Answer Key and Solutions to Class 10 CBSE Communicative English Board Exam 2024

SECTION A – (Reading Skills)  

Read the following passage carefully:   

(1) It was a bleak, rainy day, and I had no desire to drive up the winding mountain road to my daughter Carolyn’s house. But she had insisted that I come and see something at the top of the mountain.   

(2) So, here I was, reluctantly making the two-hour journey through fog that hung like veils. By the time I saw how thick it was near the summit, I’d gone too far to turn back. Nothing could be worth this, I thought, as I inched along the perilous highway.   

(3) “I’ll stay for lunch, but I’m heading back down as soon as the fog lifts,” I announced when I arrived. “But I need you to drive me to the garage to pick up my car,” Carolyn said. “Could we at least do that?”   

(4) “How far is it?” I asked. “About three minutes,” she said. “I’ll drive – I’m used to it.”   

(5) After ten minutes on the mountain road, I looked at her anxiously. “I thought you said three minutes.” She grinned. “This is a detour.”

(6) Turning down a narrow track, we parked the car and got out. We walked along a path that was thick with one pine needles. Huge black-green evergreens towered over us. Gradually, the peace and silence of the place began to fill my mind.   

(7) Then we turned a corner and stopped – and I gasped in amazement. From the top of the mountain, sloping for several acres across folds and valleys, were rivers of daffodils in radiant bloom. A profusion of colour – from the palest ivory to the deepest lemon to the most vivid salmon – blazed like a carpet before us. It looked as though the sun had tipped over and spilled gold down the mountainside.   

(8) At the centre cascaded a waterfall of purple hyacinths. Here and there were coral coloured tulips. And as if this bonanza were not enough, western bluebirds frolicked over the heads of the daffodils, their tawny breasts and sapphire wings like a flutter of jewels.   

(9) A riot of questions filled my mind. Who created such beauty? Why? How? As we  approached the home that stood in the centre of the property, we saw a sign that read:  “Answers to the questions I Know You Are Asking.”   

(10) The first answer was : “One Woman – Two Hands, Two Feet.” The second was: “One at a Time.” The third : “Started in 1958.”   

(11) As we drove home, I was so moved by what we had seen, I could scarcely speak. “She changed the world,” I finally said, “one bulb at a time. She started almost 40 years ago, probably just the beginning of an idea, but she kept at it.”   

(12) The wonder of it would not let go. “Imagine,” I said, “If I’d had a vision and worked at it, just a little bit every day, what might I have accomplished?” Carolyn looked at me  sideways, smiling. “Start tomorrow,” said she. “Better yet, start today.”   ]

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:   

(i) State why the author was reluctant to make a two-hour journey.  

The author was reluctant to make the two-hour journey because it was a bleak, rainy day, and the prospect of driving up the winding mountain road in such weather was not appealing. Additionally, the journey was made even more unattractive due to the thick fog that hung near the summit of the mountain.  

(ii) “This is a detour.” On what occasion did Carlyn say this to the author? (30-40 words only)   

Carolyn said, "This is a detour", to the author when they had been driving for ten minutes on the mountain road to the garage to pick up her car, a journey Carolyn earlier stated would take only three minutes. 

(iii) The author started liking the place because:   

(A) of its forest and sandy sea beach.   
(B) of the black-green evergreens towering over them.   
(C) of the bleak and rainy day.   
(D) of reaching the place in just three minutes.   

(iv) The place where the author went with her daughter had a beautiful panoramic view. Justify this statement with reference to the passage in about 40 words.  

The place indeed had a panoramic view. At the top of the mountain, there were acres of radiant daffodils blooming, forming rivers of colour across the valleys. There was also a waterfall of purple hyacinths, coral-coloured tulips, and western bluebirds, adding to the beauty.  

(v) Why was the narrator’s mind filled with questions?  

The narrator's mind was filled with questions upon seeing the expansive and incredibly detailed beauty of the landscape. They wondered who had created such an overwhelming and stunning display of colours and life and how and why they'd done it.  

(vi) Complete the following sentence appropriately:   

“The wonder of it would not let me go.”   

From this sentence, we can infer that the author was deeply ______________.   

From this sentence, we can infer that the author was deeply moved. 

(vii) State whether the given assertion is True or False.   

A field of flowers opens one woman’s eyes to the world of possibilities.   

(viii) What is the lesson the author learns from her experience?   

(A) To drive to such places more often   
(B) To start working for Nature   
(C) To change the world with a new vision   
(D) That there is a huge world of possibilities   

(ix) Find a word from Paragraph 1, which means the same as ‘cheerless and gloomy’.   
Bleak

(x) Substitute the word ‘perilous’ with a word which is its synonym:   

(A) dangerous   
(B) cunning   
(C) devastating   
(D) secured   

Read the following table displaying the performance and interest of four students of different calibre in academics and co-curricular activities.   

 Answer the following questions, based on the above table:   

(i) Identify the student from the above table who has artistic ideas.   

The student from the above table who has artistic ideas is Raghu. He has interests in Painting, Drama, and Photography and has displayed his artwork in an Inter-School Art Exhibition. 

(ii) Lata has interest in Robotics and Coding. Choose the best career option for her from the given options:   

• (A) Event Organiser   

• (B) App Developer   

• (C) Choreographer   

(iii) Which interest(s) of Raghu can help him to relax whenever he is stressed?  
The interests of Raghu that can help him relax whenever he is stressed are Painting, Drama, and Photography.  

(iv) Give one justification each to prove that:   

• (a) Lata’s actions are based on accurate calculations, and   

• (b) Lata is capable of cracking any competitive examination.   

(a) Lata's actions are based on accurate calculations as evidenced by her exceptional performance in Mathematics (100/100) and her interest in Robotics and Chess. These fields require precise calculations and strategic thinking. 

(b) Lata is capable of cracking any competitive examination, as shown by her impressive overall academic average of 97 out of 100 in the subjects stated, which includes Mathematics, Science, and English. Her ability to excel in these core subjects, coupled with her success in the Inter-School Robotics Challenge, indicate her strong academic and problem-solving skills. 

(v) Select the correct option to fill in the blank and complete the analogy:   

guitar: music : : camera : photograph

(vi) Complete the given sentence with the appropriate reason, with reference to the information in the given table.   

From the table given above, we can infer that even though Raghu is an average student yet he is more artistically inclined than Lata.  

(vii) Explain why situation (C) showcases the sportsmanship quality of Ravi:   

• (A) In an inter-school cricket tournament, Ravi played well and helped the team to win  the match.   

• (B) In an inter-school cricket match, it was Ravi who cheered his team as a captain and  took important decisions to win the match

• (C) After an inter-school cricket match, Ravi congratulated the opposite team for  winning the match.   

(viii) Choose the correct option which proves that Mohit is a good Debater:   

• (A) Mohit shouts at the beginning of any discussion and does not let others speak.   

• (B) Mohit argues without any facts while presenting his ideas.   

• (C) Mohit can convince others with valid points and facts.   

SECTION B – (Writing Skills)  

3. As Aarushi, a student of class IX, write an email, in 50 words, to the Principal of your school, requesting him/her to change your section from IX-A to IX-B.   

Include a reason why you desire the change.   

You may copy the given template to write your email.   

4. Write a factual description of an English Notebook in not more than 100 words that you have to submit to your teacher.   

The English notebook is a standard-sized, A4, spiral-bound notebook with 200 ruled pages. The cover, made of sturdy yet flexible plastic, bears a label for name and subject identification. Inside, each page is used diligently for classroom notes, vocabulary, grammatical exercises and literary interpretations. There’s an emphasis on neat handwriting, precise language, and meticulous proofreading. Page corners are tagged with sticky notes for quick reference. The last few pages contain a personal lexicon of new words, their meanings, and contextual sentences. The notebook serves as a testament to learning progress in the English subject. 

5. (a) Vocational Education prepares learners for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities. Taking ideas from the unit ‘Education,’ along with your own ideas, write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in about 120 words, providing information to the students about the growing need for Vocational Education in the present-day world.  

The Editor 
The Times of India 
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg 
Delhi 

26 February,2024 

Subject: The Growing Need for Vocational Education in Today's World 

Dear Sir, 

I am writing to discuss a critical and neglected facet of our education system—Vocational Education. In a world that is increasingly focused on theoretical knowledge and academia, practical-oriented skills are often overlooked.  

Vocational Education, with its emphasis on practical skills and on-the-job training, prepares students for manual or practical activities that are industry-relevant. With technology and automation replacing many jobs, there is a higher demand for skilled manpower in various professions that require specialised training. 

Implementing vocational courses in schools can also address the issue of high school dropouts. Students who may not be academically inclined would find an interest in these hands-on courses that prepare them directly for the job market. Kindly publish this letter to increase awareness. 

Yours sincerely, 

[Your Name] 

OR

(b) Ecotourism means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment. Imagine yourself as a member of the Ecotourism Society of India. Taking ideas from the units ‘Environment’ and ‘Travel and Tourism’, write a letter to the Ministry of Tourism, mentioning the ways to propagate Ecotourism by sensitising people.  

The Secretary 
Ministry of Tourism  
Delhi 

Subject: Propagation of Ecotourism through Increased Sensitisation 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

I am writing to you as a member of the Ecotourism Society of India to discuss the crucial avenues to propagate ecotourism by sensitising citizens. As we are aware, ecotourism acts as an instrument for environmental conservation, impelling socio-economic benefits to local communities. 

Firstly, intensive campaigns should be introduced at education institutes and public platforms, outlining the concept, benefits, and significance of ecotourism. Secondly, partnerships with media outlets can amplify the reach of these messages. Moreover, tourism infrastructure ought to focus on sustainable practices. Guidelines should be implemented for travellers, ensuring the reduction of environmental footprints. Lastly, collaborations with local communities are vital. They can be trained and empowered to maintain sustainable practices while facilitating tourism. 

I am hopeful that the Ministry of Tourism will consider these recommendations promoting India as a notable ecotourism destination. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] 
Member, Ecotourism Society of India 

6. (a) India represents a harmonious oneness in spite of distinctions. Taking ideas from the unit ‘National Integration’, and using the given cues along with your own ideas, write an article in 150 words for your school magazine on ‘The Importance of Diversified Culture.’   

• India – a land embracing

• India – festivals dedicated to seasons and harvests

• India – multitude of castes, creed, colour, convictions, culture, cuisines, costumes and customs

• India – national festivals -   pride, sense of patriotism - promote national   

The Splendid Diversity of Indian Culture 

By: (Your Name) 

India is an enigmatic land known for embracing diversity, evident in myriad cultures, faiths, and traditions coexisting in harmony. Incredible India is a carnival of colours, where each hue represents a separate culture. Every state, town, and tribe has its own traditions, manifested in unique cuisines, costumes, and customs. This colourful myriad of cultures forms the vibrant and dynamic panorama of Indian society. 

The festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of the country reflect this diversity. Dedicated to various seasons and harvests, they create a harmonious blend of traditions that transect caste, creed, conviction, and colour. These festivities symbolise a collective national identity, keeping the spirit of unity alive. 

National festivals, a beacon of pride, evoke a deep sense of patriotism, promoting national integration. The richness of India's diversified culture is its strength. The need of the hour is to value this diversity and consider it a stepping stone towards collective growth. It is our responsibility to protect, preserve, and promote our unique culture, thereby stimulating national integration. Understanding its importance in binding the nation together and in promoting social harmony will lead us towards a unified, inclusive India full of rich cultural diversities. 

OR

(b) EVs or Electric vehicles have now become a necessity. Keeping in mind how the rise in economic activity and burgeoning population has led to a tremendous demand of electric vehicles in the transport sector, especially in urban India, write an article on ‘A World with Smog-free and Clean Air.’ Use the given cues along with your own ideas from the Unit – ‘Science’. (150 words)   

• India’s ever-growing population Critical issues of air and noise   

• EV- Lower running costs pollution   

• Zero tailpipe emissions Electric vehicles – low maintenance costs   

Smog-free Skies and Clean Air: The EV Revolution'

By: [Your Name] 

In urban India, a transformation is taking place. The perpetual hum of combustion engines is easing into an immediate yet silent surge as Electric Vehicles (EV) gain momentum. The change sparked by India's ever-growing population and the increased economic activity is creating a progressive shift towards accessible green solutions.  

Air and noise pollution has been an inescapable scourge in our metropolises for decades. Here, EV technology is a breath of fresh air in the fog of smog. Their zero tailpipe emissions feature promises an unprecedented reduction in harmful pollutants, leading to cleaner, healthier urban atmospheres. 

Moreover, EVs offer the attractive proposition of lower running costs. Without the need for petroleum products, reliance on unpredictable fuel prices diminishes. A further nod to their efficiency, EVs exhibit lower maintenance costs due to simpler, more reliable mechanics compared to conventional vehicles. 

Let's embrace the EV revolution – for our health, wallet, and the world we inhabit. Smog-free skies and clean air aren't too far in our future, if we make the switch today. The promise of a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient transportation system is fast becoming a motivating force for sustainable urban living. It is not just a scientific marvel, but a societal obligation to ensure our journey is powered by green and clean energy. 

SECTION C – (Grammar)   

7. Complete the tasks (a) – (c), as directed.   

(a) Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those given in the brackets.   

A house on my way to work (i) ____________ (had acquired/has acquired/acquired) an  American pit bull terrier. On the surface, it (ii) ____________ (seems/seemed/has seemed) to be a friendly dog. All it does (iii) ____________ (was/are/is) stand and grin through the fence.   
A house on my way to work (i) has acquired an American pit bull terrier. On the surface, it (ii) seems to be a friendly dog. All it does (iii) is stand and grin through the fence. 

(b) In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets, remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been done as an example.   
  

 (c) Do as directed.   

(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence.   

• Mohan: Do you know why many people, now-a-days, do not like the concept of  zoo?   

• Lalit: No, I don’t. Can you give me a valid reason, why?   ]

• Mohan: like/zoos/animals in cages/many/do not/zoo/concept of/people/this/keep/as   

• Mohan: Many people do not like the concept of zoo as this concept keeps animals in cages in zoos. 

(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows.   

• Rohit: I have bought a new DSLR camera.   

• Mohit: What will you do with this?   

• Rohit: I will click beautiful pictures with this camera.   

Rohit told Mohit that (a) _______________. As Mohit was not aware of it, so he asked (b) ______________. To this, Rohit answered that he would click beautiful pictures with that camera.

Rohit told Mohit that (a) he had bought a new DSLR camera. As Mohit was not aware of it, so he asked (b) what Rohit would do with this. To this, Rohit answered that he would click beautiful pictures with that camera. 

SECTION D – Literature Textbook   

8. Read the following excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of the given three, (a), (b), (c).   

(a) “Yes,” the frog replied. “You see,   
I’m the frog who owns this tree.   
In this bog I’ve long been known   
For my splendid baritone   
And, of course, I wield my pen for   
Bog Trumpet now and then”.   
(The Frog and the Nightingale)

• (i) Why is the frog famous in the bog?   

• (ii) Which characteristic trait of the frog is revealed from the above lines?   

• (iii) Explain the term ‘baritone’.   

• (iv) How does the frog introduce himself?   

(i) The frog is famous in the bog for his singing, particularly his 'splendid baritone' voice, and for his occasional writings for the 'Bog Trumpet'. 

(ii) From the above lines, the frog is revealed to be quite conceited and self-important. He regards his singing voice as 'splendid' and takes pride in his occasional writings for the Bog Trumpet, showing that he thinks highly of himself. 

(iii) 'Baritone' is a range of male voice that lies between bass and tenor. It is the most common range of the male voice and is typically characterised as deep and rich. Here, it is used to describe the voice of the frog, which he considers to be 'splendid'. 

(iv) The frog introduces himself as a well-known entity in the bog, renowned for his splendid baritone voice. He also adds that he wields his pen for the 'Bog Trumpet' occasionally, implying that he writes or contributes in some way to this presumably local publication. 
  
(b) Mrs. Jordan : No, that’ll never do. We want a verse that says how much we loved him and refers to all his good qualities and says what a heavy loss we’ve had.   
Mrs. Slater: You want a whole poem. That’ll cost a good lot.   
Mrs. Jordan: Well, we’ll think about it after tea, and then we’ll look through his bits of things and make a list of them. There’s all the furniture in his room.  (The Dear Departed)   

• (i) What does Mrs. Jordan want?   

• (ii) Mrs. Slater does not want a whole poem to be published. Why?   

• (iii) “You want a whole poem. That’ll cost a good lot.” Mention one characteristic trait of Mrs. Slater through this line.   

• (iv) Which is more important for these speakers – mourning on their father’s death or distributing his property between them?   

(i) Mrs. Jordan wants a verse that highlights their love for their deceased father, acknowledges all his good qualities, and mentions the heavy loss they've experienced due to his death. 

(ii) Mrs. Slater does not want a whole poem to be published because it would be expensive.  

(iii) This line indicates that Mrs. Slater is somewhat stingy. Her primary concern seems to be on the cost of the possible actions rather than on commemorating her father's passing. 

(iv) It is clear from their discussion that they are more concerned about dividing and claiming their father's property than mourning his death. Their primary focus has been on the materialistic aspects following his death rather than the emotional loss. 

(c) ‘Counting your chickens again before they’re hatched, are you? No wonder you could  never make a go of it.’   
‘But it’s the real thing this time! Go and make me a cup of tea, will you? And remind me to take some ginger juice tonight. It’s very good or the throat.’ (Patol Babu)   

• (i) Identify the phrase the gives an impression that the speaker does not have any faith in Patol Babu.   

• (ii) How does Patol Babu try to convince his wife?   

• (iii) What does the phrase ‘counting your chickens again before they’re hatched’ mean?   

• (iv) Why was Patol Babu not successful, according to his wife?   

(i) The phrase "Counting your chickens again before they’re hatched, are you? No wonder you could never make a go of it" gives the impression that the speaker does not have faith in Patol Babu. 

(ii) Patol Babu tries to convince his wife by telling her about his past achievements on stage and how this new opportunity could be a great comeback for him. 

(iii) The phrase "counting your chickens again before they’re hatched" means to assume success or count on a favourable outcome before it has actually occurred. 

(iv) According to Patol Babu's wife, he was not successful because he tends to get overexcited and premature in expecting success, thereby failing to follow through properly or deal effectively with challenges. 

9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each:   

(i) Describe the poet’s (D.H. Lawrence) dual attitude towards the snake. (The Snake)   

The poet displays a conflicting attitude towards the snake. He is filled with fear and fascination, admiring the snake's peaceful presence and despising his civilised impulse to harm it. He feels honoured by its visit yet is conflicted by societal conditioning. 

(ii) You can feel other’s pain only when you go through it yourself. Validate this statement with reference to the story, ‘The Letter’ and why it took place? (The Letter)  

In the story 'The Letter,' the postmaster could not empathise with Ali's anxious wait for a letter from his missing daughter. However, when his personal circumstances align, fearing for his daughter's health, he finally understands Ali's emotional turmoil, thus embodying the statement.  

(iii) John was worried and concerned about his wife’s response after meeting the ghost. But it proved to be baseless. Justify. (The Shady Plot)   

John was extremely apprehensive about his wife's reaction upon encountering the ghost, fearing that she might get hysterical or scared. However, contrary to his expectations, Lavinia didn't faint or get scared. Instead, she looked at the ghost, smiled broadly and fell into his arms, expressing relief that the mysterious "Helen" was just a harmless ghost and not a human rival. This unexpected reaction further added to the ironic humour of the situation, thus proving John's worries to be baseless. 

(iv) Humour plays a major role in the chapter, ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’. Prove this statement with the instances of humour. (Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger)   

Humour underlies the entire story, from Mrs. Packletide's bizarre motive of shooting a tiger just to steal the limelight from Loona Bimberton, to the ironic twist of her accidentally shooting the tethered goat instead of the tiger. Miss Mebbin's opportunistic blackmailing also adds a darkly comedic edge. 

(v) ‘Et tu, Brute!’ These were the last words of Julius Caesar. Elucidate with reference to the drama ‘Julius Caesar’. Why did Caesar say these words before his death? (Julius Caesar)   

In the drama 'Julius Caesar', the phrase 'Et tu, Brute' are Caesar's last words, meaning "And you, Brutus". He utters these words before his death as he is shocked and disappointed at Brutus, someone he considered a friend and ally, being one of the conspirators who stabbed him to death. 

(vi) Willpower and determination bring success against all odds? Comment with reference to ‘Virtually True.’ (Virtually True)   

In "Virtually True," the protagonist's unwavering determination and willpower result in an inconceivable success: managing to rescue Sebastian from the game, implying his successful retrieval from a coma in real life. Despite repeated failures, the protagonist's undeterred spirit exemplifies that strong will and determination are key elements in overcoming seemingly impossible challenges. 

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words:   

(a) In the poems ‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley and ‘Not Marble, Nor the Glided Monuments’ by William Shakespeare, the concept of Time is explored, but each poet treats it in a distinct manner. Elucidate.   

In 'Ozymandias,' Shelley magnificently portrays the transient nature of human achievements and the inexorable passage of time. History's greatest figures, represented by Ozymandias, even with their mighty works, are ultimately reduced to a broken statue, surrounded by endless stretches of barren desert. The ruins remind us that even the grandest of human creations ultimately succumbs to time's ravages. Yet, ironically, the expression on the shattered sculpture: the artisan's handiwork outlasts the physical prowess of the 'King'.  

On the other hand, Shakespeare in 'Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments,' stresses that the power of his words, his 'rhyme', will outlast physical monuments and resist the erosion of time. Immortalization through verse is seen as superior to the 'gilded monuments' of princes, which are subject to the ravages of 'sluttish' time and the havoc of wars. The work of art can metaphorically breathe life into the subject, allowing them to 'pace forth' into posterity, therefore, escaping time's decay.  

In summary, both poets animate the prowess of art overcoming time's damage, differing only in the aspects of time they emphasize. While Shelley focuses on the inevitable ruinous power of time, Shakespeare highlights art's defiance against it. 

OR

(b) Both the stories ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ and ‘The Letter’ teach us not to lose hope and courage even in adverse situations. Write a letter to a friend justifying the statement with reference to the stories.   

Dear Friend, 

I hope this letter finds you well. I've recently read two stories that profoundly moved me and reaffirmed the importance of hope and courage even under the most unfavorable circumstances. ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ penned by A.J. Cronin and ‘The Letter’ by Dhumketu summon our spirits to be relentlessly hopeful and courageously endeavor in the face of hardships.  

In 'The Letter,' an old man named Ali waits tirelessly for a letter from his estranged daughter. Despite repeated disappointments, Ali holds onto hope and visits the post office daily. Even at his last breath, his commitment never wavers. His faith in love and separation lights up his life until the end. 

'Two Gentlemen of Verona' is just as inspiring. Two young boys, Nicola and Jacopo, after losing their family to war, tirelessly work numerous jobs to afford their sister’s treatment. Amidst the harsh conditions, their spirit remains unbroken and their hope never faltered. 

In essence, these stories teach us the value of hope and courage in life’s arduous battles. Undeterred by multiple setbacks, the characters in these stories remind us of the power of never giving in and always believing in a better tomorrow.  

Take care and stay hopeful. 

Yours, 

[Your Name]