Solutions - Sample Question Paper - CBSE Class 10 - Term 2

English Language & Literature | 2021-22

Section A - Reading

1. Read the passage given below.

Technology is making advancements at a rapid rate but at the cost of a valued tradition—the crafts industry. The traditional crafts industry is losing a lot of its trained and skilled craftsmen. With that, the art of embellishing brass and copper utensils with fine engravings is also disappearing. The government has identified around 35 crafts as languishing craft.

The speciality of handcrafted items is its design, an association with long traditions belonging to a specific region. The word ‘handcrafted’ does not imply the involvement of dexterous human fingers or an agile mind with a moving spirit anymore. Lessening drudgery, increasing production and promoting efficiency have taken precedence. The labour-saving devices are taking the place of handcrafted tools and this has jeopardized the skills of these artisans

Mechanisation has made its way into everything - cutting, polishing, edging, designing etc. Ideally, the use of machinery should be negligible and the handicrafts should be made purely by hand with a distinguishable artistic appeal. However, with the exception of small-scale industries, the export units are mostly operated by machines. The heavily computerised designs contribute to a faster production at lower costs.

Although mechanization of crafts poses a challenge to safeguarding traditional crafts, the artisans are lured with incentives in order to impart handicrafts training. Some makers do see machines as a time-saving blessing since they are now able to accomplish difficult and demanding tasks with relative ease. These machines might give a better finesse to these products but they don’t stand out as handcrafted. Quantity has overtaken quality in this industry

A need to highlight the importance of the handmade aspect is required by both the government and private sectors, in order to amplify awareness and also support the culture of making handicrafts. A few artisans are still trying their best to rejuvenate and revive their culture and heritage but it’s an uphill task competing with the machine-made goods. A multitude of artisans have changed their professions and are encouraging their progeny to follow suit. There are others who have stayed their ground but are clearly inclined towards buying machines.

Nearly two decades ago, there were around 65 lakh artisans in the country. Three years ago, when the government started the process of granting a unique number to the artisans based on the Aadhaar card, 25 lakhs were identified. Loss of traditional crafts is clearly a worrying issue, but it stands to reason that forcing any artisan to follow old ways when concerns of livelihood overrule other considerations, is unfair.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the nine given below.

1. What does the writer mean by calling handicrafts a ‘valued tradition’?

   The author means to say that the making handicrafts is a tradition which needs to be conserved. It employs trained and skilled craftsmen whose unique style needs to be preserved. We need to put in the effort required to preserve the culture of making handicrafts.

2. Rewrite the given sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with another one, from lines 5 - 15.

   If it continues, the workcation (work + vacation) trend will be a powerful boost to domestic tourism operators failing to make progress in the economic slump caused due to the pandemic

   If it continues, the workcation (work + vacation) trend will be a powerful boost to domestic tourism operators languishing in the economic slump caused due to the pandemic

3. State any two reasons why artisans are choosing to work via machines rather than handcrafted tools

   The machines save a lot of time, so they are able to complete difficult and demanding tasks with ease. Secondly, they are able to achieve better finesse in their products.

4. Why do the artisans need to be ‘lured with incentives’ to impart handicrafts training?

   The artisans need to be ‘lured with incentives’ as they wouldn’t want to give up secrets of their traditional craft to mass producers as that might lead to a loss of their own livelihood.

5. List one likely impact of the support of government and private sectors towards the culture of making handicrafts.

   If the government and private sectors were to support them then it would help save the culture of making handicrafts. More artisans would want to pursue their trade, owing to the lucrative nature.

6. How does the writer justify an artist’s act of abandoning her/his traditional craft for a more lucrative option?

   The writer justifies it by saying that the need to earn their livelihood is definitely more important than the need to save craft.

2. Read the passage given below.

Festivals are synonymous with celebration, ceremony and joy. However, festivals bring to fore the flip side of celebrations – pollution – air, water, soil and noise. This led to the need of assessing the awareness level among people about ecological pollution during festivals. So, a study was conducted by scholars of an esteemed university in India. This study was titled Awareness Towards Impact of Festivals on Ecology.

There were two main objectives of the study. The first one was to assess the awareness level among people about ecological protection during festivities. Exploring solutions to bring awareness about celebrating festivals without harming ecology was the second objective. The method used to collect data was a simple questionnaire containing 6 questions, shared with 50 respondents across four selected districts of a state in the southern region of India.

The research began by understanding the socio-economic conditions of the respondents before sharing the questionnaire. Once the responses were received, the data collected was tabulated (Table 1), for analysis.

The study recommended the imposition of strict rules and regulations as opposed to a total ban on all festive activities which have a drastic impact on our environment. The researchers believed that such measures would help in harnessing some ill-effects that add to the growing pollution and suggested further studies be taken up across the country to assess awareness about ecological degradation.

The observations made in the study pointed to the environmental groups and eco-clubs fighting a losing battle due to city traffic issues, disposal of plastics, garbage dumping and all sorts of ecological degradation. The researchers stressed that the need of the hour is increasing awareness among people to reduce ecological pollution which can be facilitated by celebrating all festivals in an eco-friendly manner.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six questions given below.

1. Why do the researchers call pollution the ‘flip side’ of festivals?

   The researchers refer to pollution as the ‘flip side’ because festivals give us a time to celebrate and enjoy but we cannot negate the negative side of this celebration, that is the pollution that these festivities create.

2. Comment on the significance of the second objective of the study with reference to lines 7-12

   The second objective is important as we need to know what steps should be taken to celebrate festivals, without causing harm to the environment.

3. Justify the researchers’ recommendation for limiting the drastic impact of festival pollution on the environment with reference to lines 16-21.

   The recommendation of strict rules and regulation over a complete ban is a better option, as it would enable people to celebrate festivals and be joyful, without harming the environment, as it would act as a strong deterrent

4. Why do the researchers feel that environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle in the given scenario?

   The researchers felt that the environmental groups were fighting a lost battle as the other sources of pollution like the one caused by traffic, plastic and garbage cannot be handled if awareness does not increase.

5. Even though a larger number of people say ‘no’ to bursting crackers than those who say ‘yes’, festival pollution persists. How does evidence from table 1 support this statement?

   In the table, we can clearly see that 72% abuse environmental resources and a staggering 82% burst crackers, to reassert their social status. Considering the high percentage, the spread of pollution is definitely higher.

6. What purpose does the ‘Can’t Say’ column serve in the questionnaire (table 1)?

   ‘Can’t say’ column gives us an idea of the number of people who lack clarity on the issue or were not aware of the complexities involved.

Section B - Writing and Grammar

3. Attempt ANY ONE from i and ii.

Study the concept chart from the self-help magazine section of a monthly publication.

Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, analysing the listed responses to the situation when one faces setbacks

This chart clearly lays down for us the ways to deal with setbacks which we encounter in one life. It tells us about two approaches that can be adopted. One could take up a healthy approach by absorbing the incoming feelings, learning from it, and letting it go. As opposed to the one whereby one remains overwhelmed, indulges in self-criticism or self-doubt, and blocks these feelings which makes recovery slower. This could only lead to listlessness, distracted attention and trigger feelings of apathy, anger or depression. On the contrary if one was to analyse their present situation, assess the magnitude of setback and build grit to do the work, one could save oneself from self-harm and expedite the recovery process. However, if one can’t come to terms with the setback, then the danger of blaming others can only be harmful. So, we can comprehend from the given data that one can overcome their setbacks only by adopting a mindset to heal which would lead to success.

You are Samina Zaveri, Class X, Vadodara, Gujarat. You come across the following information on a local library’s notice board.

Create Your Own Board Game Competition!

Create an educational board game, and send it to us at Teen-Toggle Games Pvt. Ltd, 307, Satija building, Colaba, Mumbai by July 2022. The top 10 winning board games will be featured on our international portal. Attractive scholarships for the winners

You wish to participate but require more information. Write a letter to Teen-Toggle Games Pvt.Ltd in about 120 words, enquiring about rules, scholarship details and deadlines. Also enquire about specifications for solo or group entries.

January 22, 2022

Subject: Enquiry about the competition

This is with reference to your advertisement dated 25 January 2022. I am keen to take part in the competition, but I have certain doubts and I will be glad if you could clear them.

I would like to know of the rules that need to be kept in mind while participating in this competition. In addition to this, do let me know what kind of scholarship you have mentioned. Is it cash based or would you be providing educational material? I would also like to know the deadlines for the competition. Finally, I would even want to know if you accept solo entry or there can be a group of two or three participants?

Hope to hear soon from you. I have attached a self-addressed envelope along with.

Yours faithfully

Samina Zaveri

Enclosed: Self-addressed envelope

Section C - Literature

5. Attempt ANY SIX questions in 30-40 words each

1. What is the significance of the Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seeds and the addition of a condition to it?

   Buddha’s requests to bring a handful of mustard seeds seemed trivial at first since they are easily available and could be procured from any house. The condition that it should be brought from a household where no one had died helps her to realise that death is universal, and one must learn to deal with it and accept it.

2. Justify how ‘Animals’ by Walt Whitman is a criticism of mankind and its ways.

   Walt Whitman has criticised mankind for adopting values and ethics in life which puts them at a pedestal higher than the animals. They are hypocrites, mean, selfish and filled with avarice. Unlike the animals who don’t waste their time in feeling guilty or preaching unnecessary propaganda. On the contrary, they live and enjoy every moment of life. They do not lament about their condition. They neither cry over their sins nor do they discuss their obligation to God.

3. Comment on the tone of the speaker when she says ‘Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!’.

   The tone of the speaker is filled with anger and exasperation. The reprimand is quite clearly expressed with the exclamations made at the end of the name. The need to gain focus and to make the listener agree to the speaker is quite clearly visible.

4. A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.

   ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a ballad as it has the required element of a story. It has a plot, a setting, a crisis, a climax and even an element of surprise in the end. All the characters are introduced as brave and daring but Custard, the dragon is shown as a coward who wants to live protected in a cage, but in the end it is the dragon who proves his mettle by going up against the pirates and saves them all.

5. Which two issues about himself convinced Lomov of his decision to get married?

   Lomov feels a need to get married as he had reached a critical age of thirty-five and at any age later than that he would not be able to get an appropriate match. Furthermore, he felt that his physical ailments like his issues of palpitation and anxiety make it imperative for him to have a partner to look after him.

6. Briefly state how Matilda invited ‘a dreadful life of necessity’ into her family.

   Matilda invited the tough life onto herself by not living up to her stature but by wanting things beyond them. She, instead of being happy in her means, wants to put up appearance in society of being rich and wealthy which cost her clearly. In addition to this she was reckless to lose the borrowed necklace. She was so engrossed in her joy that she didn’t bother to be excessively careful with a borrowed material. She made it impossible for herself and her family to make both ends meet.

7. The hack driver successfully trapped the narrator in his web of words. Comment.

   The hack driver is able to trap the narrator by tactfully utilising his street smarts. Every time the narrator goes to questions someone, Lutkins goes in first and forewarns them before the lawyer could meet them. Like in Fritz, he tells him that due to his fancy clothes Lutkins will be suspicious and get away from him. So, Bill suggested that he would go first, and the lawyer could keep out of sight behind him. Even in Gustaff’s barber shop Bill went in first and the lawyer lingered at the door. Even when they went to Lutkin’s mother’s house Bill asked the lawyer to let him do the talking as he might be great at literature and law but he hadn’t had real training in swearing.

6. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120 words each.

1. Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives.

   Parents are the first teacher and guide of a child. They can make or break a child. This stark contrast can be clearly seen in the upbring of Bholi and Ebright and the result that followed from there.

   Ebright’s mother guided him throughout his early years, when he needed her support the most. Even though he didn’t have a father, but his mother filled up that vacuum with her constant care and love. She bought him whatever was needed to motivate him, be it a telescope, microscope of field trips.

   Bholi on the other hand is an example of poor parenting. Her parents neglected her and didn’t even bother to do basic grooming like combing or oiling her hair. They send her to school as they feel she is the most expendable in their house. Their primary reason for sending her to school was only to keep up appearances in society but at no time we see them taking any step for the betterment of Bholi. The final nail in the coffin is their attempt to many her off to Bishamber.

   The results of both upbringings show a stark contrast. Ebright turned out to be a world-famous scientist whereas Bholi had to fight for her basic right to decide whom she would marry. Parents can truly change the course of a child’s life with their love and care.

2. Pranjol and Rajvir discuss their next vacation destination. They shortlist Coorg and Goa. Rajvir is keen on Coorg and tries to convince Pranjol. Develop a conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Glimpses of India.

   You may begin like this:

   Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful place with coffee plantations. I can smell the aroma already!
   Pranjol: I gave you the opportunity to explore a tea plantation last year, in Assam; I want to…

   Pranjol: I gave you the opportunity to explore a tea plantation last year, in Assam; I want to visit Goa this time and bask in the sun

   Rajiv: I would have agreed with you had it not been for the pandemic, where we have lost our peace and calmness. I think Coorg can bring us closer to the feeling of wellbeing. It can give us the serenity which we require to recoup from this experience.

   Pranjol: But think of all the fun at the beach and we’ll also get to enjoy the famous Portuguese breads which have been such an integral part of Goan society.

   Rajiv: I agree that could be fun, but it cannot overshadow the cultural heritage of Coorg where one can see colonial bungalows.