10th English Quarterly Exam 2025 - Full Question Paper Solutions
Part - I (Marks: 14)
I. Choose the appropriate synonyms for the underlined words.
1. Currently, women's accomplishments are tremendous in many fields.
c) enormous
2. Burglars! She shouted intuitively.
d) instinctively
3. We encountered a storm.
a) met
II. Choose the appropriate antonyms for the underlined words.
4. Why this sudden generosity?
b) stingy
5. The spoilt child of affluent parents.
b) poor
6. I love it when people appreciate the food that I cook.
d) despise
7. Choose the correct plural form of 'formula' from the following.
a) formulae
8. Form a derivative by adding the right suffix to the word 'child'.
c) hood (childhood)
9. Choose the correct expansion of IMF.
c) International Monetary Fund
10. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
The crew _____ of water and food before they could complete their expedition.
d) ran out
11. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word 'alarm' to form a compound word.
c) clock (alarm clock)
12. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate preposition given below.
They went _____ the globe with in 254 days.
d) around
13. Complete the tense forms.
By next June, I _____ my studies.
a) shall have been completing
14. Choose the most appropriate Linkers from the given options.
_____ he is ninety years old, he is in the pink of health.
c) Though
Part - II
Section - I (3 x 2 = 6)
Answer any THREE of the following in a sentence or two.
15. What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
The extreme hunger and the sight of his mother tearing a piece of fish maddened the young seagull, which prompted him to make his first flight.
16. Who were the narrator's neighbours?
The narrator's neighbours were the Bodwells, who lived in the house next door.
17. Mention the special features of INSV Tarini?
INSV Tarini was a 56-foot sailing vessel built indigenously in India. It had environmentally friendly features like a rainwater harvesting system and was equipped with advanced satellite communication systems to collect weather data.
18. When did Aditya leave the local school?
Aditya left the local school after he passed the matriculation examination.
Section - II (3 x 2 = 6)
Read the following set of poetic lines and answer any three of the following.
19. My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best.
a) What kind of quest does the poet seek here?
b) What is the poet's hope?
a) The poet seeks the quest of a courageous and purposeful journey through life.
b) The poet's hope is that the final phase or the end of his life's journey will be the most fulfilling and best part.
20. Nothing goes right with the folks you meet
Down on that gloomy Complaining Street.
a) What is the opinion about the folks you meet down the street?
b) What does the word 'gloomy' mean here?
a) The opinion is that the folks on Complaining Street are perpetually dissatisfied and always find something to complain about.
b) Here, the word 'gloomy' means depressing, sad, or miserable.
21. She's today's woman. Today's woman dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near...
a) Is the poet talking about the women of the previous generation?
b) How should a woman be treated?
a) No, the poet is specifically talking about "today's woman," the modern woman.
b) A woman should be treated with love, respect, and be kept close as a cherished individual.
22. Began to complain when he found that, at home,
His cupboard was empty, and winter was come.
a) Who does 'he' refer to?
b) Why was his cupboard empty?
a) 'He' refers to the silly young cricket.
b) His cupboard was empty because he had spent the warm months of summer and spring singing, instead of gathering food for the winter.
Section - III (3 x 2 = 6)
Answer any three of the following.
23. Rewrite the following sentence into the other voice.
Our army has defeated the enemy.
The enemy has been defeated by our army.
24. Change into indirect speech.
He said, "I am glad they are strong".
He said that he was glad they were strong.
25. Punctuate the following sentence.
the general is a woman yelled the soldiers
"The general is a woman!" yelled the soldiers.
26. Combine the following sentence into a compound sentence.
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) celebrated / at / festivals / sea / We
b) was / alone / The / seagull / young / his / on / ledge
a) We celebrated festivals at sea.
b) The young seagull was alone on his ledge.
Section - IV (1 x 2 = 2)
28. Guide the stranger to the Library. Guide him to reach his destination.
Go straight ahead and take the first right turn onto Anna Road.
Walk along Anna Road until you reach the next intersection, and then turn left onto Big Street.
Continue walking on Big Street. You will pass a Bank on your left.
Take the next right turn after the Bank.
Walk a little. The Library will be on your left.
Part - III
Section - I (Prose) (2 x 5 = 10)
Answer any two of the following in a paragraph.
29. Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
The young seagull was terrified to fly, believing his wings would not support him. While his family flew away, he remained alone on the ledge for a day, starving. His parents and siblings taunted him for his cowardice, but his fear was overwhelming. The heat of the sun and extreme hunger tormented him. The turning point came when he saw his mother tearing a piece of fish just out of his reach. Maddened by hunger, he dived for the fish, forgetting his fear. He screamed as he fell downwards, but soon his wings spread outwards automatically. He flapped them, soared upwards, and finally overcame his fear, making his first flight successfully.
30. Describe the funny incident that caused the confusion in the house.
The funny incident that caused confusion began late one night when the narrator heard footsteps downstairs and mistook them for a ghost. He woke his brother Herman, and their mother, becoming convinced it was burglars, created further panic. In a humorous attempt to get help, she threw a shoe through the neighbor's window, which led to the police being called. A large squad of police officers arrived, along with reporters, turning the situation into a full-blown chaotic event. They noisily searched the house, slamming doors and questioning the family, but found no one. The confusion peaked when the grandfather, who was in the attic and thought the police were deserters from General Meade's army, attacked them, even shooting an officer. The police finally left the house in a state of bewilderment and disarray, with the entire commotion having been caused by the simple sound of the grandfather walking in his sleep.
31. Highlight the factors responsible for the all-women Indian Navy crew to carry out their expedition.
Several factors were responsible for the successful expedition of the all-women Indian Navy crew. Firstly, the vessel INSV Tarini was a state-of-the-art boat built in India, equipped with advanced satellite communication systems. Secondly, the crew underwent extensive training for almost three years, covering theoretical courses and hands-on experience on the boat. Thirdly, the spirit of adventure, determination, and courage of the six-women crew was a prime factor. They were motivated to prove that women were capable of undertaking such challenging voyages. Finally, strong support from the Indian government and the Navy, as part of the 'Make in India' and women empowerment initiatives, played a crucial role in the expedition's success.
32. Give a brief character sketch of Sasanka Sanyal.
Sasanka Sanyal, from Satyajit Ray's "The Attic," is Aditya's childhood friend who represents a past that Aditya needs to confront. When they meet after 29 years, Sasanka is living a life of hardship, running a small tea shop, a stark contrast to his bright childhood. Despite his poverty, he possesses a sharp memory, instantly recognizing Aditya and recalling minute details from their school days, especially the incident concerning his silver medal. This reveals he was deeply hurt by Aditya's jealousy and deceit. Sasanka is a man of great dignity and self-respect; he is initially unwilling to accept money from Aditya, viewing it as charity. He is sensitive yet not bitter, serving as a moral compass in the story. His character is crucial as he provides Aditya with the opportunity for redemption and to atone for his past mistakes.
Section - II (Poetry) (2 x 5 = 10)
Answer any two of the following.
33. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke.
In his poem 'Life', Henry Van Dyke depicts the journey of life as a path to be travelled with joy, courage, and a positive outlook. The poet wishes to live his life with a "forward face and unreluctant soul," meaning he wants to face the future eagerly and without hesitation. He doesn't want to rush through life or stray from his goals. He chooses not to mourn the past or fear the future. He believes in facing challenges with a happy heart and carrying hope throughout his journey, from youth to old age. The ultimate hope for the poet is that the end of his life's journey will be the best part of all.
34. How are today's women portrayed by the poet?
In the poem "I am Every Woman," the poet portrays today's woman as a powerful, resilient, and multi-faceted individual. She is described as having an innate beauty and is a symbol of strength, love, and sacrifice. The poet emphasizes that she is not weak; she is strong in her faith and beliefs. Today's woman is depicted as a lioness who should not be trifled with, and she is fiercely protective of her loved ones. She is optimistic and hopeful, always ready to face challenges. The poet asserts that a woman is not just a person but the foundation of life and should be treated with love, respect, and care.
35. Read the poem lines and answer the questions below.
Began to complain when he found that, at home,
His cupboard was empty, and winter was come.
i) Pick out the rhyming words in the above lines.
ii) Write the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.
iii) Identify the figure of speech employed in the above lines.
iv) Pick out alliterating words in the above lines.
i) Rhyming words: home - come
ii) Rhyme scheme: aabb
iii) Figure of speech: Personification. The cricket is given the human quality of 'complaining'.
iv) Alliterating words: when, was, winter
36. Paraphrase the following stanza.
They growl at that and they growl at this;
Whatever comes, there is something amiss;
And whether their station be high or humble,
They are all known by the name of Grumble.
The stanza describes a family or a group of people who are perpetual complainers. They find fault with every single thing that happens, no matter what it is. Nothing ever satisfies them, as they always believe something is wrong. This complaining nature is constant and does not depend on their social or economic status—whether they are rich (high station) or poor (humble). Because of this incessant habit of grumbling, they are collectively known by the name "Grumble."
Section - III (Supplementary) (1 x 5 = 5)
Answer any one of the following.
37. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order.
1. Prospero lived in a cave.
2. Antonio, his brother sent him out of Milan.
3. Prospero was the Duke of Milan.
4. He came to a deserted island with his daughter.
5. Miranda was his daughter.
Correct Order:
- 3. Prospero was the Duke of Milan.
- 2. Antonio, his brother sent him out of Milan.
- 4. He came to a deserted island with his daughter.
- 5. Miranda was his daughter.
- 1. Prospero lived in a cave.
38. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Questions:
1. Who was Prospero?
2. What was his daughter's name?
3. Who was his younger brother?
4. What is meant by 'deprive'?
5. Who was the enemy of Prospero?
1. Prospero was the Duke of Milan.
2. His daughter's name was Miranda.
3. His younger brother was Antonio.
4. 'Deprive' means to take something valuable away from someone.
5. The enemy of Prospero was the King of Naples.
Section - IV (4 x 5 = 20)
Answer any four of the following.
39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below.
Mobile Galaxy - Smart phones — accessories — SIM cards — Recharge - Free Power banks on Mobile purchase - No.1, Toll Gate, Trichy.
📱 MOBILE GALAXY 📱
Your One-Stop Shop for Everything Mobile!
Explore the latest range of Smartphones from all top brands!
We also offer a wide variety of Accessories, SIM Cards, and instant Recharge services.
✨ SPECIAL QUARTERLY OFFER! ✨
Get a FREE POWER BANK with every new smartphone purchase!
Visit us today!
Mobile Galaxy
No.1, Toll Gate, Trichy.
40. Write a letter to the editor of a leading newspaper suggesting measures to upgrade the standard about the bad influence of TV channels.
From,
R. Kumar,
15, Park Street,
Chennai - 600 028.
20th September 2025
To,
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Chennai - 600 002.
Sir/Madam,
Subject: Concern over the declining standards and negative influence of TV channels - Reg.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my deep concern over the deteriorating quality of programmes broadcasted on various television channels today. Television has a massive reach and a profound impact on society, especially on the impressionable minds of children and youth. Unfortunately, many channels are prioritizing TRP ratings over social responsibility.
Many TV shows are filled with excessive violence, vulgarity, and unrealistic portrayals of life, which can negatively influence viewers. The so-called 'reality shows' often promote conflict and sensationalism instead of talent. This constant exposure to negative content is detrimental to the moral and social fabric of our society. There is a noticeable lack of educational, informative, and value-based programming during prime time.
I suggest the following measures to address this issue: The broadcasting authorities must enforce stricter content regulation and censorship. Channels should be mandated to allocate prime-time slots for programmes that promote education, cultural values, and scientific temperament. Furthermore, a robust and clear content rating system should be implemented. I urge the concerned authorities and content creators to take immediate steps to elevate the standard of television programming for the betterment of society.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
R. Kumar
41. You are Ganesh/Gayathri Head boy/ Head girl, of your school. Write a notice for your school notice board informing the students about the 'Fancy Fete' that is going to be organised in your school campus on the 10th of next month.
GREENWOODS GLOBAL SCHOOL, CHENNAI
NOTICE
Date: 20th September 2025
Subject: Annual Fancy Fete - 2025
This is to inform all students that our school is organizing the annual 'Fancy Fete' in the school campus. The details are as follows:
Date: 10th October 2025 (Friday)
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue: School Playground
The fete will feature a variety of food stalls, exciting games, music, and many more fun-filled activities. All students are invited to participate and enjoy the day.
Ganesh
(Head Boy)
42. Look at the following picture and express your views on it in a paragraph of five sentences.
This picture beautifully portrays a happy and loving family. The parents and their two children, a son and a daughter, are seen sharing a moment of pure joy and togetherness. Their bright smiles and close posture reflect the strong bond and affection they have for one another. It highlights the importance of family as a source of happiness and support. Such moments create lasting memories and strengthen the foundation of a healthy family life.
43. Make notes or write summary of the following passage.
Butterflies are found in gardens. They look very beautiful with all the colours of the rainbow. There are about 50,000 different kinds of butterflies. They fly from flower to flower to suck nectar. The feelers help the butterfly to find its way. The tube mouth helps it to suck nectar and the tiny holes on the sides of its body help it to breath. In the life cycle of the butterfly, there are four stages - egg, larva, pupa and adult. The life span of a butterfly is very short. William Wordsworth wrote a poem on the butterfly.
Option 1: Note-Making
Title: Fascinating World of Butterflies
1. Habitat & Appearance
- Fnd. in gardens
- V. beautiful, rainbow colours
2. Species & Diet
- Abt. 50,000 kinds
- Feed on nectar from flowers
3. Anatomy
- Feelers - for navigation
- Tube mouth - to suck nectar
- Tiny holes on body - for breathing
4. Life Cycle & Lifespan
- 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult
- V. short lifespan
5. Cultural Ref.
- Poem by William Wordsworth
Key to Abbreviations:
- Fnd. - Found
- V. - Very
- Abt. - About
- Ref. - Reference
Option 2: Summary
Title: An Overview of Butterflies
Butterflies are beautiful insects, often found in gardens, displaying a stunning array of rainbow colours. There are approximately 50,000 different species. They feed on nectar from flowers, which they suck using a tube-like mouth. Their feelers help them navigate, and they breathe through tiny holes on their bodies. The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their lifespan is typically very short. The beauty of the butterfly has even inspired poets like William Wordsworth.
44. Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
a) The ship with its crew were drowned.
b) He is angry on me.
c) I prefer coffee than tea.
d) I live in United States.
e) As preeti was sick, so she did not come to school.
a) The ship with its crew was drowned.
b) He is angry with me.
c) I prefer coffee to tea.
d) I live in the United States.
e) Preeti was sick, so she did not come to school. (Remove 'As')
Part - IV & V
Section V (1 x 5 = 5)
45. Quote from memory.
Let me live ...................... back in fear.
Let me but live my life from year to year,
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
Part IV (1 x 8 = 8)
46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints.
b) The Story of Mulan...
The Story of Mulan
The story of Mulan is a classic Chinese legend about a brave young woman from a Chinese family. When the army conscripts one man from every family, Mulan's elderly and frail father is called to serve. To save him, the teenage girl disguises herself as a man and takes his place in the army. She trains hard and proves to be a valiant soldier, bravely fighting in many battles. Due to her exceptional skills and courage, she rises through the ranks and eventually becomes a general. After years of service, her identity as a woman is accidentally exposed. However, instead of being punished, her courage and leadership are ultimately recognized. Mulan returns home as a celebrated hero, honored for her sacrifice and bravery, proving that courage knows no gender.
Part V (1 x 8 = 8)
47. Read the following paragraph/poem and answer the questions given below.
a) Discipline Paragraph Questions:
a) The word 'essential' means:
b) What is a complex quality?
c) Mention some ways in which an athlete maintains discipline.
d) How is discipline beneficial to human beings?
a) The word 'essential' means: i) necessary
b) Discipline is a complex quality that shapes one's mind to religious, social, and economic patterns to become an active citizen.
c) An athlete maintains discipline by refraining from smoking, observing good food habits, and keeping good health.
d) Discipline is beneficial as it increases human energy, implies control and adjustment, and saves energy, making it vital for a good output.
b) Bird Poem Questions:
1. What did the little bird do on the tree?
2. What color were the bird's feathers?
3. How did the bird behave on the tree?
4. What kind of mood does the poem suggest the bird is in?
1. The little bird sang a song on the tree.
2. The bird's feathers were bright with a vibrant hue.
3. The bird hopped and skipped on the tree.
4. The poem suggests the bird is in a joyful, cheerful, and happy mood.
Original Question Paper
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Explanation of Parts:
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