BSEB Class 10 English Question Paper 2016

1. The author uses the phrase 'losing the pleasure of leisure' to imply that people are missing out on:

1. (A) Relaxation and enjoyment of free time
2. (B) Opportunities for advanced learning
3. (C) The chance to travel extensively
4. (D) The benefits of physical exercise

2. What does 'will' generally express?

1. (A) a) Past habits
2. (B) b) Future actions or willingness
3. (C) c) Possibility
4. (D) d) Past ability

3. What kind of work does the young narrator do in his neighbourhood?

1. (A) Recycling and pollution control.
2. (B) Gardening and tree plantation.
3. (C) Animal rescue and care.
4. (D) Water conservation and management.

4. Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

1. (A) Achieve
2. (B) Acheive
3. (C) Achievem
4. (D) Achieveing

5. What is an infinitive phrase?

1. (A) A phrase beginning with a gerund (verb + -ing) acting as a noun.
2. (B) A phrase beginning with 'to' followed by the base form of a verb, acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
3. (C) A phrase consisting of a participle and its modifiers.
4. (D) A phrase that describes a noun.

6. Choose the correct sentence.

1. (A) Neither of the boys were present.
2. (B) Neither of the boys is present.
3. (C) Neither of the boys are present.
4. (D) Neither of the boys being present.

7. Spot the error: He suggested that they should go for a walk.

1. (A) He suggested that
2. (B) they should go
3. (C) for a walk
4. (D) No error

8. Choose the correct preposition: "He arrived ___ midnight."

1. (A) in
2. (B) on
3. (C) at
4. (D) during

9. The story describes Gillu as an 'inseparable companion'. What does 'inseparable' mean in this context?

1. (A) Easily separated or parted.
2. (B) Unable to be separated or divided; very close.
3. (C) Occasionally present.
4. (D) Distant and aloof.

10. She said, "I will go to Delhi tomorrow."

1. (A) She said that she would go to Delhi the next day.
2. (B) She said that she will go to Delhi the next day.
3. (C) She said she would went to Delhi the next day.
4. (D) She said that she would go to Delhi tomorrow.

11. What do crowded towns and cities breed?

1. (A) Wisdom and honesty
2. (B) Vice and disease
3. (C) Health and happiness
4. (D) Peace and harmony

12. What does the poem suggest is the true cost of fleeting convenience?

1. (A) Harm to the environment and future generations
2. (B) Reduced personal spending
3. (C) Increased efficiency in daily tasks
4. (D) Greater consumer choice

13. What does Hutchinson encourage readers to find in their lives?

1. (A) Their own 'pace for living'.
2. (B) The fastest possible speed for all activities.
3. (C) More reasons to be busy.
4. (D) Less time for reflection.

14. Identify the error in the following sentence: She asked me where I lived.

1. (A) She asked me
2. (B) where I lived
3. (C) No error
4. (D) She asked me where

15. What does the story highlight about animals through Gillu's experience?

1. (A) Their capacity for love and loyalty.
2. (B) Their inherent wildness and untrustworthiness.
3. (C) Their limited intelligence and emotional range.
4. (D) Their primary focus on survival instincts only.

16. By next year, I ____ my graduation.

1. (A) complete
2. (B) will complete
3. (C) will have completed
4. (D) completed

17. Which article is used to refer to a specific or unique noun?

1. (A) a
2. (B) an
3. (C) the
4. (D) no article

18. How did Gillu respond to his name and Mahadevi Verma's presence?

1. (A) He would engage and respond, showing understanding.
2. (B) He would ignore her completely.
3. (C) He would become scared and hide.
4. (D) He would only respond to food.

19. What feeling is predominantly expressed throughout the poem 'Once Upon a Time'?

1. (A) Nostalgia and regret
2. (B) Extreme anger
3. (C) Pure joy
4. (D) Ambition

20. Convert 'Ram said, "I am playing cricket."' to indirect speech.

1. (A) Ram said that he was playing cricket.
2. (B) Ram said I am playing cricket.
3. (C) Ram said he is playing cricket.
4. (D) Ram said that he will play cricket.

21. Which of the following is an example of a phrase?

1. (A) He ran fast.
2. (B) She sings beautifully.
3. (C) In the garden.
4. (D) They are happy.

22. This is  ____  best book I have ever read.

1. (A) the
2. (B) a
3. (C) an
4. (D) no article

23. What social issue is prominently highlighted in 'January Night'?

1. (A) Child labor
2. (B) Poverty and exploitation of tenant farmers
3. (C) Gender inequality
4. (D) Religious intolerance

24. Spot the error: He will can solve this problem easily.

1. (A) He will
2. (B) can solve
3. (C) this problem easily.
4. (D) No error

25. The story highlights the therapeutic power of animal companionship, as seen through Gillu's impact on Verma. This means that:

1. (A) Animals can significantly improve human emotional and mental well-being.
2. (B) Animal companionship is only beneficial for children.
3. (C) Animals require constant attention that can be burdensome.
4. (D) The therapeutic effects are limited to physical ailments.

26. Neither of the options _______ suitable.

1. (A) are
2. (B) were
3. (C) is
4. (D) be

27. What does the story teach about the impact of small lives?

1. (A) Even short lives can leave an indelible mark
2. (B) Small lives are insignificant
3. (C) Animal lives are less important than human lives
4. (D) Animals cannot influence human lives

28. What does Hutchinson value over the speed of thought or action?

1. (A) The ability to multitask effectively.
2. (B) The capacity for contemplation and reflection.
3. (C) The drive to achieve ambitious goals.
4. (D) The efficiency of modern communication.

29. What is the main message of the poem 'God Made the Country'?

1. (A) Life in cities is better than villages
2. (B) Nature heals and brings us closer to God
3. (C) Villages lack basic necessities
4. (D) Man-made things are superior to nature

30. The essay contrasts the pace of life in which two settings?

1. (A) Cities and rural areas
2. (B) Mountains and valleys
3. (C) Deserts and forests
4. (D) Oceans and rivers

31. In 'The Pace for Living', the corn-merchant was getting anxious because of his:

1. (A) nephew
2. (B) wife
3. (C) business rivals
4. (D) health

32. According to Jim in 'Me and the Ecology Bit', who advised him on ecology matters?

1. (A) his mother
2. (B) nobody
3. (C) Mr. Johnson
4. (D) Ms. Greene

33. What kind of wound did the tiny baby squirrel have when Mahadevi Verma first picked him up in 'Gillu'?

1. (A) cuts by a knife
2. (B) stroke by a cat's claws
3. (C) broken leg
4. (D) hurt by a stone

34. Satyajit Ray argues that Indian films should rely less on:

1. (A) music
2. (B) drama
3. (C) foreign models
4. (D) nature

35. Aung San Suu Kyi's Acceptance Speech was delivered on her behalf by her:

1. (A) son
2. (B) husband
3. (C) friend
4. (D) sister

36. In 'The Unity of Indian Culture', Humayun Kabir states that Indian culture is notable for its:

1. (A) rigidity
2. (B) isolation
3. (C) adaptability
4. (D) uniformity

37. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', who started the quarrel between Akoulka and Malasha?

1. (A) Akoulka's mother
2. (B) Malasha
3. (C) an old woman
4. (D) Akoulka

38. According to 'God Made the Country', towns were made by:

1. (A) God
2. (B) man
3. (C) nature
4. (D) kings

39. In 'Ode on Solitude', the man whose days are balanced is happy because he gets his support from:

1. (A) his own fields
2. (B) the government
3. (C) foreign trade
4. (D) bank loans

40. What happens when a polythene bag is left away?

1. (A) it melts away
2. (B) it dissolves quickly
3. (C) it buries itself and melts not
4. (D) it turns into dust

41. In 'Thinner Than a Crescent', the grief of Radha is compared to:

1. (A) a rising river
2. (B) a dry leaf
3. (C) rivers of tears
4. (D) a dark cloud

42. In 'The Empty Heart', what did the rich man keep hoarding in his chests?

1. (A) gold
2. (B) grains
3. (C) diamonds
4. (D) books

43. In the poem 'Koel', who has stolen the koel's sleep?

1. (A) the fire of love
2. (B) the cold wind
3. (C) the bright sun
4. (D) the singing birds

44. The porter in 'The Sleeping Porter' is burdened with a load of:

1. (A) twenty rupees
2. (B) heavy firewood
3. (C) wet clothes
4. (D) old utensils

45. In the poem 'Martha', the children used to listen to her stories in:

1. (A) a hazel glen
2. (B) an old school
3. (C) a dark room
4. (D) the village square

46. Choose the correct tense: 'She _______ a novel since morning.'

1. (A) has been writing
2. (B) wrote
3. (C) is writing
4. (D) write

47. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'The cat killed the mouse.'

1. (A) The mouse is killed by the cat.
2. (B) The mouse was killed by the cat.
3. (C) The cat was killed by the mouse.
4. (D) The mouse has been killed by the cat.

48. Choose the correct indirect speech: He said to me, 'Where are you going?'

1. (A) He asked me where I was going.
2. (B) He told me where you are going.
3. (C) He asked me where are you going.
4. (D) He said where I was going.

49. Choose the correct preposition: 'He is afraid _______ dogs.'

1. (A) from
2. (B) of
3. (C) with
4. (D) at

50. Choose the correct antonym of the word 'Ancient':

1. (A) Old
2. (B) Modern
3. (C) Antique
4. (D) Stale

51. Choose the correct synonym of the word 'Brave':

1. (A) Timind
2. (B) Fearful
3. (C) Courageous
4. (D) Weak

52. Give one-word substitution for: 'A person who writes books.'

1. (A) Painter
2. (B) Author
3. (C) Actor
4. (D) Singer

53. Choose the correctly spelled word:

1. (A) Environment
2. (B) Envirnment
3. (C) Enviornment
4. (D) Enviroment

54. Choose the correct form of verb: 'Bread and butter _______ my favourite breakfast.'

1. (A) are
2. (B) is
3. (C) were
4. (D) have

55. Choose the correct translation: 'वह पिछले साल पटना गया था।'

1. (A) He goes to Patna last year.
2. (B) He has gone to Patna last year.
3. (C) He went to Patna last year.
4. (D) He was going to Patna last year.

56. In 'The Pace for Living', the author watches a play in which setting?

1. (A) Dublin
2. (B) London
3. (C) New York
4. (D) Paris

57. According to Jim in 'Me and the Ecology Bit', people are always advising others about ecology, but nobody is ready to:

1. (A) plant trees
2. (B) save electricity
3. (C) do it themselves
4. (D) use bicycles

58. Where was Gillu buried after his death?

1. (A) under a mango tree
2. (B) under the sanjuhi creeper
3. (C) in the backyard
4. (D) near the rose garden

59. Satyajit Ray states in his essay that Indian films should have more:

1. (A) foreign locations
2. (B) indigenous material
3. (C) complex plots
4. (D) elaborate dance numbers

60. Who received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi?

1. (A) Her husband
2. (B) Her son
3. (C) Her daughter
4. (D) Her friend

61. Humayun Kabir points out that the special quality of Indian culture is its amazing capacity for:

1. (A) rejection
2. (B) isolation
3. (C) absorption
4. (D) destruction

62. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', who intervened to stop the fighting between the adults?

1. (A) Akoulka's grandmother
2. (B) Malasha's mother
3. (C) The old grandfather
4. (D) The village chief

63. According to the poet of 'God Made the Country', who made the towns?

1. (A) God
2. (B) Man
3. (C) Nature
4. (D) Kings

64. In 'Ode on Solitude', the happy man wants his remaining days to be:

1. (A) filled with fame
2. (B) steeped in wealth
3. (C) slid through quietly
4. (D) spent in travel

65. What does the polythene bag do when it is buried?

1. (A) It melts away
2. (B) It remains melting never
3. (C) It turns into manure
4. (D) It dissolves quickly

66. In 'Thinner Than a Crescent', whose grief is described?

1. (A) Radha's
2. (B) Meera's
3. (C) Sita's
4. (D) Savithri's

67. In 'The Empty Heart', what happened to the rich man after getting more gold?

1. (A) He became happy
2. (B) He became peaceful
3. (C) He went mad
4. (D) He distributed it

68. In the poem 'Koel', what has made the koel's soul restless?

1. (A) The burning fire of love
2. (B) The cold winter breeze
3. (C) The noisy crowd
4. (D) The heavy rain

69. What is the physical condition of the porter in 'The Sleeping Porter'?

1. (A) He is strong and energetic
2. (B) He is sick and tired
3. (C) He is old and frail
4. (D) He is young and wealthy

70. Where did Martha tell her stories to the children?

1. (A) By the forest stream
2. (B) In the hazel glen
3. (C) Under the old banyan tree
4. (D) Inside the cozy cottage

71. Choose the correct tense: 'He _______ to the market yesterday.'

1. (A) go
2. (B) goes
3. (C) went
4. (D) has gone

72. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'The teacher praised the boy.'

1. (A) The boy is praised by the teacher.
2. (B) The boy was praised by the teacher.
3. (C) The boy has praised the teacher.
4. (D) The boy praises the teacher.

73. Choose the correct indirect speech of: He said, 'I am tired.'

1. (A) He said that he is tired.
2. (B) He says that he was tired.
3. (C) He said that he was tired.
4. (D) He told that he is tired.

74. Choose the correct preposition: 'She is fond _______ music.'

1. (A) in
2. (B) on
3. (C) of
4. (D) at

75. Choose the correct antonym of the word 'Artificial':

1. (A) False
2. (B) Natural
3. (C) Synthetic
4. (D) Man-made

76. Choose the correct synonym of the word 'Rapid':

1. (A) Slow
2. (B) Quick
3. (C) Lazy
4. (D) Tardy

77. Give one-word substitution for: 'A life history written by oneself.'

1. (A) Biography
2. (B) Autobiography
3. (C) Bibliography
4. (D) Novel

78. Choose the correctly spelled word:

1. (A) Environment
2. (B) Envirnoment
3. (C) Enviroment
4. (D) Invironment

79. Choose the correct form of the verb: 'Neither of them _______ present yesterday.'

1. (A) was
2. (B) were
3. (C) are
4. (D) have

80. Choose the correct translation of: 'वह अंग्रेजी बोल सकता है।'

1. (A) He may speak English.
2. (B) He can speak English.
3. (C) He should speak English.
4. (D) He must speak English.

81. In 'The Pace for Living', the corn-merchant's heart was throbbed because of his:

1. (A) nephew
2. (B) wife
3. (C) elderly corn-merchant
4. (D) secretary

82. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Mr. Johnson told Jim that he burns leaves because they are:

1. (A) useful
2. (B) bad for the garden
3. (C) good for the soil
4. (D) a nuisance

83. What name did Mahadevi Verma give to the baby squirrel in 'Gillu'?

1. (A) Mintu
2. (B) Gillu
3. (C) Chiku
4. (D) Piku

84. Satyajit Ray opines that what is lacking in Indian raw material is:

1. (A) imagination
2. (B) music
3. (C) simplification
4. (D) comedy

85. Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Alexander Aris, received the award in:

1. (A) London
2. (B) Oslo
3. (C) New York
4. (D) Tokyo

86. According to Humayun Kabir in 'The Unity of Indian Culture', Indian culture has a wonderful capacity for:

1. (A) destruction
2. (B) isolation
3. (C) assimilation
4. (D) rejection

87. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', whose frock was splashed with dirty water?

1. (A) Malasha's
2. (B) Akoulka's
3. (C) Akoulka's mother's
4. (D) Malasha's mother's

88. In 'God Made the Country', the poet says that fields and trees were fashioned by:

1. (A) man
2. (B) God
3. (C) king
4. (D) villagers

89. In 'Ode on Solitude', the happy man gets his trees from:

1. (A) his fields
2. (B) his wood
3. (C) his neighbour
4. (D) the forest

90. The poem 'Polythene Bag' tells us that a polythene bag:

1. (A) melts away easily
2. (B) never melts
3. (C) turns into soil
4. (D) burns completely

91. In 'Thinner Than a Crescent', Radha is pining away because of her separation from:

1. (A) her friend
2. (B) Lord Krishna
3. (C) her mother
4. (D) her sister

92. In 'The Empty Heart', the rich man's heart remained:

1. (A) satisfied
2. (B) full of joy
3. (C) empty
4. (D) peaceful

93. In the poem 'Koel', the bird hides itself within the:

1. (A) mango leaves
2. (B) dark mango leaves
3. (C) green bushes
4. (D) tall trees

94. The porter in 'The Sleeping Porter' climbs up a steep:

1. (A) staircase
2. (B) cliff
3. (C) mountain path
4. (D) ladder

95. In the poem 'Martha', the children sat round her:

1. (A) table
2. (B) fire
3. (C) bed
4. (D) hazel-glen

96. Choose the correct indirect speech of: He said to me, 'I am reading a book.'

1. (A) He told me that he is reading a book.
2. (B) He told me that he was reading a book.
3. (C) He told me that I was reading a book.
4. (D) He said me that he was reading a book.

97. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'She wrote a letter.'

1. (A) A letter is written by her.
2. (B) A letter was written by her.
3. (C) A letter has been written by her.
4. (D) A letter writes her.

98. Choose the correct preposition: 'He is good _______ mathematics.'

1. (A) in
2. (B) at
3. (C) on
4. (D) with

99. Choose the correct antonym of the word 'Modern':

1. (A) New
2. (B) Recent
3. (C) Ancient
4. (D) Fresh

100. Give one-word substitution for: 'A person who speaks very little.'

1. (A) Omniscient
2. (B) Reticent
3. (C) Audible
4. (D) Fatalist