UP Board Class 10 English Question Paper 2024 (Code 817 HM) with Solutions

The passage clearly states that Hamelin is in North Germany. Since this information is directly provided in the text, (C) is the correct answer.
Quick Tip: When answering comprehension questions, look for specific details mentioned in the passage to avoid misinterpretation.

As mentioned in the passage, the tall man requested five thousand pieces of gold as a reward for eliminating the rats from the town. Hence, the correct answer is (D).
Quick Tip: Always take note of specific figures and amounts mentioned in the passage, as they are often key to answering such questions accurately.

The passage describes the man’s long coat as "queer," which, in this context, means "strange" or "unusual." Therefore, the correct answer is (C).
Quick Tip: Use context clues from surrounding words and sentences to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

The appropriate tense in this case is the past perfect tense, "had started," as it indicates that the train had already departed before the speaker arrived at the station. Hence, the correct answer is (C).
Quick Tip: Use the past perfect tense when describing two past events, where one occurred before the other, to show the correct sequence of actions.

The correct preposition in this case is "under," as it indicates being beneath or below the tree. The preposition "in" is used for enclosed spaces, which does not apply here. Therefore, the correct answer is (A).
Quick Tip: Use "under" to describe something positioned beneath an object, while "in" is used for enclosed or inside spaces.

The correctly rearranged sentence is: "She has borrowed a lot of books from me." The other choices either have incorrect word order or grammatical errors.
Quick Tip: Ensure proper word order and subject-verb agreement when rearranging words to form a grammatically correct sentence.

The correct spelling is "Believe," while option (C) contains an incorrect spelling. The remaining words are spelled correctly.
Quick Tip: Watch out for common spelling errors, such as "beleive" instead of "believe." Remember the "i before e" rule in such cases.

The appropriate preposition is "into" because it indicates movement toward and entering the well. The preposition "in" would imply a stationary position rather than movement.
Quick Tip: Use "into" when describing motion toward or inside something, while "in" is used for a fixed position.

Mandela emphasizes that neither the oppressor nor the oppressed are truly free. While the oppressed are denied their rights and freedom, the oppressor is trapped by their own prejudice and hatred. Thus, both are stripped of their humanity and cannot experience true freedom.
Quick Tip: Freedom is not just about personal liberty; it also involves recognizing and respecting the freedom of others. Both oppression and prejudice can create barriers to true freedom.

Mandela explains that a person who denies another’s freedom is not only committing an injustice but is also a captive of hatred. Such an individual remains trapped by prejudice and narrow-mindedness, just as the oppressed are deprived of their rights. True freedom cannot exist under these conditions.
Quick Tip: True freedom is not just about individual liberty but also about recognizing and respecting the rights of others. Oppression binds both the oppressor and the oppressed.

In the story A Letter to God, Lencho requested 100 pesos from God to recover from the losses caused by the hailstorm. He believed that this money would enable him to replant his crops and sustain his family during the difficult times.
Quick Tip: Lencho’s request for 100 pesos reflects his unwavering faith in God and his belief in divine assistance during hardships.

Nelson Mandela believed that the true wealth of a nation lies in its people. He emphasized that a nation's strength and progress depend on its citizens, their unity, and their resilience, rather than material riches like minerals or gemstones.
Quick Tip: Mandela’s perspective highlights that a nation’s real power comes from the unity and determination of its people rather than its natural resources.

Anne Frank decided to keep a diary because she lacked close friends with whom she could share her thoughts. Her diary became her trusted confidant, allowing her to express her emotions, thoughts, and experiences while she was in hiding.
Quick Tip: Anne Frank’s diary serves as a deeply personal and emotional record of her life during the Holocaust. It reflects her introspection and how writing helped her cope with isolation and fear.

The tiger in the poem remains detached from its surroundings. It watches the stars with its brilliant eyes and listens to the night’s sounds but remains unresponsive to visitors. This suggests that the tiger's attitude is one of indifference, making option (C) Ignoring the correct answer.
Quick Tip: The poem highlights the tiger’s detachment from the human world, symbolizing its solitude and quiet observation of nature.

The poem depicts a tiger that listens to the sounds of the night, including patrolling cars. This suggests that the night is filled with movement from both vehicles and animals like tigers, making all the given options correct. Hence, the correct answer is (D) All of these.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to how poems use imagery to blend natural and man-made sounds, creating a vivid atmosphere.

In The Thief’s Story, Hari Singh is portrayed as a young thief who deceives Anil and later steals from him. However, after experiencing Anil’s kindness, he undergoes a change of heart and decides to return the stolen money.
Quick Tip: Analyzing character development helps in understanding their motivations and the transformation they undergo throughout the story.

Tricki's real problem was not an illness but excessive vomiting caused by overfeeding. Although his mistress provided him with plenty of food, the overindulgence led to his deteriorating health.
Quick Tip: In narratives, issues may appear complicated, but sometimes, simple causes like overfeeding can lead to major problems.

Griffin was a highly intelligent scientist, but his unethical actions revealed his lawless nature. His obsession with experiments led him to act without moral restraint, showing both brilliance and disregard for the law. Therefore, both options (A) and (B) are correct.
Quick Tip: Griffin’s character highlights how intelligence, when not guided by ethics, can result in harmful and destructive choices.

Ebright was born in Reading, where his early environment greatly influenced his scientific curiosity. His passion for biology was nurtured in his hometown, eventually leading to his remarkable contributions to science.
Quick Tip: A scientist’s early life and experiences often shape their interests and drive their future discoveries.

Matilda remained unhappy because she felt unappreciated and dissatisfied with her life. Despite her beauty and intelligence, she longed for a more luxurious and glamorous existence, which made her resentful of her modest circumstances.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to a character’s emotions and desires, as they often reveal the central conflict or themes of the story.

The dog's responsibility was to guard the rich man’s house at night. During the day, it was tied to a heavy stone, but at night, it was set free to fulfill its duty of protecting the house.
Quick Tip: A guard dog's main role is to remain vigilant and protective, ensuring the security of its surroundings.

The dog and the bird formed a friendship when the bird visited the dog daily. It would playfully tease the dog, but instead of getting annoyed, the dog enjoyed the companionship and was happy to have a friend.
Quick Tip: Stories often use animal friendships to highlight the importance of companionship and bonds that go beyond differences.

The dog rescued the bird when it accidentally fell into a tub filled with water. Seeing this, the dog dragged the heavy stone closer to the tub, allowing it to reach in and carefully lift the bird out, placing it safely on the ground.
Quick Tip: Animals often display remarkable intelligence and loyalty when helping their companions, highlighting the strength of their bond.

The word in the passage that is opposite to 'near' is far.
Quick Tip: Recognizing antonyms helps enhance vocabulary and strengthens reading comprehension skills.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, Zip Code]

[Date]


Dear [Friend's Name],


I hope you are doing well. I am writing to share some wonderful news with you—my sister's wedding has been finalized! The ceremony is scheduled to take place on [Date] at [Venue]. It would mean a lot to me and my family if you could join us on this joyous occasion. Your presence will add to the happiness of the event.


Looking forward to celebrating together!


Yours lovingly,

[Your Name]
Quick Tip: When writing invitations, ensure clarity by mentioning key details such as the date, venue, and event significance.

[Your Name]

[Your Roll Number]

[Class, Section]

[College Name]

[Date]


The Principal,

[College Name],

[City Name]


Subject: Application for Sick Leave


Respected Sir/Madam,


I am writing to inform you that I am currently unwell and suffering from [mention illness, e.g., fever, cold]. Due to my health condition, I will not be able to attend college for the next few days. I kindly request you to grant me sick leave from [start date] to [end date]. I assure you that I will make up for any missed lectures and assignments once I recover.


I would be grateful for your understanding and approval of my request.


Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
Quick Tip: When requesting leave, be concise, provide necessary details, and maintain a respectful tone. A medical certificate may be required for extended leave.

Importance of Trees


Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to cleaner air and helping combat climate change. Trees provide shelter and food to countless species, supporting biodiversity. They also help in conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and reducing pollution, including noise pollution.


Beyond environmental benefits, trees offer essential resources such as fruits, medicinal extracts, and timber. They enhance the beauty of our surroundings and promote mental well-being by creating peaceful, green spaces. To ensure a healthier and sustainable future, it is essential to protect existing trees and plant more.
Quick Tip: When discussing the importance of trees, consider their role in the environment, human life, and overall well-being.

A Birthday Party


Last week, I had the pleasure of attending my friend’s birthday party at her home. The celebration began at 5:00 PM, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy. The house was beautifully decorated with balloons, streamers, and twinkling lights.


The party featured fun games like musical chairs and a treasure hunt, keeping everyone entertained. The most memorable moment was the cake-cutting ceremony, where we all sang "Happy Birthday" and cheered for the birthday girl. Delicious snacks and refreshing drinks were served, adding to the enjoyment. It was a delightful evening spent with friends, laughter, and celebration.
Quick Tip: When writing about an event, include key details such as the setting, activities, and your personal experience to make it engaging.

The teacher inquired why I was not completing my work.
Quick Tip: When changing direct speech to indirect speech, adjust pronouns, verb tenses, and question structures appropriately.

The king did not kill the tiger.
Quick Tip: When converting passive voice to active voice, make the original object the subject and adjust the verb form accordingly.

Ramesh said to Mohan, "Are you not going to play today?"
Quick Tip: When converting direct speech to indirect speech, change the question structure, adjust pronouns, and modify time-related words appropriately.

Yesterday, I was on my way to the market with my parents when I met a close friend. He shared some news about his parents, and we had a brief conversation, catching up with each other.
Quick Tip: Use the correct verb tense and ensure smooth sentence flow for better clarity and readability.

Lencho was upset because the rain he had eagerly awaited turned into a destructive hailstorm, ruining his crops. He felt helpless and believed that only the money he requested from God could save him, showing both his faith and frustration.
Quick Tip: Lencho’s reaction reflects the themes of unwavering faith and the emotional struggle during adversity.

Mandela believed that neither the oppressor nor the oppressed experience true freedom. While the oppressed are deprived of their rights and dignity, the oppressor remains trapped by hatred and prejudice. Both are bound by the cycle of injustice.
Quick Tip: Nelson Mandela highlights that genuine freedom comes only when both the oppressed and the oppressor are liberated from the chains of discrimination and hatred.

After boarding the bus, Valli eagerly took a seat by the window and gazed outside. Filled with excitement, she enjoyed watching the unfamiliar sights pass by, feeling a sense of adventure and independence.
Quick Tip: Valli’s journey symbolizes the thrill of exploration and the joy of stepping beyond one's familiar world.

In her diary, Anne Frank expresses great admiration and love for her father, appreciating his calm and kind demeanor. She also remembers her grandmother as a caring and affectionate figure who provided her with comfort and security during difficult times.
Quick Tip: Anne Frank’s reflections on her family reveal her deep emotional connections and the support they provided during her challenging circumstances.

Gautam Buddha helped Kisa Gautami realize the inevitability of death by asking her to bring a mustard seed from a house where no one had ever died. As she searched from house to house, she found that every family had experienced loss. This made her understand that death is a natural part of life and cannot be avoided.
Quick Tip: The story emphasizes the universal truth of death and teaches acceptance of life’s realities.

Nelson Mandela faced immense challenges, including the apartheid system that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against non-white South Africans. He endured 27 years of imprisonment under harsh conditions but remained steadfast in his fight for justice. Additionally, he navigated political struggles and international pressures while rallying support for the anti-apartheid movement. His unwavering determination ultimately led to South Africa’s freedom and the establishment of democracy.
Quick Tip: Mandela’s resilience and commitment to justice made him a global icon of resistance, inspiring movements for equality and human rights worldwide.

The poet aligns with those who favor fire because it symbolizes passion, energy, and transformation. Unlike water, which represents calmness and passivity, fire is a dynamic force that brings change. The poet sees fire as a necessary power that destroys the old to pave the way for renewal and progress.
Quick Tip: Fire often symbolizes destruction and renewal, representing both the end of something and the beginning of something new.

Here are four lines from the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could
Quick Tip: When answering questions on poetry, make sure to mention the title and poet if needed. The focus should be on the content and meaning of the lines.

The central theme of Dust of Snow revolves around the transformative power of nature. A simple moment, like snow falling from a crow onto the poet, uplifts his mood and brightens his day. The poem highlights how even the smallest aspects of nature can bring positivity and change one’s perspective.
Quick Tip: Poems often depict nature’s ability to influence emotions, offering comfort, renewal, and a shift in perspective.

A Tiger in the Zoo highlights the stark contrast between the tiger’s natural, majestic existence in the wild and its restricted life in captivity. The poem expresses the tiger’s frustration and longing for freedom, emphasizing the sorrow of being caged and separated from its true habitat.
Quick Tip: Observing contrasts in poetry helps uncover deeper themes, such as freedom versus captivity and nature versus confinement.

Fire and Ice by Robert Frost explores the destructive power of human emotions. The poet uses fire to symbolize intense desires and passion, while ice represents hatred and indifference. He suggests that both emotions have the potential to lead to destruction, highlighting the dangers of unchecked emotions and human conflict.
Quick Tip: Poems often use natural elements as metaphors to convey deeper meanings—here, fire and ice symbolize contrasting yet equally destructive emotions.

Matilda was unhappy because she longed for wealth and luxury, despite being born into a modest family. She felt that she deserved a glamorous life, which made her resentful of her simple existence. Her constant dissatisfaction prevented her from appreciating what she had.
Quick Tip: Matilda’s story highlights how unchecked desires for wealth and status can lead to unhappiness and prevent one from valuing life’s simple joys.

Hari Singh was a skilled and cunning thief who excelled at gaining people's trust before robbing them. He successfully deceived Anil and managed to steal money without arousing suspicion. However, despite his cleverness, his conscience ultimately led him to reconsider his actions.
Quick Tip: Hari Singh’s story highlights the internal conflict between morality and survival, showing how trust and kindness can influence even the most deceptive individuals.

Matilda was a beautiful yet discontented woman who longed for wealth and luxury. Her vanity and materialistic desires led her to borrow an expensive necklace, which she later lost, resulting in years of hardship. Her story reflects the consequences of valuing appearances over reality and failing to appreciate life’s simple blessings.
Quick Tip: Matilda’s character teaches a valuable lesson on the dangers of materialism and the importance of gratitude and contentment.

Bholi’s teacher played a crucial role in changing her life. She encouraged Bholi to speak, nurtured her confidence, and helped her overcome her fears and self-doubt. With the teacher’s support, Bholi gained the courage to stand up for herself, proving how education and guidance can transform lives.
Quick Tip: Bholi’s journey highlights the power of education and encouragement in building self-confidence and independence.