Prasanna

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Sample Question Paper 4 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section – A [10 Marks]
Attempt all questions

Question 1.
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answer only.)
(i) What does the angel’s appearance for the second time with a list where Abou’s name topped prove?
(a) God loves all those who love him
(b) God loves those who love his creation more than him
(c) God loves all those who love and adore him
(d) God rejects those who love his creation more than him
Answers:
(b) God loves those who love his creation more than him

(ii) Identify the figure of speech used here “youngest among them stumbled and staggered.” in the poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’.
(a) Hyperbole
(c) Personification
(b) Alliteration
(d) Metaphor
Answers:
(b) Alliteration

(iii) What message does Jesse Owens give in the lesson ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’?
(a) The essential thing in life is to do anything to win
(b) The essential thing in life is never bow down
(c) The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well
(d) The essential thing in life is to be a winner.
Answers:
(c) The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well

(iv) Jesse Owens in the lesson ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ says Luz offered him a ‘firm handshake’ indicating a sign of ………..
(a) Strength and assuredness
(b) Jeering and Pride
(c) Assurance and shakiness
(d) Jeering and taunting
Answers:
(a) Strength and assuredness

(v) In the story ‘All Summer in a Day’ when the sun comes out it sends a flaming .
(a) Golden colour
(b) Pale Yellow colour
(c) Bronze colour
(d) Floral and bright
Answers:
(c) Bronze

(vi) In the story ‘All Summer in a Day’ the narrator states that the children ran without stopping in the sunlight for:
(a) Fifteen minutes
(b) Sixty minutes
(c) Thirty minutes
(d) Sixty Seconds
Answers:
(b) Sixty minutes

(vii) What does Gratiano offer shylock after the latter has lost his property and case?
(a) Help
(b) Water
(c) Food
(d) Rope
Answers:
(d) Rope

(viii) Where does scene (ii) of Act IV take place?
(a) Outside the court, in Venice
(c) A street in Belmont
(b) A street in Venice
(d) Outside the court, in Belmont
Answers:
(b) A street in Venice

(ix) How does Lorenzo realise that Portia is back from Venice?
(a) From her ‘lyrical’ voice
(b) From her ‘bad’ voice
(c) From her ‘sweet’ voice
(d) From her ‘husky’ voice
Answers:
(b) From her ‘bad’ voice

(x) Nerissa’s love story runs almost the same course as Portia’s love story.
Which of the given statements is true in this respect?
(a) The above statement is false
(b) Nerissa’s love story is not important to the structure of the play
(c) Nerissa’s love story is more important than Portia’s love story
(d) Nerissa’s love story is a faint echo of Portia’s love story
Answers:
(d) Nerissa’s love story is a faint echo of Portia’s love story

Section-B [10 Marks]
DRAMA
(The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare – Acts 4 and 5)

Question 2.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Shylock: You’ll ask me, why I rather choose to have A weight of carrion flesh than to receive Three thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that! But, say, it is my humour: is it answer’d?

(i) What is Shylock’s quest on seeking justice about and where does the scene takes place? [2]
Answers:
‘We’, here refers to Jesse Owens, an American track and field athlete, and Luz Long, the German athlete. The Olympic Games were held in Berlin and Hitler declared that his performers were members of the ‘master race’. This affected Owens’ performance and being a Negro, he was hot under collar. He got angry and made mistakes in his trial performances. He fouled in three qualifying jumps and this was eating him.

(ii) How does Shylock express his reasoning for the pursuit of revenge? [2]
Answers:
Jesse Owens ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ mentions Nazis idea of Aryan Superiority theory. The Aryan races were thought to predominate among Germans and other Northern Europeans. Nazis believed in the theory of racial hierarchy. They considered Germans as the part of Aryans, the master race and others inferior. Although Luz Long was schooled in the Nazi Youth movement, he didn’t believe in the Aryan supremacy business.

(iii) Why does Shylock reply with vehemence and intensity [3]
Answers:
Jesse did not tell Luz Long about his trouble but he seemed to understand Jesse’s anger. Long tried to ease out the situation by explaining that he didn’t believe in the Aryan-Supremacy business and when Jesse calmed down, he suggested him to draw a line a few inches back of the board and aim at taking off from that line. He assured him that he would never foul from that point.

(iv) Shylock confesses his hate and loathing towards Antonio openly. Explain. [3]
Answers:
When Owens won the finals, Luz Long came to him and congratulated him by warmly shaking hands with him. Owens found no feeling of regret or jealousy in him as he was also an opponent. He was highly influenced by Long’s sportsmanship. Luz Long’s friendship was the greatest Olympic Prize that he won in his whole life. His helpful nature and camaraderie touched Owens greatly. His friendship and his congratulating Owens over his victory were of value greater than the Gold Medal. Luz Long was a man of pure and genuine heart and soul. He represented the best example of Coubertin’s message that the important thing at the Olympic Games was not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.

Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Bassanio : Were you the doctor, and I knew you not?
Gratiano : Were you the clerk?
Antonio : Sweet lady, you have given me life and living;
For here I read for certain that my ships Are safely come to road.
Portia : How now, Lorenzo!
My clerk hath some good comforts too for you.

(i) Where does this scene take place? What had Portia directed Antonio to give to Bassanio, just moments before the above words were spoken? [2]
Answers:
sleep after a day full of work and service. The poet says that he was deep in a dream of peace, which indicates that he was sleeping very soundly. He was dreaming a peaceful dream and this shows that he was in a very calm state of mind. Abou Ben Adhem had no trouble sleeping at all. He was a pious man who had gone to

(ii) Portia had just given Antonio, Bassanio and Gratiano a letter to read. Who had written this letter? What does Bassanio learn about Portia from this letter? [2]
Answers:
Deep in his sleep, Abou Ben Adhem was having a wonderful and peaceful dream. The poet says that he was dreaming deeply and that shows he was having a very sound sleep. A night of sound sleep and a calming dream are both signs of a healthy mind and a clean conscience. Portia says the letter that came from Padua was written by Bellario, a lawyer. Bassanio learns that it was his wife who had pretended to be a lawyer and saved Antonio.

(iii) What good news does Portia have for Antonio? How does he respond to it? [3]
Answers:
Portia gives the good news that Antonio will find three of his argosies at the harbour laden with rich cargo and hearing this, Antonio is too surprised to react. Antonio says, ‘You have given me my life and my livelihood.

(iv) How was Bassanio persuaded to give away the ring that Portia had given him at the time of their marriage? What does this reveal about Bassanio’s relationship with Antonio? [3]
Answers:
Portia who had played the role of a lawyer defending Antonio had asked for the ring that Bassanio had received from her earlier as an appreciation of her role in saving his friend. Bassanio, at first refused to part with it saying his wife would be upset if he gave the ring away. He was supposed to keep it as a token of faith. Portia said, he was giving a lame excuse as all husbands do and pretended to be disappointed when Bassanio did not part with it even after she had saved his friend from the clutches of death. Antonio also persuaded him in the name of friendship and for the lawyer’s service. Bassanio valued Antonio’s friendship highly and could not refuse him. He was prepared to risk Portia’s anger as Antonio was his dearest friend.

Section-C [10 Marks]
PROSE – SHORT STORIES
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 4.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He gave her a shove. But she did not move, rather she let herself be moved only by him and nothing else. They edged away from her; they would not look at her. She felt them go away.

(i) Who is ‘she’ ? Describe her.[2]
Answers:
‘She’ is referred to the nine-year-old Margot, who came to planet Venus five years ago, from Earth. It is difficult for her to adapt to the conditions of Venus, where it had been raining continuously for seven years. It looked as if the incessant rain had washed the red colour from her face, the blue colour of her eyes and the golden colour of her hair. Without the sight of the Sun, she became a faded, whitened photograph from an old album and looked sick like a ghost.

(ii) Where is this story set ? Mention any two ways in which the way of life on their planet differs from life on Earth. [2]
Answers:
The story is set on the planet Venus, where it rains constantly, except for two hours after every seven years, when the sun come out. Unlike the Earth, there is a continuous raining climate for seven years and the Sun shows only for two hours, after every seven-year-period. Because of the continuous showers, “a thousand forests had been crushed under the rain and grown up a thousand times to be crushed again” i.e., there must be thick vegetation all around the place.

(iii) Why did the other children not come to her aid when William shoved her? [3]
Answers:
The other children or Margot’s classmates were cruel towards Margot, because she knew more than them about Earth and the Sun. There was a sense of jealousy in them, as they could not accept the fact that Margot had the experience of living under the Sun when they hardly remember it. That is why the other children did not come to help her when William locked her in the closet.

(iv) How does her behaviour set her apart from the others? Why do you suppose the other children treat – her the way they do? [3]
Answers:
It seemed that the rains had affected her mentally as well. She never answered questions from other children. Even if they tried to involve her in the game of chasing by tagging her, she stood blinking after them and did not follow. She did not even sing songs of happiness and life with other children in the class, but only sang about the Sun and the summer. She stood quite apart from all of them and watched the patterning windows, thinking about the time she would return back to Earth. There was a sense of jealousy in the other children towards Margot as she knew more than them about life on Earth and the Sun. Also, she would not play with them nor talk to them whenever they tried.

Question 5.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
I wasn’t too worried about all this. I’d trained, sweated, and disciplined myself for six years, with the Games in mind.
While I was going over on the boat, all I could think about was taking home one or two of those gold medals.

(i) Who is the ‘I’? What is meant by ‘all this’? Which games are mentioned here? [2]
Answers:
Jesse Owens, the Black Olympic gold medal winner of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, is the ‘I’ referred here. Hitler had proclaimed that his performers were superior as they belonged to the ‘Master Race’, and no black man would ever win the games but Jesse did not allow ‘all this’ to bother him. The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games are mentioned here.

(ii) Which event was the speaker focussing on? Why? What was the surprise that awaited him? [2]
Answers:
Jesse was focussing on running the broad jump. A year before, at Ohio State University competition, he had set a world record of 26 feet 8-1/4 inches and everyone expected him to win the gold medal. When the time came for broad jump trials, he saw a tall boy hitting the pit at almost 26 feet with supreme ease, and this startled Jesse.

(iii) Why did the narrator make mistakes? What was the mistake that he was doing? Who came to his .. help? Describe the physical features of this person. [3]
Answers:
The narrator was angry as he came to know that Hitler had kept an ace athlete under wraps to prove the Nazi Aryan race superiority theory. He was determined to prove him wrong. An angry athlete is bound to make mistakes and this was exactly what he did. He leaped several inches beyond the take off board for a foul in the first three qualifying jumps. Luz Long, the German broad jumper, came to his rescue. He was taller than Jesse, strikingly handsome, with a chiseled face, a lean muscular frame, and clear blue eyes, looking every inch an Aryan.

(iv) Evaluate the friend of the narrator as a sportsman. [3]
Answers:
Luz Long, the narrator’s friend proved to be an embodiment of sportsman spirit. [n spite of knowing very well that Jesse could win the medal with the right frame of mind, the German encouraged him and advised him on how to avoid fouling. By doing this, he rose up to the motto of the Olympic spirit that the important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part that the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. Luz genuinely wanted the Negro to do his best and was the happiest one when he finally won. Thus, the true sportsman in him transgressed the feelings of racism and nationalism and even risked Hitler’s anger when he congratulated the winner.

Section-D [10 Marks]
POETRY
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 6.
Read the extract &‘en below and answer the questions that follow;
For the next fiw minutes uy talked together. I didn’t tell Long what ¡ros “asting” me, but he seemed to understand my anger. and he took pains to reassure me.

(i) Who arr the ‘we’ mentioned here? Give the meaning of ‘what was “eating” me,’ and “took pains to reassure me.” [2]
Answers:
‘We’, here refers to Jesse Owens, an American track and field athlete, and Luz Long, the German athlete, The Olympic Gaznes were held in Berlin and Hitler declared that his performers were members of the ‘master race’. This affected Owens’ performance and being a Negro. he was hot under collar. He got angry and made mistakes in his trial performances. He fouled in three qualifying jumps and this was eating him.

(ii) What is being referred to a Nazi youth movement and Aryan supremacy? [2]
Answers:
Jesse Owens ‘My Greatesi Olympic Prize’ mentions Nazis idea of Aryan Superiority theory. The Aryan races were thought to predominate among Germans and other Northern Europeans. Nazls believed in the theory of racial hierarchy. They considered Germans as the part of Aryal% the master race and others inferior. Although Luz Long was schooled in the Nazi Youth movement, he didn’t believe in the Aryan supremacy business.

(iii) What was the advice given by the person described? [3]
Answers:
Jesse did not tell Luz Long about his trouble but he seemed to understand Jesse’s anger. Long tried tu ease out the situation by explaining that he didn’t believe In the Aryan-Supremacy business and when Jesse calmed down, he suggested him to draw a line a Few inches back of the board and aim at taking off from that line, He assured him that he would never foul from that point.

(iv) What can you say about the quality of Friendship between the two? [3]
Answers:
When Owens won the finals. Luz Long came to him and congratulated him by warmly shaking hands with him. Owens found no feeling of regret or jealousy in him as he was also an opponent. He was highly influenced by Long’s sportsmanship Luz Long’s friendship was the greatest Olympic Prize that he won In his whole life. His helpful nature and camaraderie touched Owen,s greatly His friendship and his congratulating Owens over his victory were of value greater than the Gold Medal. Luz Long was a man of pure and genuine heart and soul. He represented the best example of Coubertin’s message that the Important thing at the Olympic Games was not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life Is not conquering but fighting well.

Question 7.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow;
Abon Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace.
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in Hooin.
An angel writing in a bent of gold:-

(i) Was Abou Ben Adheni having any trouble with sleeping? I low do we know it? [2]
Answer:
Abou Ben Adhem had no trouble sleeping at all. He was a pious man who had gone to sleep after a day full of work and service. The poet says that he was deep in a dream of peace, which indicates that he was sleeping very soundly. He was dreaming a peaceful dream and this shows that he was in a very calm state of mind.

(ii) While asleep, what was Abon Ben Adhem engrossed in? [2]
Answer:
Deep in his sleep, Abou Ben Adhem was having a wonderful and peaceful dream. The poet says that he was dreaming deeply and that shows he was having a very sound sleep. A night of sound sleep and a calming dream are both signs of a healthy mind and a clean conscience.

(iii) How was Abon Ben Adhem able to see during the night? How Is the light in his room? [3]
Answer:
When Abou Ben Adhem woke up from his sleep it was still night. Though it was late night, there was enough light in his room due to moonlight. The poet says that rich moonlight was pouring in through the window because of which the room was richly lit. The light in his room was brilliant and clear.

(iv) What must be Abon Ben Adhem experiencing when he broke away from a dream to find himself once again In a dreamlike situation? [3]
Answer:
When a person is dreaming deeply and wakes up from sleep, one opens up to reality. The memory of the dream begins to recede and our understanding of reality commences. But in the case of Abou Ben Adhem, he wakes up from a dream and finds himself in yet another dreamy situation. There is bright moonlight in his room and an angel is sitting with a golden book. Abou Ben Adhem must have been startled as well as amused at this strange scene. But as he was a pious man with a clean conscience, the angel did not shock him out of his senses, and he was able to strike a conversation with the angel.

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 English Language Sample Question Paper 4 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section-A
(Attempt all questions from this Section)

Question 1.
Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following: [20]
(i) Write an original short story entitled ‘My sanity was restored’.
(ii) “Children should take care of their ageing parents.” Express your views either for or against this statement.
(iii) Weddings are good places to have social interactions. Give a description of such a wedding that you had attended. How did it help you to reconnect with relatives and/or neighbours?
(iv) The Coronavirus pandemic has made us realise the most basic life skills. The importance of hygiene, maintaining social distancing, trusting and respecting the frontline workers and the power of community-led initiatives to help people in need. Write an essay on how the pandemic has changed our lives forever and the lessons learnt from it.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it.

Answer:
(i) MY SANITY WAS RESTORED
A gamut of behaviour categorised by certain abnormal behavioural pattern is known as insanity, craziness or madness. It may be considered as violations of social norms, or may be at times the person becoming a danger to himself or others. Since, ancient times insanity was to be taken as a curse or black magic trick of a witch, ghost or something like it. It was to be treated by mantras and yagnas to please the supernatural power to get rid of one’s insanity.

So, after the brief description of insanity and its impact now, I am going to describe about my insanity. Actually it was a terrible shock that disturbed my mental order. It shook me from top to bottom, when I heard of my dear brother-in-law’s severe accident. As soon as, I heard it, I went out of my senses. I couldn’t recognize any family member nor could I take care of myself. I became like a toddler, unknown and unaware of social ethics and my responsibilities.

My parents and my siblings used to look after me for around one month. They were worried about me, and wanted to restore my sanity. They went to a lot of people who claimed themselves to be well acquainted with supernatural powers, to get me treated. But all of it was of no use. My parents wasted a lot of money and time to get my sanity restored. They took me to a top neurological hospital where I underwent a long list of medical tests. The reports said that it’s a temporary state of mind. It can be restored, but it will take time. It was because the kind of shock my mind couldn’t withstand, that was to be recreated to restore my normal condition.

Though it was risky, as it may take away my life or may even paralyse me. During the course of treatment, one day I was sitting on my wheelchair in the balcony of my hospital room. I saw a man yelling wildly. I don’t know what happened to me, I started crying loudly as if that man was yelling to save my brother-in-law or vice-versa. The entire team of nurses, attendants along with the doctor and my parents rushed to me. I was surprised to see myself in a hospital in a poor appearance. I asked my parents “what is all this”? They were happy to see me in my proper mental senses. This way my sanity was restored.

(ii) CHILDREN SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THEIR AGEING PARENTS FOR THE MOTION
The whole world is full of many shocking treatments of children towards their old gone parents. A large number of parents, even some of the celebrities too, are in this list who are dragged to old age homes or left in hospitals to struggle with difficulties and isolated. I think that it’s our first and foremost duty to serve our dear parents who brought us to this beautiful world and looked after us well to help us grow up into a healthy and a well-educated person. They had been there always for us whenever and for whatever we need from them. They make sure to provide us a roof, protect us from all the evils in and around the society. They have sacrificed their dreams and needs for our better upbringing. So, it’s our moral duty to look after our family’s elderly members. Also the way we will treat our parents, we are going get the same treatment from our children for children learn from adults. It is a great blessing to take care of our elderly parents.

It must not have been easy for them to do so much for us. We hardly think about all the distress we created for them since our infancy when we used to spoil the party dress of our mother, start a crazy cry to continue for a longtime, didn’t let them sleep the whole night till the age of two, when we tore up any important document or scribble on any precious book or break an expensive show-piece, at the age of six where we started yelling or craving to buy many useless items hanging in a shop, at the age of thirteen when we brought a lot of complaints from school, etc. Those highly irritating and sometimes embarrassing moments when we frustrated our parents, they didn’t pack up our bags to throw us out or drag us to an orphanage. So, how can we even think of avoiding them or force them to live a lonely helpless life?

So, in their old age they need a companion who will look after them patiently as if they were kids, to make them at ease, sit, and listen carefully to them. We must owe our best care and love to them who gave us life and nurtured us into the people we are today. It should be kept in mind that our parents are not going to live forever, they are only for a short span of time with us.

AGAINST THE MOTION

Though it sounds discourteous but in today’s fast life full of several other problems and issues, taking care of parents is really stressful. It should not be a bounding on children to take care of their parents only because they are their parents. It shouldn’t be an exchange deal that parents have brought them up so the children should too do the same to parents. Parents have brought up children to this world , for their own happiness and with their own choice. So, they have to take the responsibility of their choices.

It is painful to know about some of the tragic stories of old parents being ill-treated by their children. The elderly parents should pre-plan their own care, as a part of being a responsible adult. There are a lot of government and semi-government plans to invest in it at a younger age and get a good return throughout the life. Such investment may help them as they wish their children to behave with them. I think we should be responsible for our life, on our own. But people are so careless and less forward looking into future planning. When they are old enough to have money or time to invest and wait, then they come over to their children for asking for all those favours they did for them. Some of the children are poorly treated by their own parents. Such children face physical and emotional abuses and negligence at the end of their parents.

When the parents were young they didn’t care even a bit for their elderly parents. Their parents lived a horrific life with a lot of loneliness. So, it is not at all necessary for children to take care of their ageing parents. It might sound rude but ageing parents have their own traditional belief and so they fail to cope with the advancement. This age difference becomes a reason for conflicts and neither the parents nor their children enjoy a peaceful life. Therefore, it is better for parents to make arrangements for their old age in advance and lead a better life.

(iii) WEDDINGS ARE A GOOD PLACE FOR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
The life today has become so fast that I am reminded of a famous poem -“Leisure” by William Henry Davies which starts with :

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

These days everything is easier to get or to achieve but it’s almost impossible to spare a few minutes for family members, relatives or friends. The internet which was meant to connect us easily to our near ones has created a much unavoidable void as it has brought us close to unknown ones and far from our near ones. Wedding is the only good place where all our family, friends, and most of the relatives gather having ample spare time to enjoy the real emotions of humanness. I too miss my relatives a lot. As no one visits us as frequently as it was during my childhood. I am also busy enough to go out and meet any of them or even my dear friends.

I would like to share a wedding where I went with my family. It was a memorable one. As we reached there we were welcomed with great zeal and warmth by our uncle and aunt, whose son’s marriage we had come to attend. Then we entered the house. It was amazingly decorated with all rendezvous extravagance. The house was full of people. I saw my maternal uncle there with his family. I screamed out of happiness to see them. Our parents met him and I had a nice time with my cousin. We went to the pandal where snacks with evening tea were arranged and a lot of children were having fun. There I met my childhood friend whom I missed the most, because he has changed his school last year. Sometime later, a red car arrived, I was gazing at it and saw that my cousin brother with his parents and his maternal grandparents had arrived there. I rushed to hug him. He too was happy to see me. His grandparents blessed me with their sweet words. His parents patted me and asked for my parents.

We came to know a lot of people residing in our neighbourhood. So, the wedding event allowed me a lot to meet, enjoy and get acquainted with people around me. I love wedding party, as it is really one of the best platforms for convenient social interaction.

(iv) COVID-19 CHANGED THE WORLD
The world is not the same anymore and the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed our lives. The virus seems like a permanent addition in our lives according to most scientific studies and may never go away even if its cure or vaccination becomes commonplace. The virus consumed lakhs of people. Many were able to fight its effects and survived but most could not.

What the doctors and experts have been saying is pretty basic. Wash our hands, cover our noses and sanitise our surroundings often. These are the first line of defence against our fight with the virus. So hygiene is now as important as oxygen. Keeping ourselves relatively clean, taking care not to touch things in public places, wearing masks when travelling in public transport, and consistently making sure we do not dirty the surroundings should become a norm.

Secondly, our lives have changed with the way we work and study. The dependency on the virtual world will gain more traction and people will have to upgrade their way of work and education. It has been an eye-opener to witness the way the world has geared itself up to fight the outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic. Students never thought they would have to depend on their teacher’s online notes, but it has become the new normal. Parents have to update their knowledge of computers and the internet to help their children navigate this transition.

Thirdly, people now have understood the importance of leading a healthier life, and more so knowing that the medical system is not equipped to take care of lakhs of people at the same time. For example, the home quarantining and home packages that have become common today. Doctors and experts are urging people with minor symptoms to stay at home and quarantine themselves instead of overburdening the resources. Furthermore, the days of going to any public event without necessary precautionary measures like face masks, temperature checks and gloves seems impossible. We can imagine the world in masks now. And it is not going to change anytime soon.

(v) THE OLD AGE
Agewell Foundation, New Delhi conducted a survey on elderly people and found that 87 percent of elders in the 70-80 years of age group lead a life of isolation. They are left alone by their children to fight the tussle of life the way they can. Seeing all such facts and figures of elderly people it seems that they need to be much more aware of their forthcoming old age, its requirements and plan in advance for it. For their children, old grown parents are like some old tattered coat to be thrown or dumped away from the sight. So, parents should take a lesson from this ill-treatment (to parents at the end of their own children) and become self-dependent by planning for themselves and not investing their everything on their children with a hollow hope that one day those kids will take care of them.

The given picture exhibits an elderly couple enjoying their life very well. It must be planned in advance both financially and mentally, that in old age they have to remain alone. If once prepared for it then no doubt whether children stay with them or keep parents with themselves or leave them alone, nothing will give pain to the parents. Rather, theyll be having a life full of ease without any rush or pressure to manage life with compromise as they have to buy something for their kids.

In the picture given above, the couple is tranquil and happy, and relaxed enjoying the cosy company of their life partner, which they couldn’t enjoy in the process of nurturing their children and maintaining all their needs. No matter if one is down with some deadly disease like arthritis, BP, diabetes, etc., once they have planned their life in advance regarding finance or the mindset to live alone, it becomes easy to cope up with all sorts of hurdles. The company of a supportive partner and away from all distresses of life faced in younger days makes life look much more enthusiastic and jolly. The elderly people can and should ponder that since it is their last stage of life, so they must enjoy and live life in a lively way, shed off all their grievances and lead a beautiful life to be admired by even younger generation.

Question 2.
Select one of the following : [10]
(i) Write a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on his/her outstanding achievement in the field of education.
(ii) Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper drawing attention to the constant bandhs and protests that disrupt the social life in your city.
Answer:
(i) Ring Road, Near Pearsales,
Daffodil Apartment,
A Block, 12th floor,
Pune-901211.
06 June, 20XX.
Dear Archit,
I am very happy to receive a letter from you. It is a great moment to rejoice that you have topped the school and International Science Olympiad too. Congratulations dear friend. You were one of the most intelligent students of your class. Your success is going to inspire other students’, future. Let’s meet once and well decide for a celebration. That’s all from my side. Do write back. My earnest regards for uncle and aunt.
Yours affectionately,
Srikanth

(ii) Sahzad Society,
3rd lane, 5th floor,
Khari Bawli, Daryaganj,
Delhi-110 009
13th October, 20XX The Editor,
The Times of India,
K.G. Marg,
New Delhi-110 001.
Dear Sir,
Through the esteemed column of your newspaper, I wish to bring to public notice that constantly erupting bandhs and protests is disrupting the daily life of middle class people and their earnings in Delhi. On an average its shaking away the social life.
Today the world has become too materialistic. It is harmful wasting a few minutes without work. But the regularly rising protests in the name of freedom of expression has harmed the common people’s social life too. These issues can be solved by peaceful means of discussing or writing to the concerned authority/department. It may really solve the problem without disrupting social life or without causing harm or loss to those working. I would urge you to please create awareness among people and look into the disruption of social life due to frequent occurrence of protests.
Yours faithfully,
Avtar Raheja
RWA member

Question 3.
(i) You are the Head boy/girl of your school. Your school is organizing remedial classes for students of classes IX-XII before school hours. Write a notice for the school notice board informing students about this programme. [5]
(ii) You are the Principal of the school. Write an e-mail to parents of the students of Classes IX-XII about the same. [5]
Answer:
(i)
REMEDIAL CLASSES
Extra Classes for Students of Classes IX-XII
from 20th July, 20XX
at 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
in Respective Classes, Modern School
Students of classes IX-XII who scored less than 60% in the first terminal examination have to compulsorily attend the Remedial Classes.
For more details please contact the Head boy/girl.

(ii) To : e-mail addresses of all parents of the students of classes IX-XII
Subject: Remedial Classes for students of classes IX-XII before school hours.
Dear parents,
Our school has always tried to help children in all possible ways. In accord with this, we have initiated Remedial Classes for all students of classes IX to XII. The classes will be conducted from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. i.e., before school hours.
Please be informed that students who scored less than 60% in the first term examination have to compulsorily attend the Remedial Classes.
Thanking You,
Yours faithfully,
Dr. R. K. Swami
Principal,
Modern School, Guwahati

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Sample Question Paper 3 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section – A [10 Marks]
Attempt all questions

Question 1.
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, Write the correct answer only.)
(i) The poet is trying to highlight the…………….. in the poem Nine Gold Medals:
(a) purpose of the games
(b) spirit of the game
(c) nature of the game
(d) features of the game
Answer:
(b) spirit of the game

(ii) The central idea of the poem ‘Abou Ben Adhem’ is:
(a) Importance of selflessness.
(b) Importance of kindness and love.
(c) Importance of self-interest.
(d) Importance of self-preservation.
Answer:
(b) Importance of kindness and love.

(iii) The had predicted the emergence of the sun for a brief period of time in the story ‘All Summer in a Day’.
(a) Ray Bradbury
(c) Margot
(b) William
(d) Scientists
Answer:
(d) Scientists

(iv) Why were the children on Venus suddenly excited?
(a) They were going to get the rain once in seven years
(b) The sun was to appear once in seven years
(c) The moon was to shine once in seven years
(d) The children were going to school after seven years
Answer:
(b) The sun was to appear once in seven years

(v) In the lesson ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ Jesse Owens had his eyes fixed on winning:
(a) Hundred metres race
(b) Running broad jump
(c) Long jump
(d) Hundred meters hurdles
Answer:
(b) Running broad jump

(vi) What is the message in the lesson ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’?
(a) The essential thing in life is to do anything to win
(b) The essential thing in life is never bow down
(c) The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well
(d) The essential thing in life is to be a winner
Answer:
(c) The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well

(vii) Which couple sets the background against which all the events of the final act take place?
(a) Lorenzo and Jessica
(b) Nerissa and Gratiano
(c) Portia and Bassanio
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Lorenzo and Jessica

(viii) What makes the music pleasant to Nerissa’s ears?
(a) Her excitement to meet Gratiano
(b) She does not find it pleasant
(c) Night
(d) Silence
Answer:
(d) Silence

(ix) Bassanio says-
“I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil, to deliver you.”
Portia’s reaction to this is:
(a) “Tis well you offer it behind her back;”
(b) “I take this offer, then, pay the bond thrice,”
(c) “Your wife would give you little thanks for that”
(d) “These be the Christian husbands!”
Answer:
(c) “Your wife would give you little thanks for that”

(x) In Act IV, scene (ii), what are Nerissa and Portia doing when the scene opens?
(a) They are looking for Shylock’s house
(b) They are fighting
(c) They are leaving Venice
(d) They are leaving Belmont
Answer:
(a) They are looking for Shylock’s house

Section-B [10 Marks]
DRAMA
(The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare – Acts 4 and 5)

Question 2.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Portia : Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh : if thou cut’st more
Or less than a just pound, – be it but so much
As makes it light or heavy in the substance
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair, —
Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.

(i) Who are the two people in conversation? The speaker lays down a condition, what is it? [2]
Answer:
The two people in conversation are Portia, disguised as the lawyer, and Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. As per the bond, Shylock can take only a pound of flesh. It does not permit him to take a single drop of blood. He must weigh a pound of flesh accurately, without shedding even a ‘jot’ of blood.

(ii) Another person, present here, applauds the speaker for his judgment. Who is this person? Why does he react in this manner? [2]
Answer:
Gratiano, a friend of Bassanio and Antonio who are also present in the court, is very happy when Portia comes out with this condition. When Portia allows Shylock to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, nearest to his heart, Shylock calls Portia a great judge, Daniel. But now seeing that the tables have turned against Shylock, he applauds and makes fun of Shylock and ridicules him.

(iii) What would be the penalty if the law is broken? Give details. [2]
Answer:
If Shylock sheds a single drop of blood while taking his pound of flesh, as per the bond, then all his property would be confiscated, and he would have to face a death sentence. His life would be at the mercy of the Duke. Finally, the duke spares Shylock’s life and half his property goes to the state of Venice and the other half, which was to go to Antonio, is given to Lorenzo and Jessica, on Antonio’s request. Shylock is made to sign a deed in which half his property is bequeathed to his daughter and son-in-law. Also, Shylock has to turn into a Christian. Therefore, he is left completely defeated and drained.

(iv) The tables have turned. How? Who is responsible for it? [2]
Answer:
Portia’s wit and intelligence turn the tables against Shylock. Antonio has lost all hope and is sure that the Jew will take his revenge and Antonio will have to pay the penalty of breaking the bond with his life. Shylock is all ready to take his pound of flesh when he is stopped by Portia stating that Shylock can only have a pound of flesh without shedding a single drop of blood. Shylock has no choice but to let go of his enemy. In fact, he not only has to forget about getting his principal but also loses all his property and has to face the humiliation of turning into a Christian. All this happened because of Portia.

Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Portia : You were to blame, I must be plain with you,
To part so slightly with your wife’s first gift;
A thing stuck on with oaths upon your finger,
And so riveted with faith unto your flesh.
I gave my love a ring, and made him swear Never to part with it:

(i) Who is the speaker blaming and for what? [2]
Answer:
The speaker of the above lines is Portia. She is blaming Gratiano, Nerissa’s husband, for parting with the ring that his wife had given him. He had promised Nerissa that he would never part with the ring under any circumstances.

(ii) What is the speaker boasting about? What shocks the speaker? [2]
Answer:
The speaker, Portia, is boasting about the love and commitment that her husband has for her. She says that she can swear by anything that if it were her husband, he would have never parted with his ring under similar conditions. Portia is shocked to hear from Gratiano that Bassanio had ended up giving his ring to the lawyer who had saved Antonio’s life.

(iii) How does the speaker react to this revelation? What conditions does the speaker put down and for whom? [2]
Answer:
Portia is shocked and she can’t believe that Bassanio could part with such a precious gift as this one. Portia threatens her husband, Bassanio that she would not come to his bed till she sees the ring. She shows her anger and displeasure and tells Bassanio that she is sure that he has given the ring to a woman and not a man. She also threatens Bassanio that if that lawyer ever came near her she would become as liberal as Bassanio with the lawyer and give him her body, her husband’s bed and everything else.

(iv) Who is ‘my love’? What has this person done? How does this person justifies himself? [2]
Answer:
‘My love’ here refers to Bassanio, Portia’s husband. Bassanio has given his ring to the lawyer who saved Antonio. The ring had been given to Bassanio by Portia saying that he would never part with the ring, under any circumstances. Bassanio justifies himself by saying that had Portia known why, for whom, and how unwillingly he had given away the ring, she would never have been so displeased.

Section-C [10 Marks]
PROSE – SHORT STORIES
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 4.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
That night I walked over to Luz Long’s room in the Olympic village to thank him. I knew that if it hadn’t been for him I probably wouldn’t be jumping in the finals the following day. We sat in his quarters and talked for two hours – about track and field, ourselves, the world situation, a dozen other things.
When I finally got up to leave, we both knew that a real friendship had been formed. Luz would go out to the field the next day trying to beat me if he could. But I knew that he wanted me to do my best—even if that meant my winning.

(i) How did the rivalry between the two players come to an end? [2]
Answer:
Seeing Owens disturbed, Luz Long approached him and tried to calm him down by giving suggestions. Suddenly all the tension seemed to flow away from his body as the truth what Long told him struck him. Full of confidence, he drew a line, a full foot in back of the board and proceeded to jump and qualified with almost a foot to spare. That night he went to Long’s room and thanked him. They sat and talked for two hours on every topic.

(ii) How did Luz Long react to Jesse winning the gold? [2]
Answer:
When Owens finished his jump he found Luz Long beside him congratulating him. He gave him a firm handshake which was far from any jealousy. He did not bother about the wrath of Hitler and congratulated Owens. He failed but helped a capable world record holder to set other records.

(iii) Why did Hitler glare at both of them? [3]
Answer:
Luz Long broke his own past record but did not win. But Jesse Owens set the Olympic record of jumping 26 feet 5 – 5/16 inches. Luz Long came to his side congratulating him by shaking his hands hard. Hitler was watching all this and he was not a hundred yards away from them. He could not tolerate the defeat of his athlete and besides congratulating the other athlete, he glared at both of them.

(iv) Why the reference to Coubertin has been made? [3]
Answer:
Coubertin is said to be the founder of the modem Olympic Games. He believed that the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. Luz Long did not win but he presented the true example of this spirit.

Question 5.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“Aw, you didn’t write that!” protested one of the boys.
“I did”, said Margot. “I did”.
“William!” said the teacher.
But that was yesterday. Now the rain was slackening, and the children were crushed in the great thick windows.

(i) Who is the speaker? Who is addressed here? Where are they? [2]
Answer:
One of the boys of Margot’s schoolroom is the speaker. He is addressing Margot when she reads the poem in the class in a quiet voice. He thinks that Margot is telling a lie and accuses her of not having written the poem herself. They are on the planet Venus where the sun shines only once in seven years and that too for an hour.

(ii) Where is the teacher right now? What happened in her absence? [2]
Answer:
The teacher has gone out of the classroom for some work. In her absence, the classmates bully and tease Margot as they hate her because they think that she is different from them. She belongs to a different planet, Earth and knows how the sun looks like. They forcibly take her to a closet and lock her inside.

(iii) What is being mentioned here? What is the significance of it, in the story ? [3]
Answer:
The poem that Margot has written about the appearance of the sun, has been mentioned here. The significance of this is that the children living on Venus have forgotten how the sun looks as they had only seen it seven years ago when they were too young and now they can’t recall the appearance of the sun. They have been living in a dark, water-logged world of continuous rain. They only discuss and write about the sun and that’s why they are jealous of Margot because she has come from the planet Earth and has seen the sun.

(iv) Why were the other children against her? What does it show of their disposition? [3]
Answer:
The other children of the planet Venus were against Margot because they found her different from them in many ways. Firstly, she came from the Earth and had experienced the sun, and secondly, she never mixed with them. She neither played games nor sang songs like them. Therefore, they developed an antipathy towards her and confronted her many times. They felt jealous of her and hated her because they thought that she was lying about the sun.
This shows that children have a natural tendency of being jealous towards those who have experienced something which they have not. They are intolerant towards those who are different from them. They become mean and insensitive and bully the other.

Section-D [10 Marks]
POETRY
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 6.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou ?” – The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one ?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”

(i) What was being written in the book by the angel? How did Ben Adhem learn of it? [2]
Answer:
The angel in Abou Ben Adhem’s room had a golden book in its hand. The angel was writing, in the book, the names of the people who loved God. Abou Ben Adhem asked the angel what was being written in the golden book in the hands of the angel. The angel answered him and thus he learned about it.

(ii) Did the angel respond to Abou Ben Adhem’s inquiry? Was it in favour of Ben Adhem? [2]
Answer:
On seeing the angel write something in the golden book, Ben Adhem asked what it was writing. The angel answered Ben Adhem and told him that it was making a list of people who loved God. Abou Ben Adhem was amused to hear this and asked whether his name too was in the list. The angel told him that his name was not on the list. This saddened him a little.

(iii) What was the speciality of the list that the angel was preparing? Did Ben Adhem wish to be on that list? [3]
Answer:
Abou Ben Adhem asked the angel about the list that it was preparing. The angel replied that the list was of people who loved God. Abou Ben Adhem was pious and good and according to him, he loved God. So he asked the angel whether his name too was on the list. The angel answered in the negative. Though he behaved cheerfully, Ben Adhem was saddened because he wished to be in the list.

(iv) Ben Adhem immediately asked to be enlisted in the list of people who loved fellow humans. Why do you think he did that? What is the connection of that list with the list of people who loved God? [3]
Answer:
Abou Ben Adhem wished and expected to be in the list of the people who loved God. But when the angel told him that he was not in the list, he was disappointed. Nevertheless, he instantly overcame his displeasure and requested the angel to write his name in the list of people who loved their fellow human beings. Both these lists have a deep connection with each other. Ben Adhem got his name registered in the other because he knew when a person loves his fellow men, he is loved by God, and being loved by God is greater than loving God.

Question 7.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
Now its’ a strange one, but here’s what occurred.
The eight other runners stopped in their tracks
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned around and came back to help him
And lifted the lad to his feet.

(i) Why does the poet say that the boy dashed his dreams in the dirt? [2]
Answer:
Before the start of the race, the boy must have had great hopes regarding his future and it is obvious that he had been imagining his success for a long time. But in the beginning of the race, the boy stumbles and falls down feeling embarrassed and hurt. The boy fell down in the dirt and the poet says that his dreams too dashed in the dirt. By this, the poet refers to the breaking of the boy’s dreams and aspirations.

(ii) Did all the runners run for help simultaneously? [2]
Answer:
Though all the runners ran to help the boy, they didn’t do it simultaneously. They did it one by one. As soon as the boy fell down, the runners broke away from the race and ran to help him. At first, one of the runners rushed to him and then the others followed suit one by one. Finally, all the other eight runners reached out to him and picked him up.

(iii) Why does the poet put so much emphasis on the training the runners had for competition? [3]
Answer:
The nine runners had been through rigorous training before entering the competition. The poet puts emphasis on their training because they were trained to compete with each other and move ahead leaving all the others behind. The generous act of the athletes went against their training when they selflessly broke away from the race and went to help their competitor. Moreover, they picked him up and ran with him to the finishing line. The poet emphasises how their intrinsic humanity overpowered their competitive training.

(v) How does the reaction of the eight athletes imply the spirit of sportsmanship? [3]
Answer:
The spirit of sportsmanship motivates a sportsperson to play a game without being insensitive to basic human values. It basically means that though sportspersons participating in the same event compete for success and glory with the same intensity and anxiety, they must not treat one another as ‘enemies’. Here, the athletes have shown a high degree of sportsmanship by sacrificing their own dreams, to help another athlete who was competing with them as a rival.

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 English Language Sample Question Paper 3 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section-A
(Attempt all questions from this Section)

Question 1.
Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following. [20]
(i) Write an original short story entitled ‘Lost and Found’.
(ii) ‘Democracy cannot survive without education’. Express your views either for or against this statement.
(iii) You are a regular traveller in your school bus. Describe what you see on your way home from school each afternoon. Give details of the familiar sights and sounds you experience each day.
(iv) Imagine that you have changed your school recently. Narrate your experiences on your first day in the new school. How did you feel at the end of the day ?
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of what the picture suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it.

Answer:
(i) LOST AND FOUND
It was a bright and beautiful morning with birds singing and flowers blooming in the garden. Mrs. Jane Albert was at her window watching the brilliant hues of the morning and the dewdrops glistening in the sun. She was 70 years old, who now lived alone in her serene cottage. It was never like this, long ago when her husband was alive and her children bustled around the house. The house was full of laughter and life. Her husband passed away five years ago and her two daughters had married and left the house.

Mrs. Jane was lonely and carried a secret that many in her little village did not know or remember well. She had a son who was in the army and he went missing in action in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the day she got the news, she waited for him tirelessly, hoping and trusting that someday he would come back home. She had become a volunteer at the army centre where the wounded and dying soldiers were brought in for treatment and recuperation at the border. She was a source of comfort and encouragement for the soldiers and helped them connect with their family and loved ones.

Mrs. Jane gradually became stronger and gained calmness about her son’s loss and considered everyone she ministered to, a son, and took a mother’s place to take care of them. She put in all her energy and strength into her work. Though her daughters wanted her to rest and relax, she kept on doing her volunteership. As days went by, there were days that were better than the others and she hoped in a corner of her heart that her son would be alive.

True to her thoughts and faith, the unexpected happened, the government officer informed her that they found a person who could be her son based on the identification reports. It was her son indeed; her joy knew no bounds. She met her long-lost son and they took time to share what had happened until then. She was glad when she heard her son tell her that an old lady took care of him when he was wounded and Mrs. Jane was happy that God had accepted her service to the soldiers and gave her son back.

(ii) DEMOCRACY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT EDUCATION FOR THE MOTION
Thomas Jefferson states, “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” In a democracy which rests on the pillar of free people, one cannot survive without education. Education of its citizens takes predominance as the choices made by the people should be the outcome of a defined thought process, which cannot happen in a vacuum. Every decision taken by the citizen should be based on a learned thought. Citizens should be enlightened to at least a certain degree if they were to decide or vote or act upon principles or else there would be chaos and democracy might just fade away.

Every citizen from the richest to the poorest should receive education for the benefit of the society and the various interests of the society that need to be catered too. Citizens should be able to read and understand what is going on in the world and learn to keep their part in it and contribute towards democracy. If the people are uninformed, it would make them gullible and there would be a decrease in informed decisions and it, in turn, would hinder democracy.

Education needs to start right from a person’s childhood because if he is untaught, his ignorance and vices would cost us dearly, creating a need to correct them later on in life. On the other hand, if children are educated, they would imbibe virtue and values that would enable them to contribute as responsible citizens to the democracy.

Education should not just stop at the common man, but should also reach out for the training of able counselors so that they can administer the affairs of the country in all matters that include legislative, executive and judiciary. For a democracy to be alive, it needs people with truth and integrity in all the departments and that is possible only through education and by which a country can be led to prosperity, happiness, and power.
In conclusion, it can be stated that it is imperative that education is the key for any democracy to function well and all citizens need to be educated.

AGAINST THE MOTION

‘Democracy cannot survive without education’ is the maxim, but with huge democracies, educating all to the level where they can all be involved in purposeful involvement would be difficult and might not be possible in most cases.

The common man, for example, might not be interested in the functioning and running of the governments and its departments such as the judicial, executive and legislative. He would probably be more concerned with fulfilling his immediate needs and relax, once his goal has been reached. He is not worried about the everyday happenings of a democracy. He finds no need to be invested in the functioning of a republic.

To create a just society, the society can be under the control of the most cultivated and best-informed minds and ‘lovers of wisdom,’ according to Plato. There is truth to this as a healthy and just person is governed by knowledge and reason; in the same manner, a democracy can only be run by the educated and well-informed and not by all the citizens.

With education and more people involved in the governance, national goals can become jumbled up, because there are too many people defining their wants as needs and it would be true to the saying, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Most often, it is the ignorance of the common, which hinders their involvement in the processes of democracy, for they choose to be so. In such a case, it is not the educated and enlightened ones who mislead people. It is the lackadaisical or apathetic response to the democratic process.
Therefore, it can be said that education of all citizens is not required for democracy to survive.

(iii) THE SIGHT OUTSIDE THE WINDOW
The bell rings announcing the end of classes for the day, sparking up conversations as the teacher’s reminder to do the homework goes unheeded. There is nothing as exciting as the end of a school irrespective of the fun and learning that has taken place during the day. Kids rush out of classrooms, talking to friends, some playing, some go to the canteen for a snack and amidst all the noise, I slip out with my friends and walk to the school bus.

Yes, I go straight to the bus as I like to get a window seat so that I can enjoy the sights on the way home. It has become a great experience for me as I observe people and places. It never tires me to see all of the sights every day.

In the afternoons when the school gets over, there is less traffic and the school bus takes the beach route. The school bus goes through old buildings that were built in the British era; the Anglo Saracenic architecture fascinates me. The tall red buildings make me wonder about the olden days. The pigeons have made it their homes and I can hear them cooing, though it is faint.

We then pass through the fishing harbour which one can sense from a mile away because of the fishy smell. I see the heavy throng of people going in and out conducting business. I realise that this is where fish comes from for the local market. My dad buys fish from the local market and I sometimes think if I can get fresh fish right from the harbour. Apart from the fishy smell, I see the fishing

The reason for children working in quarries is poverty which means that the government needs to provide labour and food security to adult workers and also provide opportunities for children to study.

The girl in the picture and the thousands of children like her should be able to go to school and enjoy their childhood. The greed of people should not make them suffer and we hope that day comes soon.

Question 2.
Select one of the following : [10]
(i) Your friend has been sick and has been unable to attend school for two weeks. An interschool drama competition took place during this period. Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about the event and your role in it.
(ii) You have accidentally left your suitcase behind when you got off the train. You only realised it after the train left the platform. Write a letter to the Station Master reporting your loss and request that the suitcase be located and kept till you claim it.
Answer:
(i) House no. 53,
E Block, Anna Nagar East,
Chennai-102.
8th February, 20XX
Dear Grace,
I hope this letter finds you in the best of your health and spirit. It has been two weeks since you came to school. I pray you recover soon. You asked me how the interschool drama competition went and I am very glad to tell you just that.
The competition was held on 5th of February. The day was bright with a slight chill and it was wonderful to see the school bustling with action. All the students were excited and everyone including the teachers was hurrying to get their students dressed for the drama.
We waited in anticipation and soon the auditorium was filled with everyone settled. The programme started with the lighting of the traditional lamp and welcome address by the Principal. There were six schools that participated in the competition, each one went on for about 20-30 minutes. Everyone was wrapped in attention to watch the plays and also to see who did the best. I liked “Macbeth” done by Anna Adarsh School. Some of the plays were “The Dear Departed”, “Chitra” by Rabindranath Tagore, (I remembered the writer), “Hamlet”, “Alice in Wonderland”, and a recreated part of “Wizard of Oz”.
It was a magical evening. I missed you a lot and I am sure you would have enjoyed it too. Get well soon and come to school.
Yours lovingly,
Pamela.

(ii) House no. 53,
E Block, Anna Nagar East,
Chennai-102.
10th February, 20XX.
The Station Master,
Egmore Railway Station,
Egmore, Chennai- 8 Dear Sir,
I am Camilla from Anna Nagar and I recently travelled by Chennai-Kanyakumari Express 12633 on the 8th of February and reached Egmore, Chennai on 9th February. I am sorry to say that I left my suitcase in the train and only realised it after the train had left the station.
I request you to kindly locate my suitcase as all of my important documents are in the suitcase. It is a blue American Tourister suitcase tied with a red ribbon and my home address stuck on it. I hope you will be able to locate the suitcase and I request you to please keep it at the station, until I come and collect it.
I apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Yours sincerely,
Camilla Peter

Question 3.
(i) You are the President of a children’s club in your locality. You and your team are planning to organise a programme to celebrate Teacher’s Day. Write a notice to be put up in the local supermarket, giving details of the programme to create an awareness of the event. [5]
(ii) Write an e-mail to the General Manager of the supermarket seeking permission to display the notice and requesting a sponsorship for the event. [5]
Answer:
(i) Thank You Teachers!
A cultural programme to celebrate Teachers’ Day.
on 5th September, 20XX
from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
at Community Centre, South City Mall
All teachers who are residents of the
South City complex are cordially invited.

(ii) To: rmsouthcity@gmail.com
Subject: Teachers’ Day Celebration
Dear Sir,
Teachers’ Day is around the comer and we, the residents of the South City Complex, would like to express our gratitude to our teachers by hosting a brief cultural programme on the 5th of September between 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. We would like to put up a notice for the same in your supermarket.
There are about 25 teachers in our complex and we would be grateful if you allow us to put up the notice of the programme in order to create awareness of the event and thereby help us to make this day a memorable one for our dear teachers.
We look forward to a favourable response.
Ashish Roy
President,
Children’s Club, South City Society.

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 English Language Sample Question Paper 1 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

General Instructions

• Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
• You will not be allowed to write during the first 10 minutes.
• This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
• The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
• Attempt all questions
• The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

Section-A
(Attempt all questions from this Section)

Question 1.
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]
(i) Imagine a situation where a child runs away from home but later returns. Why did he or she run away? What made him/her come back? Write an original short story entitled: ‘Finding My Way Home’.
(ii) Parents can never be friends with their children. Express your views either for or against this statement.
(iii) Describe an area in your city or hometown which is famous for its street food. Give details of the familiar sights and sounds you would experience on this street.
(iv) It is very important for young people to spend time quietly or alone for a short while every day. If you were given an hour to spend on your own, how will you spend it? What will you learn from the process?
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of what the picture suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it.

Answer:
(i) Golu was furious on each and every living being on earth except Sheru, his pet dog. So what if he finished up the whole bowl of Gajar ka halwa and nariyal laddoos meant for guests? Why did mom and dad have to scold him so much? Why don’t they make another round of the dishes if they want? He decided this is it! There has to be a limit! Last week dad promised to take him to Pizza Hut but the dinner ended up being some boring sabji and roti. They said “beta adjust karlo”. But not anymore. Golu has decided to leave home today itself. After everyone was done scolding him and got busy with their work, the 7 years old packed his bag carefully. He took his favourite red t-shirt, his notebook, Tintin comics, one Frisbee, one mobile which had no other tune except “dhoom machale dhoom”, some chocolates and 50 rupees which he saved as pocket money.

He cautiously tiptoed out of the room, and started walking without looking back. He took an auto and said “station chalo uncle”. Reaching there, he waited for any train to stop by. A rail police noticed him sitting quietly and munching chips. “Hi beta! Are you waiting for someone?” Sad Golu spoke his heart out to the police uncle. Lastly he added, “Uncle I want to set up my own halwa shop! So I can eat as much halwa as I wish! I have 20 rupees with me. Can you help me set up the shop?” The policeman was amused and said, “Yes sure beta! I can help…but beta, don’t you think that you should set up the shop some years later after you finish studies? Because then you’ll have more money and you will be able to make tastier halwa?” Golu realised his point and wanted to go back home. Seeing Golu back, his parents were amazed and silent for some time, till then they have been breaking their heads from the moment Golu went missing. Teary eyed Golu finally said, “I have only come back to finish my studies! After that I will run away with more money and open a big halwa shop! Until then, I’m staying!”
Everyone burst into laughter after some time.

FOR THE MOTION

(ii) The concept of parenthood and the idea of parents in our country are extremely dicey. While it is true that we come to exist in the world solely because of our parents, it is also true that they are not above every discussion and are absolute. The main motive of our parents is to develop us into the best version of ourselves and also guide us to do the same for ourselves. They make endless sacrifices throughout their lives as a means to the end. It is very true that nobody will hold our hands and be by our side till the end except our parents. They are our safest place. We can share all our worries and secrets with our parents. They never leave us alone even when we be angry on them. We find the solution to all our problems when we talk to our parents. They hold our hands through thick and thin. Their unconditional love make them our best friends.
So I strongly disagree with the statement that parents can never be friends with their children.

AGAINST THE MOTION

Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities in the world. Giving birth to a human being and giving them shape to make them ready for the world is a herculean job. They always try to give their child the best of the world, even at the cost of their happiness. They always try to be for their child; trying to be their guide and friend. But behind all this we often forget that they see the child as an extension of their own personalities, that is, they expect their child to become mini versions of themselves. Being different is unacceptable for the majority of parents. Sometimes they thrust their own unfulfilled dreams and ambitions on their children, forgetting the fact that they are entitled to have their own sets of likes, dislikes, ambitions and goals and as parents, they should support it as long as the goals are valid, honest and positive.

Hence they stop trying to understand the kid and keep subscribing to some beliefs just because the beliefs are old. They forget the fact that new ideas are not wrong always and that every old idea and concept is not free from fault. These indicate that they cannot always be friends to their children. Often children cannot confide in their parents for fear of being judged, abused, and misunderstood. And the sad part is, the fact that parents can be toxic too is one of the hardest pills for society to swallow.

(iii) A city means not only the people residing there; it is the food, festivals, styles, traditions, and customs of the city. Every Indian city is extremely vibrant and vivid in their existence. But Kolkata is the city with a difference; the existence of Kolkata is itself an Art. Not only due to the appreciation and thriving of the literal sense of art and culture, but there’s more to it. Each and every location has their own style and type of food, which is also influenced by the creed and sect of people living in majority in that area. For example, North Kolkata is much more traditional in style and so they are home to traditional Bengali food.

The area of Park Street and adjoining areas like Bow Barracks, has a concentration of Anglo-Indians, Jews etc. are famous for wine, cakes, cookies. The areas where Muslims are in majority have wholesome biryani shops and other related dishes. There’s an area called Territi Bazar which is famous for its variety of Chinese breakfast! Out of all, the area of New Market or Esplanade has some of the best and unique street food. Named Dacres Lane after the sailor Mr. Philip Miner Dacre who met up with his sailor friends over food, it’s an area of multicultural food. One can find piping hot khichuri (khichdi) served with fried papad, beguni, brinjal pieces fried with coating of besan, tomato and dates chutney, payesh or kheer;and also lip-smacking rolls, combo plates of Chinese food like Fried rice or chowmein with chilli chicken, mutton stew served with bread, lassi shops and what not! Famous due to the wide range of tiffin and lunch options to the office-going common Calcuttan as well as a paradise for food enthusiasts, one can find them munching on their favourite dishes and also the office-goers endless chatters and rants about life over a steaming plate of khichuri or mutton stew. They prefer to chew away the problems of life over rolls and cutlets. And the best part is all of these come with a pocket-friendly price. One will definitely find more posh and sophisticated options throughout the world, but there’s no city like Kolkata. There’s Art in every plate of food, breath, words and corners of this city!

(iv) Alone time is a good opportunity to think back about whatever we did, said , did not say or do throughout the day. Various people utilize it for various purposes. Some practice their hobby; some write a diary or journal, some chat with people. I would prefer to maintain a diary. For some time, I would lie down and think about how I spent the day, about the ones I came across, words we exchanged and the activities we did. I want to grasp the impact of my activities and the people I meet, on me and my outlook. I also want to look back on the mistakes I committed. Then I want to record these in my journal. Sometimes I would read them one by one. As the days will pass and as I keep filling in the pages, it will look like a panorama of activities, ideas, words exchanged, experiences and much more. It will help me to understand myself and the world around me better. I will be able to learn how to socialize with the world.

I will think if I could have done or said something better, if I could have not said or done something. It will help me to understand my mistakes: if I could have avoided making them, if yes then how? If at all I made it, how could I come out of it? How could I reduce chances of committing it again? I believe it can make a more thoughtful, sensitive human because we mostly learn from our experiences, and inversely, we are built from our experiences: both pleasant and unpleasant. In this process, over the years we can become even better as individuals and learn a lot about the society and ourselves. When we become better, we would be able to turn the world around us into a nice place. Since young people are in the stage where they prepare themselves for the world and are in the nascent stage as individuals, they can adapt to newer improvements and discard the unwanted parts of their personalities.

(v) The children seen in the picture are the kids of Ramakant Chaurasia of Delhi. He is a grocery shop owner in the Chandni Chowk area. He has three sons named Vishu, Raju and Lalit and four daughters named Lila, Rani, Shashi and Pinky. The eldest one is Shashi and the youngest of all is Lalit. They are a lower middle class family but could afford proper meals for the members. Apart from the children, there’s Ramakant and his wife Savita, his widowed mother Raj Lakshmi. Mr. Ramakant’s father Biswanath passed away 10 years ago. Everything was going on well in the family until the pandemic in 2020. The children went to school: Shashi was in class 5, Lila, Rani and Pinky were in classes 4,3 and 2 respectively.

Out of the boys, Vishu and Raju were in class 4. The youngest one Lalit was in pre-primary. During the pandemic Ramakant suffered huge losses, since the chief income is on daily basis profit. But things got worse in early 2021, when Raj Lakshmi got infected with covid. She had to be admitted to a private hospital where Ramakanta lost a huge portion of his savings. Their family expenses had gone up after that since she had to be kept in extreme care with healthy food and regular checkups. Not only that, Ramakanta had to bear the expenses of his two cousin brothers who lost jobs during the pandemic since Ramakanta is the eldest in their family and it was not possible for him to shoo away his responsibilities. The brunt of all this had to be borne by his daughters. In order to cut down expenses, it was decided after much deliberation that the girls Shashi and Lila be dropped out of school.

The elders of the family said that their class 5th and 4th standard education were enough for a girl. Only Rani and Pinky can still go to school since they were in class 3 and 2 respectively. Shashi and Lila now help their mother Savita in household chores since the once- housewife has taken up some stitching job to earn some money to increase family income. The boys continue their studies as they did because Ramakanta said they need to be good in Math and accounts for looking after their grocery shop in future. This picture was taken when all the siblings were playing on a Sunday afternoon.

Question 2.
Select any one of the following: [10]
(i) You have been given a small sum of money to buy a gift for a friend. What gift would you choose (specify) and why would you choose this? Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about the gift and how it will benefit him/her.
(ii) You have planned to organize a health camp at school. Write a letter to the Manager of a supermarket requesting sponsorship for the event. Name the event and explain how it will benefit both the community as well as the supermarket
Answer:
(i) 32/5 Tollygunge,
Kolkata 700 048.
5^th June, 2021
Dear Ankita,
Hope this letter finds you hale and hearty! It’s been a long time since we exchanged letters. So today I got to write quite a few important things. From the time I heard that you are about to head to London for your higher studies, I have been planning to buy you a gift. After much thinking, I have come up with a unique item and not the usual books, pens etc. As it is that you’ll already be busy with studies and assignments. I want to give you something which will allow you to relax and be happy. I decided to buy a Fujifilm instax camera for you. It comes with film sheets and you can get Polaroid pictures instantly. It also has selfie mode and is easy to carry and use. With this you can click artsy and beautiful snaps of beautiful locations and yourself. You can prepare cute diaries and boards with the pictures and look them up as and when you wish.
Do let me know if you love my idea and then I will place the order for the same so that I can meet you up with your gift! Meet you soon.
Your Lovingly,
Sneha

(ii) 44/2 Park Circus,
Kolkata 700002.
January 01, 2022
The Manager,
Daylis Supermarkets
Kolkata 700041.
Sir,
We are still affected by the pandemic though according to scientists, it is about to end. We all learnt that health is the topmost priority. But there are many people who are still not conscious about the precautions and are ignoring their health. Especially in the festive season people are solely concerned about the merriment. That is why, we have an idea of organizing a health camp at an important school, where all are welcome. I earnestly request you to sponsor the camp. This will be advantageous to your business as well. We can do a promotion of the sanitizers, masks and some lifestyle medicines available at your store which people will buy at subsidized rates as part of an offer at the camp. If they find the products good, they will be a part of your regular customer.
I will be highly obliged if you kindly permit the sponsorship for the camp.
Yours faithfully,
Sneha Biswas

Question 3.
(i) You are the President of the school Science Club. You and your team are planning to organize a creative mask-making event using renewable materials. Write a notice to be put up on the school notice board, giving details of the event. [5]
(ii) Write an e-mail to the General Manager of a local hospital requesting him / her to send a senior doctor to talk to the participants at the event about the quality of mask which would give them the best protection. [5]
Answer:

Let’s Fight The Virus Together!
Creative Mask Making Event

Venue: St. Stephen’s School Event Date: 10^th January, 2022
There will be a creative mask making event at the grounds of our school on 10th of January 2022. Any student from any class who has a knack for crafts and making useful items are welcome. Make sure the items are recyclable. Come one, come all.
Sneha Biswas
(President, Science Club)

(ii) To: satishverma.dph@gmail.com
Subject: A senior doctor required
Drishti Public Hospital
Respected Sir,
This is a request for sending a senior pulmonologist or virologist to the creative mask-making event held at St. Stephen’s school ground. We want to have an hour long talk about the quality of masks that should be used by the public to fight with COVID. There’s a total lack of unanimous opinion among the commoners on this issue. As the general secretary of the club I’m requesting for the presence of a doctor at our event.
I’ll be highly obliged if our request is granted.
Thanks & Regards
Sneha Biswas
(President, Science Club)

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Sample Question Paper 1 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

General Instructions

• Answer to this paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
• You will not be allowed to write during the first 10 minutes.
• This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
• The time given at the head of this paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
• This paper comprises two sections Section A and Section B.
• Attempt all the questions from Section A.
• Attempt any four questions from Section B, answering at least one question each from the two books you have studied and any two other questions.
• The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

Section – A [10 Marks]
Attempt all questions

Question 1.
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, Write the correct answer only)
(i) What was announced on the loudspeakers before the start of the race in the poem, ‘Nine Gold Medals’?
(a) The nationalities of the runners.
(b) The age of the runners.
(c) The names of the runners.
(d) The gender of the runners.
Answer:
(c) The names of the runners

(ii) Which of the following words would best describe Abou Ben Adhem?
(a) Bold and brash
(c) Prayerful and anxious
(b) Devout and compassionate
(d) Dreamy and peaceful
Answer:
(b) Devout and compassionate

(iii) What event were the children in Ray Bradbury’s story, ‘All Summer in a Day’ eagerly awaiting?
(a) Their return to the Earth.
(b) The arrival of the Rocket people.
(c) Their teacher’s return.
(d) The appearance of the sun.
Answer:
(d) The appearance of the sun

(iv) How old was Margot when she first arrived on his distant planet?
(a) Five
(b) Seven
(c) Four
(d) Nine
Answer:
(c) Four

(v) What made Jesse Owens one of the best remembered athletes of all time?
(a) His remarkable achievement of winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.
(b) The amazing bond of friendship that he developed with arch rival Luz Long.
(c) His struggle to qualify for the finals of the broad jump at the 1936 Olympic Games.
(d) His anger at the rising nationalistic feelings that characterized the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Answer:
(a) His remarkable achievement of winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.

(vi) “You should be able to qualify with your eyes closed.” Who said these words and to whom?
(a) Jesses Owens’ coach to Jesse Owens.
(b) Luz Long to Jesse Owens
(c) Jesse Owens to Luz Long
(d) Hitler to Luz Long
Answer:
(b) Luz Long to Jesse Owens

(vii) Antonio says that trying to reason with Shylock was like……………..
(a) standing on the beach and ordering the waves to wash away the sands.
(b) reasoning with a ewe which was crying out in distress at the loss of her lamb
(c) trying to soften a rock
(d) commanding the pine trees on the mountain side to remain quiet and motionless when battered by strong winds.
Answer:
Both options (b) and (d) are correct

(viii) Which of the following characters can be described as quick-witted, daring and loyal?
(a) Nerissa
(b) Jessica
(c) Portia
(d) Leah
Answer:
(c) Portia

(ix) Name the young lovers whose lives ended tragically because of a misunderstanding caused by the appearance of a lion.
(a) Troilus and Cressida
(c) Dido and Aeneas
(b) Pyramus and Thisbe
(d) Medea and Aeson
Answer:
(b) Pyramus and Thisbe

(x) What special ‘deed of gift’ does Jessica give to Lorenzo at the end of the play?
(a) The news that Shylock had forgiven Jessica and Lorenzo for eloping.
(b) The bond signed by Shylock making Lorenzo heir to all his wealth
(c) The three thousand ducats that Antonio owed to Shylock
(d) The news that Shylock had agreed to become a Christian.
Answer:
The given question is incorrect

Section-B [10 Marks]
DRAMA
(The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare – Acts 4 and 5)

Question 2.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Portia :The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath : it is twice blessed :
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes .
Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown :

(i) Where does this scene take place? Why is Portia here? [2]
Answer:
The scene takes place in the court of justice in Venice. Portia and Nerissa, disguised as lawyer and clerk, were there in the courtroom to defend Antonio against Shylock’s inhuman claim to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body for forfeiting a bond which he had signed as a guarantee for the repayment of a loan of three thousand ducats.

(ii) To what is mercy compared in these lines? [2]
Answer:
Portia compares mercy to the gentle rain from heaven. It blesses the person who shows mercy by way of getting happiness in the generous act, and the one who is at the receiving end, also benefits from the act. Mercy looks better in a king than his crown.

(iii) Why does Portia call mercy ‘twice blessed’?
Explain the lines: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
the throned monarch better than his crown: [3]
Answer:
Portia says that the person who grants mercy is equally blessed as the one who receives it. This is because mercy is a characteristic of God, and the person who grants it is acting with the spirit and majesty of God. Thus, mercy is twice blessed: it blesses the one who gets the merciful treatment and the one who grants it.

(iv) Later in her speech Portia mentions a sceptre. What is a sceptre? How, according to Portia, is mercy
above the ‘sceptred sway’? [3]
Answer:
Sceptre is the insignia of kingship. It represents power. The line “But mercy is above this sceptred sway” means that the king’s sceptre is the emblem of his worldly power. It is the symbol of fear which kingship inspires in others. But mercy is higher and greater than the worldly authority which is symbolized by rod.

Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
GRATIANO: O learned judge! – Mark, Jew: a learned judge!
SHYLOCK: I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice, And let the Christian go.

(i) Why does Shylock suddenly decide to accept this offer? [2]
Answer:
Shylock suddenly decides to accept the offer that Bassanio had made previously because now he is trapped and his plan of revenge has failed. Now he wants to gain whatever is possible.

(ii) Who has made this offer? Who stops Shylock from accepting this offer? [2]
Answer:
Bassanio has made this offer. Portia stops Bassanio from accepting this offer.

(iii) Shylock decides to leave the court without even receiving the principal amount. What other crime is he accused of? What further punishment does he face for this crime? [3]
Answer:
Besides conspiring a murder against a Venetian citizen being a foreigner, Shylock has also attempted to murder a Christian. By the law of Venice, one half of Shylock’s property will be given to Antonio, and the other half will go to the state’s treasury. Further, Antonio forces him to convert into a Christian.

(iv) Later in this scene, how does the Duke show that he is merciful? What does Shylock say in response to the Duke’s act of mercy? [3]
Answer:
Later in this scene, the Duke pardons Shylock’s life for his crime and reminds him that it was the difference between the Christians and the Jews. The Duke grants his life but confiscates all his property.
To this, Shylock replies that he did him no good by granting him his life because although he has given him a house to live, he has taken away all its pillars. Now he has no means to survive

Section-C [10 Marks]
PROSE – SHORT STORIES
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 4.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He gave her a shove. But she did not move, rather she let herself be moved only by him and nothing else. They edged away from her; they would not look at her. She felt them go away.

(i) Who is ‘she’? On which planet is this story set? [2]
Answer:
‘She’ in the extract is Margot, the protagonist of the story, “All Summer in a Day.” She is a nine-year- old girl who moved from Ohio to planet Venus when she was four years old. Margot longs intensely for the sun, which she remembers vividly from her time on Earth.
The setting of the story is the planet Venus where it keeps on raining for years together.

(ii) Mention any two ways in which life on this planet differs from life on earth. [2]
Answer:
Life on Venus is different from life on this earth. Here it rains for seven years continuously. Secondly, the sun shines for one day for only an hour after every seven years.

(iii) Who are ‘they’? Why did ‘they’ not come to her aid when William shoved her? [3]
Answer:
‘They’ are the other children. They did not come to her aid because they did not like her. They disliked her because she would not play with them. If they tagged her and ran, she stood blinking after them and did not follow. When the class sang songs about happiness and life and games her lips barely moved. Only when they sang about the sun and the summer did her lips move as she watched the drenched windows.
And then, of course, the biggest crime of all was that she had come here only five years ago from Earth, and she remembered the sun and the way the sun was and the sky was when she was four in Ohio. And they had been on Venus all their lives, and they had been only two years old when last the sun came out and had long since forgotten the colour and heat of it and the way it really was. But Margot remembered.

(iv) What do ‘they’ do to her at the end of the story? Why did they behave in this manner? [3]
Answer:
When the sun was about to come out for the first time in seven years, the kids locked Margot in a closet. When the sun came out, the children played in the illumination like wild animals. They played until it began to rain and then in a dawning- like realization, one of them remembered that they had left Margot in the closet. They walked slowly down the hall in the sound of cold rain. They turned through the doorway to the room in the sound of the storm and thunder, lightning on their faces, blue and terrible. They walked over to the closet door slowly and stood by it. Behind the closet door was only silence. They unlocked the door, even more slowly, and let Margot out The children behaved in such a manner at the end of the story because they realised their mistake and felt sorry for their misbehaviour.

Question 5.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
An angry athlete is an athlete who will make mistakes, as any coach will tell you. I was no exception. On the first of my three qualifying jumps, I leaped from several inches beyond the take-off board for afoul.

(i) When and where is this narrative set? [2]
Answer:
This story is set in the time of the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936.

(ii) What reason does the narrator Jesse Owens give for the heightened nationalistic feelings at this time? [2]
Answer:
Hitler childishly insisted that his performers were members of a ‘master race.’ This heightened nationalistic feelings at this time .The Nazis believed in the Aryan superiority theory.

(iii) In which event had Owens been confident of winning a gold medal? Why? [3]
Answer:
Jessie Owens had trained, sweated and disciplined himself for six years. He had already made a world record in the long jump in the last year. So, he expected to win the gold medal easily in the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936.

(iv) What had made Owens angry enough to make mistakes? Name Owens’ rival who approached him at this point. [3]
Answer:
At the time of broad- jump trials, Jessie Owens saw a tall boy hitting the pit at almost 26 feet on his practice leaps. Jesse felt angry when he was told that Hitler had kept him under wraps obviously to win the jump against him. If Luz Long won, it would add some new support to the Nazis’ Aryan- superiority theory. Jessie was so disturbed thinking about it that he had made mistakes in his trial jumps.
Luz Long, a German, was Jessie Owens’ rival who approached at this point.

Section-D [10 Marks]
POETRY
(Treasure Trove – A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 6.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou ? “

(i) To whom did Ben Adhem address these words? Mention the context in which he said this. [2]
Answer:
Ben Adhem addressed these words to the angel. One night Abou woke up from a deep dream of peace. He saw an angel writing something in a golden book. He asked the angel what he wrote. The angel replied that he was writing the names of those who loved God, but Abou’s name was not there.
Abou requested the angel to write his name in the list of those who loved their fellowmen. The next night the angel came again and showed Abou the names of those whom God had blessed. Abou was surprised to see that his name was written on top.

(ii) What was the ‘presence’ doing in Ben Adhem’s room? What did the presence say in response to Ben Adhem’s question? [2]
Answer:
The ‘presence’ was writing the names of those who loved God, in his golden book. Seeing him, Ben Adhem asked him what he was writing in his golden book.
The angel raised his head and looked at Abou in a friendly way. The angel replied that he was writing the names of those who loved God.

(iii) What did Abou ben Adhem say after this exchange? How did the presence respond to his words? [3]
Answer:
Abou requested the angel to write his name in the list of those who loved their fellowmen. After this, the angel wrote something and Vanished.
The next night the angel came -again and showed Abou the names of those whom God had blessed. Abou was surprised to see that his name was written on top.

(iv) Describe the events of the following night. [3]
Answer:
The poem “Abou Ben Adhem” depicts the heavenly feelings of Abou Adhem, a strong believer in God who believes that not only loving God, but also loving people who believe in God is great. The poem describes an event in the life of Adhem. One night, he woke up from his deep peaceful sleep and saw a beautiful angel, in the moonlight that lit his room, writing something in a golden book. He looked at the angel with wonder.

The peaceful ambience of the room encouraged him to question the angel what he was writing. The angel raised its head and with sweetness, answered Adhem that it was writing the names of all those who loved God. On hearing this, Abou enquired about his name in the list. But the angel’s reply was negative which made Abou a little sad but still he cheerfully requested the angel to write his name in the list of people who loved God’s fellowmen. The angel wrote something in the book and disappeared. The next night the angel appeared again with a great bright light that roused Adhem from his sleep. It showed Adhem the names of those people whom God had blessed and to great surprise, Abou’s name was at the top of the list.

Question 7.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
All round the field spectators were gathered
Cheering on all the young women and men
Then the final event of the day was approaching
The last race about to begin.
– Nine Gold Medals, David Roth

(i) Where had the ‘young women and men’ come from? What had brought them together?[2]
Answer:
The ‘young women and men’ had come from different countries to participate in various sports events. They were fired with the longing to win the gold medal. As the international event is very prestigious, every participant had put in a lot of preparation and practice. No one wanted to spare any pain for winning a medal – gold, silver or bronze.

(ii) What was the last event of the day? How many athletes were participating in this event? [2]
Answer:
The last event of the day was the hundred-metre race. Nine young athletes were participating in this event. They were well-poised, waiting for the pistol shot as a starting signal of the special Olympics.

(iii) What happened to the youngest athlete half way through the race? How did he deal with the situation? [3]
Answer:
Half way through the race the youngest athlete stumbled and fell down on the tracks. He was distressed and gave out a cry in frustration because his hard work had come to nothing.

(iv) Describe the manner in which the race ends. [3]
Answer:
Nine Gold Medals’ by David Lee Roth is a poem about compassion and brotherhood. The poem presents how a collaborative mindset is the need of the hour in this world of ruthless competition. According to the poet, when the competitive world holds one back, others should not restrain themselves from helping. Life is not about winning the race. The most important thing is how one ends the race of life with a smile and holding hands with others.

Through the text, David Roth tried to spread this message of universal brotherhood. ‘Nine Gold Medals’ by David Roth talks about nine athletes who had come from different countries to run the hundred metres race in the Special Olympics. They trained hard for the event and eventually, the day arrived. Spectators filled the blocks, and they observed those nine athletes warming up for the race. With the sound of the gun, the race began.

But, one of them stumbled and fell. Interestingly, the contestants came forward to help the youngest of them all. In the end, they held hands and completed the race with the spirit of togetherness. Above them, the banner of “Special Olympics” fluttered and the smiling faces below said much more than the words could convey. The poem celebrates the spirit of compassion and cooperation over competition.

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 Hindi Sample Question Paper 5 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section-A [20 Marks]

Question 1.
Write a short composition in Hindi of approximately 200 words on any one of the following topics:
निम्नलिखित विषयों में से किसी एक विषय पर हिन्दी में लगभग 200 शब्दों में निबंध लिखिए:
(i) कॉविड-19 के लॉकडाउन में रचनात्मकता पर अपने विचार व्यक्त कीजिए।
(ii) “सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पीना बन्द होना चाहिए।” इस कथन के पक्ष या विपक्ष में अपने विचार व्यक्त कीजिए।
(iii) “ग्लोबल वार्मिंग और हमारी धरती’ विषय पर एक लेख लिखिए।
(iv) एक कहानी लिखिए जिसका आधार निम्नलिखित होः
लालच बुरी बला है।
(v) नीचे दिए गए चित्र को ध्यान से देखिए और चित्र को आधार बनाकर, उसका परिचय देते हुए कोई लेख, घटना अथवा कहानी लिखिए, जिसका सीधा व स्पष्ट संबंध चित्र से होना चाहिए।

Answer:
(i) कॉविड-19 के लॉकडाउन में रचनात्मकता
कोरोना वायरस जैसी भयावह बीमारी के बढ़ते संक्रमण पर रोकथाम के लिए सरकार ने देशव्यापी लॉकडाउन का ऐलान किया जिससे देश की अर्थव्यवस्था में कमी आना स्वाभाविक है। महामारी का आंकड़ा 15 लाख के पार हो गया है। कितने लोग संक्रमण से अपनी जान गँवा चुके हैं। अनेक लोगों की आमदनी के स्रोत बंद हो गए, कितनों को बेघर होना पड़ा, अप्रवासी मजदूरों की दयनीय स्थिति किसी से छिपी नहीं है। देशवासियों में बीमारी के भय तथा लॉकडाउन से जुड़ी मानसिक, शारीरिक व आर्थिक परेशानियों ने घर कर लिया है।

किन्तु हर चीज को समझने के दो पहलू होते हैं। जिस तरह इस लॉकडाउन ने देश की समस्याओं को एक ओर बढ़ाया है वही प्राकृतिक स्तर पर कई सकारात्मक बदलाव भी सामने आए हैं जैसे ध्वनि, वायु व जल प्रदूषणों में अप्रत्याशित कमी आना, प्राकृतिक वातावरण स्वच्छ होता प्रतीत होना मानो जैसे पृथ्वी वर्षों बाद सांस ले पा रही हो। जीवन की व्यस्तता के चलते लोगों का अपने परिवार को समय दे पाना मुमकिन नहीं था किन्तु अब सभी अपने प्रियजनों के साथ समय व्यतीत कर पा रहे हैं।

लॉकडाउन की प्रक्रिया में रचनात्मक पहलू भी उभर कर आया है। घर से बाहर न जाने से लोग अपने अंदर नई प्रतिभाओं को सीखने का या पहले की प्रतिभाओं को निखारने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं फिर चाहे वह नृत्य कला हो, गायन कला, पाक कला, फोटोग्राफी, चित्रकारी या कोई भी प्रोफेशनल ट्रेनिंग। अनेक संस्थान, विद्यालय व विश्वविद्यालय भी निजी स्तर पर अनेक ऑनलाइन क्लासेज और कोर्सेज चला रहे हैं तथा विभिन्न प्रतियोगिताएँ भी आयोजित कर रहे हैं जैसे की निबंध, कहानी व कविता लेखन इत्यादि। हमारे देश में प्रतिभा की कोई कमी नहीं है बस जरूरत है मौके की। बी.टेक के एक छात्र ने कीप क्रिएटिव थीम के अन्तर्गत पुरानी पड़ी साइकिल को इलेक्ट्रॉनिक साइकिल में परिवर्तित कर अपनी प्रतिभा का परिचय दिया। ऐसे अनेक उदाहरण हैं जिनमें बच्चे हों या बड़े सभी अपने कौशल को दुनिया को दिखा पाने में सक्षम हुए हैं। इसलिए समय का सदुपयोग कर अपनी दिनचर्या को व्यवस्थित करें। सरकार द्वारा बनाए गए नियमों का पालन करें तभी इस महामारी को जड़ से मिटाना संभव है। उम्मीद है, हम इस महामारी से सीख लेंगे और इससे जुड़े प्रभावों को जिन्दगी का हिस्सा बनाएंगे।

(ii) “सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पीना बन्द होना चाहिए।
जीवन में कुछ कार्य ऐसे हैं जिन्हें मनुष्य अपने आनन्द के लिए करता है। कुछ कार्य ऐसे भी हैं जो उसके स्वास्थ्य को नुकसान पहुंचाते हैं, लेकिन फिर भी वह उन्हें करता है। सिगरेट पीना एक ऐसी आदत है जो उसको और उसके आस-पास खड़े लोगों को नुकसान पहुँचाती है। लोग सिगरेट अपने घर में और सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर भी पीते हैं। उन्हें रोकने या टोकने वाला कोई नहीं होता। यद्यपि सार्वजनिक स्थलों जैसे रेलवे स्टेशन, बस स्टैण्ड, पार्क आदि पर नोटिस लगा होता है जिसमें लिखा होता है कि ‘सिगरेट पीना मना है’ पर उसे कोई नहीं मानता। मैं तो इसके खिलाफ हूँ कि सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पी जाय। यह उन लोगों को भी प्रभावित करती है जो सिगरेट पीने वाले के पास बैठे हैं। ऐसे में बड़ी घुटन-सी हो जाती है और साफ हवा नहीं मिल पाती। इससे फेफड़े खराब हो जाते हैं और अधिक सिगरेट पीने वालों को कैंसर भी हो जाता है। सार्वजनिक स्थलों जैसे सिनेमाघर, रेलगाड़ी में सिगरेट जलाने के बाद माचिस की जलती हुई तीली फेंक देते हैं जिससे भीषण दुर्घटनाएँ हो जाती हैं।

सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पीना तहजीब के खिलाफ भी है। यह तो हर प्रकार से बन्द होना ही चाहिए। सरकार ने सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पीने पर रोक लगा दी है, पर इसका पालन अभी नहीं हो रहा है। यदि स्वयंसेवक इस जिम्मेदारी को सँभालें तो सिगरेट पीना बन्द हो सकता है। पुलिस भी इसमें सहयोग करे और जो ऐसा करता पाया जाय उस पर काफी जुर्माना हो। कहते हैं कि ‘हर सिगरेट मनुष्य के जीवन को पाँच मिनट कम कर देती है।’ यह कथन सत्य है। बस में भी कुछ लोग सिगरेट, बीड़ी पीते हैं। यह बहुत गलत है। अन्य लोगों को उन्हें रोकना चाहिए। उन्हें तो नुकसान होता ही है, लेकिन जो पास में बैठे है उन्हें बिना पिए भी नुकसान होता है। अतः हम सबका कर्तव्य है कि सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर सिगरेट पीने वालों को रोकें। जो चीज स्वास्थ्य को नुकसान पहुँचा रही है उसे तो रोकना ही चाहिए। सिगरेट पीने की आदत को कम सिगरेट पीकर धीरे-धीरे छोड़ा जा सकता है। बहुत से लोग जो पहले कई पैकेट सिगरेट पीते थे उन्होंने बिल्कुल ही सिगरेट पीना छोड़ दिया। इसके लिये दृढ़ आत्मशक्ति की आवश्यकता है।

(iii) ग्लोबल वॉर्मिंग और हमारी धरती
पर्यावरण पर संकट किसी एक देश का नहीं अपितु यह प्रकृति द्वारा मानव जाति के लिए एक गम्भीर चेतावनी है। इससे जीव सम्बन्धी विविधता का निरन्तर क्षरण होता जा रहा है। इससे लगभग 20% जातियाँ विलुप्त होने की कगार पर हैं। प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के अंधाधुंध दोहन और आबादी के उत्तरोत्तर बढ़ने के दबाव ने जैविक विविधता पर गम्भीर खतरा उत्पन्न कर दिया है। जीवन सम्पदा अर्थात् वनस्पति और जीवन की विविधता जितनी भारत में है उतनी अन्यत्र कहीं देखने को नहीं मिलेगी। हमारे देश में कन्याकुमारी के समुद्र तट से लेकर हिमालय और अरब की खाड़ी से लेकर बंगाल का सुन्दरवन डेल्टा तक जैव विविधता की सम्पदा से सम्पन्न व विस्तृत है। ग्लोबल वार्मिंग से जीव व वनस्पति दोनों को बहुत खतरा है इससे मानव जाति भी विलुप्त हो सकती है।

भारत ही नहीं बल्कि अनेक देशों के जीविकोपार्जन का साधन कृषि है और अधिकांश लोग कृषि पर ही आश्रित हैं। इससे स्पष्ट है कि ग्लोबल वार्मिंग का सबसे बुरा असर देश के सबसे गरीब व्यक्ति अर्थात् आम जनता पर पड़ रहा है। प्रकृति के असन्तुलन, जैसे बाढ़ या सूखे के कारण कृषि बर्बाद हो जाती है। कृषि उत्तम न होने के कारण बेरोजगारी और महँगाई व कर्ज के कारण कितने ही किसान खुदकुशी करने पर विवश हो जाते हैं। ग्लोबल वार्मिंग से ओजोन परत में छिद्र हो गये हैं जिससे सूर्य से निकलने वाली पराबैंगनी किरणें सीधे जीव व वनस्पति पर हमला करती हैं। इन किरणों से मनुष्य में अनेक प्रकार की गम्भीर बीमारियाँ हो जाती हैं। पीने के पानी पर भी खतरा हो गया है। सूरज की प्रत्यक्ष तीव्र किरणों से पहाड़ों की बर्फ पिघल रही है जिससे समुद्र का जलस्तर बढ़ने से बाढ़ का खतरा बढ़ रहा है और पीने के पानी की भी समस्या हो रही है। जब पीने के पानी पर ही संकट है तो “जल ही जीवन है।” वाली कहावत भी खतरे में है। अतः यह संकट इतना भयंकर है कि यदि यह कम नहीं हुआ तो वह दिन दूर नहीं जब मानव जाति के विनाश के अतिरिक्त कोई दूसरा विकल्प नहीं होगा।

(iv) लालच बुरी बला है।
मनुष्य लालच में आकर अपना सब कुछ गँवा देता है।
रामपुर एक छोटा सा गाँव था, जिसके एक ओर खेती तो दूसरी ओर नदी बहती थी। गाँवों के लोग खेती करके अपना जीवन व्यतीत करते थे। कुछ लोग जंगल में जाकर लकड़ी काटकर उन्हें बेचकर अपना जीवन व्यतीत करते थे। वहीं उस गाँव में गोपाल नामक एक लकड़हारा रहता था। वह एक दिन लकड़ी काट रहा था। उसकी कुल्हाड़ी पानी में गिर गई। वह बहुत उदास हो गया और नदी के तट पर बैठा सोच रहा था कि अब वह कैसे अपने परिवार का पेट भरेगा। तभी नदी में से एक देवी निकली। उन्होंने गोपाल से उसकी उदासी का कारण पूछा।

गोपाल ने सब कुछ बता दिया। देवी पानी में गईं और सोने की कुल्हाड़ी ले आई। गोपाल ने कहा नहीं ये मेरी कुल्हाड़ी नहीं है, फिर देवी ने उसे चाँदी की कुल्हाड़ी दिखाई, गोपाल ने फिर मना कर दिया तब देवी लोहे की कुल्हाड़ी लेकर आई, तो गोपाल ने कहा हाँ, यही उसकी कुल्हाड़ी है। देवी उससे प्रसन्न हो गईं और उन्होंने तीनों कुल्हाड़ी उसे दे दी। गोपाल के दिन अब बदल गए थे। अब वह भी पैसे वाला हो गया था। एक दिन उसका मित्र रमेश उससे मिलने आया और उसने अमीरी का कारण पूछा, तो गोपाल ने सब सच बता दिया, लेकिन रमेश लालची था। वह भी लकड़ी काटने गया और जानबूझ कर कुल्हाड़ी नदी में फेंक दी। जब देवी ने उसे सोने की कुल्हाड़ी दिखाई तो उसने तुरन्त कह दिया कि हाँ, वह मेरी है इतना कहते ही वह और सोने की कुल्हाड़ी दोनों गायब हो गईं और रमेश के पास जो कुछ था वह भी समाप्त हो गया। उसने सब कुछ पाने के स्थान पर अपना सब कुछ गंवा दिया था।

(iv) भूकंप
दिया गया चित्र गुजरात में आए भयावह भूकम्प का है जिसने हजारों मकानों को ध्वस्त कर दिया और लगभग चालीस हजार से अधिक लोगों को काल के गाल में समा लिया। चित्र में दिखाई दे रहा है अनेक मकानों का मलबा और मलबे के ऊपर सहायता का कार्य करते हुए अनेक व्यक्ति। एक वृद्ध अपना कुछ सामान सिर पर रखे हुए जाता दिखाई दे रहा है, न जाने कितने लोग इस मलबे में दब गए होंगे। यह वाक्या है 26 जनवरी, 2001 की प्रातः का जब नई दिल्ली में राजपथ पर गणतन्त्र दिवस की परेड चल रही थी। लोगों को क्या पता था कि ऐसे खुशी के माहौल में गुजरात की तकदीर प्रकृति के निर्मम हाथों से तय होनी थी। सबसे अधिक नुकसान अहमदाबाद और भुज क्षेत्र में हुआ।

कच्छ इलाके में स्थित 100 रेलवे स्टेशनों तथा 36 रेल पुलों को भी भारी क्षति पहुँची। राजकोट तथा मोरवी में भी भयानक तबाही हुई। सेना, नौसेना तथा वायुसेना के अलावा राहत कार्यों में गुजरात स्थित सार्वजनिक प्रतिष्ठानों और निजी उद्योगों की भारी भरकम मशीनें राहत कार्य में लगाई गईं। पुलिस तथा कई समाज-सेवी संस्थाएँ राहत कार्य में जुट गईं। देश विदेश से दान-राशि सहायता कार्य के लिए आनी शुरू हो गई। जो भी जिससे बना उसने मदद की। मानवता की यही पुकार है। घायलों को अस्पताल पहुँचाया गया, मृतकों की अन्त्येष्टि की गई और बेघर लोगों के आवास और भोजन का प्रबन्ध टैण्ट लगा कर किया गया। दूर-दराज के ग्रामीण इलाकों में सहायता पहुँचने में विलम्ब हुआ, लेकिन सरकार ने वह भी सँभाल लिया। यह है प्रकृति का प्रकोप जो इन्सान की पहुँच के बाहर है। रक्षामन्त्री भुज के क्षेत्र में निगरानी के लिए रुक गए। प्रधानमन्त्री ने सरकारी खजाने का मुँह खोल दिया।

इस भयानक मंजर को देखकर हर एक की आँखें नम हो गईं। भूकम्प के झटके कई प्रमुख शहरों में महसूस किए गए। गृहमन्त्री और प्रधानमन्त्री ने प्रभावित इलाके में पहुँचकर स्थिति का जायजा लिया। इस प्राकृतिक आपदा से पूरा देश व्यथित हुआ। 1991 में उत्तरकाशी में भूकम्प आया था जिसमें एक हजार से अधिक लोग मारे गये थे। 1993 में महाराष्ट्र के लातूर व अहमदाबाद इलाकों में आए भूकम्प से लगभग दस हजार लोग मारे गए थे। 1999 में रुद्रप्रयाग में आए भूकम्प में 120 से अधिक लोग मारे गए थे। कहते हैं कि जानवरों और पक्षियों को पहले से भूकम्प का एहसास हो जाता है। वैज्ञानिकों के लिए यह एक बड़ी चुनौती है, कि वे भूकम्प का पहले से पता लगाएँ। ऐसे अवसरों पर हमारा कर्तव्य हो जाता है कि भूकम्प पीड़ितों की भरपूर सहायता करें।

Question 2.
Write a letter in Hindi of approximately 120 words on any one of the topics given below:
निम्नलिखित में से किसी एक विषय पर हिन्दी में लगभग 120 शब्दों में पत्र लिखिए: अपने मित्र को पत्र लिखिए जिसमें आपने उस घटना का वर्णन किया हो जिससे आप सम्बन्धित थे तथा जिससे आपके विद्यालय को श्रेय/ सुयश मिला था।
अथवा
आप और आपके मित्र किसी की सहायता के लिए एक रंगारंग कार्यक्रम, अपने स्कूल के हॉल में प्रस्तुत करना चाहते हैं। हॉल के प्रयोग की अनुमति लेने के लिए अपने स्कूल के प्राचार्य को पत्र लिखिए।
Answer:
53,माधव कुंज,
आगरा।
दिनांक: 10.01.20XX
प्रिय मित्र ललित,
सप्रेम नमस्ते।
बहुत समय से तुमने अपना कोई समाचार नहीं दिया। समय-समय पर पत्र तो लिखते रहो ताकि एक-दूसरे की कुशलता के प्रति आश्वस्त रह सकें। मुझे आशा है कि तुम्हारा अध्ययन सुचारू रूप से चल रहा होगा। मित्र! इधर कुछ दिनों पूर्व एक बड़ी अच्छी घटना घटी जिसमें मैं विशेष रूप से जुड़ा रहा हूँ। इसके बारे में सब कुछ लिख रहा हूँ।
बात गत् नवम्बर मास के अन्तिम सप्ताह की है। हमारे विद्यालय के विद्यार्थी अन्तर्मण्डलीय प्रतियोगिताओं के विविध कार्यक्रमों में भाग लेने हेतु लखनऊ गए हुए थे। तुम जानते ही हो कि नाटक तथा अन्य सांस्कृतिक गतिविधियों में मेरी विशेष रुचि है। मुझे भी नाटक से सम्बन्धित दल में सम्मिलित किया गया है। किन्तु मुझे अत्यन्त गौण भूमिका दी गयी थी। हमारे दल को अपना नाटक 26 नवम्बर को मंच पर प्रस्तुत करना था। 25 तारीख को प्रातः से ही हमारे एक साथी रंजन को ज्वर हो गया। रंजन ही हमारे द्वारा प्रस्तुत किए जाने वाले नाटक का नायक था। उसकी ऐसी दशा से यह स्पष्ट हो गया था कि वह अगले दिन मंच पर अभिनय कर सकने की स्थिति में नहीं था। अत: दोनों भूमिकाएँ निभाने का दायित्व मैंने संभाला। मैं जी-जान से अभ्यास में जुट गया। अगले दिन हमारा नाटक अत्यन्त सफलता से मंचित हुआ। निर्णायकों के निर्णयानुसार अन्तर्मण्डलीय नाट्य प्रतियोगिता में हमारे विद्यालय का नाटक सर्वोत्तम घोषित हुआ। हमारे शिक्षक ने स्पष्ट रूप से कहा है कि यह सब मेरे अभिनय के कारण ही सम्भव हो सका है। मुझे इस बात का सन्तोष था कि मैं अपने विद्यालय को सुयश दिलाने में योगदान दे सका।
घर पर सभी बड़ों को अभिवादन। टिंचू और नीना को प्यार। तुम्हारा मित्र
राजीव

अथवा

सेवा में,
प्रधानाचार्य महोदय,
सेण्ट फ्रांसिस स्कूल,
आगरा।
विषयः रंगारंग कार्यक्रम में हॉल के प्रयोग की अनुमति हेतु।
महोदय,
यह तो सर्वविदित है कि सम्पूर्ण देश में यह वर्ष विकलांग वर्ष के रूप में मनाया जा रहा है। विभिन्न संस्थाओं द्वारा उनकी सहायता के लिए विभिन्न कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किये जा रहे हैं। हमारे विद्यालय के छात्र भी इससे उत्साहित होकर एक रंगारंग कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत कर विकलांगों की सहायता करना चाहते हैं। अतः विद्यालय के हॉल की इस हेतु आवश्यकता होगी। कृपया हमें अनुमति प्रदान करने का कष्ट करें।

हम आपको विश्वास दिलाना चाहते हैं कि हॉल के फर्नीचर व साज-सज्जा को किसी भी प्रकार की हानि नहीं होगी। हम इसके लिए विशेष रूप से सचेत रहेंगे। यह भी विश्वास दिलाना हम अपना पुनीत कर्त्तव्य समझते हैं कि इस कार्यक्रम से प्राप्त समस्त आय का हिसाब एक समिति रखेगी जिसकी देख-रेख हेतु हमारे विद्यालय के हिन्दी-अध्यापक तथा संरक्षक आप स्वयं होंगे। समस्त धनराशि विद्यालय की ओर से जिलाधीश महोदय को, जो उस कार्यक्रम के विशेष अतिथि होंगे, विकलांग सहायतार्थ भेंट की जाएगी।
अतः आपसे विनम्र प्रार्थना व आग्रह है कि हमें हॉल के प्रयोग की अनुमति प्रदान की जाए। हम आपके बहुत आभारी रहेंगे।
आदर सहित धन्यवाद!
आपके आज्ञाकारी शिष्य,
कक्षा ‘X’ के छात्र
दिनांक : 20-2-20XX

Section-B [20 Marks]
(Answer questions from any of the two books that you have studied.)
साहित्य सागर-संक्षिप्त कहानियाँ

Question 3.
(i) लाल बिहारी कौन है? उसे अपनी भावज की कौन-सी बात बुरी लगी? [2]
(ii) श्यामलाकांत जी के परिवार में कितने सदस्य हैं? उसके लिए कौन जिम्मेदार है? [2]
(iii) भेड़िए के प्रचार में सियारों ने अपनी पूरी शक्ति लगाकर सफलता दिलाने का प्रयास किया, इसके पीछे छिपे कारण को स्पष्ट कीजिए। [3]
(iv) “वह काम तो तेरे लिए छोड़ दिया। मैं चली जाऊँगी तो जल्दी से सारी दुनिया का कल्याण करने के लिए झण्डा लेकर निकल पड़ना।” वक्ता की जाने की बात से श्रोता ने कैसा महसूस किया? [3]
Answer:
(i) लाल बिहारी बेनी माधव सिंह का छोटा बेटा और श्रीकंठ का भाई है। एक दिन दोपहर के समय वह दो चिड़ियाँ पकड़कर लाया और भावज से उन्हें पकाने को कहा। भावज ने घर में जो पाव भर घी था सब माँस में डाल दिया। जब लाल बिहारी खाना खाने बैठा तो दाल में घी न था। पूछने पर भावज ने सब बता दिया कि घी कहाँ गया। लाल बिहारी को भावज की यही बात बहुत बुरी लगी कि उसे किफायत का जरा भी ध्यान नहीं। इस पर वह बहस किये जा रही थी और अपने कार्य को उचित ठहरा रही थी।

(ii) श्यामलाकांत जी के परिवार में कुल नौ सदस्य हैं। यह एक बड़ा परिवार है और इसमें स्वयं श्यामलाकांत जी मुखिया हैं। उन्होंने परिवार नियोजन में लापरवाही की और बच्चों की टीम खड़ी कर अनेक समस्याओं को स्वयं ही जन्म दिया जिनका कोई समाधान दिखाई नहीं देता।

(iii) सियार अवसरवादी और स्वार्थी लोगों के प्रतीक हैं। उनका अस्तित्व शोषक वर्ग की कृपा पर ही निर्भर है। उनका सुख-सुविधापूर्ण जीवन भी उन्हीं की कृपा से चलता है। इसलिए ऐसे लोग शोषक वर्ग की चापलूसी और उनके लिए कार्य करने में लगे रहते हैं। बिना शोषक वर्ग की कृपा के उनका जीवन मुश्किल से चलेगा।

(iv) चित्रा के विदेश जाने की बात सुनकर अरुणा भावुक हो उठी। उसने कहा कि छः साल से साथ-साथ रहते हुए वह यह तो भूल ही गई थी कि अलग भी होना पड़ सकता है। दोनों में इतना स्नेह था कि हॉस्टल वाले उनकी मित्रता देखकर ईर्ष्या करते थे।

साहित्य सागर-पद्य

Question 4.
(i) पाहुन किसे कहा गया है? पाहुन का कैसा स्वागत होता है? [2]
(ii) श्रीकृष्ण की क्या माँग है? यदि उनकी माँग पूरी न हुई तो वह क्या करेंगे? [2]
(iii) जीवन में सुख-दुःख और आशा-निराशा के प्रति हमारा क्या दृष्टिकोण होना चाहिए? अपने दुःखों और निराशा के लिए हमें किसको दोष देना उचित नहीं है तथा क्यों? समझाकर लिखिए। [3]
(iv) ‘अंजन कहा आँख जेहि फूटै, बहु तक कहौं कहाँ लौं।’ पंक्ति की व्याख्या कीजिए। [3]
Answer:
(i) ‘पाहुन’ बादलों को कहा गया है। पाहुन का तात्पर्य है अतिथि। बादलों का स्वागत अतिथि की तरह हो रहा है। ‘अतिथि देवो भवः’ का मन्त्र सभी को सुहाता है और अपने घर आये हुए अतिथि को देवता मानकर उसका स्वागत करते हैं।

(ii) बाल श्रीकृष्ण ने जब आकाश में खिलता हुआ चन्द्रमा देखा तो अपनी माता से जिद करने लगे कि मैं तो चन्द्रमा का खिलौना लूँगा। यदि माता ने यह खिलौना नहीं दिया तो वह धौरी गाय का दूध नहीं पियेंगे, सिर पर चोटी नहीं बँधवायेंगे, मोतियों की माला और झुंगली नहीं पहनेंगे।

(iii) जीवन में सुख-दुःख और आशा-निराशा आने पर भी हमें उनसे निराश नहीं होना चाहिए। इसके लिए हमें ईश्वर और भाग्य को दोष नहीं देना चाहिए कि मेरा भाग्य मेरे विपरीत चल रहा है या ईश्वर मेरा साथ नहीं दे रहा है। बल्कि अपने कर्म को निडरता और दृढ़तापूर्वक करते हुए आगे बढ़ना चाहिए और अपना भाग्य स्वयं बनाना चाहिए। क्योंकि गति जीवन का सत्य है।

(iv) प्रस्तुत पंक्ति के द्वारा कवि तुलसीदास ने अपने आराध्य प्रभु राम के प्रति अपनी अनन्य भक्ति को दर्शाया है। इसी संदर्भ में वे आगे कहते हैं कि जिस अंजन (काजल) को लगाने से आँखें फूट जाएँ, वह अंजन ही किस काम का? कवि कहते हैं कि जिसे प्रभु राम के चरणों में प्रेम भाव हो, वही सब प्रकार से अपना परम हितैषी, पूजनीय और प्राणों से भी अधिक प्रिय है तथा इसके विपरीत जो राम के प्रति स्नेह व भक्ति न रखता हो, वह सदा के लिए अप्रिय और त्याज्य है।

नया रास्ता

Question 5.
(i) ‘आज मीनू का सपना पूरा हो गया’ स्पष्ट करो। क्या वकील बनना ही मीनू की मंजिल थी? [2]
(ii) नीलिमा और सुरेन्द्र के जाने के बाद मीनू के मन में कैसे विचार आते रहे? वह रात उसने कैसे बिताई? [2]
(iii) मीनू के वकालत पास करने से किसे विशेष खुशी हुई? [3]
(iv) मीनू के अस्पताल मिलने आने पर अमित उसे अधिक बैठने के लिए क्यों न कह सका? उसने मीनू से मुख्यतः किस विषय पर बात की? [3]
Answer:
(i) हर लड़की का सुहाना सपना होता है, दुल्हन बनने का। मीनू का सपना भी यही था। वह भी चाहती थी कि कोई लड़का उसे पसन्द करे और वह दुल्हन बने। लेकिन उसके साँवले रंग के कारण अब तक उसे किसी ने पसन्द नहीं किया था। आज अमित ने उसे स्वीकार कर उसका सपना पूरा किया। अब तक तो मीनू की मंजिल वकील बनना ही था। वकील तो वह बन गई और प्रैक्टिस भी शुरू कर दी थी। उसकी दूसरी मंजिल दुल्हन बनने की थी और यह मंजिल भी उसने पा ली थी।

(ii) नीलिमा और सुरेन्द्र के जाने के बाद मीनू अमित के विषय में सोचने लगी। जिस अमित के लिए उसके मन में घृणा के भाव थे, उसी के लिए उसके मन में स्नेह उत्पन्न हो गया। वह रात उसके लिए बेचैनी भरी थी। बेचैनी के कारण उसे रात-भर नींद नहीं आई थी। प्रातः होते ही वह अमित से मिलने चल दी।

(iii) मीनू के वकालत पास करने से अमित की माताजी को विशेष खुशी हुई। मेरठ में ही प्रैक्टिस शुरू करने की बात से अमित को भी क्षणिक खुशी का अनुभव हुआ। अमित की माताजी मीनू के अच्छे व्यवहार व शिक्षा के कारण उसमें रुचि लेने लगी हैं। मीनू को अमित से सहानुभूति है। मीनू का अस्पताल दो बार आना यह प्रदर्शित करता है कि उसके हृदय में उनके प्रति सहानुभूति है। अत: इन बातों को सोचकर अमित की माताजी मीनू के वकालत पास करने पर विशेष खुशी का अनुभव करती हैं। जब किसी को अपना समझने लगते हैं तो उसकी उन्नति पर खुशी होती है।

(iv) अमित हृदय से चाहता था कि मीनू उसके पास और बैठे लेकिन वह मीनू के सामने शर्मिन्दा था। इसलिए चाहते हुए भी वह उसे और बैठने के लिए न कह सका। उसने मुख्यतः इस विषय पर बात की कि वह उससे सम्बन्ध न करके उसे लज्जित करने के लिए शर्मिन्दा है। उसने उसकी भावनाओं को ठेस पहुँचाई है। उसकी गलती इतनी है कि उसने माता-पिता के सामने उनकी राय का विरोध नहीं किया। जिस लड़की से रिश्ता हो गया तो उससे शादी से पहले ही रिश्ता टूट गया। इसमें ईश्वर की भलाई थी। मैंने तुम्हें अपनी जीवन-संगिनी मान लिया था। इसलिए अब तक तुम्हारी प्रतीक्षा करता रहा।

एकांकी संचय

Question 6.
(i) दादाजी अपने परिवार की तुलना बरगद के पेड़ से क्यों कर रहे हैं? वे बरगद के पेड़ को महान क्यों कह रहे हैं? [2]
(ii) दादाजी के प्रयास का क्या परिणाम हुआ? वे अपने प्रयास में कहाँ तक सफल रहे? [2]
(iii) “बिलासी और अत्याचारी राजा कभी निष्कंटक राज्य नहीं कर सकता।” यह कथन किसका है और किससे कहा गया है? यह कथन किसके बारे में है? [3]
(iv) धाय माँ ने कीरत को अपनी योजना के बारे में क्या बताया और उसने क्या जवाब दिया? [3]
Answer:
(i) दादाजी का परिवार बरगद के समान विशाल है। बरगद के मजबूत तने और उसकी शाखाओं के समान दादाजी का प्रेम, उदारता तथा अनुशासन परिवार को मजबूती प्रदान कर रहा है। वे बरगद के पेड़ को महान इसलिए कह रहे हैं क्योंकि यह वृक्ष वर्षों से उन्हें शीतलता और छाया प्रदान कर रहा है। इसकी डालियों में सैकड़ों की संख्या में पक्षियों ने अपने घोंसले बना लिए हैं।

(ii) दादाजी के प्रयास का परिणाम सफल रहा। वह विचार तथा वातावरण की विभिन्नता के कारण पैदा होने वाली अशान्ति को खत्म करके परिवार के सदस्यों में आपसी प्रेम, सहयोग, सहनशीलता और उदारता की भावना को जन्म देने में सफल रहे। इस प्रकार संयुक्त परिवार की एकता की रक्षा का उनका प्रयास पूर्ण सफल रहा।

(iii) यह कथन पन्ना धाय का है और सामली से कहा गया है। यह कथन अत्याचारी राजा बनवीर के बारे में है। बनवीर कुँवर उदय सिंह का संरक्षक था परन्तु उसके दिल में खोट था। वह कुँवर की हत्या करके राज्य को अपने कब्जे में लेना चाहता था। उसके इरादों की भनक पन्ना धाय को हो गई थी। उसी सम्बन्ध में ये बातचीत हो रही थी।

(iv) धाय माँ ने कहा कि मौका तो आ गया है कीरत ! कुँवर जी की रक्षा करने का। उनके प्राण संकट में हैं। वह अपनी टोकरी में कुँवर जी को लिटा ले और ऊपर से जूठी पत्तलों से उन्हें ढक दे। वह उन्हें यहाँ से सुरक्षित ले जाए और बेरिस नदी के किनारे मिले। कीरत ने कहा ठीक है अन्नदाता! मुझे कोई सिपाही रोकेगा नहीं, क्योंकि आते समय भी किसी ने नहीं रोका।

ICSE Class 10 Hindi Question Papers with Answers

ICSE Class 10 Hindi Sample Question Paper 4 with Answers

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 1/2 Hours

Section-A [20 Marks]

Question 1.
Write a short composition in Hindi of approximately 200 words on any one of the following topics:
निम्नलिखित विषयों में से किसी एक विषय पर हिन्दी में लगभग 200 शब्दों में निबंध लिखिए:
(i) बढ़ती महँगाई देश के लिए एक अभिशाप बन गई है। इसी समस्या को उजागर करते हुए एक निबंध लिखिए।
(ii) ‘आरक्षण’ देश के लिए वरदान है या अभिशाप। इस विषय पर पक्ष या विपक्ष में अपने विचार प्रस्तुत कीजिए।
(iii) “वन हमारी अनमोल धरोहर है।” इस विषय पर एक लेख लिखिए।
(iv) मन के हारे हार है, मन के जीते जीत-इस कहावत को आधार बनाकर एक मौलिक कहानी लिखिए।
(v) नीचे दिए गए चित्र को ध्यान से देखिए और चित्र को आधार बनाकर, उसका परिचय देते हुए कोई लेख, घटना अथवा कहानी लिखिए, जिसका सीधा व स्पष्ट संबंध चित्र से होना चाहिए।

Answer:
(i) जानलेवा महँगाई
भारत आज आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव मना रहा है। परन्तु आज भी हम अनेक समस्याओं से जूझ रहे हैं। उनमें महँगाई प्रमुख है। महँगाई का अर्थ है-वस्तुओं के मूल्य इतनी तेजी से वृद्धि हो कि वह आम आदमी की पहुँच से बाहर हो। आज सामान्य उपभोग की सामग्री के मूल्य दिन-दूने रात-चौगुने हो रहे हैं।

इस बढ़ती महँगाई के अनेक कारण हैं। हमारे देश की जनसंख्या जिस अनुपात में बढ़ रही है, उस अनुपात में वस्तुओं का उत्पादन नहीं बढ़ रहा है। जिससे माँग और पूर्ति में सामंजस्य नहीं बैठ पाता और परिणाम होता है-मूल्यों में वृद्धि। केवल इतना ही नहीं, व्यापारी वर्ग अधिक से अधिक धन कमाने के चक्कर में जमाखोरी, कालाबाजारी के माध्यम से वस्तुओं का कृत्रिम अभाव पैदाकर दाम बढ़ा देते हैं। हमारी दोषपूर्ण वितरण प्रणाली भी इसके लिए जिम्मेदार हैं। सरकारी दरों की दुकानों में या तो वस्तु मिलती नहीं है और अगर मिल भी जाए तो किस्म घटिया होती है। प्रशासन की शिथिलता के कारण व्यापारी वर्ग मनमानी कर रहा है। एक महीने में दो-दो, तीन-तीन बार पेट्रोल-डीजल के दाम बढ़ना इसका प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाण है।

महँगाई का सीधा प्रभाव सामान्य जनता पर पड़ता है। वह आय और व्यय में सामंजस्य नहीं बिठा पाती। लोगों की दैनिक आवश्यकताएँ पूरी नहीं हो पातीं। वे बच्चों को उचित शिक्षा, भोजन एवं सुविधा नहीं दे पाते हैं। केवल इतना ही नहीं, ‘भूखा मरता क्या नहीं करता’ के आधार पर चोरी, डकैती, भ्रष्टाचार को बढ़ावा मिलता है। बढ़ती महँगाई देश के लिए अभिशाप बन गई है। इससे देश का विकास अवरुद्ध हो जाता है। हमारी आर्थिक व्यवस्था चरमरा जाती है। अतः इस पर नियंत्रण करना आवश्यक है। इसके लिए सबसे पहले बढ़ती जनसंख्या पर रोक लगानी होगी। उत्पादन वृद्धि की ओर प्रयास किए जाएँ जिससे आम जनता को भी आवश्यक वस्तुएँ उपलब्ध हो सकें। लघु उद्योगों को प्रोत्साहित किया जाए। सरकार की ओर से इस समस्या से छुटकारा पाने के लिए अब कुछ उपाय किए गए हैं, वे काफी नहीं है। शक्ति और धन का उचित बँटवारा हो। तभी इस समस्या पर काबू पाया जा सकेगा। दिनकर जी के शब्दों में
“शांति नहीं तब तक, जब तक
सुख भाग न सबका सम हो”

(ii) आरक्षणः देश के लिए वरदान या अभिशाप
जब किसी देश, राष्ट्र अथवा समाज में कोई वस्तु, पदों की संख्या अथवा सुख-सुविधा आदि किसी व्यक्ति तथा वर्ग-विशेष के लिए आरक्षित कर दी जाती है तो उसकी ओर सबका ध्यान आकर्षित हो जाता है। इसी कारण पिछड़ी जातियों के लिए नौकरियों अथवा सरकारी पदों पर आरक्षण की घोषणा ने सम्पूर्ण देश के लोगों का ध्यान आकर्षित किया। इस ‘आरक्षण नीति’ के विरोध और समर्थन में अनेक आंदोलन हुए जिनसे अनेक विवाद खड़े हो गए। ‘आरक्षण’ एक विशेषाधिकार है। जो दूसरों के लिए बाधक और ईर्ष्या का कारण बन जाता है। किन्तु ‘आरक्षण’ समाज में आर्थिक विषमता को दूर करने का एक साधन भी है। देश में आरक्षण का समर्थन करने वाले विभिन्न आधारों पर आरक्षण की माँग करते हैं। इनमें जातिगत एवं शैक्षणिक तथा आर्थिक आधार प्रमुख है।

आरक्षण के पक्ष में तर्क दिया जाता है कि आरक्षण को जातिगत आधार बनाया गया है। इसलिए यह विधि सम्मत है। पिछड़ी जाति के योग्य और सुन्दर लड़के से भी ऊँची जाति के लोग शादी नहीं करते हैं और न उनके साथ समान व्यवहार करते हैं। इसलिए आरक्षण का आधार जातिगत भी स्वीकार किया गया है। प्रतिभा तथा योग्यता किसी ऊँचे कुल की धरोहर नहीं है, वह तो किसी भी व्यक्ति को मिल सकती है। इसके सैकड़ों प्रमाण मिल सकते हैं। भारत में आर्थिक विषमता का मुख्य कारण सदियों से दलित और शोषित जातियों के उत्थान की दिशा में प्रयास न होना है। मानसिक गुलामी आर्थिक गुलामी की अपेक्षा अधिक हानिकारक होती है।

इसीलिए उन्हें आरक्षण की आवश्यकता है। आरक्षण के विपक्ष में अनेकों तर्क सामने आये हैं, जैसे जातिगत पक्षपात की भावना को बढ़ावा नहीं मिल पाएगा। अयोग्य व्यक्तियों को भी आरक्षण के आधार पर महत्वपूर्ण पद मिल जाते हैं, जिससे कार्य-गति सुधरने की अपेक्षा शिथिल हो जाती है और प्रशासनिक सेवाओं का स्तर गिर जाता है। जातिगत आधार को मानकर किया गया आरक्षण इसलिए भी लाभदायक नहीं है, क्योंकि धनी और प्रभावी लोग ही इस सुविधा का लाभ उठा पाते हैं और जो इसके वास्तविक अधिकारी हैं, वे इस लाभ से वंचित रह जाते हैं। भारत की वर्तमान स्थिति इसी का परिणाम है।

आरक्षण का परिणाम यह है कि देश में धर्म, जाति व सम्प्रदाय के रूप में एक विषमता आ गई है। यद्यपि ‘आरक्षण की नीति’ का मूल उद्देश्य वर्ग-विशेष की आर्थिक स्थिति को सुधारना और समाज में शैक्षणिक सुविधाएँ देकर सभी को समानता का स्तर प्रदान करना है, किन्तु आरक्षण की नीति का आधार जातिगत हो जाने से इस व्यापक उद्देश्य की पूर्ति में बाधा उत्पन्न हो गई है। वस्तुतः भारत में आरक्षण को जिस प्रकार का राजनैतिक स्वरूप दे दिया गया है, वह इसकी मूल कल्याणकारी भावना पर ही कुठाराघात कर रहा है। इसका उद्देश्य सामाजिक एवं आर्थिक शोषण से मुक्ति दिलाकर शोषित व दलित वर्ग का उत्थान करना था, किन्तु यह आज जाति-भेद को प्रोत्साहन देकर जाति विद्वेष की भावना को बढ़ावा दे रहा है।

(iii) वन एवं वन्य संपदा
सामान्यतः एक ऐसा विस्तृत भू-भाग जो पेड़-पौधों से आच्छादित हो, ‘वन’ कहलाता है। वन मनुष्य के लिए प्रकृति का सबसे बड़ा वरदान हैं। वनों से हमें अनेक लाभ होते हैं। इनसे हमें प्राणवायु ऑक्सीजन मिलती है, जो हमारे जीवन का आधार है। इसके अतिरिक्त, वनों से हमें फर्नीचर के लिए लकड़ी, फल-फूल, जड़ी-बूटियाँ, औषधियाँ आदि वस्तुएँ प्राप्त होती हैं। वन मृदा अपरदन रोकने व वर्षा करवाने में भी सहायक होते हैं।

वनों का एक लाभ और भी है। इनके कारण ही वन्य-जीवन फलता-फूलता है। वन्य का अर्थ है-वन में उत्पन्न होने वाला। इस प्रकार वन्य-जीवन का तात्पर्य उन जीवों से है जो वन में पैदा होते हैं और वन ही उनका आवास-स्थल बनता है। एक अनुमान के अनुसार, भारत में लगभग 75000 प्रकार की जीव-प्रजातियाँ पाई जाती हैं, जिनमें से अधिकांश वनों में पाई जाती हैं। इनमें सिंह, चीता, लोमड़ी, गीदड़, लकड़बग्घा, हिरण, जिराफ, नीलगाय, साँप, मगरमच्छ आदि प्रमुख हैं। यदि वन न हों तो इन सभी जीवों का अस्तित्व ही मिट जाएगा, जबकि मनुष्य के साथ इन जीवों का सह-अस्तित्व आवश्यक है क्योंकि इससे प्रकृति में संतुलन बना रहता है। हालाँकि पिछले कुछ समय से वन एवं वन्य संपदा पर खतरा मँडरा रहा है। वनों से ढके हुए क्षेत्रों में कमी हो रही है, जिससे वन्य-जीवन भी विलुप्त होता जा रहा है। राष्ट्रीय वन नीति के अनुसार, देश के 33% भू-भाग पर वन होने चाहिए परंतु इस नीति पर ठीक से अमल नहीं किया जा रहा है। प्रशासन तंत्र को शीघ्र ही इस विषय का संज्ञान लेना चाहिए और वन एवं वन्य संपदा के संरक्षण हेतु उचित कदम उठाने चाहिए।

(iv) मन के हारे हार है, मन के जीते
जीत किसी देश में वीरसिंह नाम का राजा रहता था। वह बहुत वीर और प्रजा का हित करने वाला था। उसकी प्रजा भी उससे बहुत प्यार करती थी। एक बार किसी बात से नाराज होकर उसके पड़ोसी राजा ने उस पर आक्रमण कर दिया। वीरसिंह अपनी सेना के साथ बहुत वीरता से लड़ा परंतु पराजित हो गया। उसके बहुत से सैनिक मारे गए। किसी प्रकार शत्रुओं से जान बचाता हुआ वह एक जंगल में जा पहुँचा और गुफा में रहने लगा। कुछ दिनों बाद उसे अपने परिवार व राज्य की याद आई। वह अपना खोया हुआ राज्य भी पुनः वापस चाहता है। परन्तु कोई उपाय नजर नहीं आ रहा था। वह मन से हार मान बैठा था।

एक दिन गुफा में बैठा-बैठा कुछ सोच रहा था, तभी उसकी दृष्टि एक मकड़ी पर पड़ी। वह दीवार पर चढ़ने का प्रयास कर रही थी। वह बार-बार प्रयास करती लेकिन गिर पड़ती। तो वीरसिंह को उस पर दया आ गई। किसी तिनके की मदद से राजा ने उसको सहारा दिया और वह मकड़ी आसानी से दीवार पर चढ़ गई। उस मकड़ी ने कई प्रयासों व मेहनत के बाद जाल बुनना शुरु किया और तैयार भी किया। राजा वीरसिंह यह सब देखकर समझ गए कि यदि हम अपने से नहीं हारे तो कोई भी कार्य कर सकते हैं। इसका उदाहरण स्वयं यह मकड़ी है। अतः राजा को अपनी कमजोरी समझ में आ गई। उनका खोया हुआ विश्वास फिर से जाग उठा। उसने सोचा कि जब ये मकड़ी बार-बार गिरने पर भी कोशिश कर दीवार पर चढ़ सकती है तो भला मैं अपने शत्रुओं को क्यों नहीं हरा सकता। राजा वीरसिंह की आँखों में आशा की चमक आ गई। उसने नए जोश एवं उत्साह व साहस से अपनी सेना तैयार की और शत्रु पर आक्रमण कर दिया। शत्रु अचानक किए गए आक्रमण पर निस्हाय हो गया और शत्रु की हार हो गई। राजा वीरसिंह को अपना राज्य व परिवार फिर से मिल गया। और वह अपने राज्य व परिवार के साथ शांति से रहने लगा। किसी ने ठीक कहा है
“मन के हार है, मन के जीते जीत।”

(v) भारत में शिक्षा व्यवस्था
शिक्षा की दृष्टि से भारत को जगद्गुरु की संज्ञा दी गई है। इसी भूमि पर सर्वप्रथम ज्ञान का प्रकाश फैला और यहीं से विश्व ने ज्ञान की ज्योति को ग्रहण किया। 19वीं शताब्दी के मध्य अंग्रेजों के आगमन से भारत की शिक्षा पद्धति भी प्रभावित हुई। वे नहीं चाहते थे कि भारतीय शिक्षा प्राप्त कर अपने अधिकारों के प्रति जागरूक हों, फलतः लार्ड मैकाले ने भारतीयों को केवल क्लर्क, चपरासी बनने योग्य ही शिक्षा के अवसर प्रदान किए। परिणामस्वरूप अधिकांश लोग अशिक्षित रह गए।

मानव व्यक्तित्व के सर्वांगीण विकास के लिए शिक्षा अनिवार्य है। इसके अभाव में मनुष्य न तो अपना विकास कर सकता है और न ही समाज के विकास में योगदान दे सकता है। जिस देश के नागरिक शिक्षित होंगे, वही देश उन्नति के पथ पर अग्रसर होगा, क्योंकि शिक्षित व्यक्ति ही उचित-अनुचित का भेदकर सकता है। अतः भारत जैसे लोकतांत्रिक देश में नागरिकों का साक्षर होना अनिवार्य है। इसी दृष्टि से स्वतंत्रता प्राप्ति के उपरांत सरकार ने ‘सर्वशिक्षा अभियान’ चलाया, जिसका अर्थ है-देश के छोटे-बड़े सभी को अक्षर ज्ञान कराने के लिए व्यापक प्रयास। इसके माध्यम से सभी को शिक्षित करने का लक्ष्य रखा गया। केंद्र व राज्य सरकारें अपने-अपने ढंग से प्रयास कर रही हैं। विद्यालयों की संख्या में निरंतर होती वृद्धि, रात्रि पाठशालाएँ, आँगनबाड़ी आदि प्रयास उल्लेखनीय हैं। चौदह वर्ष तक की आयु के सभी बच्चों के लिए शिक्षा अनिवार्य व नि:शुल्क कर दी गई है।

दिल्ली सरकार द्वारा आरम्भ की गई ‘लाडली योजना’ इस संबंध में एक ठोस कदम है। यह योजना जहाँ एक ओर समाज में बेटियों के प्रति भेदभाव समाप्त करने और उन्हें समुचित शिक्षा प्रदान करने के उद्देश्य को आगे बढ़ाती है, वहीं उन्हें उच्च शिक्षा प्राप्त करने व आत्मनिर्भर बनने के लिए भी प्रेरित करती है।

इस अभियान के परिणामस्वरूप निश्चित रूप से साक्षरों की संख्या बढ़ी है। स्वतंत्रता के समय जो साक्षरता दर 18.3% थी, वह आज लगभग 70% हो गई है। इन सभी प्रयासों के कारण ही केरल देश का पूर्ण साक्षर राज्य बना। पर अभी भी इस अभियान को सर्वव्यापी बनाने की आवश्यकता है। ‘आओ, हम सब पढ़ें-पढ़ाएँ के आधार पर स्वयं भी पढ़ें और दूसरों को भी साक्षर बनाएँ
साक्षरता का है जो प्रयासी,
वही है सच्चा भारतवासी।।

विद्यालय

Question 2.
Write a letter in Hindi of approximately 120 words on any one of the topics given below:
निम्नलिखित में से किसी एक विषय पर हिन्दी में लगभग 120 शब्दों में पत्र लिखिए:
आपके विद्यालय के पुस्तकालय में हिंदी की पुस्तकें, समाचार-पत्र और पत्रिकाएँ कम आती हैं। इस कमी की ओर ध्यानाकर्षित कराते हुए हिंदी की पुस्तकें, पत्र-पत्रिकाएँ मँगवाने हेतु अपने विद्यालय के प्रधानाचार्य को प्रार्थना-पत्र लिखिए।
अथवा
आपका छोटा भाई घर से दूर छात्रावास में रहता है। आप पत्र लिखकर प्रात:काल नियमित रूप से भ्रमण करने, योग एवं प्राणायाम करने के लिए प्रेरणादायी पत्र लिखिए।
Answer:
सेवा में,
प्रधानाचार्या जी,
जोसेफ मेरी कॉलेज,
कैलाश-पार्ट-2, दिल्ली।
विषयः हिन्दी की पुस्तकें, पत्र-पत्रिकाएँ एवं समाचार-पत्र मँगवाने के संबंध में।
महोदया,
विनम्र प्रार्थना है कि मैं आपके विद्यालय में दसवीं ‘ब’ का छात्र हूँ। इस विद्यालय का पुस्तकालय अत्यंत समृद्ध है, जिसमें विभिन्न विषयों की उच्च कोटि के विद्वानों द्वारा लिखी पुस्तकें हैं। गणित, विज्ञान जैसे विषयों पर पर्याप्त पुस्तकें हैं, किंतु इनमें से अधिकांश पुस्तकें अंग्रेजी माध्यम में हैं। यही हाल यहाँ आने वाली पत्रिकाओं एवं समाचार-पत्रों का भी है। यहाँ हिंदी में पुस्तकों, समाचार-पत्रों और पत्रिकाओं की संख्या बहुत कम है। हम अपने अध्यापक से चंपक, नंदन, सुमन-सौरभ, चंदा-मामा आदि बाल पत्रिकाओं के नाम सुनते तो हैं, पर पढ़ने से वंचित रह जाते हैं। अतः आपसे प्रार्थना है कि हिन्दी विषय की पुस्तकें, बाल-पत्रिकाएँ तथा हिन्दी भाषा के समाचार-पत्र मँगवाने की कृपा करें। हम छात्र आपके आभारी रहेंगे।
सधन्यवाद,
आपका आज्ञाकारी शिष्य,
मोहित राज
20 जनवरी, 20xx

अथवा
परीक्षा भवन,
नई दिल्ली
5 मार्च, 20XX
प्रिय अनुज रोहित,
स्नेह।
तुम्हारे अध्यापक के पत्र द्वारा पता चला कि तुम्हारी पढ़ाई तो अच्छी चल रही है, पर तुम्हारा स्वास्थ्य गिरता जा रहा है। तुमने पिछले पत्र में कुछ अस्वस्थ होने की बात लिखी भी थी। तुम्हारे स्वास्थ्य का गिरना वास्तव में चिंता का विषय है। रोहित, तुम जानते हो कि स्वस्थ शरीर में ही स्वस्थ मस्तिष्क का निवास होता है। अपने शरीर को स्वस्थ एवं निरोग बनाए रखने के लिए स्वास्थ्य संबंधी कुछ आदतों एवं नियमों का पालन करना होगा। इसके लिए सर्वप्रथम तुम्हें प्रात:काल में बिस्तर त्यागकर पार्क या किसी बाग-बगीचे में भ्रमण करना चाहिए। प्रात:काल की स्वच्छ हवा आलस्य को दूर कर शरीर में ऊर्जा भर देती है। इससे मन प्रसन्न होता है जिससे पूरे मनोयोग से हम अपना काम कर पाते हैं। इसके अलावा तुम्हें प्रतिदिन योग एवं प्राणायाम भी करना चाहिए। प्राणायाम के माध्यम से फेफड़ों में गई शुद्ध वायु अनेक बीमारियों से छुटकारा दिलाती है।
आशा ही नहीं पूर्ण विश्वास है कि तुम उपर्युक्त बातों को अवश्य अपनाओगे तथा पत्र द्वारा सूचित करोगे।
तुम्हारी बड़ी बहन
विनीता सिंह

Section-B
(Answer questions from any of the two books that you have studied)
साहित्य सागर-संक्षिप्त कहानियाँ

Question 3.
(i) “मुझे तो तेरे दिमाग के कन्फ्यूजन का प्रतीक नज़र आ रहा है, बिना मतलब जिंदगी खराब कर रही है।” उपर्युक्त वाक्य की वक्ता और श्रोता का परिचय दीजिए।
(ii) रोजगार कार्यालय की दशा का वर्णन कीजिए।
(iii) वन में प्रजातंत्र की स्थापना के पीछे क्या कारण था?
(iv) आनंदी का चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer:
(i) उपर्युक्त वाक्य की वक्ता अरुणा और श्रोता चित्रा है। ये दोनों अभिन्न सहेलियाँ हैं। अरुणा और चित्रा पिछले छः वर्षों से छात्रावास में एक साथ रहते हैं। चित्रा एक चित्रकार है और अरुणा को लोगों की सेवा करने में आनंद मिलता है। वह एक समाजसेवी है।

(ii) रोजगार कार्यालय में बेरोजगार लोग अपना नाम लिखवाने आते हैं। नाम लिखवाने के लिए पूरा दिन कतार में खड़ा रहना पड़ता है। वहाँ के कर्मचारी नाम तो लिखते हैं पर साथ में यह भी बता देते हैं कि उन्हें जल्दी नौकरी नहीं मिलने वाली क्योंकि पहले से ही बहुत लोग इस कतार में लगे हुए हैं।

(iii) वन के पशुओं को ऐसा प्रतीत हो रहा था कि वे अब सभ्यता के नज़दीक पहुंच गए हैं, जहाँ उन्हें एक अच्छी शासन व्यवस्था अपनानी चाहिए। अच्छी शासन व्यवस्था के लिए उन्हें प्रजातंत्र को अपना लेना चाहिए। इसी सोच के कारण वन के प्राणियों ने जंगल में प्रजातंत्र की स्थापना करना उचित समझा।

(iv) आनंदी एक बड़े घर की रूपवान, गुणवान तथा आदर्शवादी महिला है। यद्यपि वह अपने मायके में सुख-सुविधाओं में पली-बढ़ी है। फिर भी वह वर्तमान परिस्थितियों के अनुकूल अपने आपको बदलने की कला रखती है। वह अपने घर की एकता बनाए रखने के लिए सोच-समझ कर सभी निर्णय करती है। और बिखरते घर को बचा लेती है। यही उसका बड़प्पन है कि बिगड़ते काम को बना देती है।

साहित्य सागर-पद्य

Question 4.
(i) सूरदास जी ने किस सुख को दुर्लभ बताया है?
(ii) तुलसीदास जी किसे त्यागने के लिए कह रहे हैं?
(iii) चलना हमारा काम है-का भावार्थ लिखिए।
(iv) निम्न शब्द किसके प्रतीक हैं?
कविता के आधार पर बताइए –

• धूल
• नदी
• पेड़
• लता
• ताल
• बूढ़े पीपल

Answer:
(i) महाकवि सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि माता यशोदा को बाल कृष्ण की विविध क्रिया-कलापों को देखकर जो वात्सल्य सुख प्राप्त हो रहा है, उसे देवताओं, मुनियों को भी प्राप्त करना दुर्लभ है। ये सुख माता यशोदा जैसे किसी विरले भक्त को प्राप्त हो सकता है।

(ii) कवि के अनुसार जिन लोगों के हृदय में श्रीराम-जानकी जी नहीं, उनका त्याग कर देना चाहिए। चाहे वह हमारा कितना ही परम मित्र क्यों न हो। क्योंकि जिस मनुष्य के मन में भगवान राम के चरणों के प्रति स्नेह और प्रेम होता है उसी का जीवन मंगलमय होता है।

(iii) प्रस्तुत कविता में कवि शिवमंगल सिंह सुमन ने बताया है कि मानवीय जीवन चुनौतियों व कठिनाइयों से भरा है। लेकिन लक्ष्य प्राप्ति भी करनी है। जब तक आप अपनी मंजिल पर ना पहुँच जाएँ तब तक आराम नहीं करना चाहिए। रास्ते में विभिन्न प्रकार के लोग मिलेगें, उन सब में से आगे निकल कर हमें सफलता हाँसिल करनी होगी। जीवन किसी के लिए रुकता नहीं है। चलना ही हमारा काम है।

(iv) धूल-स्त्री
पेड़-नगरवासी
ताल-सेवक
नदी-स्त्री
लता-मेघ की नायिका
बूढ़े पीपल-गाँव के सबसे बुजुर्ग।

नया रास्ता

Question 5.
(i) हॉस्टल में मीनू अपना अधिकतर समय किसके साथ व्यतीत करती थी?
(ii) धनीमल और मायाराम कौन थे? उनके बीच क्या बातचीत हो रही थी?
(iii) मीनू का चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिए।
(iv) “आज मीनू का सपना पूरा हो गया”-स्पष्ट करें।
Answer:
(i) होस्टल में मीनू का मन बिल्कुल भी नहीं लगता था। यहाँ उसे सब नया और अजीब-सा प्रतीत होता था। उसकी अधिक सहेलियाँ भी नहीं बन पाईं थी इसीलिए वह अपना अधिकतर समय पुस्तकें पढ़ने में व्यतीत करती है।

(ii) धनीमल मेरठ के एक रईस और सरिता के पिता थे। मायाराम अमित के पिता थे। वह अपने परिवार सहित धनीमल की बेटी को देखने गए थे। उन दोनों के बीच इसी रिश्ते को लेकर आपसी बातचीत चल रही थी।

(iii) “नया रास्ता” उपन्यास की नायिका मीनू है। उपन्यास की कथा उसके इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है। वह पढ़ी-लिखी एवं साहसी युवती है। बार-बार विवाह के प्रस्तावों से अस्वीकृत किए जाने पर वह अपना रास्ता स्वयं चुनती है और आत्मनिर्भर बनकर दिखाती है। वह मेधावी, बहुमुखी प्रतिभा सम्पन्न, प्रगतिशील युवती है। अपनी दृढ़ इच्छा शक्ति को पूरा करके ही वह कुशल अधिवक्ता बन पाई।

(iv) मीनू के जीवन में दो ही सपने थे-एक विवाह करने का और दूसरा वकील बनने का। अपनी मेहतन व लगन के बल पर वह एक प्रतिष्ठित वकील बन गई और बाद में एक अच्छे लड़के (अमित) की जीवनसंगिनी बनकर अपनी ससुराल भी चली गई। मीनू ने अपने जीवन में जो भी प्राप्त किया वह उसकी एकनिष्ठ मेहनत, लगन दृढ़ इच्छा शक्ति का फल है।

एकांकी संचय

Question 6.
(i) बनवीर कौन था? और वह कुँवरजी को क्यों मारना चाहता था?
(ii) किस कारण से दादाजी पेड़ से किसी डाली का अलग हो जाना पसंद नहीं करते हैं?
(iii) संयुक्त परिवार का प्रतीक प्रस्तुत एकांकी में किसे बताया गया है और क्यों?
(iv) उदय सिंह को बचाने के लिए क्या-क्या उपाय किए जा रहे थे? लिखिए।
Answer:
(i) बनवीर महाराणा साँगा के छोटे भाई पृथ्वीसिंह की दासी का एक पुत्र था। वह महत्वाकांक्षी था। राज्य प्राप्त करने के लिए वह षडयंत्र द्वारा उदयसिंह की हत्या कर स्वयं राजा, बनना चाहता था। चित्तौड़ में ‘दीपदान’ का उत्सव बनवीर के षड्यंत्र हेतु मनाया जा रहा था।

(ii) चूँकि दादाजी परिवार के अभिभावक हैं। वे परिवार को एक विशाल और सुखद पेड़ के रूप में देखते हैं। वे परिवार के एक-एक सदस्य को पेड़ की एक-एक डाली के रूप में देखते व समझते हैं। डालियाँ अलग हो जाने पर पेड़ का कोई अस्तित्व नहीं रह जायेगा। इस प्रकार एक अभिभावक की इस सोच के कारण दादाजी पेड़ से किसी डाली का अलग हो जाना पसंद नहीं करते।।

(iii) संयुक्त परिवार का प्रतीक एकांकी में विशाल वटवृक्ष को बताया गया है। यह इसलिए कि जिस प्रकार वटवृक्ष की छाया स्थायी, शीतल और सुखद होती है, उसी प्रकार संयुक्त परिवार के मुखिया का संरक्षण सुख व शान्ति बनाए रखता है। प्रस्तुत एकांकी में दादाजी इसका प्रत्यक्ष व जीवंत उदाहरण हैं।

(iv) उदय सिंह को बचाने के लिए पन्ना बहुत से उपाय करती है। वह उदय सिंह को सोना के बुलाने पर भी दीपदान उत्सव में नहीं भेजती है और सोना को वापस भेज देती है। सामली द्वारा उदय सिंह की हत्या के षड्यंत्र की सूचना मिलने पर वह उदय सिंह को कीरतबारी की टोकरी में लिटाकर महल से बाहर सुरक्षित स्थान पर भेज देती है तथा उसके स्थान पर अपने पुत्र चंदन को उसकी शैया पर लिटा देती है परंतु उपर्युक्त सभी प्रयास असफल रहते हैं।

ICSE Class 10 Hindi Question Papers with Answers