English Literature
Sample Question Paper (Term 1)
Class – X
READING
I. Read the passage given below.
I. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to
maintain an equilibrium in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows
and fears. In fact, there are a thousand lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look
for them.
II. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops
into a strong tree capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it
may flourish, or how many animals and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from
where it once rose. That’s a lesson – to keep ourselves grounded, respect and embrace
our roots, and give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured usinto who
we are.
III. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence. ‘I am because we are.’ Nature
provides every creature a chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or
being depends on the existence of the other. The tiger eats the antelope; without the
antelope, the tiger wouldn’t survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over-abundance of
antelopes would cause them to starve to death.
IV. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an
alarm call to their fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger
to save the lives of others. Many animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn,
but this doesn’t stop them. One life extinguished for the betterment of others is a small
price to pay.
V. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these
leaves age into shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Changeis
inevitable; the sooner we embrace this, the better it is for us. We must also understand that
even in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it will grow around it. No matter
what may come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter what grief may
break your heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.
VI. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others. Life is
to live. Take a break-stop being a workaholic, and smell the roses, do whatever makes you
feel happy and most of all spend some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.
Q.1 According to the author, what, from the following, is the greatest lesson being taught by nature?
A. balanced in our emotions.
B. partial to joys in life.
C. afraid of unhappiness.
D. indifferent to fears.
Q.2 Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue with reference to paragraph II.
Jai: I’ve done well for myself in this school. I’m the best they have. I can get admission
anywhere. This is my moment!
Sid: Congratulations! Just remember, we should …………………………………….
A. become strong despite our weakness.
B. be kind and supportive towards everyone.
C. respect the origins from where we have grown.
D. nurture ourselves well from the beginning.
Q.3 Choose the option that best conveys the message in – ‘I am because we are.’
A. Tigers are dependent on antelope
B. Antelope are dependent on tigers
C. Humans are dependent on animals
D. Everyone is dependent on each other
Q.4 What qualities do the birds and squirrels display when they warn others of
possible danger? Choose one option from the following:
A. Observation skills and alertness.
B. Tendency to get easily frightened.
C. Selfless assistance to help others.
D. Determination to protect themselves.
Q.5 Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace lurking (paragraph IV).
A. The policeman pulled up the person who was wandering aimlessly through the city.
B. The thief knew that remaining hidden was the best strategy to avoid being caught.
C. The policeman was caught on camera while pouncing with force, to grab the fleeing culprit.
D. The thief was walking boldly into the house thinking it was devoid of residents.
Q.6 A Portmanteau words like smog (smoke + fog), is a blend of words in which parts of
multiple words are combined into a new word.
From the options given below, select a Portmanteau word that appears in the para VI.
A. coexistence
B. workaholic
C. full-grown
D. flourish
Q.7Select the qualities from paragraph III, that the author wants us to imbibe.Being-
(1) acceptive
(2) passionate
(3) emotional
(4) resilient
(5) perceptive
A. (2), (4) and (5)
B. (1), (3) and (4)
C. (1), (4) and (5)
D. (3), (4) and (5)
Q.8 Which of the following is shown by the changing of seasons?
A. The beauty of nature.
B. Nature’s creativity.
C. All seasons are equal.
D. Nothing lasts forever.
Q.9 What does the writer advise, in paragraph VI?
A. Indulging in competition with others.
B. Making priority lists.
C. Taking life seriously.
D. Having free time for ourselves.
Q.10 Choose the option that lists the quote best expressing the central idea of the passage.
A. Nature: She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
B. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. – A. Einstein
C. Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves. -Jean Jacques Rousseau
D. All the ugliness of the world can best be forgotten in the beauty of nature! -Mehmet Murat
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