English Medium कक्षा १० - CBSE Important Questions

You feel that the 'Clean India Campaign' has not been as effective as you thought it should have been. As Ankit/Ankita, write an article in 100-120 words discussing the reasons for this. Also highlight the measures that a common man and a student can take to make it a success.

Influence of friends can have both positive and negative impact on the students. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in 100-120 words discussing how we can make it more positive and productive. You are Arun/Aruna 24 Mall Road Chennai.

Write an article in about 120 words on 'River pollution.' You may use the clues given below:

  * rivers, biggest source of water
  * victims of pollution
  * industrial waste
  * city waste drained into them
  * religious ceremonies–idol immersion
  * garlands and flowers
  * ashes after cremation poured into rivers

He holds him with his skinny hand,

“There was a ship,” quoth he.

i. Who does ‘He’ refer to in the above extract?

ii. What do we know about the speaker’s feelings?

iii. Why is his hand called ‘skinny’?

How did the air raids disrupt the Dutch public life?

Attempt a character sketch of Otto Frank, Anne's father.

Describe the progress made by Helen Keller during the two years she spent at Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City.

Attempt a character sketch of Mr Gilman as a teacher.

It was her determination that helped Helen Keller get admission to Radcliffe College. Comment.

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 "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?

b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?

c) Write one use of computers.

d) Explain automation.

e) Why can't computers lead independent lives or rule the world?

f) How would computers as translating machines help people? 

g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in the future?

h) How can computers help people going on holiday?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factorsone's personal planning and support from the external world. People, take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, a great risk of failure.

4. 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'.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

1) Answer the following :(8)

a. Why does a person become overconfident? 

b. What does overconfidence generally lead people into? 

c. How can one manage overconfidence? 

d. What kind of person does 'modesty' make you? 

2)Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow :(4)

a. Misadventure (Para 3) 

   (i) Mishap    (ii) Unlucky    (iii) Unhappy    (iv) Unpleasant

b. Endangering (Para 3) 

   (i) Reckless   (ii) Imperil   (iii) Risky   (iv) Threatening

c. Assess (Para 5) 

   (i) Assemble   (ii) Acquire   (iii) Evaluate   (iv) Accept

d. Objective (Para 4) 

   (i) Obedient   (ii) Servile   (iii) Honest   (iv) Impartial

There were many reasons for Helen Keller's embittered childhood. What were they and how were they overcome?

Helen's struggle has become a source of inspiration for all less fortunate. Comment.

Anne's relationship with her mother was never simple. What created the tension and discord? Why

Anne's father was close to her. What did she like about him? Why?

Attempt a character sketch of Anne Frank.

Anne Frank's statement, "What one Christian does is his own responsibility, what one Jew does reflects on all Jews" presents not only hatred for the Jews but also their pitiable condition in the world. Comment.

Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid?

Amanda's mother gives her a list of do's and don'ts. What impact does this have on Amanda?

Fill in any four of the following blanks choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers.

He will fly (a) _____________ Madras (b) ____________ 7th December. The plane (c) ___________ reach Madras (d) __________ 11:00 am. He  (e) _____________ Stay at Hotel Plaza.

(a)   (i)  in        (ii) on    (iii)  to         (iv)  after
(b)   (i)  on      (ii) in      (iii)  for       (iv) from
(c)   (i) may     (ii) can   (iii)  will       (iv)  could
(d)   (i)  for     (ii)  at     (iii)  ob        (iv)  by
(e)   (i) could  (ii)  will   (iii)  shall     (iv)  must