Answer Key

ENGLISH
STD X PREBOARD
2024-25
Section A: Passage 1 - Air Pollution
i. What does the phrase "affects millions of people worldwide" imply about air pollution's
impact?
Answer: It highlights the widespread and severe impact of air pollution on human health,
affecting a vast global population.

Justification: The phrase emphasizes the scale of the problem—millions of people are affected,
as mentioned in paragraph 1: “It affects millions of people worldwide, contributing to health
problems.”

ii. Air pollution remains a major issue in urban areas because _______.
Answer: b) Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust contribute heavily
to the pollution.

Justification: Paragraph 1 explicitly identifies these factors as the primary contributors to air
pollution in urban areas: “Urban areas face severe air quality issues due to vehicle emissions,
industrial activities, and construction dust.”

iii. Support the writer's claim that small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce air pollution.
Answer: The writer mentions that if just 10% of a city’s population switched to public
transport, air pollution could reduce by as much as 20%, illustrating the cumulative
impact of small individual actions.

Justification: This is directly supported by paragraph 2, which states: “One study found that if
just 10% of a city’s population switched to public transport, air pollution levels could be reduced
by as much as 20%.”

iv. Select the option that best reflects the concept of ‘environmental responsibility’ in student
life.
Answer: a) A student deciding to plant trees around their school to improve air quality.

Justification: Paragraph 3 discusses actions such as “planting trees around the campus” as
examples of environmental responsibility in schools, making option (a) the most relevant.

v. State whether the following statement is True or False:

Statement: Educating younger generations can play a key role in the long-term fight against air
pollution.
Answer: True.

Justification: Paragraph 3 clearly states: “Educational campaigns... instill a sense of

environmental responsibility in young people, who are key to the long-term fight against
pollution.”

vi. The writer mentions ‘electric vehicles (EVs)’ in paragraph 4. Which of the following is a
benefit of electric vehicles?
Answer: b) They produce zero emissions and contribute to cleaner air.

Justification: Paragraph 4 highlights EVs' benefits: “Electric vehicles (EVs), for example,
produce zero emissions, making them a cleaner alternative.” This aligns with option (b).

vii. List any two points that could be included in a message to policymakers about the
importance of reducing air pollution.
Answer:
1. Stricter regulations on industrial emissions, which are the primary cause of air pollution.
2. Investment in cleaner technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

Justification: Paragraph 5 suggests stricter corporate regulations for industries and adopting
cleaner technologies as effective solutions to combat pollution.

viii. In the phrase "individual actions can still lead to systemic changes," the word ‘systemic’
refers to _______.
Answer: b) Changes that affect the entire system or society.

Justification: In paragraph 5, the passage explains how individual actions can influence “market
trends and policy decisions”, leading to changes across society, supporting option (b).

Passage 2: Solar Energy

i. What does the phrase "previously off the grid" indicate about rural areas before the adoption of
solar power?
Answer: b) Rural areas did not have access to electricity services.

Justification: Paragraph 1 states: “Solar energy has brought electricity to areas that were
previously off the grid,” indicating these areas lacked electricity services entirely.
ii. Assertion and Reason:
Assertion: Solar energy has significantly reduced energy costs in rural households.
Reason: Government initiatives have provided financial support to households for installing solar
power systems.
Answer: a) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct
explanation of the assertion.

Justification: Paragraphs 2 and 4 state that government financial support has made solar energy
affordable, and as a result, energy costs have significantly decreased for rural households.

iii. Identify the word in paragraph 2 that suggests solar energy has improved the financial
situation of rural households.
Answer: Invest.

Justification: Paragraph 2 mentions: “allowing them to invest in other essential needs such as
education and healthcare,” linking financial savings from solar energy to improved finances.

iv. How have government initiatives contributed to the adoption of solar energy in rural India?
Answer: Government initiatives have provided financial support to households, subsidized
installation costs, and raised awareness about environmental benefits.

Justification: Paragraph 4 explicitly mentions government schemes providing “financial

support” and raising awareness as key contributions.

v. Complete the blank:

Answer: 65%.

Justification: Paragraph 4 states: “Nearly 65% of the surveyed households received financial
support.”

vi. What does the high percentage of rural households reporting reduced energy costs suggest?
Answer: It shows that solar energy has been effective in reducing financial burdens and
promoting sustainable development in rural areas.

Justification: Paragraph 2 reports that “50% of rural households using solar power reported a
significant reduction in energy costs,” suggesting widespread effectiveness.

vii. Complete the sentence suitably:

Answer: Government subsidies and affordable financing options.
Justification: Paragraph 3 highlights “the initial cost of installing solar panels remains high”
and suggests subsidies as a solution.

viii. Why does the writer believe solar energy can transform rural electrification?
Answer: It provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution and fosters economic growth.
Justification: Paragraph 5 describes solar energy as a “sustainable source of electricity” and
emphasizes its role in “economic growth in rural India.”

ix. Explain the significance of solar energy in promoting sustainable development in rural India.
Answer: Solar energy reduces dependency on fossil fuels, powers critical infrastructure,
and fosters economic growth through affordable and renewable electricity.

Justification: Paragraph 5 emphasizes solar energy’s sustainability and its contributions to rural
electrification and development.

Section B: Grammar and Writing

i. Fill in the blank:
"We are pleased to inform you that your application for the new position _______."
Answer: c) has been approved.
Justification: The present perfect tense (has been approved) is correct because it denotes an
action completed recently that has relevance to the present.

ii. Error Correction:

Sentence: The sales team has worked tireless to achieve this year's targets.
Error: Tireless
Correction: Tirelessly
Justification: Tireless is an adjective, but here an adverb (tirelessly) is required to describe the
verb worked.

iii. Report Priya’s question:

Original: "Do you think the budget is sufficient for the new campaign?"
Answer: Priya asked Sushant if he thought the budget was sufficient for the new campaign.
Justification: The reporting verb asked and the shift in tense from present (is) to past (was)
follow the rules of reported speech for a yes/no question.

iv. Fill in the blank:

"Please note that the annual meeting will begin at 9.00 AM sharp; ______ should be
communicated to all departments."
Answer: this.
Justification: This is the correct pronoun referring to the information about the meeting.

v. Report Alok’s reply:

Original: "I’m sorry for the delay, I’ll send the report by the end of the day."
Answer: Alok apologized for not having sent the report earlier and said he would send it by
the end of the day.
Justification: The past perfect (not having sent) reflects the prior action of the delay, while would
send correctly replaces the future tense.

vi. Identify and correct the error:

Sentence: The team members needs to attend the mandatory training session.
Error: Needs
Correction: Need
Justification: The plural subject team members requires the plural verb need for subject-verb
agreement.

vii. Fill in the blank:

"Our school choir has successfully ________ a spot in the finals of the national competition."
Answer: b) secured.
Justification: The present perfect tense (has secured) is correct as it indicates a recently
completed action with relevance to the present.

viii. Detect the error and supply the correction:

Sentence: That couldn’t be my brother’s shoes. They are too small.
Error: Couldn’t be
Correction: Can’t be
Justification: The context suggests the speaker’s present certainty, requiring the modal can’t
instead of couldn’t, which implies past speculation.

ix. Report the dialogue:

Customer: "Do you have this item in blue?"
Shopkeeper: "Yes, we do, and it is available in all sizes."
Answer: The customer asked if they had the item in blue, to which the shopkeeper
responded that they did and it was available in all sizes.
Justification: The shift in tense (present to past) and the reporting verbs follow the rules of
reported speech.

x. Fill in the blank:

"The manager ______ consult the team before making major changes."
Answer: a) should.
Justification: Should is the appropriate modal verb to indicate a recommendation or obligation.

xi. Complete the sentence:

"The project team ______ enthusiastic about the new challenge."
Answer: b) are.
Justification: The subject team is treated as plural here (implying the individuals within the
team), so are is the correct verb.

xii. Report the student’s response:

Original: "I think it has both positive and negative effects on communication."
Answer: The student remarked that technology had both positive and negative effects on
communication.
Justification: The shift from has (present) to had (past) maintains consistency with the rules of
reported speech.

SET 2
Grammar (10M)
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed:
(No Partial Marking)
(i) The correct form of the word to complete the sentence is “delivering.”
(ii) Error Correction
relation ,relationship
(iii) In response to the question about what he liked about his visit to the village, Saheb says that
he likes the sense of joy in the simple things of life.
(iv) (d) if he got a new coach in the academy to train him.
(v) Neither
(vi) Error Correction
pollinate pollinating
(vii) Error Correction
either, neither
(viii) (c) had written / was
(ix) Ritu asked Anita what the matter was.
(x) (c) He requested the interviewer to repeat the question.
(xi) A. found The lines are starting with 'Long, Long ago' that obviously states that the verse is
talking about the past.
(xii) Error , Correction
the, an

4.A Letter (Problem of Littering on Beaches)

Answer:
Sneha Rao
Goa
[Date]

The Tourism Department,

Goa

Subject: Concern Over Littering on Beaches

Sir/Madam,

I wish to draw your attention to the growing issue of littering on Goa’s beaches, which is
harming their natural beauty. Despite signs urging visitors to dispose of waste responsibly, trash
is often left on the sands.

To address this, I suggest placing more dustbins at regular intervals along the beaches and
imposing stricter penalties on violators. Public awareness campaigns can also educate tourists
about the importance of maintaining cleanliness.

Your immediate action can help preserve Goa’s beaches and their appeal.

Yours sincerely,
Sneha Rao

5.A Analytical Paragraph (Headset)

Answer:
The premium noise-cancelling headset is a worthwhile purchase for anyone seeking quality and
convenience. It features advanced noise-cancellation technology, which ensures clear audio with
deep bass and crisp treble. Its lightweight design and cushioned ear pads make it comfortable for
extended use. The wireless connectivity and long battery life add to its convenience, especially
for travelers and remote workers. The built-in microphone supports hands-free calls, while the
variety of sleek colors offers a stylish look. Overall, the headset combines high performance,
comfort, and aesthetic appeal, making it a great choice.

Section C: Literature

6.A Extract from "The Sermon at Benares"

i. What is the tone of Buddha in the lines:
"The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain..."
Answer: c) Informative
Justification: The tone is factual and aims to convey the truth of life and death. Buddha explains
the impermanence of life in a detached, instructive manner, which aligns with an informative
tone.

ii. How does the author’s use of figures of speech enhance the narrative?
Answer: The use of metaphors like “ripe fruits” and “earthen vessels” helps illustrate the
inevitability of death, making the concept easier to grasp.
Justification: These metaphors connect abstract ideas of mortality to tangible, relatable images,
strengthening the narrative’s emotional and intellectual impact.

iii. Fill in the blank: The use of the word ‘brief’ means ____ (short/big).
Answer: Short.
Justification: In context, ‘brief’ conveys the fleeting nature of life, making short the accurate
word.

iv. How does Buddha explain the concept of life and death to Kisa Gotami?
Answer: Buddha explains that death is inevitable and universal. He uses analogies like ripe
fruits that fall and earthen vessels that break to convey that life is temporary, and
attachment to it causes suffering.
Justification: This explanation aligns with the text’s narrative in which Kisa learns that death is a
natural part of existence, and no one can escape it.

6.B Extract from "Bholi"

i. What effect does the experience have on Bholi?

Answer: b) Comforts.
Justification: The experience makes Bholi feel special and valued. She is comforted by the
attention and care shown to her. This aligns with the text: “Only then did she begin to believe
that she was being taken to a place better than her home!”.

ii. How does the mention of dresses build the background of Bholi’s personality?
Answer: The reference to old and unwashed clothes emphasizes Bholi's neglected and
marginalized position in her family, underscoring her low self-esteem.
Justification: This reflects her poor treatment at home, contrasting with the care shown on the
day of her school visit.

iii. Fill in the blank:

"The phrase ‘she began to believe... better than her home’ indicates that Bholi was ________
(pampered/neglected) by her family."
Answer: Neglected.
Justification: The narrative details how Bholi was treated with indifference, receiving
hand-me-downs and no attention, supporting the word neglected.

iv. How was the day mentioned in the extract in contrast with other days?
Answer: On this day, Bholi was given clean clothes, bathed, and her hair was oiled, unlike
other days when she was ignored and treated poorly. This special attention made her feel
hopeful and valued.
Justification: The care shown for her school visit was unusual and marked a departure from her
usual neglect, as described in the text.

7.A Extract from "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"

i. What is the most likely reason the poet uses words like "clatter," "clank," and "jangling"?
Answer: These words vividly depict Custard’s sudden movement and bravery in
confronting the pirate, adding dramatic effect to the narrative.
Justification: The onomatopoeic words mimic the chaos and intensity of the action, enhancing
the poem’s lively tone.

ii. Fill in the blank:

"The Custard jumped up, suggesting that he is _______."
Answer: Brave and fierce.
Justification: Custard's actions (jumping up and fighting the pirate) reflect his hidden bravery,
contrary to his earlier portrayal as a coward.

iii. How does the poet contrast Custard’s personality throughout the poem?
Answer: Custard is initially mocked for being cowardly, but he surprises everyone by
displaying unmatched courage when danger arises. This contrast highlights the difference
between appearances and reality.
Justification: The poem juxtaposes Custard’s initial meekness with his decisive bravery, as
shown in his defeat of the pirate.

iv. What is the rhyme scheme of the stanza?

Answer: a) aabb.
Justification: The rhyme pattern of engine-dungeon and squirm-worm follows the aabb structure.

7.B Extract from "Amanda"

i. Examine the portrayal of Amanda in the given lines.
Answer: Amanda is portrayed as imaginative and yearning for freedom. She creates an
alternate reality where she is an orphan, enjoying solitude and silence.
Justification: The lines reflect Amanda’s desire to escape from her constrained life into a world
of peace and independence.

ii. Complete the sentence:

"The words ‘silence is golden’ imply that _______."
Answer: Amanda values peace and quiet in her life, which she finds lacking due to constant
instructions from her parents.
Justification: The phrase symbolizes Amanda’s longing for a calm and interruption-free
existence.

iii. What kind of picture is painted by the line, "I am an orphan, roaming the street"?
Answer: It depicts Amanda’s fantasy of independence and freedom, contrasting with her
restrictive reality.
Justification: The imagery of roaming freely reflects her wish to escape parental control and live
on her own terms.

iv. What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines?

Answer: b) Only 2 (Imagination).
Justification: The lines describe Amanda’s imagined world, emphasizing her creativity and
escapist tendencies.

8. Short-Answer Questions
(Note: Justifications will rely on relevant lessons and textual evidence.)

i. Maxwell had a unique relationship with his pet, Mijbil.

Answer: Maxwell shared a deep bond with Mijbil, an otter. He trained Mijbil patiently, who
responded with affection and trust, often engaging in playful antics that highlighted their
companionship.

ii. The poem "The Trees" highlights the conflict between man and nature.
Answer: The poem reflects how human actions, such as cutting down forests, harm nature. It
portrays trees as trapped indoors, yearning to return to their natural habitat.

iii. Valli’s observations in "Madam Rides the Bus" teach her life lessons.
Answer: Valli learns about people’s struggles, joy, and sadness by observing them during her bus
journey. She also gains insight into the transience of life, as seen when she encounters the dead
cow.