ICSE Class 10 English Language Board Exam Question Paper 2024 with Solutions

ICSE Class 10 English Language Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following:

1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. [20 Marks]

Answer:
A Strange Visitor
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She grinned eerily as though she knew my mental state.

"I'm Sophie," she said. "I am here to spend a day evaluating your way of life."

Indeed! And under the name of God, who dispatched you to meddle in my personal life? I wanted to retort, but words choked me. She elegantly headed to the kitchen and said, "I'll assume the host since you lost your etiquette. How about my making us some coffee?" I managed a nod with nervousness. And in not too long I was clutching a steaming mug of coffee. She filled in the void with "grandparents". The woman arching one eyebrow questioned, "How do I know?" She said with tremendous certainty, "Well, I'm a tech marvel and you'll realise it very soon". She then looked about the room, the artwork and relics, the gadgets, and what not.

She was invading my space, and although I could not be nasty since my head was still confused about what was occurring, I could not be nasty. Many Alexas appeared to be following a hodgepodge of instructions, and a few more unidentified machines ran with quiet efficiency. Perfectly roasted mutton was presented with pizzas that rolled tantalistically on the table. All the equipment in the room responded to her just with a gesture. She seemed to have an invisible relationship with the technology all around us. A tech master is fantastic!

Then, as quickly as she had materialised, Sophie moved towards the door, her motions imbued with another world grace. She stopped at the doorway and looked across her shoulder, which appeared to cut right through the very fabric of reality. "Remember, Mohan," she added, her voice booming with a depth that felt both old and futuristic, "the world is far more wonderful than you have let yourself see." She left me wondering who she was then disappeared into the evening. Was she a figuration of my thoughts, a celestial visitor, an artificial intelligence masquerading as a human? Sophie lingered, turning a daily event into an intriguing mystery.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, maintaining a engaging narrative arc within the word limit.
b) Pay close attention to descriptive details and character development to make the prompt come alive.

1.2. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with a difficult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the end. [20 Marks]

Answer:
"Do it yourself," came the strong voice of my father. My mother gave a small smile. I was stuck. Should I be cleaning my room alone? My panic seized me.

There was tension, but a flash of excitement danced over. We had moved into a bigger house, and shockingly, I found a room all to myself! A comfortable, well-ventilated room including a built-in wardrobe! As I considered the options, where to visit, and how I may arrange my room, my mind flew. First, though, the enormous effort of sorting the containers loomed. I opened every package hour by hour, carefully arranging my room.

I arranged a small dressing table across from my study table, placed my study table beside a brilliantly lit window, and set aside a wall shelf for my beloved Harry Potter collection. My luggage and clothes fit rather nicely in there. Time came for hanging the drapes and the pure white mosquito net; all small and nicely packed. Rising from the ceiling, it created a lavish fairy tale scenario that turned the area into one from a fairy tale, accentuated by the gentle illumination of string lights.

The sofa bed had fluffy, frilly cushions and a lovely bed cover from my mom matched the décor exactly. Satisfied, I looked over my work but thought something was missing. Perhaps one or two indoor plants. I chose to ignore my parents whispering as I went down the stairs. When I got back, I found a wonderful metamorphosis.

Fairy lights threw a celestial radiance across the room like little stars. And on my study table stood my mom clutching a lovely bunch of fresh flowers ideal for my vase. Overwhelmed with thanks, I hugged both of them for allowing me to arrange my room to suit my taste and for their subdued methods of appreciating my effort.

Teacher's Note:
a) Narrative writing requires personal reflection and a clear chronological sequence of events.
b) Express authentic emotions to engage the reader effectively.

1.3. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think it is necessary to have these times of quietness and solitude? [20 Marks]

Answer:
What a break from it! After a busy week of studies and rushing about, a quiet holiday day by yourself is a welcome diversion. Nestled in my cosy woollen blanket, clutching a thrilling book and a cup of soothing ginger tea on the bedside table, I am surrounded by a calm bubble of satisfaction. I enjoy the suspense as the story approaches its climax so that my imagination may investigate several likely results. Rare is a perfect day like today.

Not tests, not a project to turn in, not housework to complete. Just free leisure. This independence stimulates the imagination and helps daydreams fly free and artistic ideas come to pass. There are advantages to afternoon siestas. First, a period of quiet brings a sense of fulfilment. Creativity leaps from millions of ideas, illuminating the subtleties of the mind.

Positive flows are backed by inner calm and contentment. Many poets and dramatists have found inspiration in such solitude when the silence of the afternoon gives their work life. It's incredible how a calm holiday could inspire us to create scripts, stories, and poems, all of which might otherwise lie dormant.

One cannot really overestimate the need for silence and solitude. These times are not just breaks from the daily grind but also necessary for spiritual development, inspiration, and a closer knowledge of oneself. They break from the craziness of life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Descriptive and reflective essays must balance sensory details with thoughtful commentary.
b) Keep the paragraph transitions smooth between your personal routine and the broader philosophical value of solitude.

1.4. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: Express your views either for or against the statement 'Junk food should be banned'. [20 Marks]

Answer:
For the statement
I really agree with the case to outlaw junk food. The simple word "junk" makes one think of all unwelcome, dangerous objects gathering around our homes. If we seek both physical and mental health, foods that block our arteries, promote fat cells to multiply, and weaken our muscles have no place in our diets. Often struggling with self-control in the face of tantalising, scented fried dishes sizzling in toxic fats, we are creatures of taste and habit.

Often, the sight and smell of fried food seething and sizzling in fatty acids are irresistible. A tongue used to the flavour of melting conserved cheese can overwhelm the most informed dietary information, therefore generating an irresistible need to indulge. It cannot be moved from giving in to the urge by any amount of reason or hard-hitting facts. Under such circumstances, only a complete prohibition will be able to sufficiently reduce these impulses.

With their diversity of sauces and spices meant to appeal to the palate, frequently at the expense of health, the enormous lines at fast-food outlets confirm the explosive industry of convenience meals. Artificial colours and taste enhancers impair our health; children, especially, are exposed to these risks. Before our future generations have an opportunity to flourish, as a society we have to shield them from such dangers.

Small fast-food establishments run in the nooks and edges of cities where no quality or hygiene is guaranteed, while food control agencies oversee hotels and restaurants. Obesity and heart-related problems have become the bane of modern civilization; the sooner these are eliminated, the better for the people; a complete ban on junk food is the only way to prevent a future health catastrophe.

Teacher's Note:
a) Argumentative writing requires a firm stand from the very beginning, sustained by strong logic and persuasive vocabulary.
b) Ensure that you choose either 'for' or 'against' and maintain that single stance consistently throughout.

1.5. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture, or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition. [20 Marks]

[Figure: A black and white photograph showing children outdoors playing with a makeshift board game resembling carom, displaying focused expressions and joyous engagement in a rustic setting.]

Answer:
Children come to enjoy their preferred pastime as the afternoon sun paints golden tones over the area. Among their games is a creative spin on carom performed on a specially designed board that combines imagination with part invention. Playing a special form of carom on a board they created is one of their favourite pastimes. Showcasing their inventiveness, this unique board combines an essential setup with a smooth surface and corner holes.

The children's exuberance on their faces is evidence of their great enjoyment of the game. Though they lack the flashy toys and devices city children have, the village children discover their means of entertainment. They always find methods to keep themselves occupied, whether dangling from branches, climbing trees, or playing cricket on uneven areas with homemade wickets and handcrafted wooden bats and string balls.

Barefoot and free-spirited, they join together to play in their straightforward, carefree manner, demonstrating that enjoyment does not depend on costly things. Their modest manner of life or lack of conveniences do not hamper their dreams. A few of them dream grandly. Among them is Raja, a young lad with great aspirations. Photographed, his focused gaze and hopeful smile point to him as destined for great things.

Raja, the son of industrious parents, manages his education by doing housework. But he likes playing at night, full of laughter and handcrafted toys. He uses his leisure time in the evenings to play with friends and create mud pots and other nick-knobs he may use as toys. The board game he created and developed with friends' assistance is perfect. Who knows? Perhaps a future architect or scientist is dormant and waiting to soar the planet with his achievements!

Teacher's Note:
a) Picture composition prompts require explicit connection to the visual stimulus provided in the paper.
b) Creativity is rewarded, but the narrative must directly stem from or incorporate the elements seen in the picture.

Question 2. (Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.) Select any one of the following: [10 Marks]

2.1. Your friend was absent from school on a day when an unfortunate incident took place for which you were blamed. Write a letter to your friend giving details about the incident, your role in it and how the matter was finally resolved. [10 Marks]

Answer:
20 R Anand Park, Charni Road,
Sophie's Garden,
Mumbai.
23 February 2024

Dear Ashish,

After the procedure, I expect you are healing nicely. I am equally thrilled to meet you and know you are keen to start your education. I'm writing to let you know of a regrettable occurrence that occurred today during the meeting.

Examining our baggage was done while tests were still under way. As luck would have it, my backpack turned up a roll of minutely written notes that were confiscated. I truly had no idea how that got in there. The prefect scarcely could explain; I could just stand there and blink.

Some pupils were grinning at my discomfiture. You would have been by my side like a rock, therefore I missed you badly. Still, our friend Kunal had the foresight to verify the closed-circuit camera, and I discovered a lad from another class sliding something into my bag.

That was sufficient to quell my own mistrust. Though I'm glad I have been cleared of a major allegation, the situation has helped me identify my actual friends. I just hope you start showing up for class right away. I miss you sorely. I look forward to seeing you shortly.

Yours lovingly,
Rajesh

Teacher's Note:
a) This is an informal letter format addressed to a friend, so the tone should be warm, conversational, yet informative about the specific incident.
b) Check that all parts of the prompt are addressed: details of the incident, your role, and the final resolution.

OR

2.2. You wish to stage a play to create awareness about the importance of saving electricity. Write a letter to the Manager of a nearby shopping mall/supermarket requesting permission to use the space in front of the shopping mall/supermarket to stage the play. Give him/her details about your requirements and state why the play will be beneficial to the shoppers. [10 Marks]

Answer:
Royal Public School,
Plot 1, Udaipur,
Jaipur 300089.
23 February 2024

The Manager,
Suvidha Supermarket,
M. K. Road,
Jaipur - 302009.

Dear Sir,

Writing on behalf of our school's Drama Club, I am looking for your approval for an original project. Centred on the crucial theme of saving power, a topic of tremendous relevance to every part of our community, we intend to present a play. We want a wide audience, hence we are looking for a site that naturally draws a lot of visitors. We ask permission to stage our performance across the large area in front of the supermarket since it seems like the best spot to draw attention.

Since the message of our play speaks to both shopkeepers and the general public equally, I hope you will help us by providing us permission to use the venue for our performance.

We appreciate your consideration of our request and look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you on this community-oriented project.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Arjun Ahuja
[Secretary, Drama Club,
Royal Public School, Jaipur]

Teacher's Note:
a) This is a formal letter. Maintain a polite, professional tone and follow the precise layout for sender's address, date, recipient's designation and address, subject, and subscription.
b) Clearly state the requirements and the community benefit as requested in the prompt.

Question 3.

3.1. Your school is hosting an Inter School Dance Competition. Write a notice to be put up on your school notice board informing the students about the event. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Greenwood High School
NOTICE
Date: 20th July 2024
Inter School Dance Competition
We are excited to announce that our school will host an Inter School Dance Competition on 30th July 2024 at 10:00 AM in the School Auditorium. All interested students should register with their class teachers by 25th July 2024.
For more details, contact the Cultural Committee.
Mrs. Ananya Sharma
(Cultural Committee Head)

Teacher's Note:
a) A notice must be enclosed in a box format (implied in standard layout) and contain all essential details: what, when, where, and who to contact.
b) Keep the word count concise and ensure the heading is prominent.

3.2. Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school to request him/her to send their dance teacher to act as a judge for the competition. [5 Marks]

Answer:
To: principalroyalschool@gmail.com
Subject: Inviting Your Dance Teacher to Judge Inter School Dance Competition at Royal School

Dear Madam,

With this email, hopefully, I will find you well. On behalf of Royal School, where we are feverishly getting ready for our forthcoming inter-school Dance Competition, I am writing to you. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., this event is set for the Surabhi Auditorium on our school grounds on March 22, 2024. We are dedicated to making the competition fair and unforgettable for every involved institution. We are contacting eminent dance teachers to create our panel of judges in order to guarantee the success of this event. It would be a pleasure for us to have your dance teacher judge the competition, given the standing of your school's dance programmes and her experiences. If you could arrange for the dancing teacher from your institution to evaluate the competitors, we would be much obliged. Please give our invitation some thought. We look forward to having your dance teacher attend our event.

Warm Regards,
Yours faithfully,
Amrita Rao
Secretary, Arts Club
Royal School

Teacher's Note:
a) Emails require a clear 'To' field, a specific subject line, and a polite professional body structure.
b) Maintain proper formal salutations and sign-offs appropriate for communicating with a Principal.

Question 4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Ashamanja Babu lived in a small flat in Bhowanipore. A clerk in the registry department of Lajpat Rai Post Office, Ashamanja Babu was fortunate as he could walk to his office in seven minutes flat without having to fight his way into the buses and trains of Calcutta. He lived a rather carefree life as he was not the kind of person to sit and brood about what might have been had fate been kinder to him. On the whole, he was quite content with his lot. Two Hindi films and fish twice a week - these were enough to keep him happy. The only thing that perturbed him at times was his lack of companionship. A bachelor with few friends and relatives, he often wished he had a dog to keep him company. It need not be a huge Alsatian like the one owned by the Talukdars, who lived two houses down the lane; it could be any ordinary little dog which would follow him around morning and evening, wag its tail when he came home from work and obey his orders faithfully. Ashamanja Babu's secret desires were that he would speak to his dog in English.

'Stand up', 'Sit down', 'Shake hands' - how nice it would be if his dog obeyed such commands! That would make him really happy.

On a cloudy day marked by a steady drizzle, Ashamanja Babu went to the market in Hashimara to buy some oranges. At one end of the market, beside a stunted kul tree, sat a man. As their eyes met, the man smiled. Was he a beggar? His clothes made him look like one. Ashamanja Babu noticed at least five sewn-on patches on his trousers and jacket. But the man didn't have a begging bowl. Instead, by his side was a shoe-box with a little pup sticking its head out of it.

'Good morning!' said the man in English. Ashamanja Babu was obliged to return the greeting.

'Buy dog? Dog buy? Very good dog.' The man had taken the pup out of the box and had put it down on the ground. 'Very cheap. Very good. Happy dog.'

The pup shook the raindrops off its coat, looked at Ashamanja Babu and wagged its minuscule two-inch tail. Ashamanja Babu moved closer to the pup, crouched on the ground and stretched out his hand. The pup gave his ring finger a lick with its pink tongue. Nice, friendly dog.

'How much? What price?'

'Ten rupees.'

A little haggling and the price came down to seven rupees. Ashamanja Babu paid the money, put the pup back in the shoe-box, closed the lid to save it from the drizzle, and turned homewards, forgetting all about the oranges.

i. For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided: [2 Marks]

1. perturbed (line 11)
(a) frightened
(b) unsettled
(c) confused
(d) mocked

Answer: (b) unsettled

'Perturbed' in the passage means troubled or unsettled.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always check contextual meaning rather than dictionary synonyms alone.
b) Here, 'perturbed' denotes a disturbance of mind or feeling unsettled.

2. stunted (line 25)
(a) prevented from growing
(b) prepared for tricks
(c) prevented from taking action
(d) allowed to do stunts

Answer: (a) prevented from growing

'Stunted' refers to something whose growth has been hindered.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect the word 'stunted' to the description of the kul tree.
b) Avoid confusing it with performance stunts.

ii. Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word 'expensive'? [1 Mark]
(a) Carefree
(b) Ordinary
(c) Cheap
(d) haggling

Answer: (c) Cheap

The opposite of expensive is cheap.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify antonyms by understanding the core definition of the given word.
b) 'Cheap' directly contrasts with 'expensive' in the context of buying the puppy.

iii. Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

a. What kept Ashamanja Babu happy? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Twice a week fish and two Hindi flicks, along with his simple and carefree life with few wants, kept Ashamanja Babu happy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Extract specific details from the opening lines of the text.
b) Frame the answer in your own words as requested.

b. What does this tell you about him? [2 Marks]

Answer:
This tells us that Ashamanja Babu was a simple, content, and modest man who did not have grand ambitions or harbor bitter regrets about his life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Character traits must be inferred directly from the text provided.
b) Highlight his contentment and simple lifestyle.

c. What is that one other thing he needed to complete his happiness? [1 Mark]

Answer:
He needed a dog to keep him company to complete his happiness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Look for the specific lack of companionship mentioned in the second paragraph.
b) Keep the response concise for a one-mark question.

d. Why did Ashamanja Babu think the man was a beggar? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Ashamanja Babu thought the man was a beggar because of his clothes, which had at least five sewn-on patches on his trousers and jacket.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reference the description of the man sitting beside the stunted kul tree.
b) Mention his patched clothing as the primary reason.

e. Why did Ashamanja Babu forget about his oranges? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Ashamanja Babu forgot about his oranges due to the excitement of bargaining for and successfully buying the little puppy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Trace the concluding events of the passage.
b) Connect his distraction directly to his long-held desire for a dog.

iv. In not more than 50 words, narrate the series of events from the time the puppy was taken out of the box till it was paid for. [8 Marks]

Answer:
When brought out, the pup shook away raindrops, looked up, and wagged its tail. Crouching, Ashamanja Babu extended his hand. The friendly pup licked his finger. The seller quoted ten rupees; however, after haggling he sold it for seven. Ashamanja paid the money, and took it home in the box.

Teacher's Note:
a) Strict adherence to the word limit (maximum 50 words) is essential for full marks in summary writing.
b) Ensure all critical sequential steps are included without unnecessary elaboration.

Question 5.

5.1. Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. [4 Marks]
He (1) ______ (select) clothes for me, and my aunt (2) ______ (give) my face a scrub and (3) ______ (groom) me. My uncle (4) ______ (follow) me about (5) ______ (utter) several pieces of advice before (6) ______ (let) me out. 'You must never scowl even if the sun (7) ______ (hit) you in the eyes. You must try (8) ______ (load/look) pleasant.'

Answer:
(1) selected
(2) gave
(3) groomed
(4) followed
(5) uttering
(6) letting
(7) hits
(8) to look

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure verb tenses remain consistent with the narrative past tense where required.
b) Check participles and infinitives carefully for blanks (5), (6), and (8).

5.2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4 Marks]

5.2.a. There's a black cat sitting ______ the wall. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: on the wall.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'On' is the correct preposition for physical contact with a surface.
b) Double-check preposition usage in spatial contexts.

5.2.b. The horse jumped ______ the hedge. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: over the hedge.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'Over' indicates movement from one side to the other across a barrier.
b) Avoid confusing 'over' with 'across' or 'through'.

5.2.c. Mother goes ______ the market every day. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: to the market every day.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'To' indicates direction towards a destination.
b) Remember verbs of motion are followed by 'to'.

5.2.d. Several people have climbed Mount Everest ______ recent years. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: in recent years.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'In' is used with periods of time like years or decades.
b) Standard idiom dictates 'in recent years'.

5.2.e. I often go to school ______ my friend. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: with my friend.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'With' denotes accompaniment.
b) Pay attention to prepositional pairings denoting company.

5.2.f. I have left my keys ______ home. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: at home.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'At' is used for specific locations like home, work, or school.
b) This is a fixed phrasal location.

5.2.g. Instead to talking, prove your worth ______ doing something. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: by doing something.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'By' indicates the means or method through which something is achieved.
b) Note that the prompt's phrase 'Instead to talking' contains a typo in the original text ('Instead of'), but the blank requires 'by'.

5.2.h. I have not slept ______ yesterday. [1/2 Mark]

Answer: since yesterday.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'Since' is used with a point in time in the past with perfect tenses.
b) Do not confuse 'since' with 'for', which measures duration.

5.3. Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. [4 Marks]

5.3.a. The magician took pity on the mouse. He turned it into a cat. [1 Mark]
1. Showing pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
2. Taking pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
3. The magician turned the mouse into a cat by taking pity.
4. Taking pity on the mouse the magician turned it into a cat.

Answer: 4. Taking pity on the mouse the magician turned it into a cat.

Using a participial phrase combines the sentences correctly without conjunctions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Look for proper placement of the subject after the introductory participial phrase.
b) Option 4 correctly includes both the participle and the subject.

5.3.b. This work must be completed. There is a deadline. [1 Mark]
1. Since this work must be completed, there is a deadline.
2. This work must be completed because there is a deadline.
3. This work must be completed though there is a deadline.
4. This work must be completed when there is a deadline.

Answer: 2. This work must be completed because there is a deadline.

'Because' establishes the causal relationship correctly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Subordinating conjunctions like 'because' express cause and effect.
b) Ensure logical coherence between clauses.

5.3.c. He fled somewhere. His pursuers could not follow him. [1 Mark]
1. He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.
2. He pursued somewhere his followers could not flee.
3. He fled somewhere when his pursuers could not follow him.
4. He fled where his pursuers cannot follow him.

Answer: 1. He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.

Relative adverbs combine clauses while retaining the original tense.

Teacher's Note:
a) Maintain the past tense ('could') as in the original sentences.
b) 'Where' serves as the correct relative conjunction for location.

5.3.d. He began late. He finished first. [1 Mark]
1. He finished first and began late.
2. He began first but finished late.
3. Though he finished late, he began first.
4. Though he began late, he finished first.

Answer: 4. Though he began late, he finished first.

'Though' expresses contrast accurately.

Teacher's Note:
a) Check that the sequence of events (beginning late vs. finishing first) is preserved logically.
b) Option 4 maintains the correct meaning without using forbidden conjunctions.

5.4. Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each. [8 Marks]

5.4.a. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain. (Add a question tag) [1 Mark]
1. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, didn't they?
2. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, had they?
3. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, hadn't they?
4. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, hadn't they?

Answer: 3. Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, hadn't they?

Positive statements take negative tags using the auxiliary verb.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the auxiliary verb 'had' in the main sentence.
b) Form the negative contraction 'hadn't' with the pronoun 'they'.

5.4.b. The children have broken the window pane. (Begin: The window pane...) [1 Mark]
1. The window pane had been broken by the children.
2. The window pane has been broken by the children.
3. The window pane has not been broken by the children.
4. The window pane had not been broken by the children.

Answer: 2. The window pane has been broken by the children.

Changing voice from active to passive requires matching tense.

Teacher's Note:
a) The present perfect tense 'have broken' becomes 'has been broken' in the passive voice for a singular subject.
b) Pay close attention to tense consistency.

5.4.c. The apples are so cheap that they cannot be good. (Use: 'too') [1 Mark]
1. The apples are too cheap and good.
2. The apples are too cheap as well as good.
3. The apples are too good to be cheap.
4. The apples are too cheap to be good.

Answer: 4. The apples are too cheap to be good.

'Too... to' replaces 'so... that cannot' effectively.

Teacher's Note:
a) The structure 'too [adjective] to [verb]' carries a negative implication equivalent to 'so... that cannot'.
b) Ensure the intended meaning is preserved.

5.4.d. She is very clever and beautiful. (Use: 'not only') [1 Mark]
1. Not only is she very clever but also beautiful.
2. Not only was she beautiful and she was also clever.
3. Not only is she clever she was also very beautiful.
4. Not only was she very beautiful but is also clever.

Answer: 1. Not only is she very clever but also beautiful.

Correlative conjunctions require proper inversion and parallel structure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Place 'not only' at the beginning with inversion of the subject and verb ('is she').
b) Match the present tense across clauses.

5.4.e. I prefer a simple vanilla ice cream to fancy desserts. (Begin: I would rather...) [1 Mark]
1. I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream to fancy desserts.
2. I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.
3. I would rather prefer a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.
4. I would rather have a vanilla ice cream than a fancy dessert.

Answer: 2. I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.

'Would rather' is followed by 'than'.

Teacher's Note:
a) The construction 'would rather... than' expresses preference.
b) Avoid redundancy by not pairing 'would rather' with 'prefer'.

5.4.f. He asked, "When do you intend to make the payment?". (Begin: He asked...) [1 Mark]
1. He asked when he did intend to make the payment.
2. He asked when she is intending to make the payment.
3. He asked when I intended to make the payment.
4. He asked when they are intending to make the payment.

Answer: 3. He asked when I intended to make the payment.

Direct speech in present tense shifts to past tense in indirect speech, with appropriate pronoun adjustment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Backshift the tense from present ('do intend') to past ('intended').
b) Convert second-person pronouns to first-person matching the speaker/listener context.

5.4.g. If the rain does not stop, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry. (Begin: Unless...) [1 Mark]
1. Unless the rain does not stop, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
2. Unless Mariam does the laundry, the rain will not stop.
3. Unless the rain stop, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
4. Unless the rain stops, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.

Answer: 4. Unless the rain stops, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.

'Unless' means 'if not', so the negative must be removed from the conditional clause.

Teacher's Note:
a) Do not use a double negative with 'unless'.
b) Use the singular verb form 'stops' with 'rain'.

5.4.h. This is the best movie I have ever seen. (Begin: Never...) [1 Mark]
1. Never had I seen a good movie than this.
2. Never I have seen a better movie than this.
3. Never have I seen a better movie than this.
4. I have never seen a good movie as this.

Answer: 3. Never have I seen a better movie than this.

Inversion is required when starting with a negative adverb like 'Never'.

Teacher's Note:
a) Start with 'Never', invert the auxiliary and subject ('have I'), and maintain the comparative degree ('better').
b) Ensure grammatical precision in superlative-to-comparative transformations.