CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2024 (Set 2 - 2/4/2) Available- Download Solution PDF with Answer Key

Explanation: The main issue contributing to plastic pollution is the overwhelming rate at which disposable plastic products are produced, which exceeds the world’s capacity to manage waste effectively.

Explanation: The tone of the writer is reflective and somewhat critical. The phrase “life without plastics is unrecognizable” emphasizes how deeply plastics have infiltrated modern life, implying that this transformation has both positive and negative consequences.
 

Explanation: Both “garbage” and “trash” are synonyms for waste materials, while “transformed” and “revolutionized” both refer to a significant change or alteration.

Explanation: Plastic waste is transported around the world due to inadequate systems for managing waste and the international movement of waste materials.

Explanation: While plastic offers convenience, its long-lasting environmental impact is a major downside. The convenience of disposable plastics leads to widespread pollution and ecological damage, as plastic waste can persist for hundreds of years, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

Explanation: Conservationists point out that plastic pollution causes harm to wildlife primarily by ingestion and entanglement, leading to death and ecological imbalance.

Explanation: Reducing the use of single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways individuals can help decrease plastic waste and its environmental impact.

Explanation: In many developing nations, inadequate waste management and a lack of recycling facilities contribute to the high visibility of plastic pollution.

Explanation: The development of irrigation facilities is an objective, measurable event, and not a matter of personal opinion or subjective judgment.

Explanation: The provision of proper irrigation facilities ensures better yields, which can be supported by sustainable crop rotation practices, thereby enhancing agricultural returns.

Answer: Crop rotation can increase income in the short term by diversifying production, but it can deplete soil fertility quickly if the same crops are rotated. Without sufficient time for the soil to regenerate, the fertility declines, leading to reduced long-term yields.

Explanation: The years with maximum fallow days would be clearly indicated by the data presented in the passage or table, which shows the land's uncultivated periods.

Explanation: Leaving the land fallow provides the soil with time to restore its nutrients and maintain its fertility, which is vital for sustainable agriculture.

Explanation: Crop rotation benefits soil fertility by leaving the land fallow and ensuring proper crop selection to maintain soil nutrients.

Explanation: Crop rotation prevents the buildup of pests and improves soil health but may accelerate soil depletion if not managed properly.

Explanation: The study shows that crop rotation, when practiced effectively, can significantly enhance sustainability in agriculture, benefiting both soil health and yields.

Solution:

The verb "would” indicates a hypothetical situation, which is inconsistent with "present times." The correct verb is "can," matching the present context.

Solution: The past participle "damaged” describes the condition of the ATM card, making it the correct form of the word.

Solution: In reported speech, the question structure changes to a statement, and "would” is retained for consistency in tense.

Solution: In reported speech, the present perfect continuous tense "have been” changes to the past perfect continuous "had been."

Solution:

The subject "Artisan Club” is singular, so the verb must be "invites” to maintain subject-verb agreement.

Solution: The word "assess” is correct here because it means to evaluate or judge, which fits the context of determining quality.

Solution: The word "or" incorrectly separates two related ideas: "goods" and "services.” The correct conjunction is "and," which connects them logically to indicate both are supplied.

Solution: The sentence requires the present perfect continuous tense "have been,” which indicates an ongoing action that started in the past and continues into the present.

Solution: In reported speech, the modal "can" changes to "could," and the clause is adjusted to match the original speaker's perspective in the past tense.

Solution: The sentence uses the present perfect tense to indicate that the action (editing) has not been completed. "Has not been” fits the context of past and ongoing events.

Solution: The slogan conveys a factual and direct statement, making "is" the most appropriate choice to emphasize current responsibility.

Solution:

The modal verb "must" implies an obligation, which is inappropriate in this context. The correct modal is "will,” indicating a future capability or action that aligns with the intended meaning of the sentence.

Solution:
709, Gold Apartments,
Prem Vihar, Amar Nagar,
29 June, 2024

The Editor,
Daily Bhaskar,
Delhi

Subject: Concern over Non-Functional Street Lights and Increased Incidents of Snatching

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention to the dire condition of street lighting in our locality, leaving stretches of dark and blind spots at night. The lack of adequate lighting has created opportunities for chain and mobile snatching, instilling fear among residents.

I urge the concerned authorities to install new streetlights and repair the non-functional ones on priority to ensure the safety of the residents. Measures like increased patrolling by the police during late hours can further mitigate this issue.

Your assistance in highlighting this matter through your esteemed newspaper would greatly help in urging prompt action.

Yours sincerely,
Tamay Saroha/Gauri Saroha

Solution:
983, Sterling Apartments,
Vikas Nagar,
21 April, 2024

The Secretary,
Residents Welfare Association (RWA),
Sterling Apartments,
Vikas Nagar.

Subject: Request to Set Up an Open Gym for Residents

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request the establishment of an open gym in the garden area of our society. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. However, the absence of gym facilities in our society prevents residents from accessing a fitness-friendly environment.

An open gym equipped with basic exercise tools would encourage residents of all age groups to stay fit and healthy. This initiative would also foster community interaction and improve the overall quality of life in our society.

I kindly urge you to consider this proposal and take steps to implement the same at the earliest.

Yours sincerely,
Sarla Mehta/Santosh Mehta

Solution: Libraries are essential institutions that cater to various societal needs, as illustrated by the Universal Library Offer Framework. They play a crucial role in connecting communities, fostering literacy, and promoting equality. Libraries provide access to diverse resources, including books, digital tools, and cultural programs, which bridge the gap in education and information. They not only improve literacy but also help individuals achieve their full potential by providing opportunities for self-development. For instance, digital access provided by libraries helps reduce the digital divide, ensuring that people from all socio-economic backgrounds can access technology. Furthermore, libraries contribute to cultural enrichment by offering spaces for creativity and innovation through art, literature, and music programs. Health and well-being are also key areas supported by libraries. By providing information on physical and mental health, libraries empower individuals to lead healthier and happier lives. They strengthen communities by promoting inclusivity and cultural participation. Libraries also act as spaces for social interaction, where people can collaborate, share ideas, and build connections. Their role in fostering stronger and more resilient communities cannot be overstated, especially in today's digitally-driven world. In conclusion, libraries are indispensable for personal growth, community building, and bridging societal gaps. Their contributions to literacy, culture, and well-being make them a cornerstone of an inclusive and progressive society.

Solution: The survey on the most spoken languages highlights the global diversity of communication. Mandarin, with nearly 1 billion speakers, dominates as the most widely spoken language, reflecting the vast population of China and its cultural influence. English, with over 500 million speakers, secures second place, showcasing its status as a global lingua franca used in international business, education, and diplomacy. Hindustani, which includes Hindi and Urdu, is the third most spoken language, emphasizing its widespread use across India and neighboring countries. Spanish and Arabic, both with millions of speakers, signify the cultural and historical influence of their native regions. Spanish, spread through colonial history, is dominant in Latin America and Spain, while Arabic serves as the language of the Quran and connects the Islamic world. Bengali and Portuguese further highlight linguistic diversity, representing their respective regions' rich cultural heritage and population. Interestingly, languages like Malay-Indonesian and French, despite their relatively smaller populations, maintain significant influence. French remains widely spoken due to its colonial history and its use in international organizations. Similarly, Malay-Indonesian reflects the growing importance of Southeast Asia in global affairs. This data underscores the dominance of Asian and European languages in shaping global communication. It also reflects how population, history, and cultural spread determine a language's influence. Overall, the chart illustrates the profound role of language in connecting communities and shaping human interaction.

Solution: Mijbil’s behavior indicated a gradual adaptation to his new environment and an emerging bond with Maxwell. He sought comfort and safety rather than playful interaction, making option (C) incorrect as it does not align with the extract.

Solution: Mijbil was aloof and indifferent initially as he needed time to adjust to his new surroundings and feel secure. Being placed in an unfamiliar environment, his behavior reflected caution rather than hostility or friendliness.

Solution: Mijbil’s initial aloofness and gradual adaptation underscore that pets require time and space to adjust. This matches option (B), reflecting the otter’s journey from indifference to attachment.

Solution: Otters are naturally playful and curious about water. When Mijbil is taken to the bathroom, he displays boundless energy and joy, showcasing his love for water and inquisitive nature.

Solution: Griffin valued his privacy and avoided interaction with others. His desire for solitude, coupled with his avoidance of conversations, suggests that he was not only secretive but also self-conscious about his appearance.

Solution: Mrs. Hall was not skeptical. Instead, she excused Griffin’s eccentric behavior because he had paid her in advance and she believed him to be an eccentric scientist.

Solution: Griffin convinced the landlord and his wife by paying them in advance. Griffin’s advance payment and his explanation of being an eccentric scientist ensured that the landlord and his wife, Mrs. Hall, overlooked his strange habits and appearance. Financial security made them more tolerant of his behavior.

Solution: The phrase “set all tongues wagging” means causing people to talk or gossip. Griffin’s uncommon appearance intrigued everyone at the inn, prompting conversations and speculation about him.

Solution: The tiger’s repetitive movement, ‘stalking the length of his cage,’ reflects his anger and helplessness in captivity. Being a wild animal, he craves freedom but is confined to a small concrete space that restricts his natural instincts.

Solution: In the wild, the tiger roams freely and exudes power. The word ‘locked’ highlights his imprisonment in a lifeless, artificial environment, where his strength and spirit are suppressed. This starkly contrasts with his majestic presence in the jungle.

Solution: The tiger ignores the visitors because they are a part of his routine, and he has grown indifferent to their presence. His focus is on his confinement, not on entertaining or reacting to the people watching him.

Solution: The line uses the literary device of alliteration, as the repetition of the consonant sound ‘c’ in the words ‘concrete’ and ‘cell’ creates a rhythmic effect. This emphasizes the harshness and rigidity of the tiger’s confinement.

Solution: The contrast highlights Custard’s timid nature compared to the bravery of the other characters. The poet creates a humorous contrast by portraying the dragon, Custard, as timid and cowardly despite being a creature associated with strength. While the others boast bravery, Custard seeks the safety of a cage, subverting expectations.

Solution: The description of Ink and Blink chasing lions emphasizes their boldness and courage. It contrasts their fearlessness with Custard’s timidity, adding to the poem’s humor.

Solution: The poet uses playful and exaggerated language to create humor and irony. The poet employs alliteration, similes, and exaggeration to describe the bravery of Belinda and her pets. The contrast between the courageous characters and Custard’s cowardice enhances the humor, making the poem entertaining and engaging for readers.

Solution: The poem demonstrates that in moments of crisis, Custard, despite being perceived as cowardly, proves to be the bravest. The theme emphasizes how true character is revealed under challenging circumstances, subverting initial perceptions of the characters.

Solution: Nelson Mandela’s statement signifies South Africa’s journey from the oppressive apartheid regime to a free democratic system. Under apartheid, racial discrimination was institutionalized, and the majority black population was denied basic rights. Mandela’s speech celebrates the end of this injustice and marks a historic moment where South Africa regains dignity and equality. Hosting global nations on their soil symbolizes the nation’s acceptance and unity, reinforcing the idea that freedom and democracy can heal deep-seated wounds.

Solution: The Ball Poem by John Berryman portrays the universal experience of loss and its role in personal growth. The boy loses his ball, symbolizing the inevitable losses in life. Instead of comforting the boy, the poet reflects on how such moments teach resilience and acceptance. The poem conveys that grief is necessary to develop emotional maturity, and moving on from loss is a part of life’s journey. Through a seemingly simple event, the poet delivers a profound message about coping with reality.

Solution: The writer describes Coorg as a ‘piece of heaven’ because of its enchanting landscapes, serene coffee plantations, and mist-covered hills. The region boasts lush greenery, sparkling streams, and a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, birds, and wild animals. Coorg’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, including the warm hospitality of its people, creates an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder. This unparalleled charm makes Coorg a paradise for nature lovers and travelers alike.

Solution: In “The Proposal,” Lomov and Natalya engage in a heated argument over their dogs’ superiority. Lomov claims Guess is better due to its pure breed and hunting skills, while Natalya insists Squeezer is superior because it is young, energetic, and quick. Their disagreement is exaggerated and reflects their petty nature, as both characters prioritize winning the argument over actual logic. This humorous exchange underscores the absurdity of their pride and the triviality of their conflicts.

Solution: The poet uses Rapunzel as a metaphor for Amanda’s yearning to escape her restrictive life. Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel, living alone in a tower, away from the constant nagging and expectations of her parents. Unlike the fairy tale, Amanda does not desire rescue; instead, she cherishes the solitude and peace that Rapunzel’s tower offers. This allusion reflects Amanda’s longing for independence and her struggle to find her own identity in a controlling environment.

Solution: In “A Triumph of Surgery,” Mrs. Pumphrey demonstrates excessive care and indulgence towards her dog, Tricki. She feeds him an unbalanced diet of rich food, gives him unnecessary luxuries, and pampers him to an extreme degree. This behavior results in Tricki becoming overweight and lethargic. Dr. Herriot, upon seeing Tricki’s condition, insists on taking him to his clinic. Through his disciplined care, Tricki recovers and regains his vitality. The story highlights how excessive love and pampering, without considering the actual needs of a loved one, can lead to harmful consequences. Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence serves as a reminder to balance care with practicality.

Solution: In “The Book That Saved The Earth,” Apprentice Noodle displays intelligence and tact when dealing with Think-Tank’s ego. When the book ‘Mother Goose’ is discovered, Think-Tank initially views it as a threat. Noodle cleverly interprets the book as a means of Earthlings’ mental development. He frames his explanation to make Think-Tank feel superior, suggesting that Earthlings are inferior because they rely on nursery rhymes to grow intellectually. This approach not only preserves Think-Tank’s self-esteem but also prevents any unnecessary confrontation. Noodle’s diplomacy and strategic thinking demonstrate his ability to handle delicate situations with care and intelligence.

Solution: In “The Midnight Visitor,” Ausable, though not physically intimidating, uses his wit and intelligence to outsmart Max. Max, a rival spy, threatens Ausable at gunpoint to extract confidential information. However, Ausable cleverly fabricates a story about a balcony outside the window, supposedly used by hotel staff. This misinformation makes Max believe he can escape through the balcony in case of danger. When there is a knock at the door, Max panics and attempts to use the non-existent balcony, ultimately meeting his downfall. Ausable’s calm demeanor and ability to think on his feet highlight how intelligence and presence of mind can triumph over physical threats.

Solution:
One acknowledges that Lencho had unwavering faith in God whereas Kisa Gotami, in her grief, believed that her son could be revived, however, she learned to accept the reality of death.

Grief is a universal emotion, but the ways individuals cope with it vary greatly. In “A Letter to God,” Lencho loses his crops to a devastating hailstorm. Despite his despair, he exhibits unwavering faith in God’s mercy and writes a letter seeking divine help. His faith reflects simplicity and hope in the midst of adversity.

In contrast, Kisa Gotami’s response to grief is marked by denial and desperation. Upon losing her son, she seeks a remedy to bring him back to life. Her encounter with the Buddha teaches her that death is an inevitable part of life. Through her journey, she realizes that everyone experiences loss and learns to accept the impermanence of life.

While Lencho relies on external faith for solace, Kisa Gotami embarks on a journey of self-realization. Both approaches highlight the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming grief and finding meaning in suffering.

Solution:
Good morning everyone,

Today, on the occasion of Women’s Day, I’d like to talk about the resilience and strength of two young girls, Anne Frank and Valli, who inspire us with their determination and courage.

Anne Frank, during one of the darkest periods in history, remained hopeful and courageous while hiding from Nazi persecution. Her diary reveals her emotional strength, maturity, and unbroken spirit despite the constant fear of discovery and death. Anne’s ability to express her thoughts beautifully in her diary shows her resilience and belief in humanity.

On the other hand, Valli, from “Madam Rides the Bus,” exemplifies curiosity and independence. Despite being a young girl from a rural setting, she dreams of exploring the world beyond her village. By carefully saving money and planning her bus ride, she fulfills her dream with determination and resourcefulness. Valli’s journey reflects the adventurous and self-reliant spirit of young women.

Both Anne and Valli, though from vastly different circumstances, embody the essence of resilience. Anne teaches us to hold on to hope in the face of adversity, while Valli reminds us to pursue our dreams fearlessly. Together, they inspire us to overcome challenges with strength and determination.

To conclude I’d like to say that their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that lies within each of us. Thank you.

Solution:
Date: [Insert Date]

Today has been a day of reflection. I never thought I would experience the change I now see in myself. When I met Anil, my sole intention was to deceive him and rob him. I had always viewed people as opportunities to exploit, never as companions or mentors. Yet, Anil treated me with kindness. He trusted me despite knowing my background, gave me a roof over my head, and taught me to read and write—a gift I had never imagined receiving.

The night I stole his money was a turning point. Holding those notes, I felt a pang of guilt. Anil’s unwavering trust and my newfound understanding of values made me return the money. The next morning, when he silently handed me the money and continued teaching me, I realized that his act of forgiveness and belief in me were more valuable than any material wealth. It is this experience that has set me on a path toward honesty and respect for relationships. I am no longer just a thief; I am a person seeking redemption.

Solution:
Bholi, the youngest child in her family, begins as a timid, insecure girl who suffers from neglect and ridicule. Her pockmarked face and stammer make her the object of mockery, both within her family and society. Her parents, considering her to be worthless, show little affection and do not prioritize her well-being. She lives in fear, resigned to her perceived insignificance.

However, her journey takes a remarkable turn when she starts attending school. Her teacher’s encouragement and affection ignite a spark of self-confidence in Bholi. For the first time, she realizes her worth and begins to overcome her insecurities. The most transformative moment in her arc comes during her wedding to Bishamber. When he humiliates her family by demanding a dowry, Bholi boldly rejects him, standing up for herself and her dignity. This act marks her emergence as an empowered woman who values self-respect above societal norms.

Bholi’s arc demonstrates the transformative power of education, compassion, and inner strength. She evolves from a frightened, voiceless girl into a confident, self-assured individual who takes control of her life. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of treating every individual with kindness and respect.