PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION BOARD
CLASS 10th - ENGLISH
SAMPLE PAPER (SET 1)
(September Examination)
Time: 3 Hours | Maximum Marks: 80
SECTION A - READING COMPREHENSION (8 Marks)
Q.1 (a) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (4 × 1 = 4 Marks)
Trees are among the most valuable gifts of nature. They provide us with oxygen, fruits, wood and shade. They also help in maintaining the balance of nature. Their roots hold the soil together and prevent soil erosion. Birds and many other animals depend on trees for food and shelter. Trees also reduce the harmful effects of pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Unfortunately, forests are being cut down rapidly because of increasing population, roads, buildings and industries. If this continues, the environment will suffer badly. Therefore, planting more trees and protecting existing forests are essential for a healthy future.
(i) Trees help to prevent soil erosion by
(a) producing fruits
(b) holding the soil together
(c) providing wood
(d) giving shade
(ii) Birds depend on trees mainly for
(a) transport
(b) food and shelter
(c) industries
(d) roads
(iii) Trees absorb ________ from the atmosphere.
(a) oxygen
(b) nitrogen
(c) carbon dioxide
(d) hydrogen
(iv) The most suitable heading for the passage is
(a) Uses of Wood
(b) Importance and Protection of Trees
(c) Forest Industries
(d) Birds and Animals
Q.1 (b) Look at the poster carefully and answer the questions that follow. (4 × 1 = 4 Marks)
(i) The poster is about a
(a) school competition
(b) book fair
(c) science exhibition
(d) sports event
(ii) The phrase "LIL EDITION" refers to
(a) books for children
(b) expensive books
(c) imported books
(d) old newspapers
(iii) Which books are available at the fair?
(a) Only new books
(b) Only pre-owned books
(c) New and pre-owned books
(d) Only comics
(iv) The books are offered at
(a) special low prices
(b) very high prices
(c) fixed government prices
(d) no price
SECTION B - LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS (35 Marks)
Q.2 Objective Type Questions (6 × 1 = 6 Marks)
(i) The Happy Prince gave the ruby to the poor ________.
(ii) Machines give us more and more hours of ________.
(iii) The two comrades in "A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh" shared tales of East and ________.
(iv) Who was the narrator's wardmate in "Bed Number-29"?
(a) Ahmed
(b) Naeem
(c) Salim
(d) Akram
(v) Subbiah was mainly a ________ merchant.
(vi) Robert Gillian was the main character of "One Thousand Dollars." (True / False)
Q.3 English Main Course Book - Prose
(a) Answer any three of the following in 20-30 words. (3 × 3 = 9 Marks)
- Why did the Happy Prince feel sad when he looked over the city?
- What are the consequences of war according to "Where Is Science Taking Us?"
- Which is the greatest day in any individual's life according to "Secret of Happiness"?
- Why was Della crying in "A Gift for Christmas"?
- Why did the Happy Prince continue helping the poor even after losing his beauty?
(b) Answer any one of the following in about 50-60 words. (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)
(i) "True happiness lies in serving others." Justify this statement with reference to "The Happy Prince."
OR
(ii) What should be the ultimate aim of science according to "Where Is Science Taking Us?"
Q.4 English Main Course Book - Poetry (7 Marks)
(a) Read the stanza and answer any two questions. (2 × 2 = 4 Marks)
Who God doth late and early pray
More of His Grace than gifts to lend;
Who entertains the harmless day
With a religious book or friend.
- Name the poem and the poet.
- What does a happy man pray for?
- How does a happy man spend his day?
(b) Answer any one. (1 × 3 = 3 Marks)
(i) Write the central idea of the poem "Death the Leveller."
OR
(ii) How does "A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh" present friendship and humanity above social divisions?
Q.5 English Supplementary Reader (3 × 3 = 9 Marks)
- What did the narrator do before he lost his eyesight? (Bed Number-29)
- Why did Naeem encourage the narrator to paint again? (Bed Number-29)
- How did Subbiah manage to get rice during the drought? (Half a Rupee Worth)
- What did Robert Gillian write in his note? (One Thousand Dollars)
- Why did Naeem hide the truth about his blindness? (Bed Number-29)
SECTION C - VOCABULARY (4 Marks)
Q.6 Answer the following. (4 × 1 = 4 Marks)
(a) Choose the correct word: The ________ drops on the rose flower make it more beautiful. (dew / due)
(b) Give one word for: A person who does not believe in God.
(c) Use the idiom "At par" in a meaningful sentence.
(d) Correct the following sentence: The sun rises in east.
SECTION D - GRAMMAR, TRANSLATION AND COMPOSITION (33 Marks)
Q.7 Translation - 6 Marks
(a) Translate any three of the following into Punjabi/Hindi. (3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
- This is the age of the machine.
- You are greater than you think.
- Della finished crying.
- War is the worst example.
- Science has made our life easier.
(b) Translate any three of the following into English. (3 × 1 = 3 Marks)
- ਧਰਤੀ ਸੂਰਜ ਦੁਆਲੇ ਘੁੰਮਦੀ ਹੈ।
- ਮੈਂ ਪੱਤਰ ਲਿਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ।
- ਆਪਣਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਬਰਬਾਦ ਨਾ ਕਰੋ।
- ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਫੁੱਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੇਜ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।
- ਮੈਂ ਇਹ ਸਵਾਲ ਹੱਲ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ।
Q.8 Grammar - Do as Directed (10 × 1 = 10 Marks)
(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: (a) I have ________ friend who looks as stupid as ________ owl. (b) India is ________ great country. We are proud of ________ rich heritage.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions: (c) Cricket is a game known ________ its wonderful glories. (d) Positive thoughts are the wings ________ success.
(iii) Fill in the blank with a suitable modal: (e) We ________ respect our parents.
(iv) Fill in the blank with a suitable conjunction: (f) Mohan tried to talk to him ________ he gave no response.
(v) Combine the following sentences using the conjunction given in brackets: (g) This is the house. Sanjeev built it. (that)
(vi) Identify the non-finite in the following sentence: (h) He went to the market to buy vegetables.
(vii) Fill in the blank with the correct tense: (i) She ________ her homework before she went to bed. (complete)
(viii) Correct the following sentence: (j) One of my friend is a teacher.
Q.9 Composition - 17 Marks
(a) Attempt any one. (3 Marks)
(i) Notice Writing: You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school. Draft a notice informing students about a Book Fair to be organised in the school.
OR
(ii) Message Writing: You are not at home. Your mother receives a telephone call from your English teacher informing you that the school will remain closed tomorrow due to heavy rain. Write the message for you.
(b) Write a paragraph on any one of the following in about 100-120 words. (4 Marks)
(i) Importance of Trees
OR
(ii) Science and Human Life
(c) Write a letter on any one of the following. (7 Marks)
(i) Personal Letter: Write a letter to your friend telling him/her how you are preparing for your September examination.
OR
(ii) Official Letter: Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your city complaining about the problem of garbage in your locality.
