Answer Key and Solutions to Class 10 CBSE English Board Exam 2023

Section – A

Reading Skills

Read the Passage given below and answer the questions:

1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us besides being beneficial for health. Once we leave the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, All these are forgotten and the mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company of friends and associates: 
2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of the water falls, flowers, streams, trees and bushes is pleasing. A connect is established between us and nature. Various sounds of the nature like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.
3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a‘ mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examination, no anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a  mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain — All these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.
4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy. 
5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.
6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, chirping sound of birds make one’s mind and soul at peace with nature.

Based on your reading of the passage, answer the questions below:

(i) To go out for a walking tour is…….

• (a) to stroll.         
• (b) to rumble          
• (c) to hike.           
• (d) to saunter

(Ii) Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?

• (a) because hiking is an inexpensive activity 
• (b) because it brings families together.
• (c) because of intolerable noise of traffic.
• (d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.

(iii) Complete the following with a phrase:

The various sounds of nature acquire "a new meaning and significance to us."

(iv) Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 2. 

A contact is established between us and nature.

One reason for feeling a connection with nature is that hiking takes us into the midst of natural surroundings, where we can appreciate and observe the beauty of natural elements such as waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees, and bushes. The various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, also contribute to establishing a connection with nature.

(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 2.

aroma : cooking ; fragrance : Flowers

(vi) Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.

• (a) because observation is sharpened
• (b) because of the excitement of climbing up and adventure of coming down.
• (c) It makes us sleep peacefully.                 
• (d) It is an escape from our busy schedule.

(viii) List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike.

Two examples of minute observations that can be made while on a hike are a snake casting its slough and a mouse peeping out of its hole.

(ix) Supply one point to justify the following :

Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.

One point to justify the statement that hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy is that it provides an escape from the usual routine of daily life, allowing us to experience a sense of freedom and adventure in the open air. Additionally, the beautiful scenery, fresh air, and physical activity of hiking can produce endorphins and other positive feelings, contributing to a sense of joy and well-being.

(x) Substitute the word ‘leap with joy’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from the passage.

The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy,

The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts merry.

2. Read the extract given below :

1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why ? because a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers. 
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000 —3 3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainiall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on lacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon—fed India. But over the years, with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the extreme winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature, thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs about 1,50,000 and above to create a glacier.
4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by The President of India. 
5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream water at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of a winter i.e., in November, the diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankment are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools which freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an ‘artificial glacier’

Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below:                             10x1

(i) Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 1.

Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but didn’t grind to a halt.

One reason for areas in and around Leh not grinding to a halt despite water shortage could be the invention of artificial glaciers by a retired civil engineer, which provided an alternative source of water for agriculture.

(ii) Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks:

Agriculture is completely dependent on ……. Unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India.

• (a) rainfall pattern           
• (b) climate change           
• (c) glaciers melt                 
• (d) extreme winter conditions

(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3:

icing: cake :: layers : Glaciers

(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:

At the start of winter the diverted water is made to flow………….

• (a) on sloping hills facing distribution channels
• (b) on high altitude
• (c) on ice-cold water level
• (d) On mountain range

(v) From the chart select the months of water surplus.

• (a) January, February                      
• (b) November, December            
• (c) July, August, September         
• (d) March April

(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option :

The ……….. have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh.

• (a) glaciers          
• (b) rivers              
• (c) streams         
• (d) water springs

(vii) The word ‘located’ in paragraph 3 means :

• (a) found              
• (b) locally found               
• (c) situated                         
• (d) adapted

(viii) Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers.

Two steps followed while creating the glaciers are:

1. Diverting river or stream water at high altitude to a shaded area of the hill facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range.
2. Making the diverted water flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels, building stone embankments at regular intervals to impede the flow of water and make shallow pools which freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope.

(ix) List one reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option.

Artificial glaciers seem the best option because they provide a continuous supply of water during the crucial sowing season and help farmers manage two crops instead of one. They also help to mitigate the effects of water scarcity due to changing rainfall and snowfall patterns resulting from climate change.

(x) Select the most suitable title from the following for the passage :

• (a) Water Shortage.        
• (b) New Ways to Pool Water.
• (c) Artificial Glacier.         
• (d) River Beds.

       SECTION -B
                  GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS                         20 Marks

3.       Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions : 10x1=10
 (i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a school advisory.
                 Parents must ................. their children’s leisure activities.
                 (a) look at            (b) look into        (c) look away                      (d) look up
(ii) Read the conversation between the Chief Guest and the student. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Chief guest : Who inspired you to learn classical dance.
Student : I was inspired by my grandfather who was a renowned dancer.
The Chief Guest asked the student who had inspired the student to learn classical dance. The student replied …………………………………….
That he had been inspired by his grandfather who had been a renowned dancer.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line on a save the environment poster:
                 Keep the environment clean. Do not litter.
                 You ………………………………….. follow rules. ;
(a) should            (b) may                 (c) must                                (d) will
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
The sounds of laughter was echoing in the corridor.
  Option                 Error                      Correction
(a)                           sounds                 sound
(b)                          laughter               laughing
(c)                           was                        were
(d)                          in                            of
(v) complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
In times of trouble you can always ………………………… your parents for help.
(a) turn in            (b) turn to           (c) turn on           (d) turn away
 (vi) Fill the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
 The students with the help of their teacher ………created………………(create) a beautiful poster.
(vii) Report the dialogue between the receptionist and the customer by completing the sentence
Receptionist : When would you like to check into the hotel.
Customer : I will send you an email and give the details.
In response to the question regarding when he would like to move in, the customer replied ……………..
he would send her an email and give the details.
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The children were exciting when they saw the leopard.
Use the given format for your response :
                 Error                                      Correction
                 Exciting                                 Excited
(ix) Samiksha shared some information with Sameer regarding the annual blood donation camp. Report Samee’s question:
How did you feel when you were donating blood?
How she had felt when she had been donating blood?
(x) The doctor ......................... examined the patient when the family arrived
(a) was                  (b) had                  (c) has                   (d) have
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between a passerby and a farmer.
 Passerby : can yu tell me the way to Rampur.
 Farmer : Drive for four kms and then turn right.
 The passerby asked the farmer if he could tell him the way to Rampur. The farmer replied that ....................
 (a) he may drive for four kms and then turn right.
 (b) he should drive for four kms and then turn right.
(c) he might drive for four kms and then turn right.
(d) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right.
xii) Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.
Water was vital to human health and fitness.
Error                      Correction
was                         is

4.  Attempt anyone from A and B given below

(A)    Stakeholders associated with the education of children are concerned about the poor habits of students today. There are multiple reasons for this recent trust and students. Academic pressure, technology and distraction, social media, parents don't read, children don’t visit libraries lack of leisure time are some of the reasons. As a concerned parent, write a letter to the editor in about 100 to 120 words expressing your concern. Suggest innovative ways in which children can be brought back to books. You are Sahil/Susheela.

The editor
The Hindustan Times
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
Delhi
 
27 Feb’23

Dear Sir
As a concerned parent, I am deeply worried about the declining interest of children in reading books. There are multiple factors responsible for this, including academic pressure, technological distractions, and the influence of social media. With the lack of leisure time, children are spending more time on their screens, which has led to a decline in their reading habits.

I would like to suggest some ways to bring children back to books. Firstly, parents should inculcate a reading habit at a young age by reading to their children and creating a comfortable reading space at home. Secondly, schools should encourage children to read by introducing book clubs and organizing literary events. Thirdly, libraries can be made more accessible by providing digital lending facilities and hosting interactive reading sessions.

By implementing these solutions, we can help children develop a love for reading, which will not only enhance their cognitive skills but also broaden their horizons. I would be highly obliged if you will publish my letter in your esteemed newspaper

Yours sincerely
Sahil/Susheela

Or

(B)    You are Aruna/Arjun CCA in charge of Saint Joseph high school. You have read an advertisement in the newspaper regarding admission to a foreign languages institute. Write a letter in about 100 to 120 words to the director of the institute ‘lingua for all’ making relevant enquiries:

A.      eligibility
B.      duration of the course
C.      time schedule 
D.      fee structure
E.       faculty
F.       placement

A/32
Saint Joseph high school
Jaipur
27 Feb'23

Director
lingua for all
XYZ City

Dear Director
Sub: Inquiry for admission process

 As the CCA in charge of Saint Joseph High School, I have come across your advertisement in the newspaper, and I believe that your institute can provide quality language education to our students. I am writing this letter to inquire about the admission process, course details and other relevant information regarding the foreign language courses offered at Lingua for All.

 I would like to know about the eligibility criteria for admission, the duration of the course, the time schedule, and the fee structure. Moreover, it would be helpful to know about the faculty members who will be teaching the course and their qualifications and experience. Finally, I would like to inquire about the placement opportunities available for the students who complete the course successfully. It would be great if you could provide us with some information about the companies that have hired your students in the past and the average salary package.

 Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 Yours sincerely
Aruna/Arjun.

5. Attempt anyone from A and B given below

The pie chart shows how water is consumed and households in a metropolitan city in India. study the information carefully and write a paragraph in about 100 to 120 words drawing a comparative analysis of water consumption.  Emphasize wasteful water consumption and suggest possible ways to save water

5. (B) The chart below gives the percentage of social media users by age in India in 2020. Write a paragraph analysing the given information drawing comparisons among different age groups in 100 to 120 words 
 Internet activities by age group

6.       (A) Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow :
 Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in compass. I couldn’t believe my eyes the compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead. It would not work. The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio. “Paris Control? Paris Control ? Can you hear me?” There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in the storm.
 (i) As soon as the pilot was inside the cloud..........
                 (a) his ears got blocked.                (b) he choked with fear.
                 (c) his vision was obstructed.      (d) He was jumping up and down.
(ii) The devices in the aeroplane Were .............
                 (a) malfunctioning.                          (b) broken completely.
                 (c) giving wrong readings.             (d) stopped responding completely.
iii) The Paris air control did not reply to the pilots call because _____ they could not hear him.
(iv) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘twisted’ as used in the extract.
a.            Ragini twisted Raghav’s wrist
b.            Ragini twisted the story to suit the occasion
c.             Ragini did not appreciate Raghav’s twisted bent of mind
d.            Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in air before diving into the water
(v)          Fill in the blanks with one word only
The narrator’s ___fear___ comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and round
                                                                 OR
B) LOMOV : But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that...
NATALYA : No, it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great-grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh — which means that Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about. It’s simply silly!
(i)            This subject of dispute was regarding
                 (a) free use of Meadows.                             (b) making of bricks
                 (c) peasants using Meadows                       (d) ownership of Meadows
(ii)           find the word from the extract which means continuance
                 a) Dispute           b) Perpetuity     c) Belonging                       d) reckoned
(iii)          Lomov’s aunts grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya’s father's grandfather in lieu of ______making bricks
(iv)         According to Natalya why did Oxen Meadows belong to them?
both grandfather and great grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt March which include Oxen Meadows.
(v)          fill in the blank with one word only the peasants had free use of meadows for __forty_ years

7.       A) Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda!
 Remember your acne, Amanda!
 Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you,
 Amanda!
 (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
 life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
 I'll certainly never let down my bright hair!)
 (i)            Those speakers stone is
                 a) Loving              b) hopeful           c) Instructive                      d) Indifferent
(ii)           complete the analogy with the word from the extract
                  rare: uncommon:: peace:____tranquil
 (iii)          state whether the following statement is true or false
  Amanda didn't want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.                 True
(iv)         select the appropriate options:
Amanda's mother is continuously Amanda
                 a) encouraging                  b) reprimanding               c) motivating      d) disappointing
v)            which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word dull
                 a) dreary              b) shady               c) bright               d) angry
 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow
 B) He stalks in his vivid stripes
 The few steps of his cage,
 On pads of velvet quiet,
 In his quiet rage.
 He should be lurking in shadow,
 Sliding through long grass,
 Near the water hole
 Where the plump deer pass.
 i) ‘Quiet rage’ refers to the tigers …………………..
                 (a) helplessness                (b) he has not been able to hunt               
                 (c) his prey has not come the water                         (d) he is not free :
 (ii) He is lurking in shadows because______ it is is his natural conduct. and it is hiding behind tall grasses in the shadow of the trees and bushes of the forest while waiting for its prey.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately
it is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for pads of velvet because __pads are soft just like velvet fabric__ (clue explain how metaphor applies here )
(iv) Find a word from the extract which means to walk with measured stiff or haughty strides
                 (a) steps               (b) lurking            (c) pads                (d) stalk
(v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: :
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole.                        True

8.       Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words
 a) Why did the night after the rains turn sorrowful for Lencho? (A letter to God)
The night after the rains turned sorrowful for Lencho because the hailstorm had destroyed his entire field of ripe corn, leaving nothing behind. This meant that his family would go hungry that year, as they had no other source of income. Lencho's only hope was the help of God, which he expressed in a letter to Him.
 b) Describe the young seagull’s first flight? (Two stories about flying)
The young seagull was terrified when he dived at the fish his mother was holding, but he soon felt his wings spread outwards and the wind rushing against his feathers. He was no longer afraid and he soared gradually downwards and outwards. He flapped his wings and soared upwards, and soon he was flying with his family, curveting, banking, soaring and diving. He had made his first flight and was filled with joy.
 c) who are paders and why are they friends of children? (glimpses of India)
Paders are the makers of the famous Portuguese loaves of bread. They are friends of children because they provide them with delicious and nutritious bread. The loaves of bread are a source of comfort and joy for children, and the paders are a reminder of the good old Portuguese days.
d) How did Valli save money to travel by bus? (Madam rides the bus)
Valli saved money by resisting the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, and balloons, and instead thriftily saving whatever stray coins came her way. She eventually saved a total of sixty paise, which was enough to pay for her bus fare.
 e) what character trait is revealed of custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him? (the tale of custard the dragon)
Custard's character trait of humility is revealed when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him. He didn't contradict anyone who called him a coward rather coyly begged to be kept safe in a cage.

9.       Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 'words                               4x3=12
 (a) How did Mrs. Pumphery treat Tricki ?
Mrs. Pumphery treated Tricki with excessive love and affection. She presumed that he was suffering from malnutrition as he seemed listless, so she gave him extra between meals to build up his strength, like malt, cod liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep. She continued to feed him cream cakes and chocolates as she didn’t have the heart to refuse him.
 (b) How did Ausable get rid of Max without using a weapon? (The Midnight Visitor)
Ausable tricked Max into thinking that the police were at the door, when in reality it was just a waiter bringing a drink that Ausable had ordered. Max then panicked and tried to escape by climbing out the window, only to discover that there was no balcony. Ausable then used this opportunity to get rid of Max without using a weapon.
 (c) Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies? (Making of a scientist)
Richard Ebright raised a flock of butterflies in order to increase the number of butterflies he could tag for research by Dr Frederick A. Urquhart of the University of Toronto, Canada. He would catch a female monarch, take her eggs, and raise them in his basement through their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly. Then he would tag the butterflies’ wings and let them go.

10.   Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words                            6
 (a) ‘As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals  when born are always in danger of death’. With this statement of the Buddha find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. 
Kisa Gotami learnt that death is an inevitable part of life and is common to all. She realised that no matter how much one grieves, it will not bring the dead back. She also realised that life is short and fleeting, and that one should not be too attached to material things. She also learnt that one should not be too consumed by grief, as it will only lead to further suffering. Lastly, she learnt that the path to peace and freedom from suffering lies in overcoming sorrow and surrendering all selfishness. Through her experience, Kisa Gotami learnt the importance of accepting death and the impermanence of life.
 (b) ‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour  of his skin, or his background or his religion’. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter “Nelson Mandela - Long walk to freedom”.
I agree with Nelson Mandela that no one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion. We are all born with a capacity for love and compassion, and it is only through our experiences and environment that we learn to hate. We are taught to fear and distrust those who are different from us, and this can lead to hatred and bigotry. We must strive to break down these barriers and teach our children to embrace diversity and to respect and accept those who are different from us. We must strive to create a world where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their race, religion or background. We must strive to create a world where everyone is free to express their beliefs and opinions without fear of judgement or persecution. Only then can we truly create a world of peace and understanding.

11.   Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words :                          6
 (a) Contentment in one’s life is very important to lead a peaceful life. We should be happy with what we have and should not crave for what we don’t have. Matilda suffered in life because she was not content in her life. Her desires led to her disaster. What do you learn from her mistake in life?
Matilda's mistake in life serves as a lesson to us all about the dangers of discontentment and unbridled desires. Her desire for luxury and extravagance led her to borrow a diamond necklace from her friend, and when she lost it, she and her husband had to spend ten years of their lives paying off the debt. This teaches us that contentment is key to a happy life, and that we should be careful not to let our desires get the better of us. We should be mindful of our spending and not let our wants and needs get out of control. Matilda's mistake also serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we have and to not take our blessings for granted.
(b) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson ‘The Thief’s Story’.
The lesson ‘The Thief’s Story’ is a testament to the power of trust and compassion to reform a person. The protagonist, Hari Singh, is a thief who meets Anil, a kind and trusting man. Anil takes Hari in and teaches him to cook and write, despite the fact that Hari cannot pay him. Through Anil’s trust and compassion, Hari is able to see a different way of life and is inspired to change his ways. Anil’s kindness so moves him that he cannot bring himself to rob him, despite having the perfect opportunity. This shows that trust and compassion can be powerful tools in reforming a person and inspiring them to make positive changes in their life.

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