10th English - Half Yearly Exam 2024 - Original Question Paper | Pudukkottai District
HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION - 2024
Class: X - ENGLISH
Marks: 100
Time: 3.00 Hours
PART - I
Note: i) Answer all the questions. (14x1=14)
ii) Choose the best answer and write option code with corresponding answer.
1. The seagull even gnawed at the dried pieces of eggshell
a) bite
b) gulp
c) build
d) starve
Answer:
a) bite
2. The voyage had stopovers at four ports for replenishment of ration
a) journey
b) selling
c) recall
d) restoration
Answer:
d) restoration
3. The gaunt face of Holmes horrified Mrs. Hudson
a) fat
b) lean
c) happy
d) big
Answer:
b) lean
Choose the appropriate antonyms for the underlined words.
4. Your parents were not anxious enough to have you learn
a) careful
b) fearful
c) calm
d) nervous
Answer:
c) calm
5. The spoilt child of affluent parents
a) wealthy
b) poor
c) rich
d) nice
Answer:
b) poor
6. At regular intervals the board creaked
a) irregular
b) usual
c) automatic
d) similar
Answer:
a) irregular
7. Choose the correct plural form of 'formula' from the following.
a) formulea
b) formules
c) formulae
d) formuly
Answer:
c) formulae
8. Form a derivative by adding the right prefix to the word 'urban'.
a) sub-
b) in-
c) mal-
d) il-
Answer:
a) sub- (suburban)
9. Choose the correct expansion of the abbreviation 'RAM'.
a) Randomly Accessed Memory
b) Read Access Memory
c) Random Access Memory
d) Random Access Memories
Answer:
c) Random Access Memory
10. Complete the following sentence with most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
__________ at a gym or swim twice a week.
__________ at a gym or swim twice a week.
a) work on
b) work out
c) work up
d) work in
Answer:
b) work out
11. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word 'rain' to form a compound word.
a) ticket
b) book
c) ball
d) coat
Answer:
d) coat (raincoat)
12. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate prepositional phrase given below.
Global warming is __________ the green house emission.
Global warming is __________ the green house emission.
a) except for
b) an effect of
c) on account of
d) in spite of
Answer:
b) an effect of (Note: "on account of" is also grammatically possible, but "an effect of" fits the cause-effect definition well).
13. Complete the following sentence using the most appropriate tense form of the verb given below.
She __________ when the guests arrived.
She __________ when the guests arrived.
a) was cooking
b) will cooks
c) had cook
d) cook
Answer:
a) was cooking
14. Choose the most appropriate linker from the given four alternatives.
My mother called me __________ I was playing football.
My mother called me __________ I was playing football.
a) Though
b) or
c) while
d) unless
Answer:
c) while
PART - II (Section-I)
Answer any THREE of the following questions in a sentence or two. (3x2=6)
15. Why did the seagull fail to fly?
Solution:
The seagull failed to fly because he was afraid that his wings would not support him. The vast expanse of the sea beneath him terrified him, and he lacked the confidence to take the plunge.
16. How did Watson feel when he heard of Holmes illness?
Solution:
Watson felt horrified and deeply concerned when Mrs. Hudson told him about Holmes' illness. He immediately wanted to rush to Holmes' side to help him.
17. Which devices are controlled by using ACTIV controller?
Solution:
The ACTIV controller is used to control various household devices such as the air conditioner, lights, and entertainment systems like music players or televisions.
18. Who were the narrator's neighbours?
Solution:
The narrator's neighbours were the Bodwells (from "The Night the Ghost Got In").
Section - II (Poetry)
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any THREE of the following. (3x2=6)
19. 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?
Whatever comes, there is something amiss:
a) What does the word 'growl' mean here?
b) Why do they find everything amiss?
Solution:
a) The word 'growl' means to complain or grumble angrily.
b) They find everything amiss because they are naturally discontented and are never satisfied with anything.
b) They find everything amiss because they are naturally discontented and are never satisfied with anything.
20. Not a crumb to be found
On the snow-covered ground;
a) What couldn't he find on the ground?
b) Why was the ground covered with snow?
On the snow-covered ground;
a) What couldn't he find on the ground?
b) Why was the ground covered with snow?
Solution:
a) He (the cricket) could not find a single crumb of food on the ground.
b) The ground was covered with snow because it was winter.
b) The ground was covered with snow because it was winter.
21. So, let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy
a) How is the way of life?
b) How should be the journey of life?
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy
a) How is the way of life?
b) How should be the journey of life?
Solution:
a) The way of life can be rough or smooth, and it may go up or down the hill (full of ups and downs).
b) The journey of life should be joyful, regardless of the difficulties.
b) The journey of life should be joyful, regardless of the difficulties.
22. "She's today's woman. Today's woman dear
Love her, respect her, keep her near.....
a) Describe today's woman according to the poet.
b) How should a woman be treated?
Love her, respect her, keep her near.....
a) Describe today's woman according to the poet.
b) How should a woman be treated?
Solution:
a) Today's woman is portrayed as strong, confident, self-respecting, and capable of handling challenges.
b) A woman should be treated with love, respect, and care.
b) A woman should be treated with love, respect, and care.
Section - III
Answer any THREE of the following. (3x2=6)
23. Rewrite the following sentence into passive voice.
Complete the project on time.
Complete the project on time.
Solution:
Let the project be completed on time.
(Alternative: You are requested/ordered to complete the project on time.)
(Alternative: You are requested/ordered to complete the project on time.)
24. Change into indirect speech.
Emily asked, "When is the deadline?"
Emily asked, "When is the deadline?"
Solution:
Emily asked when the deadline was.
25. Punctuate the following sentence.
what else can be done said her father
what else can be done said her father
Solution:
"What else can be done?" said her father.
26. Transform the following sentence into a compound sentence.
In spite of his sickness, he attends the rehearsal.
In spite of his sickness, he attends the rehearsal.
Solution:
He was sick, yet he attended the rehearsal.
(or: He was sick, but he attended the rehearsal.)
(or: He was sick, but he attended the rehearsal.)
27. Rearrange the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences.
a) speaks / Ruben / besides / German / languages / two
b) is / Zigzag / papa / When / coming
a) speaks / Ruben / besides / German / languages / two
b) is / Zigzag / papa / When / coming
Solution:
a) Ruben speaks two languages besides German.
b) When is Zigzag coming papa?
b) When is Zigzag coming papa?
Section - IV
Answer the following question. (1x2=2)
28. A stranger wants to go to the Hotel. Guide him to reach his destination.
HOTEL
PARK
SCHOOL
(Road)
GH
STORE
[You are here]
Solution:
Go straight along this road. Turn left at the junction near the Store. Walk straight past the GH on your left. The Hotel is on your right, opposite the GH.
PART - III (Section - I)
Answer any TWO of the following in utmost 10 lines. (2x5=10)
29. Highlight the factors responsible for the all-women Indian Navy Crew to carry out their expedition.
Key Points for Solution:
The crew underwent extensive theoretical training in navigation, communication, and weather prediction. They also had hands-on training on how to repair things in emergencies. They trained in tactical aspects and survival skills. Their teamwork, mentorship under Commander Dilip Donde, and rigorous practice in the INSV Mhadei prepared them for the circumnavigation on INSV Tarini.
30. Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
Key Points for Solution:
The young seagull was paralyzed by fear of the vast sea. While his siblings flew, he stayed on the ledge, starving for twenty-four hours. He watched his parents teach his siblings. 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. His terror lasted a moment before his wings spread instinctively, and he began to fly, overcoming his fear.
31. Give an account of the last day of M. Hamel in school.
Key Points for Solution:
It was a sad and solemn day. M. Hamel wore his fine Sunday clothes. The village elders sat on the back benches. He spoke about the beauty and importance of the French language, calling it the clearest and most logical. He taught grammar and writing with great patience. At the end, overcome with emotion, he could not speak but wrote "Vive La France!" on the blackboard and dismissed the class with a gesture.
32. How do we use technology in our day to day lives?
Key Points for Solution:
Technology is integral to daily life. We use it for communication (smartphones, email), travel (GPS, booking apps), entertainment (streaming), and household chores (smart appliances). In the context of the lesson 'Tech Bloomers', it highlights how technology helps disabled people (like Alisha and David) communicate, learn, and live independently using tools like Dragon Dictate and eye-tracking controllers.
Section - II
Answer any TWO of the following in utmost 10 lines. (2x5=10)
33. How are today's women portrayed by the poet?
Key Points for Solution:
The poet (Rakhi Nariani Shirke) portrays today's woman as a symbol of power and strength. She is innate beauty and willing to stake her life for her loved ones. She is persistent, has no fear, and handles adversity with faith. She is a "lioness" who shouldn't be pranked with. She demands respect and knows how to thaw/saw anyone who is mischievous.
34. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke.
Key Points for Solution:
The poet wants to live life with a forward face and unreluctant soul. He does not want to hurry or mourn for the past (things that disappear in the dim past). He wants to live with the innocence of a child (youth and age) and travel with joy. He believes the journey will be the best, whether the path is rough or smooth, up or down.
35. Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below.
But remember, please, the law by which we live,
We are not built to comprehend a lie,
We can neither love nor pity nor forgive,
If you make a slip in handling as you die!
a) Pick out the rhyming words in the above lines.
b) Write the rhyming scheme in the given stanza.
c) What is the figure of speech employed in the third line?
d) Pick out the alliterating words from the first line.
But remember, please, the law by which we live,
We are not built to comprehend a lie,
We can neither love nor pity nor forgive,
If you make a slip in handling as you die!
a) Pick out the rhyming words in the above lines.
b) Write the rhyming scheme in the given stanza.
c) What is the figure of speech employed in the third line?
d) Pick out the alliterating words from the first line.
Solution:
a) Rhyming words: live - forgive; lie - die.
b) Rhyme Scheme: abab
c) Figure of Speech: Personification (Machines are given human qualities like 'love', 'pity', 'forgive').
d) Alliterating words: law - live.
b) Rhyme Scheme: abab
c) Figure of Speech: Personification (Machines are given human qualities like 'love', 'pity', 'forgive').
d) Alliterating words: law - live.
36. Paraphrase the following stanza.
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 of space.
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 of space.
Solution:
The house sat all by itself, isolated from others. To this day, nobody knows exactly what events took place there. It remains a place full of mystery. Although it looks ordinary from the outside, one can sense that inside it is vast and spacious.
Section - III
Answer any ONE of the following. (1x5=5)
37. Rearrange the following sentences in the coherent order.
i) He stayed there the whole night.
ii) The next morning, a man going to work found Peter in the dikes.
iii) He thrust his finger into the tiny hole to stop the water.
iv) Peter saw a small hole in the dike.
v) He shouted for help but no one turned up. His finger became numb.
i) He stayed there the whole night.
ii) The next morning, a man going to work found Peter in the dikes.
iii) He thrust his finger into the tiny hole to stop the water.
iv) Peter saw a small hole in the dike.
v) He shouted for help but no one turned up. His finger became numb.
Solution:
Correct Order:
1. (iv) Peter saw a small hole in the dike.
2. (iii) He thrust his finger into the tiny hole to stop the water.
3. (v) He shouted for help but no one turned up. His finger became numb.
4. (i) He stayed there the whole night.
5. (ii) The next morning, a man going to work found Peter in the dikes.
1. (iv) Peter saw a small hole in the dike.
2. (iii) He thrust his finger into the tiny hole to stop the water.
3. (v) He shouted for help but no one turned up. His finger became numb.
4. (i) He stayed there the whole night.
5. (ii) The next morning, a man going to work found Peter in the dikes.
38. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. (Passage about Francis Bennett from 'The Tech Bloomers' / Jules Verne story)
Questions:
i) How did Francis Bennett feel when he woke up?
ii) Why did Francis Bennett feel lonely?
iii) What device did Francis Bennett switch on?
iv) Where was Francis Bennett's wife?
v) Can you describe the location of Francis Bennett's house.
Questions:
i) How did Francis Bennett feel when he woke up?
ii) Why did Francis Bennett feel lonely?
iii) What device did Francis Bennett switch on?
iv) Where was Francis Bennett's wife?
v) Can you describe the location of Francis Bennett's house.
Solution:
i) He woke up in rather a bad temper.
ii) He felt lonely because his wife had been in France for eight days.
iii) He switched on his Phonotelephote.
iv) His wife was in France (Paris, Champs-Elysees).
v) His house was in the Champs-Elysees (Note: The text says wires led to the house *in* the Champs-Elysees, implying connection, but usually Francis is in Centropolis, USA in the story. However, based strictly on the provided text snippet: "wires led to the house he owned in the Champs - Elysees." So, the house mentioned is in Champs-Elysees).
ii) He felt lonely because his wife had been in France for eight days.
iii) He switched on his Phonotelephote.
iv) His wife was in France (Paris, Champs-Elysees).
v) His house was in the Champs-Elysees (Note: The text says wires led to the house *in* the Champs-Elysees, implying connection, but usually Francis is in Centropolis, USA in the story. However, based strictly on the provided text snippet: "wires led to the house he owned in the Champs - Elysees." So, the house mentioned is in Champs-Elysees).
Section - IV
Answer any four of the following. (4x5=20)
39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below.
The Tea spot - one cup at a time - Buy 1 get 1 free - cozy atmosphere - Free Wifi - Tea tastings - signature tea blends.
The Tea spot - one cup at a time - Buy 1 get 1 free - cozy atmosphere - Free Wifi - Tea tastings - signature tea blends.
Solution Guide:
[Create a box]
THE TEA SPOT
"One Cup at a Time"
SPECIAL OFFER: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE!
[Address/Contact Info]
THE TEA SPOT
"One Cup at a Time"
SPECIAL OFFER: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE!
- Cozy Atmosphere
- Free Wifi
- Exclusive Tea Tastings
- Signature Tea Blends
[Address/Contact Info]
40. You are the school pupil leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Annual sports day of your school. Write a report on the same in not more than 120 words.
Solution Guide:
ANNUAL SPORTS DAY CELEBRATION
By [Name], School Pupil Leader
[City, Date]: Our school celebrated its Annual Sports Day on 10th October with great zeal. The District Collector was the chief guest. The event began with a march past, followed by the lighting of the Olympic torch. Students participated in various events like 100m dash, relay, and long jump. The Green House won the overall trophy. The Chief Guest distributed prizes and praised the sportsmanship of the students. The day ended with the National Anthem.
By [Name], School Pupil Leader
[City, Date]: Our school celebrated its Annual Sports Day on 10th October with great zeal. The District Collector was the chief guest. The event began with a march past, followed by the lighting of the Olympic torch. Students participated in various events like 100m dash, relay, and long jump. The Green House won the overall trophy. The Chief Guest distributed prizes and praised the sportsmanship of the students. The day ended with the National Anthem.
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 organized in your school campus on 10th of next month.
Solution Guide:
GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOL, [CITY]
NOTICE
October 20, 2024
FANCY FETE
All students are informed that our school is organizing a 'Fancy Fete' on the 10th of November in the school playground from 9 AM to 4 PM. There will be food stalls, games, and cultural performances. Interested students who wish to put up stalls should contact the undersigned by October 30th.
Gayathri
(Head Girl)
NOTICE
October 20, 2024
FANCY FETE
All students are informed that our school is organizing a 'Fancy Fete' on the 10th of November in the school playground from 9 AM to 4 PM. There will be food stalls, games, and cultural performances. Interested students who wish to put up stalls should contact the undersigned by October 30th.
Gayathri
(Head Girl)
42. Look at the following picture and express your views on it in a paragraph of five sentences. (Image showing POCSO ACT awareness / Good touch Bad touch).
Solution:
The picture depicts awareness about child safety and the POCSO Act. It shows children confidently saying "NO" to unwanted touches. Hands reaching out represent potential threats or bad touches that children must recognize. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children the difference between good touch and bad touch. Such awareness empowers children to protect themselves and seek help when needed.
43. Make notes or write a summary of the following passage. (Passage on Language).
Solution (Notes):
Importance of Language
1. Fund. Aspect:
- express thoughts, emotions, ideas.
- not just info conveying.
2. Social Conn.:
- builds relationships.
- construct understanding of world.
3. Diversity:
- reflects culture, identity.
- shaped by history/geo/social factors.
4. Evolution:
- Adapts to tech & cultural shifts.
5. Non-verbal:
- Gestures, facial expressions crucial.
- Shapes thought & relations.
1. Fund. Aspect:
- express thoughts, emotions, ideas.
- not just info conveying.
2. Social Conn.:
- builds relationships.
- construct understanding of world.
3. Diversity:
- reflects culture, identity.
- shaped by history/geo/social factors.
4. Evolution:
- Adapts to tech & cultural shifts.
5. Non-verbal:
- Gestures, facial expressions crucial.
- Shapes thought & relations.
44. Identify the errors and correct them.
Solution:
a) I prefer coffee than tea. → I prefer coffee to tea.
b) If I were a bird, I will fly. → If I were a bird, I would fly.
c) He is a honest man. → He is an honest man.
d) He wrote in the board. → He wrote on the board.
e) I am absent yesterday. → I was absent yesterday.
b) If I were a bird, I will fly. → If I were a bird, I would fly.
c) He is a honest man. → He is an honest man.
d) He wrote in the board. → He wrote on the board.
e) I am absent yesterday. → I was absent yesterday.
Section - V
45. Quote from Memory.
From: A woman................
To: .......................... see in spring.
From: A woman................
To: .......................... see in spring.
Solution:
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) The emperor - ordered - one man from each family - join the army - Mulan - dressed herself as a man... (The Story of Mulan)
OR
b) Prospero - duke of Milan - more interested in magic books... (The Tempest)
a) The emperor - ordered - one man from each family - join the army - Mulan - dressed herself as a man... (The Story of Mulan)
OR
b) Prospero - duke of Milan - more interested in magic books... (The Tempest)
Solution Guide:
(Choose one)
a) The Story of Mulan: The Emperor of China ordered that one man from each family must join the army to fight the enemy. Mulan, a brave girl, heard this. Her father was old and frail, and her brother was a child. To save her father, she cut her hair and dressed as a man. She joined the army in his place. She proved to be a brave soldier and fought many battles. A bad fever swept through the camp, and when the doctor examined her, her secret was revealed. The soldiers were angry, but just then, a surprise attack happened. Mulan rallied the troops and won the battle. The Emperor was glad and offered her rewards, but she chose to return home to her family.
b) The Tempest: Prospero was the Duke of Milan. He was more interested in reading magic books than ruling. His ambitious brother, Antonio, usurped the throne with the help of the King of Naples. Prospero and his daughter Miranda were cast out to sea and landed on an island. Prospero released a good spirit, Ariel, from a witch's spell and raised a violent storm to bring his enemies to the island. Ferdinand (King's son) and Miranda fell in love. Prospero tested Ferdinand to ensure his love was true. Finally, Antonio realized his mistakes, and Prospero forgave them, restoring his Dukedom.
a) The Story of Mulan: The Emperor of China ordered that one man from each family must join the army to fight the enemy. Mulan, a brave girl, heard this. Her father was old and frail, and her brother was a child. To save her father, she cut her hair and dressed as a man. She joined the army in his place. She proved to be a brave soldier and fought many battles. A bad fever swept through the camp, and when the doctor examined her, her secret was revealed. The soldiers were angry, but just then, a surprise attack happened. Mulan rallied the troops and won the battle. The Emperor was glad and offered her rewards, but she chose to return home to her family.
b) The Tempest: Prospero was the Duke of Milan. He was more interested in reading magic books than ruling. His ambitious brother, Antonio, usurped the throne with the help of the King of Naples. Prospero and his daughter Miranda were cast out to sea and landed on an island. Prospero released a good spirit, Ariel, from a witch's spell and raised a violent storm to bring his enemies to the island. Ferdinand (King's son) and Miranda fell in love. Prospero tested Ferdinand to ensure his love was true. Finally, Antonio realized his mistakes, and Prospero forgave them, restoring his Dukedom.
47. a) Read the following passage (Cyber safety) and answer the questions given below.
Questions:
a) What is cyber safety?
b) Why is it important to use strong, unique passwords?
c) How can you protect yourself from phishing and scams?
d) What should children be taught about online interactions?
Questions:
a) What is cyber safety?
b) Why is it important to use strong, unique passwords?
c) How can you protect yourself from phishing and scams?
d) What should children be taught about online interactions?
Solution:
a) Cyber safety involves protecting personal information, devices, and online activities from threats such as hacking, phishing, and cyberbullying.
b) It is important to prevent unauthorized access to different accounts.
c) By being cautious of suspicious links or emails and avoiding sharing sensitive information like passwords or banking details on unsecured platforms.
d) Children should be taught about the risks of interacting with strangers online and how to set privacy controls.
b) It is important to prevent unauthorized access to different accounts.
c) By being cautious of suspicious links or emails and avoiding sharing sensitive information like passwords or banking details on unsecured platforms.
d) Children should be taught about the risks of interacting with strangers online and how to set privacy controls.
(OR)
b) Read the following passage (Poem lines) and answer the questions given below.
If you can face the stormy tide... A noble soul shall never part.
Questions:
a) What should you do when facing fear or doubt?
b) How can you support others who are struggling?
c) According to the poem, where does true strength come from?
d) What qualities make a soul noble, as described in the poem?
If you can face the stormy tide... A noble soul shall never part.
Questions:
a) What should you do when facing fear or doubt?
b) How can you support others who are struggling?
c) According to the poem, where does true strength come from?
d) What qualities make a soul noble, as described in the poem?
Solution:
a) You should hold your fears and doubts inside and rise when others fall.
b) By hearing the weak and their faintest call.
c) True strength springs from the mind and heart (not flesh and bone).
d) Courage and the will to never part (give up) make a soul noble.
b) By hearing the weak and their faintest call.
c) True strength springs from the mind and heart (not flesh and bone).
d) Courage and the will to never part (give up) make a soul noble.
- End of Solutions -
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