KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, RAIPUR REGION

FIRST PRE-BOARD EXAM (2024-25)

ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE (Code No. 101)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper contains three sections:
Section A: Reading Skills,
Section B: Writing Skills
Section C: Grammar
Section D: Literature Textbook
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
3.Write the correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet
4. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A – READING (22MARKS)

Q 1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Since time immemorial, there have been numerous apprehensions whenever some technology has
entered the education system. The discussions held at the inception of using calculators, computers,
etc. in the past are examples of it. But it is evident that these assistive technologies have enhanced
our capabilities disparately and everyone in the education system has adapted them as suited to their
respective needs. Undoubtedly, harnessing technology in education might affect cognitive abilities in
various ways, which should be taken care of to protect human capacity and prevent servitude to these
technologies.
2. Now, it is the turn of Artificial Intelligence (AI) entering education. The fast-pervading internet and
technological advances are making the intrusion of AI in education electable. Consequently, AI
literacy is becoming inevitable for everyone in the present digital age. However, the students must
embrace it to further their competencies, but with a reasonable understanding of how AI operates,
what help you can get from it? and what are its limitations? This calls for the setting up of a robust
AI literacy framework for emphasizing knowledge about AI, recognizing AI, thinking abilities of AI-
driven systems, socio-ethical considerations in tandem with AI, and the role of human beings in
creating AI-driven systems.
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 3. A systemic approach is required to educate the masses through the young students who are part of
the education system about what AI is and how it works. Earlier will be better because, in the
absence of awareness, people perceive AI-assisted decision-making and other digital interventions as
miracles. The search engines helping the user in fetching the results from the search query and
subsequently populating the screens with content similar to the one queried earlier is due to the
prevalence of AI effect in search engines. Simultaneously, the young generation should be
encouraged to get involved in constantly growing AI innovations to become developers of AI tools,
software, and applications and get engaged in further research in these domains.
4. In this regard, scientific literacy, technological literacy, and computational literacy are inevitable so
that AI literacy can be carried forward effectively in the education system and informally in society.
A reference to Alan Turing, a mathematician and computer scientist who stated in 1950, “Can
machines think?” becomes relevant for all those engaged in AI. This premise led to the erudite
community’s work towards invigorating machines to perform intelligent functions resembling human
actuated functions. This ultimately relied upon training machines adequately with requisite patterns,
behaviours, and some attributes of human intelligence such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving,
language interaction, etc. Thus, the possibility of AI-based tools to imitate human intelligence
without involving human judgment could be accompanied by certain ethical challenges and risks in
society.
5. Moving steps forward, apparently, generative AI has started impacting teaching, learning,
assessment, and governance in education across the world. Let us try to understand how each of
these is affected. AI interventions in teaching are empowering teachers to enrich their deliverable
content. The focused search and facilitation to assimilate the content using AI can vitalize teachers
provided suitable filters are applied to ensure its correctness and relevance.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i) What is the primary purpose of early education about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's
digital age? (1)
a) To discourage engagement with AI technologies
b) To instill fear of AI-driven advancements
c) To promote reliance solely on human capabilities
d) To foster informed engagement and understanding of AI
ii) What are some potential impacts of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education? (1)
a) Personalized and enriched content delivery
b) Limited teacher empowerment
c) Decreased access to information
d) Stagnation in content
iii) Why is the development of AI literacy crucial for individuals in the education system? (1)
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 a) To discourage engagement with AI technologies
b) To promote blind reliance on AI-driven tools
c) To understand AI's mechanisms, capabilities, and ethical implications
d) To limit access to AI-driven innovations
iv) What are some historical examples of technologies entering the education system, and how have they
impacted teaching and learning? (2)
v) Why is early education about Artificial Intelligence (AI) crucial in today's digital age? (2)
vi) Define "disparately" as used in the passage. (1)
vii) "Socio-ethical considerations" in the context of AI integration in education means---------_____ (1)
viii) Find a word from the given passage which is synonym of the word “strengthening” (1)
ix) Find a word from the given passage which is antonym of the word “liberty” (1)
x) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1. (1)

OPINION REASON
AI poses ethical challenges and risks in society ___________________________________

Q. 2) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (10 Marks)
WHY ONE MUST READ
‘Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors,
and the most patient of teachers’. -Charles W. Elio -
Reading can be a fun and imaginative time for children, which opens doors to all kinds of new worlds for
them. Between the pages of a book, they are transported to another world and become immersed in the lives
of fictional characters.
Studies suggest that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than
those who do not, but also develop a broader vocabulary, experience a range of emotions, and acquire skills
and knowledge while developing a better understanding of other cultures, entirely different from their own.
This acquired background knowledge is then used to make sense of what they see, hear, and read which aids
their cognitive development.
“…Stories, told and read, are the fuel that propels young minds and bodies into action, enriching the
material children use as they develop their thinking and their language - speech, reading and writing.” [Dr
Carole Bloch, director of the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa]
When children read books, they are involved with the characters in the story. This enables them to recognise
the feelings of the characters, as they experience the lives that they lead in the story. They can then use their
understanding to empathise with the people they meet in day-to-day life, and at the same time get to

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understand their own emotions as well. This paves way for better social development and stronger
interpersonal skills.
Books are the best way to travel the world and experience things differently. Children read about people,
places, and events. This gives them a deeper understanding of the world around them and cultures that are
different from their own
Reading regularly and consistently helps to improve children’s concentration. Moreover, it is highly
beneficial since it helps children develop the habit of sitting still and engaging in reading activities. This will
go a long way in their performance at school.
To sum up, the more children read the more impactful it will be to help to accelerate their creative and
critical thinking skills and evolve into better and more informed individuals.
i) Charles W. Elio described books as? (1)
(a) loyal and devoted disciple
(b) serious and regular friends
(c) calm and steady companions
(d) persistent and distracting teachers
ii) Research suggests that children who read for pleasure daily:- (1)
(a) perform average in reading tests
(b) acquire limited vocabulary
(c) lack emotional intelligence
(d) develop better cognitive skills
iii) According to Dr. Carole Bloch, what role do stories play in children's development? (2)
iv) How does reading help children empathize with others? (2)
v) What are the benefits of reading regularly as mentioned in the passage? (1)
(a) Decrease concentration
(b) Limits creativity
(c) Improve concentration
(d) Increase impulsiveness
(e) Improve academically
A) a & e B) c & d C) d & e D) c & e
vi) “…Stories, told and read, are the fuel that propels young minds and bodies into action…….
Of the sentences given below, which does not convey the meaning similar to the sentence given above
(1)
a. The chef used spices to fuel the flavour of the dish.
b. His ambition to succeed served as fuel for his determination.
c. It is essential to fuel up in order to reach our destination.
d. The company's success was fuelled by innovative marketing strategies.
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vii) State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE.
The passage suggests that children can broaden their understanding of the world by learning about diverse
cultures, people and places, only through travel. (1)
viii) Find a word from the given passage that means the same as “imaginary” (1)

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

Q 3) You are Ankita. Write an e-mail, in about 50 words, to the Principal of your school, requesting him/her
to arrange some more furniture for your classroom. Include a valid reason. (3M)
You may copy the given template to write your email.
From
To
Cc
Date
Subject

Q 4) Write a factual description of a smartphone, which you received on your birthday, in not more than 100
words, highlighting its physical features, screen features, brand, colour, and unique functionalities. (4M)

Q 5) Write a letter to the Chairperson of the Geological Preservation Committee, voicing for concerted
efforts to preserve and protect geological heritage sites. Discuss the importance of these sites and highlight
the threats they face. Propose specific measures to conserve these valuable natural assets and request for
proactive action to safeguard them for future generations.
Use ideas from Unit 4: Environment, along with your own to write this letter in not more than 120 words.
(7M)
OR
You are Arpita, a resident of civil line Area, Mumbai. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your
city regarding the poor quality and inadequate supply of municipal water in your society and the need of
conservation of water. You are Manohar, the President of the Housing Welfare Association of Gulmohar
Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Using your own ideas and taking ideas from the unit, ‘Health and
Medicine’, write the letter in 120 words.

Q.6) Tourism in India has been on the rise. Write an article in about 150 words, as Gaurav Taneja, X-B,
India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India. Use the given cues,

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 along with your own ideas and ideas from Unit 5: “Travel and Tourism”, to create the article.
(8M)

places of worship – religious tourism – foreigners – places of historical interest- the rich hill stations during
summers – the sun-kissed beaches in winters – leisure tourism – medical tourism – world class hospitality

OR
Yoga has now come to be accepted globally as a way to keep healthy. Recognising its universal appeal, the
United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. As Amrita, write an article on “Yoga for
health”, in about 150 words, Use the given cues, along with your own ideas and ideas from Unit: “Health
and Medicine”, of the Main Course Book.

• Yoga-India's contribution to the world

• 5000-year old practice
• Doctors to admit - immense health benefits
• Has become more important
• With change in our life-style
• Physical, mental and psychological benefits

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

Q 7. Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed
(A) Fill the blanks (i) -(iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. (1x3=3M)
Several studies i) ____ (has/had/have) found that neither books nor a teacher (ii)…………… (is/are/were )
enough for students to do good academically unless there is ___(a/an/the) internal motivation to learn.

(B) In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets, write
the missing word along with the word which comes before and after it, in the blank given. The first
one has been done as an example. (1x4=4 M)

S No. Text Word before Omission Word after

e.g. Higher education is important part is an important
i) of life of every individual. It be any field of
ii) work, the best professionals likely
iii) to hail a rich educational background.

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iv) Education has providing essential job skills
since always.

C. Do as directed.
a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given paragraph, to create a meaningful
sentence: (1 M)
Laughter is certainly the best medicine. It ensures a healthier and longer life. It lowers blood pressure by
increasing blood circulation.
a sense/and promotes/of/stress/well–being/laughter/decreases.
b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. (1x2= 2M)
Ritika: Can I borrow your science book for a couple of days?
Mohit: Yes certainly, I have already studied for the test due tomorrow.
Ritika asked Mohit (i) ………………………………………for a couple of days. Mohit agreed and said that
(ii) ……………………………………….

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

Q. 8) Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts of the three,
given below: (2x4= 8 M )
A)
Day by day the nightingale
Grew more sorrowful and pale.
Night on night her tired song
Zipped and trilled and bounced along,
Till the birds and beasts grew tired
At a voice so uninspired
And the ticket office gross
Crashed, and she grew more morose –
For her ears were now addicted
To applause quite unrestricted,
And to sing into the night
All alone gave no delight.
i) The nightingale was sorrowful and pale because
a) she had been practicing in the rain (b)she had been performing all night
c)she was losing confidence in herself (d)she was falling ill
ii) The audience was tired of her song because
a) they had heard it many times (b)it had become mechanical
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 c) she looked tired (d)she had added trill to her song
iii) Why the Nightingale no longer enjoyed singing alone?
a) she wanted to sing only for titled crowd
b) she was now used to the appreciation she got
c) the frog was no longer with her
d) she had become proud of herself
iv) The poetic device used in the first line of the given stanza is

a) Alliteration (b) Personification (c) Repetition (d) Metaphor

B) 'My hero!' she squealed. 'Take me away from all this.' Behind me I could hear the dragon
roaring. 'Rescue me now,' the princess said urgently.
‘Never mind her,’ came a voice, and a second knight appeared from the wardrobe. It’s me who
needs rescuing!”
(i) Who says, “It’s me who needs rescuing!”?
(a)Michael (the narrator) (b) Sebastian(the second knight) (c) The princess

(ii) The speaker is speaking to whom, when he says, “It’s me who needs rescuing!”?
(a)Michael (the narrator) (b) Sebastian(the second knight) (c) The princess

(iii) Which game has been referred to in the given extract?

(a) Wild west (b) Jailbreak (c) war - zone (d) Dragon quest

(iv) The princess appears to be____.

a) Distressed b) joyous c) irritated d) disappointed

C) CAESAR: Cowards die many times before their deaths;

The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.
i) Choose the option that is relevant to [A] Assertion and [R] Reason.
[A] A brave person dies only once.
[R] A brave person faces any difficult situation or challenges fearlessly.
a. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is not the correct explanation of [A].
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 b. [A] is true but [R] is false.
c. [A] is false but [R] is true.
d. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].
ii) The strangest thing that Caesar ponders is that________________.
a) cowardly people die again and again (b)brave people die only once
c )men are afraid of death (d)death is inevitable
iii) Caesar is addressing to whom?
(a)cowards (b) The valiant (c) Brutus (d) Calpurnia
iv) Find a word from the given line which is the synonym of the word “gallant”

Q 9) Answer any five of the following questions in about 30 -40 words each. (5x2=10M)
(i) Bring out the humour in the shooting of the tiger’s in“Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger”?
(ii) A clear transformation is seen in the attitude of the postmaster by the end of the lesson, “The Letter”.
What brings about this change?
(iii)Who was Mr. Pakrashi, and what were the insights he gave to Patol Babu in performing his role?
(iv) Why did Gladolia decide to leave the Hallocks? What made her change her decision? “Shady Plot”?
(v) The poet holds a dual perspective on the snake in “The Snake.” What causes him to feel conflicting
emotions when he encounters it?
(vi) ‘The sailors are fickle-minded’, Justify the statement concerning the poem “The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner”.
(vii)What was written on the pedestal of the statue? Bring out the irony? (Ozymandias)
Q 10) Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. (1x8=8)
i) In “Two Gentlemen of Verona”, both the boys at Verona were full of grit, determination and
hope. At a young age, they exhibited qualities that are difficult to come even in adults.
This story teaches us not to lose hope and courage even in adverse situations. Elaborate.

OR
ii) You are Victoria and you are really angry and disturbed at the way your parents, uncle and aunt have
behaved with your grandfather. Express your thoughts and feelings about the value of the love of
grandparents in a person’s life in the form of a diary entry in about 150 words.