CBSE Class 10 English Term 1 Sample Paper 2022 Set A

SECTION–A (READING)

I. Read the passage given below:

I. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to maintain an equilibrium in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows and fears. In fact, there are a thousand lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look for them.

II. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops into a strong tree capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it may flourish, or how many animals and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from where it once rose. That’s a lesson - to keep ourselves grounded, respect and embrace our roots, and give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured us into who we are.

III. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence. ‘I am because we are.’ Nature provides every creature a chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or being depends on the existence of the other. The tiger eats the antelope; without the antelope, the tiger wouldn’t survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over-abundance of antelopes would cause them to starve to death.

IV. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an alarm call to their fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger to save the lives of others. Many animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn, but this doesn’t stop them. One life extinguished for the betterment of others is a small price to pay.

V. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these leaves age into shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Change is inevitable; the sooner we embrace this, the better it is for us. We must also understand that even in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it will grow around it. No matter what may come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter what grief may break your heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.

VI. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others.Life is to live. Take a break-stop being a workaholic, and smell the roses, do whatever makes you feel happy and most of all spend some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. According to the author, what, from the following, is the greatest lesson being taught by nature?
(a) balanced in our emotions.
(b) partial to joys in life.
(c) afraid of unhappiness.
(d) indifferent to fears.
Answer.(a) balanced in our emotions.

Question. Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue with reference to paragraph II.
Jai: I’ve done well for myself in this school. I’m the best they have. I can get admission anywhere. This is my moment!
Sid: Congratulations! Just remember, we should _____________________
(a) become strong despite our weakness.
(b) be kind and supportive towards everyone.
(c) respect the origins from where we have grown.
(d) nurture ourselves well from the beginning.
Answer.(c) respect the origins from where we have grown.

Question. Choose the option that best conveys the message in - ‘I am because we are.’
(a) Tigers are dependent on antelope
(b) Antelope are dependent on tigers
(c) Humans are dependent on animals
(d) Everyone is dependent on each other
Answer.(d) Everyone is dependent on each other

Question. What qualities do the birds and squirrels display when they warn others of possible danger? Choose one option from the following:
(a) Observation skills and alertness.
(b) Tendency to get easily frightened.
(c) Selfless assistance to help others.
(d) Determination to protect themselves.
Answer.(c) Selfless assistance to help others.

Question. Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace lurking (paragraph IV).
(a) The policeman pulled up the person who was wandering aimlessly through the city.
(b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught.
(c) The policeman was caught on camera while pouncing with force, to grab the fleeing culprit.
(d) The thief was walking boldly into the house thinking it was devoid of residents.
Answer.(b) The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught.

Question. A Portmanteau words like smog (smoke + fog), is a blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word.
From the options given below, select a Portmanteau word that appears in the para VI.
(a) coexistence
(b) workaholic
(c) full-grown
(d) flourish
Answer.(b) workaholic

Question. Select the qualities from paragraph III, that the author wants us to imbibe. Being–
(1) acceptive
(2) passionate
(3) emotional
(4) resilient
(5) perceptive
(a) (2), (4) and (5)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (4) and (5)
(d) (3), (4) and (5)
Answer.(c) (1), (4) and (5)

Question. Which of the following is shown by the changing of seasons?
(a) The beauty of nature.
(b) Nature’s creativity.
(c) All seasons are equal.
(d) Nothing lasts forever.
Answer.(d) Nothing lasts forever.

Question. What does the writer advise, in paragraph VI?
(a) Indulging in competition with others.
(b) Making priority lists.
(c) Taking life seriously.
(d) Having free time for ourselves.
Answer.(d) Having free time for ourselves.

Question. Choose the option that lists the quote best expressing the central idea of the passage.
(a) Nature: She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay.
                                                                                       –Ralph Waldo Emerson
(b) Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
                                                                                       –A. Einstein
(c) Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves.
                                                                                      –Jean Jacques Rousseau
(d) All the ugliness of the world can best be forgotten in the beauty of nature!
                                                                                      –Mehmet Murat
Answer.(b) Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
                                                                                       –A. Einstein

II. Read the passage given below:

I. Research from the Publishers Association has shown that films based on books take 44% more at the box office revenue in the UK and 53% more worldwide than original screenplays. The report explores what impact a book has when adapted for film and TV.

II. The report reads: “Published material is the basis of 52% of top UK films in the last 10 years, and accounts for an even higher share of revenue from these leading performers,
at 61% of UK box office gross and 65% of worldwide gross.” The Hollywood adaptation of “My Cousin Rachel” was shown to have a significant impact on the sales of the Daphne
Du Maurier thriller. The sales of the book in 2017 alone accounted for 23% of all sales since 1992.

III. The research suggests that adapted films tend to perform better, because films can “leverage the popularity” of well-known books through an existing audience. Films adapted from books also tend to have a richer, more fully-developed story to draw on. In terms of TV adaptation, it was revealed that a quarter of dramas were based on literary sources and attracted a 56% larger share of the audience than those based on original scripts. Fourteen of the 35 high end series produced in the UK in the period between January and September 2017 were based on books, compared to seven based on true stories or historical events and five based on pre-existing films or TV stories.

IV. In the case of the 2016 BBC broadcast of “The Night Manager”, research revealed that while the novel was in circulation for over 25 years, 82% of the copies it sold were in 2016 and 2017. Sales of the paperback edition remained strong in 2017 even after the series went off the air.

V. In conclusion, the report states that “there is a strong two-way relationship between publishing and the wider creative economy, wherein a successful adaptation often has spill-over effects and gives a substantial boost to the sales of the original book.”

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. The purpose of the research by Publishers Association was to study the _______________. Choose the correct option.
(a) variety in films and TV shows.
(b) impact of films on books.
(c) choice of books for film-making.
(d) connect between books and films.
Answer.(d) connect between books and films.

Question. Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.
(1) The revenues generated at the box office have increased.
(2) Majority of the top films in the UK are based on published material.
(a) (1) is the result of (2)
(b) (1) is the reason for (2)
(c) (1) is independent of (2)
(d) (1) contradicts (2)
Answer.(a) (1) is the result of (2)

Question. Select the option that gives the correct meaning of the following statement.
“The sales of the book in 2017 alone accounted for 23% of all sales since 1992.”
(a) There were 23% higher sales in 2017 than previous years.
(b) A major chunk of sales happened in 2017.
(c) The sales were limited to 23% in 2017.
(d) There were very few books sold in the previous years.
Answer.(b) A major chunk of sales happened in 2017.

Question. According to the research, the films based on books have greater success because _____________.
(a) people like to see the characters from the books on screen.
(b) the films get the advantage of the fame of the books.
(c) it takes less effort for people to watch films than read books.
(d) the films get a ready-made script from the books.
Answer.(b) the films get the advantage of the fame of the books.

Question. Select the option listing what the given sentence refers to.
‘Films adapted from books also tend to have a richer, more fully-developed story to draw on.’
(1) The plot and the storyline of such films are better.
(2) The characters are likely to be more vivid.
(3) The production of such films is meant for the rich and famous.
(4) The settings and costumes are adapted from the book.
(5) The making of such films require the author to write a sequel.
(a) (1), (3) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (5)
(c) (1), (2) and (5)
(d) (1), (2) and (4)
Answer.(d) (1), (2) and (4)

Question. On what from the following were the maximum TV serials in UK in the year 2017 based?
(a) books
(b) historical stories.
(c) original true stories.
(d) previous films.
Answer.(a) books

Question. This passage lists an example proving that TV dramas based on literary works have ____________.
Select the correct option.
(a) increased the immediate sales of the book
(b) increased the sales of the book during the first screening
(c) had no immediate impact on the sales of the book
(d) had very little impact on the sales of the book
Answer.(a) increased the immediate sales of the book

Question. Choose the correct option to answer the following:
According to paragraph V, ‘there is a two-way relationship between books and the screen’.
This is so because both
(a) revolve around the same stories.
(b) cater to an audience with the same taste.
(c) gain from each other’s popularity.
(d) belong to the creative field.
Answer.(c) gain from each other’s popularity.

SECTION–B (GRAMMAR & WRITING)

III. Answer any five out of the six questions by selecting the most appropriate option for each.

Question. The hospital board clearly mentioned that you ________ smoke in the hospital as it is a health hazard for all.
(a) cannot
(b) must not
(c) need not
(d) might not
Answer.(b) must not

Question. There’s never ____________ petrol left after Rahul uses the car.
(a) much
(b) little
(c) many
(d) a little
Answer.(b) little

Question. I am taking driving lessons now. Hopefully, I ___________my driving test by November.
(a) will take
(b) would pass
(c) will have taken
(d) will be taking
Answer.(c) will have taken

Question. Which option displays the correct change of the following to reported speech?
Sunitha asked Venkat, “How much is the rent for your flat?”
(a) Sunitha asked Venkat how much was his rent for flat.
(b) Sunitha asked Venkat how much the rent for his flat was.
(c) Sunita enquires from Venkat that how much rent he pays.
(d) Sunita told Venkat how much the rent for his flat was.
Answer.(b) Sunitha asked Venkat how much the rent for his flat was.

Question. Which option displays the correct change of the following to reported speech?
She said, “I told Damanjit to send you an e-mail three days ago.”
(a) She told that Damanjit had mailed you three days then.
(b) She informed me that Damanjit has mailed me three days before.
(c) She says that she has told Damanjit to send me an e-mail three days then.
(d) She said that she had told Damanjit to send an e-mail to me three days before.
Answer.(d) She said that she had told Damanjit to send an e-mail to me three days before.

Question. The dog ____________ under the chair before the children arrived.
(a) has been hiding
(b) was hid
(c) have hid
(d) had hidden
Answer.(d) had hidden

(WRITING)

IV. Answer any five out of the six questions given, with reference to the context below.

You are Debashree, a resident of Siliguri, Assam. You have to write a letter to the editor of a national daily drawing attention towards the difficulty faced by differently-abled people at tourist places.

Question. Select the option with relevant aspects that Debashree should select, for this letter.
(1) The newspaper’s name
(2) Attached proof of the newspaper subscription
(3) Debashree’s address
(4) Formal tone
(5) Expected date of the letter’s receipt
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (3) and (5)
(d) (1), (3) and (4)
Answer.(d) (1), (3) and (4)

Question. Select the appropriate subject for this letter.
(a) Drawing attention towards differently-abled people
(b) The Differently-abled: Neglected or Misunderstood?
(c) Tourist places are an inconvenience to differently-abled people
(d) Inconvenience Faced by the Differently-abled at Tourist Spots
Answer.(d) Inconvenience Faced by the Differently-abled at Tourist Spots

Question. Which option should Debashree select, to elaborate on the difficulties faced by the differently-abled?
(a) - Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
- Unclean toilets
- High ticket-prices
(b) - Unsuitable visiting timings
- Tourist guides untrained in sign language
- Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
(c) - Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
- Tourist guides untrained in sign language
- Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
(d) - Unclean toilets
- High ticket-prices
- Unsuitable visiting timings
Answer.(c) - Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
- Tourist guides untrained in sign language

Question. Debashree shares some suggestions in her letter, to address the issue.
Select the option that helps her complete these suggestions, appropriately.
In my opinion, the media can play a pivotal role in transforming people’s
(i) _____________. Also, (ii) ____________ against negligence to the needs of the differently-abled, at the tourist spots, shall go a long way in bringing about a positive change.
(a) (i) beliefs and traditions (ii) composing songs
(b) (i) perceptions and attitudes (ii) cautioning the authorities
(c) (i) preferences (ii) protesting
(d) (i) interactions (ii) keeping minimum interference
Answer.(b) (i) perceptions and attitudes (ii) cautioning the authorities

Question. Select the option that correctly justifies the choice of the concluding portion of this letter.
(1) I expect the authorities to take actions on this issue. Please post my thoughts in your newspaper.
(2) I hope my views get published in the columns of your newspaper so that this issue may garner more public support and awareness.
(a) Yes, to Option (1) because of the authoritative tone.
(b) No, to Option (1) because of the informal tone.
(c) Yes, to Option (2) because of the tone of polite expectation.
(d) No, to Option (2) because of the certainty in the tone.
Answer.(c) Yes, to Option (2) because of the tone of polite expectation.

Question. Select the option that completes the concluding line appropriately.
I hope that my letter will ………………
(a) help spread awareness about the issue.
(b) lead to action against all authorities responsible, at tourist spots.
(c) improve circulation of the national daily.
(d) result in positive reviews by the readers.
Answer.(a) help spread awareness about the issue.

(LITERATURE)

V. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:
But the decades of oppression and brutality had another unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our times — men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character.
My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea.
(Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Question. What was the unintended effect of the long oppression? Choose the correct option.
(a) It made the people indifferent to injustice.
(b) It made the people reject oppression.
(c) It influenced a generation to fight against injustice.
(d) It made people accept their oppression.
Answer.(c) It influenced a generation to fight against injustice.

Question. Men of such extraordinary courage refers to the people who __________________
(a) liberated and abolished the Apartheid system.
(b) used their resources to spread awareness.
(c) fought for their country’s freedom.
(d) demonstrated utmost strength to oppose the system.
Answer.(d) demonstrated utmost strength to oppose the system.

Question. Nelson Mandela compares ____________ to diamonds.
(a) his countrymen
(b) patriots
(c) wise men
(d) the oppressed
Answer.(a) his countrymen

Question. When Nelson Mandela says, “I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea.”, he means that they are ___________
(a) stubborn.
(b) committed.
(c) intelligent.
(d) proud.
Answer.(b) committed.

Question. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following:
depths: heights : : compassion : _____________.
(a) wisdom
(b) oppression
(c) struggle
(d) courage
Answer.(c) struggle

VI. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Let me put it more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the world. And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-yearold sister, and there are about thirty people I can call friends. I have a family, loving aunts and a good home. No, on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend. All I think about when I’m with friends is having a good time. I can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things.
(From the Diary of Anne Frank))

Question. Why does Anne feel the following?
…no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the world.
(1) People knew she had a family.
(2) People rejected the idea of loneliness.
(3) She had several friends.
(4) She had a cheerful personality.
(5) Her life was comfortable.
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (2) and (3)
(d) (2), (4) and (5)
Answer.(b) (1), (3) and (4)

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) …on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true friend.
(2) Anne doesn’t truly connect with anyone.
(a) (1) is true and (2) is false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (1) furthers the meaning of (2).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
Answer.(c) (1) furthers the meaning of (2).

Question. From the options given below, identify Anne’s tone in the extract.
(a) restless
(b) dissatisfied
(c) scared
(d) hurt
Answer.(b) dissatisfied

Question. Select the option which displays an example of ‘having a good time’.
(a) He is out for a picnic with his friends and they are laughing and singing together.
(b) He is studying hard for the periodic test the following day to improve his scores.
(c) He is trying to convince his father to purchase the latest video games for him.
(d) He just rescued an injured puppy and is tending to its wounds.
Answer.(a) He is out for a picnic with his friends and they are laughing and singing together.

Question. What do we get to know about Anne when she says the following?
I can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things
Choose one from the following to answer:
(a) She is proud of her ways.
(b) She is struggling to strike conversations.
(c) She is unsure of her own thoughts.
(d) She is unable to have a satisfying conversation.
Answer.(d) She is unable to have a satisfying conversation.

VII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Money is external.
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up
                                                  (The Ball Poem)

Question.The poet says money is external. What does it mean in this extract?
(a) Money helps us purchase materials that make life worth living.
(b) Money promotes materialism and hunger for power among youngsters.
(c) Money only impacts a person’s external environment.
(d) Money buys materialistic things and can be earned again, when lost.
Answer.(d) Money buys materialistic things and can be earned again, when lost.

Question. What does the boy learn by losing the ball, according to the extract?
(1) Loss is the unavoidable truth of life.
(2) Material objects can be replaced.
(3) Money buys happiness.
(4) Losses in life can be prevented with care.
(5) Life continues despite losses.
(a) (1), (2) and (5)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) Only (1)
(d) (3) and (5)
Answer.(a) (1), (2) and (5)

Question. The boy is learning how to stand up…
This means that he is learning to be ____________ in the face of difficulties.
(a) patient
(b) resilient
(c) defensive
(d) judgemental
Answer.(b) resilient

Question. Which option lists who is speaking these lines?
(a) An observer.
(b) The boy’s parent.
(c) The ball salesman.
(d) A friend.
Answer.(a) An observer.

Question. According to the poet, from whom do we mostly learn about loss?
(a) Elders.
(b) Experiences.
(c) Books.
(d) Teachers.
Answer.(b) Experiences.

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

I followed casually.
“Hello again,” he said.
I gave him my most appealing smile. “I want to work for you,” I said.
“But I can’t pay you.”
I thought that over for a minute. Perhaps I had misjudged my man. I asked, “Can you feed me?”
“Can you cook?”
“I can cook,” I lied again.
“If you can cook, then maybe I can feed you.”
He took me to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and told me I could sleep on the balcony.
But the meal I cooked that night must have been terrible because Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off. But I just hung around, smiling in my most appealing way, and he couldn’t help laughing.
                                    (The Thief ’s Story)

Question. Even though Hari Singh followed Anil casually, it was a/an _____________
(a) careless action.
(b) staged move.
(c) unusual decision.
(d) bold step.
Answer.(b) staged move.

Question. From the following options, identify Hari Singh’s intention behind the appealing smile.
(a) Deceit
(b) Harm
(c) Hatred
(d) Jealousy
Answer.(a) Deceit

Question. Select the option listing Anil’s characteristics, as revealed in the extract.
(1) unassuming (2) kind
(3) determined (4) naïve
(5) humourous
(a) (2) and (3)
(b) Only (5)
(c) (1), (2) and (4)
(d) Only (2)
Answer.(c) (1), (2) and (4)

Question. Select the most appropriate option based on (1) and (2).
(1) Anil gave his meal to a stray dog.
(2) Hari Singh did not know how to cook.
(a) (2) is true and (1) is false.
(b) (2) is the result for (1).
(c) (2) is the cause for (1).
(d) (2) is false and (1) is true.
Answer.(c) (2) is the cause for (1).

Question. The phrase hung around suggests that Hari Singh continued to __________
(a) smile.
(b) cook.
(c) appeal.
(d) linger.
Answer.(d) linger.

IX. Attempt the following.

Question. Lencho is ____________when he says, “that’s what they say: no one dies of hunger.”
(a) doubtful
(b) stressed
(c) confused
(d) dismissive
Answer.(d) dismissive

Question. Which option correctly replaces the underlined phrase in the give line from Fire and Ice? I hold with those who favour fire.
(a) am as experienced as
(b) strongly disagree with
(c) have the same opinion as
(d) habitually avoid
Answer.(c) have the same opinion as

Question. The purpose of the treatment, given to the young seagull by his parents, was to_____________
(a) teach him a lesson about the importance of food.
(b) inculcate obedience towards them.
(c) let him overcome his fear.
(d) improve his relationship with his siblings.
Answer.(c) let him overcome his fear.

Question. Peggy often gave a nudge to one of her friends when she spoke to Wanda in the school yard. This meant that she wanted her friend to ___________________.
(a) stop talking to Wanda and move on
(b) observe and partake in the joke on Wanda
(c) ignore the complete situation with Wanda
(d) interrupt any reply that came from Wanda
Answer.(b) observe and partake in the joke on Wanda

Question. In the poem Dust of Snow, which negative symbols have been used to create a positive effect?
(a) hemlock tree; crow
(b) crow; snow
(c) snow; hemlock tree
(d) crow; dust
Answer.(a) hemlock tree; crow

Question. Mandela refers to liberty as “newborn” because it
(a) was dependent on others for growth and guidance.
(b) had recently been attained with lots of struggle.
(c) made people experience infant-like excitement.
(d) arrived unexpectedly for everyone.
Answer.(b) had recently been attained with lots of struggle.

Question. In the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, what does the tiger’s ‘quiet rage’, indicate?
It indicates that the tiger’s anger is
(a) forgotten.
(b) provoked
(c) suppressed
(d) opposed.
Answer.(c) suppressed

Question. Identify the option that aptly describes Griffin.
(a) greedy, yet kind
(b) proud and honourable
(c) considerate and selfless
(d) brilliant, but lawless
Answer.(d) brilliant, but lawless

Question. Anil’s carelessness made stealing from him _____________ for Hari Singh.
(a) uninteresting
(b) difficult
(c) systematic
(d) predictable
Answer.(a) uninteresting

Question. What does the exclamation, “This is a triumph of surgery!”, by Mrs. Pumphrey, mean?
(a) The surgery was successful.
(b) The mistress could take back her pet.
(c) The doctor was a great veterinarian.
(d) The planned venture was fruitful
Answer.(d) The planned venture was fruitful

Class 10 English Term 1 Sample Paper

SECTION–A (READING)

I. Read the passage given below.

(1) Every morning, art gallerist Mandira begins her day with a cup of coffee with beans sourced from El Salvador. In another part of the city, sound recordist Ayush starts his day by pulverising Watapi coffee beans from the Biligiri Rangana Hills in Karnataka.These people are of the new camp of Indian coffee drinkers who cringe at the thought of cafe-served cappuccinos and balk at assembly-line products. They like their coffee black, freshly-roasted, and made with signature single-origin beans.

(2) Single-origin coffees are made from beans picked from a single coffee-growing region.The unique soil, climate, altitude and influence, which is collectively known as ‘terroir, distinguishes the flavour of the coffee procured from its beans. Thus, a plantation with orange trees in the neighbourhood may have a subtle citrus note in the beans.

(3) According to coffee experts, this phase in coffee drinking is referred to as the third wave of the coffee-drinking experience in India. The first wave in coffee drinking peaked when instant coffee hit the shelves in the 1960s. The second wave arrived with the coming of the cappuccinos and lattes. The current phase is marked with SO coffee
on the shelves of supermarkets. The selections of premier coffee, instead of sachets of instant coffee, have become the norm in high-end places. Coffee tasting and coffee workshops are now becoming commonplace. Outlets in India are now serving seven different SO coffees and the Ethiopian Sidamo, a mild black coffee with hints of caramel and chocolate, is the most popular.

(4) These specialist stores keep no stock waiting. They roast coffee beans on order, grind per requirement, and dispatch the pack within a day, so it remains fresh. Also, there are
detailed notes about the plantation from where the coffee is picked, along with notes about its taste and flavour.

(5) One of the most intriguing stories is that of the Attikan Estate Coffee. Named after the notorious bandit Veerappan, the estate of Attikan in Karnataka grows the beans in the Billigiri Rangama Hills, south of Mysore. As this hilly terrain was used by Veerappan,for nearly two decades, no one dared to visit the plantation. After the shooting of the bandit in 2004, the coffee from there is marketed at specialist shops.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. The first wave in coffee drinking peaked:
(a) when instant coffee hit the shelves
(b) with the coming of the cappuccinos and lattes
(c) with signature single-origin beans
(d) none of these
Answer.(a) when instant coffee hit the shelves

Question. How are single-origin coffees made?
(a) By pulverising Watapi coffee beans from the Bilgiri Rangana Hills
(b) By picking the beans from a single coffee-growing region
(c) By roasting coffee beans
(d) By plucking the beans from a plantation with orange trees
Answer.(b) By picking the beans from a single coffee-growing region

Question. Which of the following factor distinguishes the flavour of the coffee procured from its beans?
(a) Soil
(b) Climate
(c) Altitude
(d) All of these
Answer.(d) All of these 

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(a) The first wave in coffee drinking peaked when instant coffee hit the shelves in the 1960s.
(b) Coffee tasting and coffee workshops are now becoming commonplace.
(c) The selections of sachets of instant coffee, instead of premier coffee, have become the norm in high-end places.
(d) The second wave arrived with the coming of the cappuccinos and lattes.
Answer.(c) The selections of sachets of instant coffee, instead of premier coffee, have become the norm in high-end places. 

Question. Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘wave’, as used in the passage to fill in the blank space.
(a) He raised the hand to ____________.
(b) A great ____________ overwhelmed the boat.
(c) He would always turn and ____________ at the end of the street.
(d) Political leaders united yesterday to condemn the latest ____________ of violence.
Answer.(d) Political leaders united yesterday to condemn the latest ____________ of violence.

Question. Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘notorious’, as used in the passage.
(1) Known for being unknown and nameless
(2) Known for something bad
(3) Known for honourable deeds
(4) Known for reputation and wealth
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (3)
(c) (3) and (4)
(d) (4) and (5)
Answer.(b) (2) and (3)

Question. The current phase is marked with ____________ on the shelves of supermarkets.
(a) caramel
(b) chocolate
(c) citrus
(d) SO coffee
Answer.(d) SO coffee

Question. The ________________________ have become the norm in high-end places.
(a) selections of premier coffee, instead of sachets of instant coffee
(b) selections of instant coffee, instead of sachets of premier coffee
(c) selections of roast coffee, instead of sachets of instant coffee
(d) selections of premier coffee, instead of sachets of roast coffee
Answer.(a) selections of premier coffee, instead of sachets of instant coffee 

Question. Why did no one dare to visit the estate of Attikan in Karnataka?
(a) Because it was situated in the south of Mysore
(b) Because the terrain was used by Veerappan
(c) Because of its unique soil and altitude
(d) Because it was named after the notorious bandit Veerappan
Answer.(b) Because the terrain was used by Veerappan 

Question. When was the notorious bandit shot?
(a) 2003
(b) 2000
(c) 2009
(d) 2004
Answer.(d) 2004

II. Read the passage given below:

(1) Ang Norbu’s mother Lhakpa Diki, the only woman high-altitude guide in the 1940s,took up the profession of high-altitude climbing guide after her husband, Lobsang, a Sherpa, went missing while accompanying two eastern mountaineers to Green Lake on the northern side of Mt Kanchenjunga, in 1947. In an interview last year, Lhakpa, at age 103, said, “I had seen what happened to Sherpa children who lost their fathers to the mountains.” Diki guided Sahibs on treks in Sikkim and the Singhalila Himalayas.

(2) Darjeeling’s tryst with the Himalayas began with the Dalai Lama giving his consent to climb Mount Everest from the Tibetian side, in response to a request by the British in 1921. As Nepal was closed to western mountaineers, expeditions were flagged off from Darjeeling to Mt Everest from the Northeast Ridge in Tibet. The utter poverty in the region drove many of the population to the lucrative profession of being a highaltitude porter. Back then, the expeditions relied largely on the porters. There were also infamous tales of porters suddenly refusing to carry provisions, thereby bringing expeditions to a grinding halt.

(3) The turning point came in 1949, with Nepal opening up to western mountaineers and Tibet closing its doors to foreigners, after the Second World War. With Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mt Everest, Sherpas began getting recognition and education. In 1950, those who were in India, started getting jobs with the government and in banks. Some even became doctors. When the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded, eight Sherpas, including Tenzing Norgay, were sent to Switzerland to receive training to become formal instructors. Today, many of them have emigrated to America. Still others have diversified, choosing other adventure sports such as rock climbing, trekking, and para gliding. The present generation of Sherpas pursue mountain climbing as a hobby rather than take it up as a profession.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six of the eight questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. When did Diki take up the profession?
(a) After her husband’s death
(b) After her daughter’s death
(c) After her husband went missing
(d) After her daughter went missing
Answer.(c) After her husband went missing

Question. Why was climbing Mt Everest done from the Tibetan side earlier?
(a) Nepal was closed to western mountaineers.
(b) Expeditions were flagged off from Darjeeling from the Northeast Ridge in Tibet.
(c) The utter poverty in the region drove many of the mountaineers in the region.
(d) Both (i) and (ii)
Answer.(b) Expeditions were flagged off from Darjeeling from the Northeast Ridge in Tibet.

Question. Why were Sherpas important for expeditions of yore?
(a) As there were infamous tales of porters.
(b) Without them expeditions ground to a halt.
(c) As they are high altitude porters.
(d) Due to their lucrative profession.
Answer.(b) Without them expeditions ground to a halt.

Question. The turning point in mountain climbing in the region is:
(a) the opening up of Nepal in 1949 to western mountaineers.
(b) Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mt Everest.
(c) that Indians started getting jobs with the government and in banks.
(d) that the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded.
Answer.(a) the opening up of Nepal in 1949 to western mountaineers.

Question. What occupations do present day Sherpas take up?
(a) Carry provisions
(b) Conduct expeditions
(c) Guide tourists
(d) Pursue mountain climbing as a hobby
Answer.(d) Pursue mountain climbing as a hobby

Question. Who is Lhakpa Diki?
(a) The first woman mountaineer
(b) The only woman high-altitude guide
(c) A Sherpa
(d) Both (A) and (B)
Answer.(d) Both (A) and (B)

Question. Darjeeling’s tryst with the Himalayas began with the Dalai Lama giving his consent to:
(a) women taking up the profession of high-altitude climbing guide
(b) close Nepal to western mountaineers
(c) climb Mount Everest from the Tibetian side
(d) accompany two eastern mountaineers to Green Lake
Answer.(c) climb Mount Everest from the Tibetian side

Question. The present generation of Sherpas pursue mountain climbing as a:
(a) profession
(b) hobby
(c) both of these
(d) none of these
Answer.(b) hobby

SECTION–B (GRAMMAR & WRITING)

III. Answer any five out of the six questions by selecting the most appropriate option for each.

Question.  ___________ it help you in your studies?
(a) Will
(b) Was
(c) Is
(d) Are
Answer.(a) Will

Question. Choose the correct sentence from the following.
(a) Do you like a glass of water?
(b) Would you like a glass of water?
(c) Would you like the glass of water?
(d) Do you like the glass of water?
Answer.(b) Would you like a glass of water?

Question. There are __________ messages for you.
(a) none
(b) no
(c) much
(d) little
Answer.(b) no

Question. The quality of products ________ over time.
(a) are degrading
(b) have been degrading
(c) have degraded
(d) were degraded
Answer.(a) are degrading

Question. _________ Shatabdi Express will arrive at eight o’clock.
(a) A 
(b) Any
(c) Some
(d) The
Answer.(d) The

Question. Nazir said, “I did my duty with full justice.” Choose the option which has been correctly reported.
(a) Nazir said that he had done his duty with full justice.
(b) Nazir said he had done his duty with full justice.
(c) Nazir asked if he had done his duty with full justice.
(d) Nazir said that he was doing his duty with full justice.
Answer.(a) Nazir said that he had done his duty with full justice.

IV. Answer any five out of the six questions given, with reference to the context below.

You are Rajan. Recently, you bought a new smart phone but the phone developed a fault. Write a complaint letter to the company.

Question. What should Rajan begin the letter with?
(a) Date
(b) Recipient’s address
(c) Subject
(d) Sender’s address
Answer.(d) Sender’s address

Question. Select the appropriate subject for this letter.
(a) Fault in new smartphone
(b) Late delivery of new smartphone
(c) Complaint against customer service
(d) Replacement of old smartphone
Answer.(a) Fault in new smartphone 

Question. What should Rajan highlight in this letter of complaint?
(a) He should mention the date of purchase and the model of smartphone.
(b) He should brief the problem in the smartphone.
(c) He should request for a replacement under warranty.
(d) All of these
Answer.(d) All of these 

Question. Select the option to complete the conclusion of Rajan’s letter.
I expect you to (i) __________________ within a week. Otherwise, I would be forced to (ii) _______________.
(a) (i) ship me a brand new smartphone; (ii) seek legal advice
(b) (i) ship me a refurbished smartphone; (ii) buy a new smartphone
(c) (i) ship me a brand new smartphone; (ii) repay the amount
(d) (i) ship me a refurbished smartphone; (ii) shut your store
Answer.(a) (i) ship me a brand new smartphone; (ii) seek legal advice

Question. Rajan should end the letter with:
(a) Your true friend
(b) Yours sincerely
(c) See you soon
(d) All the best
Answer.(b) Yours sincerely 

Question. What tone should Rajan follow when writing this letter of complaint?
(a) Agressive
(b) Courteous
(c) Insulting
(d) Authoratitive
Answer.(b) Courteous

SECTION-C (LITERATURE)

V. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow.

It was during that meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall. In the North-East huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. The air was fresh and sweet. The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body.

Question. What could be seen approaching in the North-East?
(a) Huge mountains of clouds
(b) A group of birds
(c) Cyclone
(d) Soldiers
Answer.(a) Huge mountains of clouds

Question. Why did Lencho go out?
(a) To save his crops
(b) To check the weather
(c) To feel the rain on his body
(d) To get the clothes from getting wet
Answer.(c) To feel the rain on his body

Question. How is the air described in the extract?
(a) Fresh
(b) Sweet
(c) Both of these
(d) None of these
Answer.(c) Both of these

Question. What was Lencho’s prediction?
(a) That it would rain
(b) That it would snow
(c) That the crops would damage
(d) That the flood could come
Answer.(a) That it would rain

Question. Which word from the following means the same as ‘forecast’?
(a) Pleasure
(b) Prediction
(c) Reason
(d) Fresh
Answer.(b) Prediction

VI. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow.

Then his father flew over him screaming. He saw his two brothers and his sister flying around him curveting and banking and soaring and diving. Then he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly, and commended himself to dive and soar and curve, shrieking shrilly. He was near the sea now, flying straight out over the ocean.

Question. Who flew over the young seagull screaming?
(a) His mother
(b) His brothers
(c) His sister
(d) His father
Answer.(d) His father

Question. How were his two brothers and his sister flying?
(a) Curveting and banking
(b) Soaring and diving
(c) Both (A) and (B)
(d) Neither (A) nor (B)
Answer.(c) Both (A) and (B)

Question. Where was the young seagull now?
(a) Near the sea
(b) Near the grasslands
(c) Near the lake
(d) Near the edge
Answer.(a) Near the sea

Question. What did the young seagull commend himself to do?
(a) Dive
(b) Soar
(c) Curve
(d) All of these
Answer.(d) All of these

Question. What change took place in the young seagull?
(a) He became afraid.
(b) He became self-reliant.
(c) He became cocky.
(d) He became circumspect.
Answer.(b) He became self-reliant.

VII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow.

He hears the last voice at night
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars

Question. Identify the poem from which the above lines have been taken.
(a) Animals
(b) A Tiger in the Zoo
(c) Fire and Ice
(d) The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Answer.(b) A Tiger in the Zoo

Question. What does the tiger hear at night in the zoo?
(a) Roars of lion
(b) People talking
(c) Dog barking
(d) Sounds of cars
Answer.(d) Sounds of cars

Question. Why were the patrolling cars making rounds?
(a) To clean the zoo
(b) To bath the animals
(c) To check if everything is right
(d) To terrorise the villagers
Answer.(c) To check if everything is right

Question. How do the eyes of a tiger look at night?
(a) Bright
(b) Shiny
(c) Dull
(d) Both (i) and (ii)
Answer.(d) Both (i) and (ii)

Question. Which word from the following means the same as ‘to look fixedly’?
(a) Patrolling
(b) Stares
(c) Brilliant
(d) Voice
Answer.(b) Stares

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow.

The feeling among the neighbours was that the trouble was caused by witchcraft. But witchcraft or not, when news of the burglary at the clergyman’s home became known,the strange scientist was strongly suspected of having has a hand in it. Suspicion grew even stronger when he suddenly produced some ready cash, though he had admitted not long before that he had no money.

Question. For which crime did people suspect the scientist?
(a) People suspected the scientist for the kidnapping.
(b) People suspected the scientist for the murder.
(c) People suspected the scientist for the burglary.
(d) People suspected the scientist for witchcraft.
Answer.(c) People suspected the scientist for the burglary.

Question. Choose the statement from the given option which is NOT TRUE.
(a) Griffin paid his dues in the inn after the robbery at the clergyman’s, making the reference signature.
(b) The burglary happened at the clergyman’s house.
(c) The feeling among the neighbours was the clergyman caused the trouble.
(d) Griffin suddenly produced some ready cash.
Answer.(c) The feeling among the neighbours was the clergyman caused the trouble.

Question. What is meant by ‘had a hand in it’?
(a) Put the hand in it
(b) Was suspected
(c) Was involved
(d) Was questionable
Answer.(c) Was involved

Question. Why did suspicion grew on the scientist?
(a) Because he was the only one who was missing
(b) Because he was invisible
(c) Because he was the only person who was seen in a clergyman’s home
(d) Because he had admitted earlier that he had no money
Answer.(d) Because he had admitted earlier that he had no money

Question. Which word from the following does not mean ‘to believe to be guilty’?
(a) Suspected
(b) Trusted
(c) Questionable
(d) Shaky
Answer.(a) Suspected

IX. Attempt the following.

Question. In ‘The Ball Poem’, the poet seems to have indicated the merry bouncing of the ball to:
(a) create a sense of rhythm in these lines.
(b) support the happiness of the experience of playing.
(c) contrast with the dejected feeling of the boy.
(d) indicate the cheerful mood of the boy.
Answer.(c) contrast with the dejected feeling of the boy.

Question. Why did the pilot not receive any answer from Paris control station?
(a) Because he was not in his right mind
(b) Because he was not listening to them
(c) Because he was distracted
(d) Because his radio was broken
Answer.(d) Because his radio was broken

Question. Why did Lencho think of the help from God as his only hope?
(a) Because his eyes see everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience
(b) Because he is omnipresent
(c) Because he is kind
(d) All of these
Answer.(a) Because his eyes see everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience

Question. Which of the following factor was responsible for Tricki’s condition?
(a) His habit of overeating
(b) Lack of exercise
(c) Lack of physical movement
(d) All of these
Answer.(d) All of these

Question. Anil looked easy-going, kind and simple to the narrator. Which of the given
characteristics would not fit in this description?
(a) Compassionate
(b) Suave
(c) Uncomplicated
(d) Carefree
Answer.(b) Suave

Question. The postman at the post-office laughed because:
(a) he received a parcel
(b) he had irritation
(c) the postman said something
(d) the letter was addressed ‘To God’
Answer.(d) the letter was addressed ‘To God’

Question. How do the eyes of the tiger look?
(a) Sad
(b) Brilliant
(c) Dark
(d) Light
Answer.(b) Brilliant

Question. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
(a) He visited during off season.
(b) His intention was only to work.
(c) He looked weird
(d) All of these
Answer.(c) He looked weird

Question. Who is the author of ‘His First Flight’?
(a) Liam O’Flaherty
(b) Frederick Forsyth
(c) Roal Dahl
(d) Paulo Coehlo
Answer.(a) Liam O’Flaherty

Question. Did Anil really mind his petty ways of earning money?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Maybe
(d) He didn’t earn through petty ways
Answer.(b) No