CBSE Class 10 Previous Question Paper (2016) > English with Solution
CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2016: All Set Previous Year Question Paper PDF Class 10 English 2016 with Solution (also name as Marking Scheme) Download from here.
(1) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called ‘automation.’ In the future automation may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could ‘think.’ There is no possibility that human beings will be 1/1/1 [P.T.O. 3 “controlled by machines.” Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or “rule the world” by making decisions of their own.
Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.
(a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology?
Ans: invention of computers.
(b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?
Ans: Solve mathematical problems / put thousands of unrelated facts in order.
(c) Write one use of computers.
Ans: Provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams / used in industries / used in universities / carry out complicated work in all branches of learning.
(d) Explain automation?
Ans: The process by which machines can be used to work for us.
(e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the world?
Ans: Need detailed instructions from human beings to operate / cannot make decisions of their own.
(f) How would computers as translating machines help people?
Ans: Will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty / to read foreign publications.
(g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in future?
Ans: Computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket / Ordinary people would be able to use these pocket computers to obtain valuable information / Computers could be plugged in to a national network and be used like radios.
(h) How can computers help people going on holiday?
Ans: Can be informed about weather conditions / car drivers can be given alternative roads when there are traffic jams / make tiny translating machines.
(2) Read the passage given below.
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors-one’s personal planning and support from the external world. People, take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. They become unable to foresee future developments. Hence, the great risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong.”
Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.
(2.1) Answer the following questions:
(a) Why does a person become overconfident?
Ans: Because of over assessment of his capabilities and competence; jumps into situations that are beyond his control.
(b) What does overconfidence generally lead people into?
Ans: Misadventures /endangering their chances in life / putting them at great risk of failure.
(c) How can one manage overconfidence?
Ans: By discussing the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and accepting reality, when proved wrong.
(d) What kind of person does ‘modesty’ make you?
Ans: Modesty makes you a realist ; you become a person who is cut down to size ; people of this kind become very cautious before taking any action.
(2.2) Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow:
(a) Misadventure (Para 3)
(i) Mishap
(ii) Unlucky
(iii) Unhappy
(iv) Unpleasant
Ans: (i) mishap.
(b) Endangering (Para 3)
(i) Reckless
(ii) Imperil
(iii) Risky
(iv) Threatening
Ans: (iv) threatening.
(c) Assess (Para 5)
(i) Assemble
(ii) Acquire
(iii) Evaluate
(iv) Accept
Ans: (iii) evaluate.
(d) Objective (Para 4)
(i) Obedient
(ii) Servile
(iii) Honest
(iv) Impartial
Ans: (iv) impartial
(3) (a) Our metropolitan cities witness a large number of accidents every day. What do you think is the reason? What can be done to bring down the rate of accidents? Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your concerns and offering solutions to this problem. You are Arun/Aruna, 112 Model Town, Delhi.
Ans:
(b) Many children feel tempted to break rules in school. They find pleasure in doing so. Write an article in 100-120 words discussing reasons for it. Suggest measures to make children respect rules. You are Arun/Aruna.
Ans:
(4) Write a story in 150-200 words based on the input given below: Uday’s dream − do something brave − win recognition far and wide − be famous in the world − one fine day, he saw this opportunity when ………
The parent-teacher meeting was scheduled for tomorrow – scared of informing them – had been scolded for missing school – no way out – cooked a story ….
Ans:
(5) Complete the following paragraph by filling in the blanks with the help of given options:
There is a general belief (a) _______________ students that (b) __________ who write long sentences get (c) ___________ marks.
(a) (i) in (ii) of (iii) among (iv) between
(b) (i) they (ii) those (iii) all (iv) them
(c) (i) more (ii) many (iii) most (iv) much
Ans: (a) (iii) among, (b) (ii) those, (c) (i) more.
(6) The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the error and its correction as shown in the example.
Error Correction
Overeating is one of the more wonderful e.g. more most
Practices among those which think that they (a) ………… …………
Can afford it. In fact that is said that (b) ………… …………
Near all those who can get as much (c) ………… …………
As he desire, overeat to their (d) ………… …………
Disadvantage. This class of peoples could (e) ………… …………
Save the great deal more food than (f) ………… …………
They can save by missing one meal (g) ………… …………
Per week and also improving their health. (h) ………… …………
Ans:
ERROR |
CORRECTION |
(a) which | who |
(b) that | it |
(c) near | nearly |
(d) he | they |
(e) peoples | people |
(f) the | a |
(g) can | could |
(h) improving | improve |
(7) Rearrange the following words and phrases into meaningful sentences. The first one has been done as an example.
e.g. came/months / me / for eight / to teach / he
For eight months he came to teach me.
(a) algebra and / a week / me / geometry / twice / he taught
(b) very poor / subjects / I was / in these / earlier
(c) very / now / proficient / have become / in them / I
Ans: (a) He taught me algebra and geometry twice a week. / Twice a week he taught me algebra and geometry.
(b) I was very poor in these subjects earlier. /Earlier I was very poor in these subjects. (Any other correct structure may also be accepted)
(c) I have become very proficient in them now. / Now I have become very proficient in them. / I have now become very proficient in them.
(8) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
A real message from the real Sebastian Shultz. We both knew that by reliving the accident, something wonderful had happened.
(a) Who is the narrator?
Ans: Michael.
(b) What accident is he referring to?
Ans: the motor accident in which Sebastian went into coma.
(c) Write the antonym for the word, ‘wonderful.’
Ans: terrible / awful / pathetic / lousy.
And immediately I regretted it.
I thought how paltry, how vulgar, what a mean act!
I despised myself and the voices of my accursed human education.
(a) What does the poet regret?
Ans: throwing a log at the snake.
(b) Why does the poet curse his human education?
Ans: It prompted him to harm the snake.
(c) What is meant by the word, ‘despised’?
Ans: hated / loathed.
(9) Answer any four of the following in 30-40 words each:
(a) What were the blessings the albatross brought with it?
Ans: Fog lifted, icebergs split, favourable south wind blew.
(b) How does Brutus interpret Calpurnia’s dream?
Ans: Vision misinterpreted-vision actually fair and fortunate, a good sign; Caesar, a source of inspiration for all the Romans; citizens will keep his hair and their handkerchieves dipped in his blood as relics for their children and grandchildren; people would inherit Caesar’s nobility and greatness.
(c) Why does Patol Babu’s wife tell him that he is counting his ‘chickens before they’re hatched?
Ans: reminds him of his past; not being successful; feels overconfident; over excited; day-dreaming.
(d) What made the writer believe that he was good at writing ghost stories?
Ans: stories instant hits, Jenkins always called him to write ghost stories for him; managed to get good ideas for ghost stories.
(e) Why did the narrator allow the snake to quench his thirst first?
Ans: The snake had come there first; narrator a thorough gentleman; 9 a good host- treated the snake as an honoured guest; majestic; royal creature.
(10) Answer the following in 80-100 words:
How does Helen’s appearance in the party make Lavinia get rid of her superstitious belief in Ouija Boards?
Ans: Lavinia hosted a Ouija Board party, all the boards spelt out ‘traitor’, pointing towards Hallock by indicating ‘Ask Him’, suspected him of infidelity, marriage on the verge of a break-up realized Helen was not a real person, only a spirit Hallock could not be having an affair with a ghost.
Bring out the irony in the words, “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings, Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!” as inscribed on the pedestal of the statue. What lesson does this irony teach us?
Ans: Irony: nothing left to show his greatness trunkless legs remained in the wilderness forgotten by people
Lesson: wealth, power and position do not last forever time is the ultimate leveler / time conquers all
(11) Answer the following in 150-200 words :
Helen’s contact with Dr. Bell raised her perception and understanding of the world. Comment.
Ans: HELEN’S RELATION WITH DR. BELL
Dr. Bell exposed her to a new world, new sensations, discoveries, travels etc. interacted with nature and people more than before inculcated scientific curiosity- visit to Niagara Falls
Helen’s teacher took her across the tough road of her life. What role did she play in her success?
Ans: ROLE OF HELEN’S TEACHER
– Anne Sullivan, Helen’s teacher, helped her to understand the world around her
– taught her words, related to sense, smell and language
– helped her to read and communicate
– developed language and removed frustration
Anne Frank’s growing years were not normal. Elaborate.
Ans: ANNE’S GROWING YEARS
– spent in the shadow of fear
– restricted life / didn’t have friends
– had to make adjustments
– took away her childhood
– isolated from the world
– lacked education
The Annexe was almost a prison for Anne. How did it limit her life?
Ans: THE ANNEXE- A PRISON
– limited her contact with the outside world
– restricted her experience and exposure
– it became her whole life
– had to remain quiet
– food was rationed as in a prison
– deprived of basic, proper facilities – not allowed regular baths etc.