech.
Rajiv said to Arivu, “Where will you be tomorrow , in case I have to ring you?”
Answer
Rajiv asked Arivu where he would be the next day, in case he had to ring him.
25. Punctuate the following sentence.
Who is this maid said he
Answer
"Who is this maid?" said he.
26. Transform the following sentence into a compound sentence.
Though Ramya is sick, she attends the school
Answer
Ramya is sick, yet she attends the school.
27. Rearrange the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences.
a) halts / junction / the / every / train / at
b) could / the questions / answer / the / correctly / students
Answer
a) The train halts at every junction.
b) Could the students answer the questions correctly?
SECTION -IV

Answer the following question (1x2=2)

28. A stranger wants to go to a marriage hall. Write the steps to guide him to reach his destination.
Road map diagram showing Bus Stop, Rajaji Road, Temple, Govt School, and Marriage Hall
Answer
1. Go straight from the Bus Stop.
2. Turn left onto Rajaji Road.
3. Walk past the Government School and the Temple on your left.
4. You will find the Marriage Hall on your left side.
PART –III (SECTION -I)

Answer any two of the following questions given below: (2x5=10)

29. “Technology is a boon to the disabled”. Justify.
Answer Key Points
- Technology enables the disabled to live independently and confidently.
- Devices like the Liberator Communication Device help people like Alisha (cerebral palsy) communicate.
- David, with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, uses the ECO2 to speak, control his computer, and manage his environment (lights, TV).
- Dragon Dictate helps people type by speaking.
- Technology removes barriers, allowing education, employment, and social interaction.
30. Describe the struggle underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
Answer Key Points
- The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings wouldn't support him.
- His family encouraged, scolded, and even starved him to make him fly.
- Maddened by hunger, he dived at a piece of fish in his mother's beak.
- He fell outwards and downwards into space, seized by terror.
- Suddenly, his wings spread out, he felt the wind, and began to soar, realizing he could fly.
31. Give an account of the last day of M.Hamel in school.
Answer Key Points
- M. Hamel wore his beautiful green coat and frilled shirt.
- The village elders were present to pay respect.
- He taught with great patience and emotion, calling French the most beautiful language.
- He blamed the parents and himself for neglecting education.
- At the end, unable to speak due to emotion, he wrote "Vive La France!" on the board.
32. Write the character sketch of Sasanka Sanyal in detail
Answer Key Points
- Sasanka Sanyal was a wise and intelligent man but led a cursed life.
- He lost his family and eyesight (partially) but had a sharp memory.
- He was self-respecting; he demanded the return of his medal, not charity.
- He held a grudge against Aditya for stealing his medal years ago.
- He finally felt vindicated when Aditya returned the medal.
SECTION -II (Poetry)

Answer any two of the following : (2x5=10)

33. Write a paragraph on ‘The Grumble Family’ and their attitude towards other folks.
Answer Key Points
- The Grumble family lives on 'Complaining Street'.
- They are never satisfied with anything (weather, food, life).
- They find fault in everything and everyone.
- Their attitude is contagious; anyone who stays with them starts grumbling too.
- The poet advises us to avoid their company to keep our spirits high.
34. How do machines confess they are inferior to human brain?
Answer Key Points
- Machines admit they are children of the human brain.
- They have no feelings (love, pity, forgiveness).
- They can only perform tasks they are programmed for.
- If mishandled, they can destroy their creators.
- Despite their power and size, they depend entirely on human intelligence.
35. Read the following poetic lines and answer the questions given below.
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or Smooth, the journey will be joy?
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
Answer
i) Rhyming words: down - crown; boy - joy.
ii) Rhyming scheme: a b b a.
iii) Figure of speech (First line): Contrast (up the hill or down). Or Metaphor (Life compared to a journey/road).
iv) Alliterated words (Third line): seeking - sought; when - what (less likely, 's' is prominent).
SECTION - III (Supplementary)

36. Paraphrase the following stanza. (1x5=5)
I drive past the house almost every day.
The house seems to be a bit brighter
On this warm summer day in may.
It plays with your mind.
To me I say, it is one of a kind

Answer
The poetess drives by the mysterious house nearly every day. On a warm summer day in May, the house appears slightly brighter than usual. However, the house is deceptive and plays tricks on one's mind. The poetess concludes to herself that this house is unique and unlike any other.

Answer any one of the following

37. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order: - (1x5=5)
  • i) Francis Bennet went on into the repeorter’s room.
  • ii) That morning Francis Benet awoke in a rather bad temper.
  • iii) The telephone, completed by the telephoto, is another of our time’s conquests.
  • iv) He quickly jumped out of the bed and went into his mechanized dressing room.
  • v) “well, cash, what have you got?”
Answer
Correct Order:
1. (ii) That morning Francis Benet awoke in a rather bad temper.
2. (iii) The telephone, completed by the telephoto, is another of our time’s conquests. (Context: He usually speaks to his wife first).
3. (iv) He quickly jumped out of the bed and went into his mechanized dressing room.
4. (i) Francis Bennet went on into the repeorter’s room.
5. (v) “well, cash, what have you got?”
38. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Gone was zigzag’s bored and grumpy expression. Intstead the bird looked happy and alert as it went about the job it had been trained for, first with the African witch doctor and then with Dr. Somu. Dr. Krishnan’s clinic, usually a noisy sea of tears and tantrums, was transformed into a calm, orderly place as zigzag efficiently soothed the frightened patients, scolded the naughty ones and made the crying ones smile. And best of all, zigzag ever slept, or snored. Even for a second.
Questions :
  • a) How was zigzag in Dr. Krishnan’s clinic?
  • b) For whom did zigzag work?
  • c) How did Dr. Krishnan’s clinic transform into?
  • d) Whom did zigzag scold in the clinic?
  • e) Did zigzag sleep again? Why?
Answer
a) Zigzag was happy and alert in the clinic.
b) Zigzag worked for the African witch doctor and Dr. Somu.
c) The clinic transformed from a noisy sea of tears into a calm, orderly place.
d) Zigzag scolded the naughty ones.
e) No, Zigzag never slept or snored even for a second (while at the clinic).
SECTION - IV

Answer any Four of the following (4x5=20)

39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below.
CREED, KUK Farm – Fruits, plants arid vegetables – avail organic fertilizer – Healthy – Fresh – Tasty – 100% organic – low price - CREED, KVK, Cholamadevi, Ariyalur.
Answer Format
[Box]

CREED, KUK FARM

Nature's Best at Your Doorstep!

  • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
  • Arid Plants Available
  • 100% Organic & Healthy
  • Tasty & Nutritious

SPECIAL OFFER: Avail Organic Fertilizer!

Low Price - High Quality


Visit Us:
CREED, KVK, Cholamadevi, Ariyalur.

[End Box]
40. Write a complaint to the officer of the PWD department to take immediate action for maintaining cleanliness in the children’s park in your locality.
Answer Format
From:
[Your Name],
[Your Address].

To:
The Executive Engineer,
PWD Department,
Ariyalur.

Sir,
Sub: Complaint regarding poor maintenance of Children’s Park.

I am writing to bring to your attention the deplorable condition of the Children’s Park in our locality. The park is littered with garbage, and the play equipment is rusted and broken, posing a danger to children.

There is no proper lighting, and stray animals frequent the area. I request you to take immediate action to clean and renovate the park for the safety of the children.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Name]
41. Write a report of the following
You are the school pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Inaugural ceremony of English Literary Association of your school. Which was held recently.
Answer Format

Inauguration of English Literary Association

By [Name], School Pupil Leader

Ariyalur, Nov 20: The Inaugural ceremony of the English Literary Association of Govt. Hr. Sec. School was held on 15th November 2024 in the school auditorium. The program began with a prayer song.

The Headmaster presided over the function. The Chief Guest, Dr. R. Sharma, Professor of English, lit the traditional lamp. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of English communication skills. Students presented a skit and recited poems. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Secretary of the Association. The event ended with the National Anthem.

42. Look a the following picture and express you views on it in above five sentence.
Picture showing students planting a tree
Answer
1. This picture depicts a tree plantation drive.
2. Two students, a boy and a girl, are planting a sapling.
3. The boy is digging the soil while the girl is pouring water.
4. They are wearing school uniforms, showing that schools promote environmental awareness.
5. Trees are essential for our survival as they provide oxygen and rain.
43. Make note or write a summary of the following passage.
Motivation is an essential factor that changes positive thought into instant action. It switches a great idea into action and can undoubtedly affect the world around you. However, not all are born with motivation. People sometimes have disbelief in themselves; they often say, "I can't do that" or "the timing is not right". Being demotivated means living a life as a worn – out machine. Your life will become dull without any spark. So to gain inner peace and satisfaction in life, you must always stay motivated.
Answer (Summary)

The Power of Motivation

Rough Draft: Motivation changes positive thoughts into action. It affects the world. Some people lack motivation and doubt themselves saying they can't do it. Being demotivated is like being a worn-out machine. Life becomes dull. To get peace and satisfaction, we must stay motivated always.

Fair Draft: Motivation acts as a catalyst, transforming positive thoughts into action and impacting the world. However, self-doubt often hinders people. A lack of motivation renders life mechanical and dull, akin to a worn-out machine. Therefore, maintaining motivation is crucial for achieving inner peace and life satisfaction.

44. Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
  • a) Have any one seen my book?
  • b) We bought some furniture’s
  • c) I have great confidence on you.
  • d) Look to this beautiful picture
  • e) Each one of you has to write dairy daily.
Answer
a) Has anyone seen my book?
b) We bought some furniture. (Furniture is uncountable)
c) I have great confidence in you.
d) Look at this beautiful picture.
e) Each one of you has to write diary daily. (Spelling: dairy -> diary)
SECTION – V

45. Quote from memory : (1x5=5)

From : The summer of life ………..
To : ……….. Her faith and beliefs.
Answer
The summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
She says, "Spring will come again, my dear.
Let me care for the ones who're near."
She's The Woman - she has no fear!
Strong is she in her faith and beliefs.
Poem: I am Every Woman
PART – IV (supplementary)

46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints (2x8=16)

a) Prospero lived – daughter Miranda – island cave – help of Ariel – raised storm – Antonio, king of Naples – Ferdinand – ship wrecked – prospero commands Ariel – bring Ferdinand – to cave – Miranda – sees first time – human being – Ferdinand. Surprised to see - Miranda – prospero – engages – Ferdinand – hard tasks – Miranda – pleads with father – prospero chides Miranda – Ariel brings king of Naples – Antonio – to prospero – they realize – mistake – repent – restores the dukedom to prospero – prospero agrees – marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand. (OR)
Answer (Summary)
The Tempest
Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, lived on an island with his daughter Miranda after being exiled by his brother Antonio. Using magic and the spirit Ariel, Prospero raised a storm to shipwreck Antonio, the King of Naples, and his son Ferdinand. Ariel brought Ferdinand to the cave, where Miranda, seeing a young man for the first time, was amazed. They fell in love. To test Ferdinand's love, Prospero set him hard tasks. Miranda pleaded for him, but Prospero chided her. Eventually, Ariel brought the King and Antonio to Prospero. They realized their mistake and repented. Prospero forgave them, his dukedom was restored, and he agreed to the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand.
b) Holland – land – below sea level – dikes protected – everyone did best – protect – Holland – years ago – little boy – peter – lived – father – attended – dike gates – opened – closed dikes – peter mother – gave cakes – peter – given – old blind friend – across dike – peter – returned – heard – water trickling see small hole – called help – vain- finger – throughout – night – slept near – dike morning – found – passers by – altered people – peter and Holland – saved.
Answer (Summary)
The Little Hero of Holland
Holland is a land below sea level, protected by dikes. Years ago, a boy named Peter lived there. His father tended the dike gates. One day, Peter's mother gave him cakes to take to an old blind friend across the dike. On his return, he heard the sound of trickling water. He found a small hole in the dike. Realizing the danger, he called for help, but in vain. He put his finger in the hole to stop the water and stayed there throughout the cold night. In the morning, passers-by found him numb but holding back the water. The people were alerted, the hole was fixed, and Peter saved Holland.
47. a) Read the following paragraph and answer the questions given below. (4x2=8)
Kallanai also known as the Grand Anaitut is an ancient dam. It is built in running water across the kaveri river flowing from Trichirapalli District to Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The dam is located in Thanjavur district. The dam was originally constructed during the reign of chola king karikalan in 150CE. The idea behind the construction of the dam was to divert the river to the delta districts there by boosting irrigation. It is the fourth oldest water diversion or water – regulator structure in the world and the oldest in India that is still in use. Because of its spectacular architecture, it is one of the prime tourist spots in Tamil Nadu.
  • a) Where and across which river is the Grand Anaicut constructed?
  • b) Who constructed the dam and when was it constructed?
  • c) Why did the chola king construct this dam?
  • d) What is unique about kallanai?
Answer
a) It is constructed across the Kaveri river, flowing from Trichirapalli to Thanjavur district.
b) It was constructed by the Chola King Karikalan in 150 CE.
c) He constructed it to divert the river to the delta districts to boost irrigation.
d) It is the fourth oldest water regulator in the world and the oldest in India still in use.

(OR)

b) Read the following poem and answer questions given below.
I look a piece of plaslic clay.
And idly fashioned it, one day.
And as my fingers pressed it, still,
It moved and yielded to my will

I came again, when days were passed
That bit of day was hards at last
The form I gave it, still it bore,
And I could change that form no more
Questions :
  • a) What did the poet do with the clay?
  • b) How was the clay?
  • c) How was the clay when we returned after same days?
  • d) Did it retain the same form?
Answer
a) The poet fashioned/molded the clay idly one day.
b) The clay was plastic (soft/moldable) and yielded to the poet's will.
c) When he returned, the clay had become hard.
d) Yes, it retained the same form he gave it, but it could not be changed anymore.
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