10th English Quarterly Exam 2024 Question Paper with Solutions | Tenkasi District
Standard: 10 | Subject: English | Examination: Common Quarterly Examination - 2024
PART-I (14x1=14)
Answer all the questions.
Choose the appropriate synonyms for the italicised words.
1) Navika Sagar Parikrama was a project undertaken in consonance with the National Policy
- a) Connection
- b) agreement
- c) Comparison
- d) arrangement
Answer: b) agreement
2) The mother seagull swooped upwards
- a) leap
- b) rush
- c) move very quickly
- d) ascend
Answer: c) move very quickly
3) In the small silence, we all heard a creaking in the attic
- a) laughter
- b) squeaking
- c) sliding
- d) crowd
Answer: b) squeaking
Choose the appropriate antonyms for the italicised words.
4) The indignant oldman belonged to the house
- a) happy
- b) angry
- c) calm
- d) sad
Answer: c) calm
5) The seagull had, in fact, seen his older brother catch his first herring and devour it
- a) eat
- b) smell
- c) engulf
- d) spit
Answer: d) spit
6) His nerves seemed overwrought
- a) tired
- b) calm
- c) tensed
- d) upset
Answer: b) calm
7) Choose the correct plural form of syllabus from the following
- a) syllables
- b) syllabus
- c) syllabi
- d) syllabii
Answer: c) syllabi
8) Form a derivative by adding the right prefix to the word scope
- a) mis-
- b) micro-
- c) mic-
- d) mecro-
Answer: b) micro- (microscope)
9) Choose the correct expansion of the abbreviation IB
- a) Intelligence Bureau
- b) Investigation Bureau
- c) Intelligent Bureau
- d) Investigating Bureau
Answer: a) Intelligence Bureau
10) Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
I am really lucky because I don't .......... weight easily
- a) Put on
- b) Put out
- c) Put down
- d) Put off
Answer: a) Put on
11) Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word fare to form a compound word.
- a) Play
- b) away
- c) Well
- d) clock
Answer: c) Well (farewell)
12) Fill in the blanks with most appropriate preposition.
Silver is now thirty times costlier than ..........
- a) after
- b) before
- c) among
- d) around
Answer: b) before (implying 'than it was before')
13) Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate tense form of the verb given below.
The Governor was .......... at the wit of the youth.
- a) Please
- b) Pleasing
- c) Pleased
- d) Pleases
Answer: c) Pleased
14) Choose the most appropriate linker from the given four alternatives
.......... Raja saw a snake, he ran away
- a) Though
- b) Still
- c) Nevertheless
- d) As soon as
Answer: d) As soon as
PART-II (10x2=20)
SECTION-I (3x2=6)
Answer any three of the following questions in a sentence or two.
15) What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
The sight of the fish in his mother's beak, combined with his extreme hunger, maddened the young seagull and prompted him to make his first flight.
16) Why were the narrator's family not able to call the police?
The narrator's family was not able to call the police because the telephone was dead and couldn't be used.
17) What was the condition of the attic?
The attic was a small, dark, and dusty room located at the top of the house. It was filled with old, discarded items from the past.
18) Write a short note on Tara - Tarini
INSV Tarini is the second sailboat of the Indian Navy. It was the vessel used by six women naval officers for the 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' expedition, a historic circumnavigation of the globe. The boat is named after the famous Tara Tarini temple in Ganjam district of Odisha.
SECTION - II (3x2=6)
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any three of the following questions.
19) Let me but live my life from year to year
With forward face and unreluctant soul
a) Whom does the word 'me' refer to?
'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 positive outlook, moving forward with a willing and cheerful soul, without hesitation.
20) And Whether their station be high or humble
They are all known by the name of Grumble
a) What does the word 'growl' mean here?
The word 'growl' means to complain or grumble in a low, guttural voice.
b) What does station refer to?
'Station' refers to a person's social rank or position in life.
21) Strong is she in her faith and beliefs
Persistence is the key to everything
a) What is she strong about?
She is strong in her faith and beliefs.
b) Pick out the words that show her grit
The words that show her grit are 'Strong' and 'Persistence'.
22) But tell me dear cricket Did you lay anything by
When the weather was warm? Quoth the cricket Not I!"
a) What does 'lay by' mean?
'Lay by' means to save something, especially money, for future use.
b) What does 'quoth' mean?
'Quoth' is an archaic word that means 'said'.
SECTION - III (3x2=6)
Answer any three of the following.
23) Rewrite the following sentence in other voice
Every car is checked by the policeman at this junction.
Answer: The policeman checks every car at this junction.
24) Rewrite the following sentence in Reported speech
What is it? he asked
Answer: He asked what it was.
25) Punctuate the following sentence
O my young gentleman said ariel
Answer: "O, my young gentleman!" said Ariel.
26) Transform the following sentence as directed
Raja changed his dress and went out to play (into simple)
Answer: Changing his dress, Raja went out to play.
27) Rearrange the words in the correct order to make a meaningful sentence
a) disobey / have / you / me / power / no / to
Answer: You have no power to disobey me.
b) Navy / of / the second / Indian / Tarini / the / sailboat/ is
Answer: Tarini is the second sailboat of the Indian Navy.
SECTION - IV (1x2=2)
28) Answer the following question.
A man standing beside you wants to visit the Museum. Guide him to reach his destination.
Walk straight ahead to the Signal Main Road. You will pass the Bus Stop on your left.
When you reach the Signal Main Road, turn Left.
Walk straight until you get to the four way intersection.
At that intersection, turn right and go straight. You will reach college road.
Then turn Left; you will see a School on your left.
Walk a little further. Now you will find the Museum on the opposite side of the school, on your right.
PART-III (10x5=50)
SECTION - I (2x5=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 of flying. He believed his wings would not support him and feared the vast expanse of the sea beneath. His two brothers and sister had already flown away, but he remained on the ledge, alone and hungry for 24 hours. His family taunted him for his cowardice. They tried to encourage him, but his fear was overwhelming. The turning point came when his mother, using a piece of fish, tempted him. Maddened by hunger, he dived for the fish, and in that moment of desperation, his wings instinctively opened. He flapped them, felt the wind, and finally overcame his fear, soaring into the sky for his first flight.
30) Narrate the extensive search operation made by the policemen in the house.
The police conducted an extensive and thorough search of the narrator's house, believing a burglar was hiding. A group of policemen, including a reporter and photographers, arrived. They began by searching downstairs and then charged up to the attic. They ransacked the attic, pulling out old suitcases, boxes, and clothes. They looked under beds, in closets, and behind furniture. They even examined an old zither. Not finding anyone, they extended their search to the rest of the house, including the garage and the garden, using flashlights to peer into every dark corner. Their search was meticulous but ultimately fruitless, as there was no one to be found.
31) Write in detail about the selection and training process which the crew underwent.
The crew of INSV Tarini underwent a rigorous selection and training process for the Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition. Out of thirty women who volunteered, only six were selected after a tough screening process. The training began in 2014 and lasted for about three years. It included comprehensive theoretical courses on navigation, communication, and weather prediction at various naval training centres. The practical, hands-on training was crucial. They sailed on INSV Mhadei for over 25,000 nautical miles, including voyages to Mauritius and Cape Town. This extensive training prepared them to handle the boat independently, manage emergencies, and endure the harsh conditions of a solo circumnavigation.
32) 'Man does change with time' - what were the various changes that came about in Aditya?
The statement 'Man does change with time' is aptly illustrated by the changes in Aditya's character. As a young boy, Aditya was mischievous and selfish; he took Sanyal's silver medal and never returned it. When he returns to his hometown as a grown man, he initially doesn't even remember Sanyal. However, upon being reminded of the past, a significant change occurs. He is overcome with guilt and remorse for his childhood deed. This guilt prompts him to seek out Sanyal to atone for his mistake. He finds Sanyal, returns the medal's worth in money, and thus shows his transformation from a thoughtless child into a responsible and repentant adult.
SECTION - II (2x5=10)
Answer any two of the following.
33) How are today's women portrayed by the poet?
In the poem "I Am Every Woman," the poet portrays today's women as powerful, resilient, and multifaceted beings. They are inherently strong, both physically and emotionally, and are described as symbols of love, care, and sacrifice. The poet emphasizes that a woman is not weak; she is strong in her faith and beliefs. Her persistence is the key to her success. She is optimistic, hopeful, and self-aware. While she can be gentle and caring, she is also fierce when tested and should not be taken for granted. The poet warns against underestimating her power, as she can overcome any adversity and prove her worth, embodying both beauty and strength.
34) From the poem "The Grumble family" What kind of behaviour does the poet want the readers to possess?
Through the satirical portrayal of "The Grumble Family," the poet wants readers to adopt a behavior that is the complete opposite of grumbling. The poet encourages readers to possess a positive, cheerful, and contented attitude towards life. He advises against the habit of constant complaining and finding fault in everything, whether it's the weather, their circumstances, or other people. The poet wants us to appreciate what we have, maintain a pleasant disposition, and avoid the "Complaining Street." By showcasing the miserable and unpleasant nature of the Grumblers, he indirectly urges the readers to be optimistic, grateful, and to spread happiness instead of discontent.
SECTION - II (1x5=5)
35) Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below.
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils, but with a whole
And happy heart that pays its toll
To youth and age, and travels on with cheer
a) Pick out the rhyming words from the given stanza.
fear - cheer; whole - toll
b) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.
The rhyme scheme is abba.
c) Identify the figure of speech employed in the first line of the given stanza.
The figure of speech is Imagery ("dim past").
d) Write down the alliterating words in the second line.
The alliterating words are: what, with, whole.
36) Paraphrase the following stanza.
At last by starvation and famine made bold
All dripping with wet and all trembling with cold
Away he set off to a miserly ant,
To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant
Paraphrase: Finally, driven by severe hunger and starvation, the cricket gained some courage. Soaked with rain and shivering from the cold, he started his journey to the home of a stingy ant. He went to see if the ant would be kind enough to provide him with food and shelter to help him survive the harsh winter.
SECTION - III (1x5=5)
Answer any one of the following.
37) Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order.
i) He took care of the orderliness in the clinic
ii) Zigzag was of a great trouble in the house
iii) Dr.Krishnan was surprised of the sudden change in zigzag
iv) Gone was zigzag's bored and grumpy expression
v) Dr.Krishnan took him to the clinic
Coherent Order:
ii) Zigzag was of a great trouble in the house.
v) Dr. Krishnan took him to the clinic.
i) He took care of the orderliness in the clinic.
iv) Gone was zigzag's bored and grumpy expression.
iii) Dr. Krishnan was surprised of the sudden change in zigzag.
38) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
The governor was pleased at the wit of the youth and praised. Greatly, but he demanded to know where he had obtained his wisdom. Alas Alas cried the farmer, the truth must be told and with deep bows he related his story. The Governor listened and then meditated in silence. Finally he lifted the well-known saying, "with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom!" That very hour the cruel law was abolished and custom drifted into as far a past that only legends remain.
a) Why was the governor pleased?
The governor was pleased with the wit and wisdom shown by the youth.
b) What was the wit of the youth?
The wit of the youth was in finding a clever solution to the governor's impossible demand, which was guided by his mother.
c) What did the governor demand?
The governor demanded to know where the youth had obtained his wisdom.
d) What was the truth told by the youth to the governor?
The youth told the truth that he had hidden his aged mother, and it was her wisdom that helped him.
e) What was the well-known saying the governor had forgotten?
The well-known saying was, "with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom!"
SECTION - IV (4x5=20)
Answer any four of the following.
39) Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below.
Home made taste - Hygiene - Family Restaurant - Fresh Juice available - Free home delivery - cards accepted.
🌟 TASTE OF HOME RESTAURANT 🌟
Experience the Love of Home-Cooked Meals!
- ✨ Authentic Home Made Taste: Just like mom's cooking!
- 🧼 Supreme Hygiene: Your health is our priority.
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect Family Restaurant: A cozy place for everyone.
- 🍹 Fresh Juice Bar: Healthy and refreshing drinks available.
- 🚚 FREE Home Delivery: Enjoy our delicious food at your doorstep!
- 💳 Cards Accepted: We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Visit us today at 123, Main Road, Tenkasi | Call: 98765 43210
40) Write a complaint to the officer of the PWD department to take immediate action to maintain cleanliness in the children's park in your locality.
Complaint Letter
From,
[Your Name],
[Your Address],
Tenkasi.
To,
The Officer,
Public Works Department (PWD),
Tenkasi.
Subject: Complaint regarding poor maintenance and uncleanliness of Children's Park
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the deplorable condition of the Children's Park located in our locality. The park, which should be a safe and clean space for children, has become a dumping ground for garbage. The dustbins are overflowing, and litter is scattered all over the play area.
This uncleanliness poses a serious health hazard to the children who play there. The broken swings and slides also need immediate repair. Despite several reminders to the local authorities, no action has been taken.
I request you to take immediate action to clean the park and ensure its regular maintenance. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
41) You are Raja/Rani the school pupil leader. You have been asked to write a report on the 'Kalai Thiruvizha' which was held recently in your school.
Report on Kalai Thiruvizha
By Raja, School Pupil Leader
Tenkasi, 20th September 2024: Our school celebrated 'Kalai Thiruvizha', a grand cultural festival, on 18th September 2024, in the school auditorium. The event aimed to showcase the diverse talents of our students in traditional arts.
The festival was inaugurated by the renowned folk artist, Mr. K. Ponraj, who was the chief guest. The day was filled with a variety of spectacular performances, including Bharatanatyam, Karagattam, Oyilattam, and folk singing. Students from classes VI to XII participated with great enthusiasm.
The vibrant costumes, energetic music, and brilliant performances left the audience mesmerized. The chief guest praised the students' talents and emphasized the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The event concluded with the Principal delivering a vote of thanks and congratulating the participants and teachers for making the 'Kalai Thiruvizha' a resounding success.
42) Look at the following picture and express your views on it in a paragraph of five sentences.
A group of children are jumping for joy outside. They are all smiling and laughing with big, happy faces. Their arms are raised high in the air as they celebrate. They are playing barefoot on the dirt ground. This picture captures a wonderful moment of pure happiness.
43) Make note or write a summary of the following passage.
The Rome 1960 Paralympic Games was a tremendous step in sports for athletes with a physical impairment. The founder of the Paralympics movement, Sir Ludwig Guttmann, and the director of the spinal centre in Rome, Antonia Maglio, started preparations for the games two years ago. It would be called the 9th Annual International Stoke Mandeville Games. Now regarded as the Rome 1960 Paralympic Games, the competition took place for six days following the closing ceremony of the XVII Olympic Games and was supported by the Italian Olympic Committee and the Italian Institute for Disabled Workers. A total of eight different sports events debuted at the first-ever paralympic Games, all of which were considered beneficial and suitable for athletes with spinal cord injuries: archery, IPC athletics, dart, snooker, IPC swimming, table tennis, wheelchair - basketball and wheelchair fencing. The opening ceremony on 18 September 1960 garnered a crowd of 5000 spectators, which greeted the wheelchair athletes during their colourful entry into Acqua Acetosa stadium. The Italian Minister for public Health at the time, officially declared the games open to the world. In the debut of the Paralympic games on the world stage, the host nation Italy finished a top the medal standings, as Great Britain, Germany, Austria and the USA rounded out the top five with stellar performances.
Note Making
Title: The Rome 1960 Paralympic Games
- Foundation & Origin
- 1.1 A milestone for athletes with physical impairments.
- 1.2 Founders: Sir Ludwig Guttmann & Antonia Maglio.
- 1.3 Also known as the 9th Annual Intl. Stoke Mandeville Games.
- Event Details
- 2.1 Held after XVII Olympic Games.
- 2.2 Supported by Italian Olympic Committee.
- 2.3 Featured 8 sports (archery, athletics, swimming etc.).
- 2.4 Suited for athletes with spinal cord injuries.
- Opening Ceremony
- 3.1 Date: 18th Sept 1960.
- 3.2 Venue: Acqua Acetosa stadium.
- 3.3 Attendance: 5000 spectators.
- 3.4 Opened by: Italian Minister for Public Health.
- Outcome & Legacy
- 4.1 Host nation Italy topped medal standings.
- 4.2 Other top performers: GB, Germany, Austria, USA.
- 4.3 Marked a successful debut on the world stage.
OR
Summary
The 1960 Rome Paralympic Games
The 1960 Rome Paralympic Games, founded by Sir Ludwig Guttmann and Antonia Maglio, were a landmark event for athletes with physical impairments. Originally the 9th International Stoke Mandeville Games, the event was held after the XVII Olympics with support from Italian committees. It featured eight sports suitable for athletes with spinal cord injuries, such as archery and wheelchair basketball. The opening ceremony on September 18, 1960, drew 5,000 spectators. The games were a great success, with the host nation Italy leading the medal count, followed by Great Britain, Germany, Austria, and the USA, marking a triumphant debut for the Paralympics on the world stage.
SECTION-V (1x5=5)
44) Identify the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them correctly
a) Would I have your autograph?
Correct: Could I have your autograph?
b) Bravery is not to pick a quarrel
Correct: Bravery is not in picking a quarrel.
c) It is easier to say than do
Correct: It is easier to say than to do.
d) Though he was hungry but he did not eat
Correct: Though he was hungry, he did not eat.
e) The ship with its crew were drowned
Correct: The ship with its crew was drowned.
45) Quote from Memory: So let the way ....... of the quest
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,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
PART - IV (2x8=16)
46) Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints.
a) There was an island - Prospero and his daughter Miranda - Ariel was the Chief - Storm created - Ferdinand and Miranda - Prospero un-gentle - Prospero's brother - King of Naples - repented - Ariel dismissed.
The Tempest
Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda lived on a deserted island after being exiled by his treacherous brother, Antonio. Prospero, a magician, had a spirit named Ariel as his chief servant. To seek revenge, Prospero used his powers to create a violent storm, causing a shipwreck that brought his enemies, including his brother and the King of Naples, to the island. The King's son, Ferdinand, was separated and met Miranda, and they fell in love. At first, Prospero was un-gentle towards Ferdinand to test his love. As his plan unfolded, Prospero's brother and the King of Naples repented for their past sins. Seeing their remorse, Prospero forgave them, restored his dukedom, and blessed the union of Ferdinand and Miranda. Finally, having achieved his goals, he dismissed the loyal Ariel, granting him his freedom.
(OR)
b) Mulan - woman of courage - Joins army - fights well - good leadership qualities - leads the troops - becomes General - Doctor reveals Mulan's identity - again wins the battle - Emperor appoints - royal adviser - Mulan returns home happily.
The Legend of Mulan
Mulan was a young woman of immense courage who lived in ancient China. When the Emperor decreed that one man from every family must join the army, Mulan disguised herself as a man to take her ailing father's place. She joined the army and fought bravely, proving to be an exceptional soldier. Her good leadership qualities were soon recognized, and she rose through the ranks, eventually leading the troops and becoming a General. During a fierce battle, she was injured, and a doctor revealed her true identity as a woman. Despite the shock, her soldiers remained loyal. Mulan once again led them to a decisive victory, saving the kingdom. The grateful Emperor appointed her as his royal adviser, but Mulan chose to return home happily to her family, having brought great honor to them.
47) Read the passage/poem & answer the questions below.
a) Read the passage & answer the questions below
More species of insects exist than all other animal species. Insects have survived on earth for more than 300 million years. Insects can be found on the highest mountains, on the bottom of rushing streams, at the cold South Pole and in bubbling hot springs. Insects are extremely useful to human. Insects pollinate crops as well as flowers in meadows, forests, deserts, and other areas. Insects can survive on a wide range of natural and artificial foods, paint, pepper, glue, books, grain, cotton, other insects, plants and animals. Insects have an enormous reproductive capacity. An African ant queen can lay as many as 43,000 eggs a day.
Questions:
- where can the insects be found?
- How are insects useful to human?
- Write about the surviving ability of insects.
- How many eggs can an African ant lay?
Answers:
- Insects can be found everywhere, from the highest mountains and rushing streams to the cold South Pole and hot springs.
- Insects are useful to humans because they pollinate crops and flowers.
- Insects have a great surviving ability as they can feed on a wide range of natural and artificial foods like paint, glue, books, plants, and other animals.
- An African ant queen can lay as many as 43,000 eggs a day.
(OR)
b) Read the following poem and answer the questions
Each one, Teach one
Let this be our slogan
Let us spread the light
Of learning, across the nation
...
Let our country awaken
From the slumber of centuries
Let us make a pledge
To vanish illiteracy
Questions:
- What does the poet ask us to spread?
- To whom does the poet want to offer the gift of knowledge?
- What does the poet want to do to the country?
- What pledge should we take?
Answers:
- The poet asks us to spread the light of learning.
- The poet wants to offer the gift of knowledge to those who never learnt how to write or read.
- The poet wants to awaken the country from the slumber of centuries (of ignorance).
- We should take a pledge to vanish illiteracy.
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