Preparatory exam 2024-25

Class 10th Sub: English Marks 80 Time : 2:45 mins

I. Four alternatives are given for each of the following questions / incomplete
statements. Only one of them is correct or most appropriate. Choose the
correct alternative and write the complete answer along with its letter of
alphabet: 4 x 1=4
1. Read the given conversation and choose the ‘language function’ for the
underlined sentence:
Mohith : Hello Karthik, how is your stay in Bengaluru?
Karthik : Good, but the polluted air is a worry.
Mohith : Buy a pollution mask.
Karthik: Thanks for suggesting. I will buy one soon.
a. Seeking permission
b. Seeking information
c. Giving permission
d. Accepting the suggestion
d. Accepting the suggestion

2. Read the conversation and choose the infinitive from the sentence:
Tanu: What is your next project? Anu: A nice book to read full of suspense.
a. is b. book to
c. to read d. full of

c. to read
3. Read the given conversation and fill in the blank choosing the most
appropriate words from the given options.
Kyathi: Could you attend the outdoor concert?
Parveen: If it hadn’t rained, we _________ attended the outdoor concert.
a. will have b. wouldn’t have
c. would have d. shall have

c. would have
4. Choose the appropriate question tag and fill in the blank.
I am trying my best to get through the examinations, _________?
a. aren’t I? b. am I?
c. amn’t I? d. shouldn’t I?

a. aren’t I?
II. Do as directed: 12x1=12
5. Combine the word in column ‘A’ with its collocative word in column ‘B’.
A B film [show, direct, produce, stage]
6. Pick the one syllable word from the words given below:
world harmony spirited enchanting

Ans: world

7. Fill in the blank with appropriate preposition:

My mother is waiting _____ home for me.

Ans: at

8. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles.

Prayer is _______ unique letter to God.

Ans: a

9. Fill in the blank using suitable linker:

The stranger was honest _________ truthful.

Ans: and
10. Fill in the blanks with the right form of verb given in brackets
Every morning, Mr. Arun ________ (run) in the park to stay fit.
Ans: runs
11. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets:
The _________ (reflect) of the mountains in the lake is a good picture for an artist.
Ans: reflection
12. Name the parts of speech of the underlined word in the given sentence.
The confidence the students have after getting 90% in their examination is a joy to
parents and teachers.
Ans: noun
13. Use the word ‘book’ as a verb in a sentence of your own.
Ans: Meaningful sentence
14. Change the following sentence into superlative degree.
Iron is more useful than any other metal.
Iron is the most useful metal.
15. Read the following conversation and change the underlined sentence into
reported speech:
Teacher: Have you read any novel?
Student: Yes madam, I have read a novel by R K Narayan.
The student said that ___________
Ans: he/ she had read a novel by R K Narayan.
16. Change the given sentence into its passive form:
My brother encourages me to participate in all events.
Ans: I am encouraged by my brother to participate in all events.
III. 17. The following paragraph has two errors. Edit the paragraph and rewrite
it in the answer booklet. Clues are given: 1x 2=2
The stroms in the deep sea threaten the surrounding land. This forces the authorities
to evacuate people to safe places quick.
a) spelling mistake to be corrected.
Ans: storms
b) adverbial mistake to be corrected.
Ans: quickly
IV Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each: 7x2=14
18. Why did Smitha feel that it was a chance of life-time for Anant?
Ans: Anant said that it was the chance of a lifetime and so wished to go to the concert.
But Smitha knew that Anant was suffering from cancer and was bedridden. She
knew Anant would never be able to see and hear Pandit Ravi Shankar if he missed
this chance.
19. Gandhiji and Dr. B R. Ambedkar both worked for the depressed classes in their
own way. Justify this statement.
Ans: Gandhiji reminded the upper classes of their duties towards the oppressed.
Ambedkar reminded the depressed classes of their rights. Gandhiji stressed the
duties and Ambedkar stressed the rights.
20. Why did the superpowers meet in Geneva?
Ans: The superpowers had signed an agreement not to conduct nuclear tests. The
superpowers were summoned to solve the problem that would arise if any of the
superpowers violated this agreement.
21. ‘Don Anselmo and the Americans were generous.’ Justify the statement.
The Americans discovered that Don Anslemo owned more than eight acres of land.
They told him that they were willing to pay an extra amount for the extra land. But
Don Anselmo refused to take extra money for the extra land. He told them that he
had promised them to give his property for twelve hundred dollars and so he
would keep his word. So both were generous.
22. Why does the poet say that he will be in solitary confinement?
Ans: The poet will be shut in the capsule. Nobody will be able to visit him, talk to him or
write mails to him.
He will be alone. So he feels it will be like being imprisoned.
23. Why were Babu and Manju disappointed?
Ans: Babu and Manju thought the march would be violent. But there were no shouts, no
slogans. The march was silent.
OR
What did the absence of a mother teach Hanif and his brothers?
Ans: The absence of their mother from home taught the children to become
responsible. They got up early and completed the household work and went to
school. They learnt one’s duty is the most important thing in life.
24. What hardships did Dicky Dolma face before scaling Mount Everest?
Ans: Dicky Dolma lost her mother and her brother in her childhood. She also faced
financial problems. After getting into the training course she worked hard for four
hours every day. She made three successful expeditions to different mountains.
Or
How did the bird of happiness put an end to the hardships suffered by the
people?
Ans -When the bird cried for the first time, clouds and warm breeze blew.
-At the second cry, the mountains filled with trees, flowers and birds began to sing.
-At the third cry, fields, rivers appeared and white rabbits danced.
V. Answer the following questions in 5-6 sentences each: 2x3=6
25. How did Satish meet with an accident?
Ans: - Satish and Inder and his father went hiking to Kashmir.
- They were crossing a rickety bridge over some rapids.
- They were looking at the swirling water below them.
- Satish told his brother to see the rushing water at a spot below.
- Just then, Satish’s foot slipped and lost his balance and he fell into the rapids.
- They took Satish to hospital.
- When he regained consciousness, his legs were in a plaster cast.
- His head was badly hurt. He was bruised and was aching all over.
26. Describe the feelings of the Land in the poem I am the land?
• Ans: Mother earth is the speaker.
• She pours out her pain.
• Man thinks that he owns the earth.
• People buy land, drill holes and also pollute the Earth.
• When people plough her, she gives fruits and flowers.
• Some men come with guns and try to fence her.
• It chokes her, hurts her but she waits
• The Earth waits patiently for man to realize his mistakes.
• She tells with self-assertion that no one can fence her.
• She can punish people if they do not correct their mistakes.

VI. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow: 4 x 3=12
27. “There are no scorpions, little fellow.”
a. Who does ‘little fellow’ refer to?
‘little fellow’ refers to Swami.
b. Who said this?
Swami’s father said this.

c. Why did the speaker say this?

Swami’s father knew that Swami was giving a lame excuse but father wanted Swami to
cultivate good habits.
28. “We’re like bats trying to fly by day.
a. Who said this?
Diego

b. Who was this said to?

Pedro

c. What did the speaker mean by this statement?

Deigo felt that they were sailing without knowing their destination just like bats
flying by day.
29. “Chacha, can I borrow your mobile?”
a. Who said this?
Baleshwar

b. Who was this said to?

The tempo truck driver

c. Why did the speaker borrow the mobile?

He wanted to inform about the accident to Roma’s family.
30. “What song shall I sing of you my mother”,
a. Who is the speaker ? The poet V K Gokak
b. Who is you here? the mother India
c. What song he wants to sing? The praising song for mother India.
VII. 31 Given below is a profile of an artist. Write a paragraph using the clues given
below: 3
Name : Satish Gujral

Born : 25 December 1925

Place : Jhelum, Pakistan
Parents : AvtarNarainGujral,
Pushpa
Gujral
Spouse : Kiran Gujral
Profession : painting
Well-known : artist, writer, sculptor,
architect.
Awards : Order of Crown,
PadmaVibhushan
Died : 26 March 2020, New
Delhi
Ans: This is the profile of Satish Gujral. His date of birth is 25 December 1925. His place
of birth is Jhelum, Pakistan. His father is AvtarNarainGujral and his mother is
PushpaGujral. His spouse is Kiran Gujral. His profession was painting. He was a
well-known artist, writer, sculptor and architect. His awards were - Order of
Crown, PadmaVibhushan. He died on 26 March 2020, New Delhi.
VIII.32. Develop the story using the clues given below: 1x3=3
A hungry dog — stood by a meat shop — butcher offered a meat piece — took it in the
mouth — ran over a bridge — looked below — water — saw another dog —
reflection — barked — meat fell in water — disappointed — moral.
Ans: meaningful story with grammatically correct sentences.
IX. 33. Study the picture given below. Write a description or an account of what
the picture suggests to you in a paragraph: 1X3=3
X. 34. Quote from memory: 1x4=4
It is enthroned ……………………………. Then ………………………………………

When mercy seasons justice. OR ……………………a poor blind boy.

XI. 35. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
2X2=4
Sir M Visvesvaraya, a renowned engineer, statesman, and the builder of modern
Karnataka in India, is celebrated for his numerous contributions. One notable
incident from his life is the implementation of the irrigation system in the Deccan
region. During his tenure as the Diwan of Mysore (1912–1918), Sir M Visvesvaraya
faced a significant challenge: the arid Deccan plateau was affected by droughts,
affecting agriculture and the livelihoods of the people. Determined to find a
solution, he devised an ingenious plan to create a system of dams and reservoirs to
conserve water and facilitate irrigation.
He planned to construct Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam across the Cauvery River near
Mysore. Sir M Visvesvaraya’s meticulous engineering skills ensured that the dam
could store and control the flow of water effectively.
The successful implementation of this irrigation system transformed the region.
Farmers now had a reliable water source for their crops, leading to increased
agricultural productivity.
Sir M Visvesvaraya’s incident with the implementation of the irrigation system
showcases not only his engineering prowess but also his dedication to improving
the lives of the people through innovative solutions to complex problems. His
contributions continue to be remembered and revered in India’s history.
a. What was the scenario of the Deccan plateau before and after the
construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar dam?
The arid Deccan plateau was affected by droughts, affecting agriculture and the
livelihoods of the people. Sir M Visvesvaraya constructed a dam across the Cauvery
River near Mysore. Farmers now had a reliable water source for their crops,
leading to increased agricultural productivity.
b. Why is Sir M Visvesvaraya remembered and revered in Indian’s history?
Sir M Visvesvaraya’s incident with the implementation of the irrigation system
showcases not only his engineering prowess but also his dedication to improving
the lives of the people through innovative solutions to complex problems. His
contributions continue to be remembered and revered in India’s history.
XII. Answer the following questions in about 8-10 sentences each: 1x4=4
36. Summarize the poem ‘Grandma Climbs a Tree’.
OR
Write the summary of the poem ‘ballad of the tempest.
OR
Write the summary of the poem “jazz poem two”.
• Grandma was a genius.
• She could climb trees even at 62.
• Her brother taught her when she was 6.
• Her well-wishers asked to be graceful.
• But grandma said she wanted to be disgraceful.
• Once she climbed a tree in town but could not come down.
• Her family rescued her and called the doctor.
• Doctor advised her to take one week of bed rest.
• Children tucked her up in bed.
• Grandma missed climbing trees. It was like a brief season in hell.
• After a few days, she was better.
• She told her son to build a house for her on the tree.
• The poet and his father built a house with windows and a door on the tree for grandma.
• Grandma and the poet enjoyed sherry on the tree top.
• Grandma lived there happily.
OR
• Ballad of the Tempest written by James T. Fields.
• sailors were caught in a storm while sailing.
• The ship was caught by the violent storm at midnight. All the sailors had
crowded in the cabin.
• It was a midnight no one dared to sleep. All were frightened.
• The storm was very deep. It was fearful because it was winter season.
• All sailors were in silence. Even the strongest brave sailor had held his breath.
• The sea was roaring like a hungry lion.
• All were sitting in darkness. Everyone was praying the God for their safety.
• the captain shouted that they were lost.
• His little daughter took her fathers cold hands and said.
• the God upon the ocean was same as on the land and he would protect us.
• Her words filled the sailors with a new hope.
• All were kissed the little maiden.
• The sailors anchored the ship safely in harbour. the storm cleared and they
reached the harbour safely.
OR

• Jazz player stands like a ancient mariner.

• His old face is wrinkled with full of wearies.
• His collar frayed.
• His old blue shirt turned dark with sweat.
• His necktie was about undone drops.
• His old jacket was holding his sagging stomach.
• He had shoes having paper in them,
• His face was unshaven and rough.
• He closed his eyes.
• An old alto saxophone was hanging across his chest.
• He feels he has message for the people of the world.
• He feels like bird, gather wings fly high high higher.
• When he comes back again he was a black man.

XIII. 37. Write an essay on any one of the following: 1x4=4

Water pollution
Industrial waste is a significant contributor to water pollution, releasing harmful
chemicals and toxins into rivers and lakes. Agricultural wastes containing
pesticides and fertilizers pose a threat to water quality, leading to contamination of
nearby water bodies. Improper disposal of plastic waste is a major cause of water
pollution, as plastics break down into micro plastics that can harm aquatic life. Oil
spills in oceans and seas result in devastating consequences for marine ecosystems,
causing long-lasting damage to aquatic habitats. Untreated sewage and waste water
discharged from urban areas can introduce pathogens and pollutants into rivers
and coastal waters. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium from
industrial processes can accumulate in water bodies, posing health risks to both
aquatic organisms and humans. Deforestation and soil erosion contribute to
sedimentation in rivers, impacting water clarity and affecting the health of aquatic
ecosystems. Urban storm water runoff carries pollutants like heavy metals, oil, and
debris into waterways, degrading water quality in urban environments. Overuse of
fertilizers in agriculture leads to nutrient runoff, causing eutrophication in water
bodies, resulting in algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Atmospheric deposition of
pollutants, such as acid rain, can acidify water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic
life and the overall ecosystem.
Importance of sports
Sports are very important for all. They keep us fit and healthy. We develop leadership
qualities. We learn to cooperate with others. We understand others, respect others’
opinions, etc. Sports make us active in other fields also. Our brain sharpens. We
also get chance to go to other places. We learn how to behave in new places and
how to get adjusted. We also will know the other’s culture when we go for
competitions to other places. We develop competitive spirit and make us smart. We
learn to take failures. We learn to have a balanced behavior. We develop language
skills. We learn to respect others’ feelings. We learn to be a teacher and a student
forever. Sports help us reach our goal. They help us in building our physical and
mental health. They make us self-responsible. Thus sports play an important role in
everybody’s life.
National festivals
Festivals are very important. They unite people. Festivals help us to take forward our
culture. They keep us lively.
The National festivals include Republic Day,
Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti. These fes-
tivals are celebrated all over India. All the citizens of the country celebrate them
irrespective of the religion, caste, creed, and sex. Everyone celebrates them with
great patriotism.
The capital of India, New Delhi is the seat of National festivals. There is a grand parade
on Independence and Republic Day. The flag hoisting takes place in New Delhi,
which is broadcast on TV.
We also celebrate these festivals grandly in our schools. On August 15th, Independence
Day and on January 26th of every year, we clean and decorate our school. We invite
chief guest. The guest hoists our National flag. We proudly sing our National
anthem. We salute all the martyrs and warriors. We speak about the sacrifices of
our freedom fighters. We participate in cultural activities. We have sweets and
enjoy the day. National festivals bring us together and make us happy.
XIV. Write a letter using the information given below: 1x5=5
38. Imagine you are Samanvi / Samanth studying in 10th standard, Govt. High
School, Balajinagar, Gadag.
Write a letter to your elder sister requesting her to advise study time table for the
examinations . OR
Write a letter to the Bank Manager, requesting him to allow you to open a zero balance
saving account in their bank.
Ans:
From
Samanvi
10th std,
GHS Balajinagar, Gadag.
Date: 27-010-2025
Dear sister.
Hi. How are you? I am very fine here. I hope you are also fine there. I am studying
hard for my exams. I hope I will get distinction. I am writing this letter to advise study
time table for the examinations prepare daily study time table to study in home. give 30
mins time to each subject and follow take a rest after every subject. Wake early at 5 o
clock. Study well my dear.. Write a letter about your health. Convey my regards to all.
Your lovingly
Samanvi

To
ABC
Government High School

From
Samanvi
10th std,
GHS Balajinagar, Gadag.
Date: 27-010-2025
To,
The Manager,
SBI bank, Gadag.
Sir,

Subject: request to open a savings account

I am Samanvi, studying in 10th std, GHS Balajinagar, Gadag. I am applying for a
scholarship for which I must have a savings account in a bank. So I request you to
consider my application and allow me to open a zero balance saving account in
your bank. I request you to kindly do the needful.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Samanvi