CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Boards 2024 Sample Paper Solved

SECTION A : READING SKILLS 
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text.

(1) As a high school student, studying poetry can be a rollercoaster ride. This journey is punctuated by moments of profound appreciation for simpler pieces and intermittent frustration with more complex works. Let's be real here - some poems are just plain confusing and no amount of re-reading seems to help decipher the intended meaning. The puzzlement that results from such instances can be both vexing and demotivating. If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led to ponder if obscurity was the goal.

(2) Conversely, some pieces resonate with the reader's soul. stirring feelings of warmth, happiness, and connection to the world. Often, these compositions centre on themes that are universally understood, such as love, nature, or faith. Being able to actually understand what the poet is trying to say can feel like a little victory and is a welcome relief after grappling with more perplexing poetry.

(3) Then there are poems that are emotionally charged; the ones that make the reader curl up in a ball and cry or jump up and down with joy. One is left in awe of the poet's ability to convey emotion through words. Let’s not forget the downright weird poems. These are the ones that defy categorization and leave the reader to their own devices in attempting to interpret meaning. The author's use of figurative language and unconventional imagery can create a sense of bewilderment that is either intriguing or off-putting. Regardless, the reader can appreciate the uniqueness of the work.

(4) Despite the wide range of emotions and reactions that come with studying poetry, it can be a rewarding pursuit. Not only does reading poetry allow one to appreciate the artistic beauty of the written word but also enables one to develop crucial critical thinking and analytical skills. The process of unlocking a poem's meaning can feel like cracking a code or solving a puzzle but the sense of accomplishment derived from mastering a challenging piece can be deeply gratifying. Finally, impressing an English teacher with a well-analysed poem can be a source of pride and validation.

(5) Overall, studying poetry is like a box of mixed chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. But whether it's complex, emotional, simple, or just downright weird, there's always something to be gained from the experience. So, let's applaud all the poets out there, for making us laugh, cry, scratch our heads, and occasionally feel like a genius.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i Which of the following statements best describes the author's attitude towards studying poetry?
A. Finds poetry to be a frustrating and meaningless endeavor.
B. Believes that the emotional rollercoaster of studying poetry is not worth the effort.
C. Recognizes the challenges of studying poetry but also acknowledges the rewards it offers.
D. Feels that poetry is too obscure and abstract for the average person to appreciate.
Answer : C. Recognizes the challenges of studying poetry but also acknowledges the
rewards it offers.
[Throughout the initial paragraph, the author acknowledges the difficulties
of studying poetry, but also notes the emotional resonance and sense of
accomplishment that can be derived from analysing complex works.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.]

ii What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph (1)? Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led to ponder if obscurity was the goal.
Answer : The tone - critical
Rationale - The writer seems to be expressing their scepticism and dissatisfaction with poems that are overly obscure and difficult to understand. The writer suggests that such poems may not be worth the effort and compares them unfavourably to solving a riddle. [Overall, the tone suggests a frustration with poetry that prioritizes obscurity over clarity and meaning.]
                                                                                                OR
The tone - sarcastic
The statement "if solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better option" suggests that the writer is not impressed with the level of complexity in some poetry. Additionally, the phrase "led to ponder if obscurity was the goal" implies that the writer believes some poets may intentionally make their work difficult to understand, which can be frustrating for readers.[ The sarcastic tone in these lines is likely a reflection of the writer's opinion that poetry should not be needlessly complex and should strive to connect with readers.]

iii Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author's use of vivid imagery in the paragraph (3), such as "curl up in a ball and cry" and
"jump up and down with joy", greatly affects the reader because ____________.
Answer : ... it creates a powerful emotional impact and enhances the reader's understanding of the intensity of emotion that can be conveyed through poetry.

iv The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(a) intriguing and off-putting
(b) deciphering and interpreting
(c) appreciate and applaud
(d) simple and challenging
(e) emotions and feelings
Answer : (a) intriguing and off-putting
(d) simple and challenging
[They represent opposite concepts, with "simple" meaning easy, uncomplicated, or straightforward, while "challenging" means difficult, demanding, or requiring effort. In the given passage, the author uses both terms to describe different types of poetry that a reader may encounter.]

v Complete the sentence appropriately.
We can say that the author's tone becomes more neutral and objective when discussing weird poems, compared to other types of poetry because__________.
Answer : ...the author acknowledges that weird poems can be off-putting, but also appreciates their uniqueness and the challenge they present to readers
[hence, the author is being neutral and objective with no bias]

vi Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how studying poetry can be like exploring a new city.
Answer : Just as exploring a new city requires an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, studying poetry requires an openness to different styles and approaches, and a willingness to be challenged and surprised by what you find.

vii What is the message conveyed by Hina's experience, in the following case?
Hina spends hours trying to analyze a poem for her assignment and finally feels a sense of accomplishment and pride, once she understands.
A. Only those with natural talent for poetry should engage with it.
B. Persistence makes studying poetry a rewarding pursuit.
C. Study of poetry is guaranteed to impress others.
D. The efforts of studying poetry is inversely proportional to the rewards gained.
Answer : B. Persistence makes studying poetry a rewarding pursuit.
[Q. is rooted in paragraph (4). Hina's experience of finally unlocking a poem's meaning and feeling a sense of accomplishment shows that poetry can be rewarding if one is persistent.]

viii State whether the following lines display an example of a simple / complex / emotionally charged / downright weird , poem.
The sun rises in the east,
A new day begins, a fresh start.
Birds chirp, nature wakes up,
A peaceful feeling in my heart.
Answer : Simple
[This verse is simple in terms of its language, structure, and content. It describes a natural scene, which is easy to comprehend and has a peaceful effect on the reader.]

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