CBSE Class 10 English 2023 — Set 2

Questions in this 2023 English paper (Set 2)

All 42 questions from this set, exactly as asked. Try each one, then open the question-paper PDF above for the complete paper.

1. 1.
   People are willing to pay high prices for organic food because

   • (a) it is not easily available.
   • (b) it helps in weight loss.
   • (c) it is produced by small companies.
   • (d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals.
2. 2.
   Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following: 'Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate.'

   • (a) denial
   • (b) confirmation
   • (c) caution
   • (d) acceptance
3. 3.
   Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3. Opinion: Big food companies have started selling organic food products. Reason: ________
4. 4.
   The writer contrasts organic food to non-organic food. State one point of comparison between the two.
5. 5.
   Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food.
6. 6.
   What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands?
7. 7.
   The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food. Select the reason for his sceptical view.

   • (a) the price decides the popularity
   • (b) there is no confirmed evidence
   • (c) it is tastier
   • (d) it is marketed by big food companies
8. 8.
   Supply one point to justify the following: Some people think organic also means 'locally grown'.
9. 9.
   Supply one method of how we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic food.
10. 10.
    List one factor that certifies food to be organic.
11. 11.
    Infer one reason for the following based on the information in paragraph 1: In India rainfall patterns are changing.
12. 12.
    The pollution spreading across South Asia is affecting India by ________. Choose the correct option from the diagram showing: I - Damaging agriculture, II - Putting people at risk, III - Modifying rainfall pattern, IV - Spoiling blankets.

    • (a) I, II and III
    • (b) I, III and IV
    • (c) II, III and IV
    • (d) I, II and IV
13. 13.
    Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 2. possibility : ________ : : suspecting : doubting
14. 14.
    Select the correct option to complete the sentence. ________ droughts were caused by the haze.

    • (a) Strong evidence suggested that
    • (b) Past surveys confirmed that
    • (c) There has not been enough time to determine that
    • (d) Superstitious people believe that
15. 15.
    From the following pie chart, identify one reason each which does and does not contribute to weather disruption. (Pie chart shows: Reduced sunlight, Organic farming, Ash, Aerosols, Population boom, Acid rain, Good monsoon, Free cover, Depletion of forest cover)
16. 16.
    Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. Ash falling on leaves can ________ the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth's surface.

    • (a) worsen
    • (b) encourage
    • (c) diminish
    • (d) support
17. 17.
    Substitute the word 'repercussion' with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph 3. The haze has cut down sunlight over India ... As a repercussion, the North-West of India is drying up.
18. 18.
    List any two countries which are affected due to depleting forest cover.
19. 19.
    Which of the following mean the same as 'persist' in 'droughts persist' as used in para 4?

    • (a) destroying
    • (b) halting
    • (c) continue
    • (d) blocking
20. 20.
    Select the option that titles paragraphs 1-4 appropriately with reference to information in the text.

    • (a) 1. Impact of Pollution in South Asia, 2. Effects of Acid Rain, 3. Understanding Consequences of Haze, 4. Debate over Droughts
    • (b) 1. Impact of Droughts, 2. Understanding Acid Rain, 3. Effect of Haze, 4. Debate over Pollution
    • (c) 1. Impact of Pollution in South Asia, 2. Effects of Acid Rain…
21. 21.
    (Grammar) The teacher motivated the students by letting them know that if they ________ submit their assignments by the end of the day, they might get an opportunity to watch the match.

    • (a) did not
    • (b) must
    • (c) would
    • (d) were
22. 22.
    (Grammar) Read the conversation between a coach and his player. Complete the sentence by reporting the player's reply correctly. Coach: Will you be able to report for morning practice during the summer break? Player: Sir, I will report every morning at 7 a.m. sharp. The coach while talking to the player asked him whether he would be able to report for morning practice. The player affirmed…
23. 23.
    (Grammar) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a daily newspaper: The cars were stopped ________ going any further due to a traffic diversion.

    • (a) to
    • (b) from
    • (c) within
    • (d) by
24. 24.
    (Grammar) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following traffic advisory: 'Whoever drove a motor vehicle without a safety belt or carries passengers without seat belts will be fined.'

    • (a) Error: drove, Correction: drives
    • (b) Error: or, Correction: nor
    • (c) Error: without, Correction: within
    • (d) Error: fined, Correction: celebrated
25. 25.
    (Grammar) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option: Not only did Mayank work hard to win the trophy, ________ helped the juniors to improve their skills.

    • (a) he as well as
    • (b) but he also
    • (c) and he also
    • (d) just as he
26. 26.
    (Grammar) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word given in the brackets. The names of the applicants were ________ (list) in the report and submitted to the manager.
27. 27.
    (Grammar) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. Two-thirds of the students ________ present at the inaugural function.

    • (a) is
    • (b) being
    • (c) was
    • (d) were
28. 28.
    (Grammar) Identify the error on a shop's hoarding and supply the correction. 'World Wide Travels Pvt. Ltd. — For travel informations, contact the twenty-four hour help-desk' Error: ________ Correction: ________
29. 29.
    (Grammar) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Ajay and his friend. Friend: Ajay, did you buy a zoom lens with your camera? Ajay: No, I did not. I ran out of money. Ajay's friend asked Ajay whether he had bought a zoom lens with his camera. Ajay replied that he had not because ________.

    • (a) he was running out of money
    • (b) he has ran out of money
    • (c) he have…
30. 30.
    (Grammar) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. His brother along with his friends ________ leaving for the stadium.

    • (a) are
    • (b) has
    • (c) is
    • (d) were
31. 31.
    (Grammar) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option. The residents promised to ________ the President of the association in his demand for proper garbage disposal systems.

    • (a) stood by
    • (b) stand by
    • (c) stand against
    • (d) stood for
32. 32.
    (Grammar) Fill in the blank with the correct option. The number of people attending this evening's annual function is ________ than that of the previous year's.

    • (a) fewer
    • (b) few
    • (c) less
    • (d) much
33. 33 (a).
    (Writing) You are Mohit/Mohita of E-46, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. You came across some articles about neglect of elders in today's society. Disturbed after reading the articles, you decide to write a letter to the editor of 'The Hindustan Times' stressing upon the need of sensitizing children to the plight and loneliness of the elders and to inculcate in them values of caring and sharing. You can…
34. 34 (a).
    (Writing) It is distressing to see the attitude of people towards animals. The number of cases of cruelty towards animals is increasing. The following pie chart represents the attitude of people towards animals. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words interpreting the data given in the pie chart. Ill-treatment of Animals pie chart data: Selfish interest (no longer useful) — 34%, Physical…
35. 35 (a).
    (Literature) Who was Mr. Keesing?

    • (a) English teacher
    • (b) Social Science teacher
    • (c) Warden
    • (d) Principal
36. 35 (b).
    (Literature) According to the extract, the incorrigible habit possessed by the speaker was I. making noise in class II. talking too much III. procrastinating IV. coming late to class V. asking irritating questions Select the correct option:

    • (a) I and III
    • (b) Only II
    • (c) I, IV and V
    • (d) Only III
37. 35 (c).
    (Literature) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract. routine : habit : : characteristic : ________
38. 35 (d).
    (Literature) Select the reason why the narrator is unable to control her trait.

    • (a) She had deliberately practised it.
    • (b) She wanted to be different from her brother.
    • (c) Her teacher had encouraged her to continue as she was.
    • (d) She had inherited it.
39. 35 (e).
    (Literature) Which of the following most nearly means the opposite of the phrase 'under control'?

    • (a) to spend less
    • (b) unable to take on the challenge
    • (c) find it difficult to manage
    • (d) being very stubborn
40. 36 (a).
    (Literature) OR: Griffin's landlord tried to eject him because

    • (a) he was a lawless person.
    • (b) he had set his house on fire.
    • (c) he didn't like him.
    • (d) he was a drug addict.
41. 36 (b).
    (Literature) OR: Fill in the blank with one word only. Griffin deliberately removed his clothes because he wanted to become ________.
42. 36 (c).
    (Literature) OR: Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 'fire' as used in this extract.

    • (a) Griffin said that he would fire the manager.
    • (b) The soldiers opened fire at the enemy.
    • (c) His remarks provoked heavy fire from the political opponents.
    • (d) The Amar Palace was completely destroyed by the fire.
43. 36 (d).
    (Literature) OR: Griffin's presence was felt when

    • (a) he jumped into the water with a splash.
    • (b) he wore clothes.
    • (c) he left muddy footprints.
    • (d) he stepped in mud.
44. 36 (e).
    (Literature) OR: Which of the following is NOT true with reference to the given extract?

    • (a) Griffin had become penniless.
    • (b) Griffin promised to behave himself.
    • (c) Griffin revealed himself by his muddy footprints.
    • (d) No one could see Griffin when he took off his clothes.
45. 37 (a).
    (Literature) Who is the 'noble wild beast' in the above lines?

    • (a) zebra
    • (b) Asian Tiger
    • (c) Asian Lion
    • (d) Bengal Tiger
46. 37 (b).
    (Literature) Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that 'Alliteration' is the poetic device used for 'roaming round' because ________. (Clue: explain how alliteration applies here)
47. 37 (c).
    (Literature) State whether the following statement is True or False: The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger.
48. 37 (d).
    (Literature) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create? 'Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern.'

    • (a) irony
    • (b) terror
    • (c) sympathy
    • (d) criticism
49. 37 (e).
    (Literature) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the 'noble beast'?

    • (a) rule
    • (b) discern
    • (c) roaming
    • (d) notice
50. 38 (a).
    (Literature) OR: Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger?

    • (a) police jeep
    • (b) patrolling cars
    • (c) watchmen
    • (d) roar of lion
51. 38 (b).
    (Literature) OR: Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that 'Repetition' is the poetic device used for 'his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars' because ________. (Clue: explain how repetition applies here)
52. 38 (c).
    (Literature) OR: The main contrasting ideas in this extract are

    • (a) tiger and deer.
    • (b) cruelty and sympathy.
    • (c) confinement and freedom.
    • (d) master and slave.
53. 38 (d).
    (Literature) OR: The use of the word 'stalks' creates an image of

    • (a) cowardice.
    • (b) frustration.
    • (c) lethargy.
    • (d) purposefulness.
54. 38 (e).
    (Literature) OR: State whether the following statement is True or False: The poem uses 'staring at the sky' to symbolize the freedom 'he' yearns for.
55. 39 (a).
    (Literature) What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea? (40-50 words)
56. 39 (b).
    (Literature) What did Lencho hope for and why? (40-50 words)
57. 39 (c).
    (Literature) 'I'll take the risk.' What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it? (40-50 words) (The Black Aeroplane)
58. 39 (d).
    (Literature) What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem? (40-50 words)
59. 39 (e).
    (Literature) What did Siddhartha Gautama come across by chance when he was about twenty-five years old? (40-50 words)
60. 40 (a).
    (Literature) How did Hari Singh justify to himself his stealing Anil's money? (40-50 words)
61. 40 (b).
    (Literature) How did Ebright's mother help him to become a scientist? (40-50 words)
62. 40 (c).
    (Literature) Why was Mr. Herriot shocked at Tricki's appearance? (40-50 words)
63. 41 (a).
    (Literature) The people and surroundings are a great book to learn from. Valli in the lesson 'Madam Rides the Bus' learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from people and her surroundings. (100-120 words, 6 marks)
64. 42 (a).
    (Literature) How Mme Loisel's disposition invites her doom. Elucidate with reference to the text. (100-120 words, 6 marks)

Prepare with

How to use these papers

1. 1Start chapter-wise early in the year — solve only the English questions from a chapter you have just finished.
2. 2Switch to full timed papers 2–3 months before the exam: one complete set in the real time limit, no notes.
3. 3Self-mark against the marking scheme, then fix every mistake with our free NCERT solutions.
4. 4Re-attempt your weakest chapters until the recurring question types feel routine.

CBSE Class 10 English 2023 paper — FAQ