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

Step 1: Passage ko dhyān se padho.

Author seedha likhta hai: “She has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization.” Yeh line directly batāti hai ki Ganga kis chīz ki pratik hai.


Step 2: Options ka elimination.

(A) “rich green growth” passage me kahin mention nahin—eliminate.

(B) “rich minerals” bhi text me nahin—eliminate.

(C) “age-long culture and civilization” passage ki exact wording hai—select.

(D) “bright future” ka zikr nahin—eliminate.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Isliye sahi uttar (C) hai kyunki yeh passage ki exact statement ko match karta hai.
Quick Tip: Reading Comprehension me jab “symbol of” jaisi phrase aaye, to passage me exact ya near-exact wording dhoondo—yeh direct answer deta hai.

Step 1: Refer to the passage.

The author says he loved the snow-covered peaks, the deep valleys of the Himalayas, and also mentions the rich and vast plains below.


Step 2: Analyze the options.

(A) Mentions only peaks and valleys, missing plains.

(B) Fields and forests are not mentioned.

(C) Flowing river and streams are not directly referred to.

(D) Correct – includes both snowy peaks, valleys, and plains, exactly as mentioned.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (D).
Quick Tip: When multiple elements are listed in the passage, choose the option that covers all of them together.

Step 1: Recall the passage.

The passage mentions "her victories and her defeats," showing both sides of experience.


Step 2: Analyzing opposites.

Victory Defeat (direct antonyms).

Triumph = synonym of victory, not opposite.

Overcome means to succeed, not the opposite of victory.

Ruin indicates destruction but not the direct antonym of victory.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the opposite of 'victory' is (A) defeat.
Quick Tip: Always identify antonyms by looking for the exact word-pair given in the passage. Here, the passage itself paired "victories and defeats."

Step 1: Understanding tense usage.

The sentence describes an action that was already completed before another action ("they reached"). For such cases, we use the Past Perfect tense.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) rings – Simple Present, incorrect for past context.

(B) had rung – Correct, as it denotes an action completed before another past event.

(C) rang – Simple Past, does not convey the "before another past action" meaning.

(D) will ring – Future tense, incorrect.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (B) had rung.
Quick Tip: For actions completed before another past action, always use Past Perfect tense ("had + past participle").

Step 1: Understand the context.

The sentence indicates the place where he slept. The natural preposition used is "under a tree."


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) under – Correct, "under a tree" is the standard usage.

(B) about – Incorrect, does not indicate position.

(C) in – Not suitable, as one does not sleep "in" a tree in this context.

(D) within – Incorrect, unnatural usage here.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (A) under.
Quick Tip: Prepositions should always be chosen based on standard collocations, e.g., "under a tree."

Step 1: Identify the subject.

Among the given words, "My brother" forms the subject.


Step 2: Arrange the predicate.

The verb phrase is "loves to share his toys." Combining with the subject: "My brother loves to share his toys."


Step 3: Analyze the options.

(A) Grammatically incorrect.

(B) Incorrect arrangement and meaningless.

(C) Correct arrangement, meaningful sentence.

(D) Incorrect order, not grammatically valid.


Step 4: Conclusion.

The correct sentence is: "My brother loves to share his toys."
Quick Tip: When rearranging jumbled words, first identify the subject, then the verb, and finally the object/complement to form a meaningful sentence.

Step 1: Identify the words.

The given words are "Accept," "Except," "Expanct," and "Aspect."


Step 2: Check spelling validity.

- Accept = correct spelling, means "to receive."

- Except = correct spelling, means "excluding."

- Expanct = incorrect, mis-spelled word (intended word could be "Expect").

- Aspect = correct spelling, means "a particular feature."


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the mis-spelled word is (C) Expanct.
Quick Tip: When solving spelling-based questions, check carefully for commonly confused words like Accept/Except and Expect/Aspect.

Step 1: Recall the correct phrase.

The common expression in English is "proud of," not "proud in/from/to."


Step 2: Analyze the options.

(A) in – Incorrect, unnatural in this context.

(B) of – Correct, "proud of our culture" is standard usage.

(C) from – Incorrect, not used here.

(D) to – Incorrect, does not fit.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct preposition is (B) of.
Quick Tip: Always remember fixed preposition phrases. "Proud of" is the correct collocation, not "proud in" or "proud to."

Step 1: Recall the passage.

The passage explicitly states: “The town was six miles from her village.”


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) ten miles – Incorrect.

(B) five miles – Incorrect.

(C) six miles – Correct, directly mentioned.

(D) very near – Too vague, not the exact distance.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is (C) six miles.
Quick Tip: Always pay attention to numbers and exact figures in passages, as they are usually directly tested in comprehension questions.

Step 1: Refer to the passage.

The text clearly states: “The fare was thirty paise one way.”


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) thirty paise – Correct, exactly from the passage.

(B) fifty paise – Incorrect.

(C) twenty paise – Incorrect.

(D) forty paise – Incorrect.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the correct fare is (A) thirty paise.
Quick Tip: When the question asks about exact values (like cost, fare, or distance), always look for the precise line in the passage.

Step 1: Historical reference.

South Africa’s first democratic elections were conducted in 1994, after decades of apartheid. Nelson Mandela became the first black President.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) 1990 – Important year (Mandela released from prison) but not elections.

(B) 1950 – Irrelevant to Mandela’s presidency.

(C) 1994 – Correct, democratic elections held.

(D) 1984 – Incorrect, apartheid still existed.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (C) 1994.
Quick Tip: Remember, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black President in 1994 after the end of apartheid.

Step 1: Recall the story "A Letter to God".

In the story by Gregorio López y Fuentes, Lencho, a poor farmer, wrote a letter to God requesting 100 pesos after his crops were destroyed by a hailstorm.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) thousand – Incorrect, too high.

(B) hundred – Correct, directly from the text.

(C) fifty – Incorrect, not mentioned.

(D) sixty – Incorrect, not mentioned.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (B) hundred.
Quick Tip: When recalling literature-based questions, focus on the exact details mentioned in the story, as they are often directly tested.

Step 1: Recall the story "Madam Rides the Bus."

Valli, the central character, was just an eight-year-old girl who wished to experience a bus ride. Her maturity and curiosity were beyond her age.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) ten – Incorrect.

(B) seven – Incorrect.

(C) eight – Correct, explicitly mentioned.

(D) twenty – Incorrect, does not fit.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, Valli was (C) eight years old.
Quick Tip: Always note down specific ages, dates, or numbers from literature chapters, as they are frequent exam questions.

Step 1: Context of the poem.

“Fire and Ice” is a famous short poem that reflects on the end of the world, written by Robert Frost. It compares destructive human emotions with natural forces.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) Leslie – Incorrect, not related to this poem.

(B) Robert Frost – Correct, he is the poet of “Fire and Ice.”

(C) Carolyn – Incorrect, not the poet here.

(D) Robin Klein – Incorrect, she wrote other works but not this poem.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (B) Robert Frost.
Quick Tip: Always link the poem with the poet — “Fire and Ice” is one of Robert Frost’s most famous works.

Step 1: Recall the poem lines.

The poet says: “From what I’ve tasted of desire, I hold with those who favour fire.” This shows the direct comparison of fire with desire.


Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) Hatred – Incorrect, ‘ice’ is compared with hatred, not fire.

(B) Desire – Correct, fire represents uncontrolled human desire and passion.

(C) Hot – Incorrect, not the symbolic meaning here.

(D) Both (A) and (C) – Incorrect, only (B) is right.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the poet compares ‘fire’ with (B) Desire.
Quick Tip: In poetry, symbolic words often stand for emotions. In “Fire and Ice,” fire = desire, ice = hatred.

Step 1: Recall the chapter.

In "A Triumph of Surgery", Mrs. Pumphrey is shown as a wealthy lady who dotes on her dog Tricki and can afford extravagant care.

Step 2: Conclusion.

Hence, she is best described as a rich lady.
Quick Tip: Match character traits with narrative details (wealth, lifestyle, actions) mentioned in the chapter.

Step 1: Recall the plot.

In "The Thief's Story", Hari Singh approaches Anil and asks to be employed; he wants work (he even offers to cook).

Step 2: Conclusion.

Therefore, the correct option is (A) Work.
Quick Tip: Focus on a character’s first request or goal in the scene—it’s often tested directly.

Step 1: Evidence from the chapter.

In "Footprints Without Feet", Griffin invents a way to become invisible (showing he’s a brilliant scientist) but also commits theft, arson, and assault (showing he’s lawless).

Step 2: Conclusion.

Both descriptions apply; hence (C) is correct.
Quick Tip: When two contrasting traits are both supported by the text, look for an option like “Both (A) and (B).”

Step 1: Recall details.

In "The Making of a Scientist", Ebright collected butterflies from a very young age and also collected rocks and coins during childhood.

Step 2: Conclusion.

Since all three are mentioned among his childhood collections, (D) All of these fits best.
Quick Tip: If a character is described with multiple hobbies in the same phase of life, “All of these” is often the safest choice.

Step 1: Recall the chapter.

In "Bholi", it is clearly stated that Bholi’s real name was Sulekha; “Bholi” was a nickname given due to her speech issues and timid nature.

Step 2: Conclusion.

Therefore, the correct option is (C) Sulekha.
Quick Tip: Names, dates, and places are frequent one-mark questions—note them while reading.

Step 1: Read the key idea of the passage.

The passage states that trying is the first step to success and great people led diligent lives without wasting time.


Step 2: Link the idea to the options.

Since idleness leads to ruin and work brings rewards, the correct approach is to try and be diligent. Options (A), (B), and (D) contradict the passage (idleness, wasting time, or relying on luck).


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, we should try sincerely and live diligently to achieve success .
Quick Tip: In comprehension questions, pick the option that directly echoes the author’s main advice; here, “try” and “be diligent” are repeated cues.

Step 1: Refer to the passage.

The passage states: “All the great men of the world led very diligent lives.”

Step 2: Conclusion.

Thus, the answer is: They led very diligent lives.
Quick Tip: Always quote directly from the passage when the answer is explicitly given.

Step 1: Refer to the passage.

The text says: “One who works is bound to reap the rewards of one’s efforts.”

Step 2: Conclusion.

Therefore, the answer is: One who works.
Quick Tip: When answering comprehension questions, lift the exact wording if it matches perfectly.

Step 1: Locate synonyms in the passage.

The passage says: “Idleness is the way to ruin oneself.”

Step 2: Compare with the given word.

“Ruin” means to damage or destroy, which matches the question.

Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the word is: Ruin.
Quick Tip: For vocabulary-based questions, scan the passage for synonyms or words with similar meanings.

\begin{flushright
Your Name

Your Address

Date: 16 October 2025

\end{flushright

\begin{flushleft
To,

My Dear Father,



Subject: Request for money to purchase books



Respected Father,


I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to inform you that the new academic session has started, and I am in need of money to purchase my textbooks, notebooks, and other essential study materials. Without these books, it will be difficult for me to follow the classes properly.


Therefore, I kindly request you to send me the required amount at the earliest so that I can buy the necessary books without delay. I assure you that I will use the money carefully and only for this purpose.



With regards and love to all at home.


\begin{flushright
Your loving son,

(Your Name)

\end{flushright Quick Tip: Always follow the proper format in letter-writing: address, date, salutation, subject (if formal), body, and closing signature.

\begin{flushleft
To,

The Principal

XYZ School

City Name

Date: 16 October 2025



Subject: Application for five days’ leave to attend sister’s marriage



Respected Sir/Madam,


With due respect, I wish to state that my elder sister’s marriage has been fixed. The marriage ceremonies will take place at our home, and my presence is required to help with the arrangements. Therefore, I kindly request you to grant me leave for five days from 18th October to 22nd October 2025.


I assure you that I will complete all my pending work after rejoining the school. Kindly consider my request and oblige.



Thanking you in anticipation.


Yours obediently,

(Your Name)

Class: X

Roll No: 25
Quick Tip: In applications, always include: (1) Addressing the Principal, (2) Subject line, (3) Reason for leave, (4) Exact leave duration, and (5) Polite closing.

Report on Independence Day Celebration



Independence Day was celebrated in our school with great enthusiasm. The school building was beautifully decorated with flowers, flags, and buntings. The Principal hoisted the National Flag, and everyone sang the National Anthem with pride. Students presented cultural programmes including patriotic songs, dances, and speeches. The Principal delivered an inspiring speech on the significance of freedom. At the end, sweets were distributed among all students. The celebration filled everyone with feelings of patriotism and respect for our nation.
Quick Tip: While writing reports, always include the key points: occasion, decoration, flag hoisting, cultural events, speeches, and conclusion. Keep the word limit in mind.

Importance of Taking Regular Exercises



Introduction: Health is wealth, and the best way to stay healthy is by doing regular exercises. Exercise is an essential part of life as it improves both physical and mental well-being.


Keeps our body active: Regular exercise keeps our body fit and active. It strengthens muscles, improves immunity, and enhances stamina.


Tension free and happy: Exercise helps in reducing stress and makes us feel fresh and happy throughout the day.


Better concentration: Students benefit greatly from regular exercise, as it improves focus, memory, and concentration on studies.


Conclusion: In short, exercise is the key to a healthy, happy, and successful life. Everyone should make it a habit to exercise daily.
Quick Tip: When writing an article, follow the given hints as sub-points and link them in a logical sequence — introduction, body, and conclusion.

Step 1: Identify the reporting verb.

The reporting verb is “said to,” which will change to “asked” in indirect speech.


Step 2: Change the question form.

Direct question: “Where are you going?” → In indirect speech, the helping verb “are” changes to “was.”


Step 3: Adjust pronouns and tense.

“You” (second person) changes to “I” (first person) as per the subject “me.”


Step 4: Combine the sentence.

Final sentence becomes: “My brother asked me where I was going.”
Quick Tip: In indirect speech, always: (1) Change the reporting verb appropriately, (2) Adjust pronouns, (3) Backshift the tense, and (4) Remove quotation marks.

Step 1: Identify object.

The object of the sentence is “the poor.”

Step 2: Change into passive voice.

“Helps” → “are helped” (plural subject “the poor”).

Step 3: Add subject.

“By him” is used in passive voice.

Step 4: Conclusion.

Final passive sentence = The poor are always helped by him.
Quick Tip: In passive voice, the object becomes the subject, and the tense of the verb must remain unchanged.

Step 1: Capitalization.

The first word “how” must begin with a capital letter → “How.”

Step 2: Add question mark.

Since it is a question, place a “?” at the end of the quoted sentence.

Step 3: Add quotation marks.

Direct speech requires inverted commas.

Step 4: Conclusion.

Correct sentence: “How does this machine work?” asked the boy.
Quick Tip: Always begin sentences with a capital letter and use correct punctuation marks for direct speech.

Step 1: Translate sentence by sentence.

- प्रयागराज एक प्रसिद्ध नगर है → Prayagraj is a famous city.

- इसका एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है → It has an important place.

- वहाँ गंगा और यमुना का संगम है → The Ganga and Yamuna meet here.

- यहाँ उत्तर प्रदेश का उच्च न्यायालय है → The High Court of Uttar Pradesh is here.

- यह एक स्वच्छ और सुन्दर नगर है → It is a clean and beautiful city.


Step 2: Combine logically.

Thus, the translation flows naturally into English.
Quick Tip: While translating, keep the meaning intact and ensure smooth English grammar and sentence flow.

Step 1: Recall the story.

In “A Letter to God,” Lencho had asked for 100 pesos to recover from the crop loss.


Step 2: The event.

He received only a part of the money in the envelope. Instead of doubting God, he suspected human dishonesty.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, Lencho was angry because he thought the post office employees had stolen the rest of the money.
Quick Tip: In long-answer questions, always combine the story event + Lencho’s reaction + reason behind it for a complete response.

Step 1: Recall Mandela’s belief.

In “Long Walk to Freedom,” Mandela emphasizes that people, not natural resources, are the real strength of a nation.


Step 2: Explanation.

He believed that qualities like honesty, courage, and dedication of ordinary men and women are the foundation of national progress.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the true wealth of a nation lies in its people and their values, not in gold, diamonds, or material riches.
Quick Tip: For such questions, always contrast what Mandela rejected (minerals) with what he valued (people) to frame a complete answer.

Step 1: Recall the text.

In “From the Diary of Anne Frank,” she mentioned that she lacked a true friend to confide in.


Step 2: Her feelings.

When she received the diary on her birthday, she treated it as a companion and began pouring her feelings into it.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, Anne valued the diary deeply, considering it her trusted friend and a source of emotional comfort.
Quick Tip: For literature answers, focus on the character’s emotions and reasons, not just the facts.

Step 1: Recall the story.

In “A Letter to God,” Lencho had written a letter asking God for 100 pesos after his crops were ruined.


Step 2: His reaction.

When the post office employees, moved by his faith, collected money and sent it in an envelope, Lencho did not doubt its divine origin.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Lencho was not surprised because his unshakable faith in God made him fully expect the money.
Quick Tip: In comprehension answers, highlight the character’s belief or emotion—Lencho’s strong faith explains why he was not surprised.

Step 1: Recall the context.

In “A Letter to God,” Lencho’s fields were ruined, leaving him hopeless.


Step 2: His action.

He prayed sincerely and wrote a letter to God with full confidence that God would send him money.


Step 3: His reaction.

When he received only part of the amount, his faith in God did not shake; instead, he believed men had interfered.


Step 4: Conclusion.

This highlights Lencho’s extraordinary and blind faith in God’s power to provide help.
Quick Tip: In long-answer questions, always highlight the incident, the character’s reaction, and the moral/lesson to show a complete picture.

Step 1: Identify Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was the leader of the anti-apartheid movement and became the first black President of South Africa in 1994.


Step 2: His inauguration ideals.

He envisioned South Africa as a free, democratic nation where no one would face discrimination. He promised peace, unity, and equal rights for all citizens.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Through his speech, Mandela laid the foundation of a new South Africa based on equality, dignity, and human rights.
Quick Tip: When answering such questions, always include: (1) Who the person was, (2) Context of the speech/event, and (3) Ideals or values they expressed.

Step 1: Identify the poet.

“Dust of Snow” is a short but meaningful poem written by Robert Frost.


Step 2: The message of the poem.

The poet describes how a small incident — snow falling from a hemlock tree — changed his dull mood into cheerfulness.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Through this, Frost teaches us that little things in nature can have a big impact on our thoughts, and optimism can transform a gloomy day into a happy one.
Quick Tip: In poetry questions, always include: (1) the poet’s name, (2) the event or imagery, and (3) the message or moral.

Step 1: Choice of poem.

The chosen poem is *“A Tiger in the Zoo”* by Leslie Norris, which describes the condition of a caged tiger.


Step 2: Extract lines.

The four lines highlight the tiger’s restricted movement inside the cage and his suppressed anger.


Step 3: Conclusion.

These lines bring out the contrast between the natural majesty of the tiger and his pitiable life in captivity.
Quick Tip: When asked to write lines from a poem, always choose a poem included in the syllabus and avoid reproducing the exact lines already given in the paper.

Step 1: Identify the poem.

“The Trees” by Adrienne Rich presents the struggle of trees against human control.


Step 2: Meaning.

The poet shows trees trying to break out of houses and return to forests, symbolizing the call of freedom.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the poem conveys a powerful message: nature cannot be confined, and humans must respect its freedom and preserve it.
Quick Tip: When writing the central idea of a poem, always include (1) the theme, (2) the message, and (3) the poet’s concern for society or nature.

Step 1: Identify the poem.

“Fog” by Carl Sandburg uses metaphorical imagery to describe nature.


Step 2: Poetic comparison.

The fog moves like a cat—quiet, mysterious, and graceful.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the poem teaches us to admire the beauty and transience of natural phenomena.
Quick Tip: In central idea answers, always include the poet’s name, imagery, and the lesson/message.

Step 1: Identify the poem.

“Fire and Ice” is a symbolic poem by Robert Frost.


Step 2: Meaning.

The poet compares fire with uncontrolled desire and ice with hatred and indifference. Both can cause destruction.


Step 3: Conclusion.

The poem emphasizes moderation of emotions to avoid destruction and maintain peace.
Quick Tip: While writing central ideas, explain the symbolism and the message conveyed by the poet.

Step 1: Recall the chapter.

In “A Triumph of Surgery,” Tricki becomes ill due to indulgent care.

Step 2: Cause of illness.

Mrs. Pumphrey constantly fed him cakes, chocolates, and rich meals and allowed no proper exercise.

Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the poor condition of Tricki was chiefly due to Mrs. Pumphrey’s overfeeding and pampering.
Quick Tip: When a question asks “who was responsible,” name the person and state the exact actions that led to the problem.

Step 1: Recall the story.

In “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Hari Singh planned to rob Anil despite being an experienced thief.


Step 2: Difficulty in robbing.

Anil was a trusting and generous person who treated Hari with kindness. This made Hari emotionally attached and hesitant.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, it was not an easy task because robbing Anil meant betraying his trust and losing the chance to learn and reform.
Quick Tip: When answering character-based questions, highlight both the practical reason and the emotional conflict for a complete response.

Step 1: Introduction.

Hari Singh, the narrator of *“The Thief’s Story”* by Ruskin Bond, was a young and skilled thief.


Step 2: His nature.

He could easily befriend people and plan robberies, showing his cleverness and cunning side. Yet, he was lonely and yearned for acceptance.


Step 3: Transformation.

Anil’s kindness and trust touched his heart. Hari realized the value of love, education, and honesty, which made him decide to reform.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, Hari Singh is portrayed as a thief with a good heart who ultimately chooses the right path.
Quick Tip: In character sketches, always include the character’s qualities, weaknesses, and transformation to make the answer complete.

Step 1: Introduction.

In James Herriot’s *“A Triumph of Surgery,”* Tricki is shown as a small pet dog who was overfed by his mistress.


Step 2: His habits.

Tricki loved food, sweets, and was pampered too much. This made him overweight, inactive, and weak.


Step 3: Transformation.

After being taken to the veterinary hospital, Tricki was given simple food and proper care. Soon, he recovered, played happily with other dogs, and regained his energy.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, Tricki is presented as an innocent, lovable dog whose condition improves with discipline and proper treatment.
Quick Tip: When writing a character sketch of an animal, describe its nature, habits, problems, and transformation.