ICSE 2010, English Literature , Sample Question Paper 1, Class X

http://www.icseguess.com/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------www.icseguess.com Other Educational Portals www.cbseguess.com | www.ignouguess.com | www.dulife.com | www.magicsense.com Sample Paper – 2010 Class – X Subject –English Literature Std:10th(I.C.S.E) Marks:80 Time:2 hours NOTE: ATTEMPT ATLEAST 1 QUESTION FROM EACH SECTIONS. ATTEMPT ONLY 5 QUESTIONS IN ALL SECTION A -DRAMA Shakespeare : Julius Caesar Question 1 ( 16 marks ) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:-Titinius: What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus? Messala: Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet The noble Brutus, thrusting this report Into his ears; I may say thrusting it; For piercing steel, and darts envenomed Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus As tidings of this sight. Titinius: Hie You, Messala, And I will seek for Pindarus the while "Exit Messala" 1. Where are the Speakers? Who is Pindarius? What report does Messala wish to convey to Brutus? [3] 2. Earlier in this scene, where does Cassius send Titinius? Why? [3] 3. What does Cassius then ask Pindarus to do? What reason does he give for doing so?[3] 4. What report does Pindarus convey to Cassius that upsets him? What mood does he fall into? Was he right in blaming himself? Give a reason to justify your answer. [3] 5. Immediately following this extract what two noble gestures does Titinius perform?At the end of the scene, what arrangements does Brutus make for Cassius? What reason does he give for doing so? [4 ] Question 2 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:-Caesar: Are we all ready? What is now amiss, That Caesar and his senate must redress? Metellus: Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar, Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat An humble heart. [kneeling] 1.Where are the speakers? What does 'puissant' mean? Also Explain: 'Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat an humble heart'. [3] 2. At the start of the scene what reply does the soothsayer give when Caesar says, 'The Ides of March are come'? What was Caesar's attitude then? Give a reason for your answer. [3] 3.. What specific duties have been allotted by the conspirators to Trebonius and Casca? Why does Cassius become nervous when Popilius Lena speaks to him as they enter? [3] http://www.icseguess.com/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------www.icseguess.com Other Educational Portals www.cbseguess.com | www.ignouguess.com | www.dulife.com | www.magicsense.com 4. Who else had a petition for Caesar? How did Caesar respond to his pleas that his was a suit that 'touches Caesar nearer'? What characteristic of Caesar is seen in his reply? [3] 5. Shortly after this Caesar is stabbed to death by the conspirators. At this point in the play what are your feelings for (a) Caesar and (b) the conspirators. Give one reason each to support your answer. [4] SECTION B -POETRY Whispers of Immortality Question 3 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:-One can sleep what will trouble This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is. Were he not gone, The woodchuck could say whether it's like his Long sleep, as I describe its coming on, Or just some human sleep "After Apple-Picking' by Robert Frost" 1. Why does the narrator feel that his sleep will be troubled? What indicates that the task he has in hand has not yet been completed? [3] 2. Why does the narrator wish to discontinue his work? Describe his day's activities. [3] 3. What is a woodchuck? How does the narrator contrast human sleep and the woodchuck's sleep? What underlying meaning is he trying to convey through this comparison? [3] 4. What kind of dream does he expect to have? Mention one example the poet gives that appeals to the reader's sense of hearing. Other than tiredness what other sensation does he feel at the end of the work he is involved in? [3] 5. Why does he cherish the fruit he has in hand? What happens to the fruits that fall? What is its significance? What message is he trying to convey to the reader? [4] Question 4 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:-"Stately and slow and shoulder high In the sight of all Jodhpore The dead went down by the rose-red steps Upheld by bearers four. When dawn relit the lamp of grief Within the burning East There came a word to Pertab Singh The soft word of the priest." "A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh by Sir Henry Newbolt" 1. Who is Pertab Singh? Who is referred to as 'the dead' in the extract? State clearly how Pertab Singh and 'the dead' developed a deep friendship. [3] http://www.icseguess.com/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------www.icseguess.com Other Educational Portals www.cbseguess.com | www.ignouguess.com | www.dulife.com | www.magicsense.com 2. Who are 'the bearers four'? What request had been made to Pertab Singh earlier in this context? What does Pertab Singh say in reply to this request? [3] 3. What trait in the character of Pertab Singh is revealed in his reply? Explain the lines ''When dawn relit the lamp of grief within the burning East' so as to bring out its significance as used here. [3] 4. What are the consequences that Pertab has to face for the action mentioned in the first two lines of the extract? In what way is the deed terrible to (a) the priest and (b) Pertab Singh? [3] 5. How does Pertab Singh describe the "immortal" caste at the end of the poem? Explain in detail. Give a reason why you like the poem. [4] SECTION C -PROSE "An Anthology of Short Stories" Question 5 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:-Suddenly, he could go no more. He set his burden down with great gentleness and sank upon the ground, his head sunk between his knees, his eyes closed, panting desperately. Starved as he was, a little blood rose in dark patches on his cheeks. A ragged vendor selling hot noodles set his stand near, and shouted his trade cry, and the light from the stand fell on the old man's drooping figure. A man passing stopped and muttered, looking at him...". 1. Who does the 'he' in the first line refer to? Why is he here? Describe the people with whom he has come. [3] 2. Why doesn't he have the energy to go on? What burden is he carrying? What has happened to the rest of his family? [3] 3. What does the passer-by mutter to himself? What does 'he' plan to do with what he receives? What does it reveal about 'his' philosophy? [3] 4. Why is the seller of noodles unable to understand 'his' action? What complaint does 'he' make against the rest of the people 'he' came with? In what way are they a contrast to the person referred to in the above extract? [3] 5. How do the people of the town treat these people who have come? Why do they do so? Mention one aspect of Chinese life that the author brings out in this story. Do you think that the title is appropriate? Justify your answer with an example from the story. [4] Question 6 'One night, when he arrived as usual at his spot, he found a babbling crowd at the corner where he normally sat.' From this point narrate what happens in 'The Martyr's Corner' that brings about a decline in Rama's fortunes. Comment on the appropriateness of the title of the story. [16] Zeel Tutorials (9820197497, 9867274788)