BSEB Class 10 English Question Paper 2019
Board-pattern practice paper modelled on the BSEB 2019 Class 10 (Matric) English paper: 100 marks in 3 hours 15 minutes, with 50 objective marks and 50 descriptive marks.
BSEB pattern: 50 marks objective (100 questions printed, answer any 50 — 1 mark each) and 50 marks subjective (30 short answers, answer any 15 × 2 = 30 marks; 8 long answer and composition questions, answer any 4 × 5 = 20 marks). Time: 3 hours 15 minutes including reading time.
Section A — Objective: 100 questions, answer any 50 (1 mark each · 50 marks)
1. I ______ go to the party, but I'm not sure yet.
- (A) will
- (B) shall
- (C) may
- (D) could
2. How does the chapter portray the attitude of adults towards ecology?
- (A) They often talk about it without taking significant action.
- (B) They are enthusiastic activists and leaders.
- (C) They are indifferent and unconcerned about environmental issues.
- (D) They delegate all ecological responsibilities to the youth.
3. Words like 'each', 'every', 'either', 'neither', 'one', 'anyone', 'everyone', 'someone', and 'nobody' are always treated as ______ subjects.
- (A) singular
- (B) plural
- (C) collective
- (D) compound
4. Spot the error: The cat, along with her kittens, have been fed.
- (A) The
- (B) cat
- (C) along
- (D) have
5. What is the author's underlying message or call to action for the readers?
- (A) A call for mindfulness and re-evaluation of priorities.
- (B) A plea to embrace technology at all costs.
- (C) An encouragement to work harder and faster.
- (D) A suggestion to completely abandon modern life.
6. Which article is used to refer to a specific or unique noun?
- (A) a
- (B) an
- (C) the
- (D) no article
7. According to Hutchinson, what is the effect of consuming information, news, and entertainment at unprecedented speed?
- (A) It leads to superficial existence without true engagement.
- (B) It enhances comprehension and critical thinking.
- (C) It fosters deeper connections with global events.
- (D) It cultivates a more informed citizenry.
8. Identify the correct sentence structure:
- (A) Despite of the rain, we went out.
- (B) In spite of the rain, we went out.
- (C) Although the rain, we went out.
- (D) Because of the rain, we went out.
9. He ______ be at home now; I saw his car in the driveway.
- (A) may
- (B) might
- (C) could
- (D) must
10. The essay subtly critiques the modern materialistic culture by pointing out that it equates speed with what?
- (A) Progress and efficiency.
- (B) Leisure and well-being.
- (C) Creativity and innovation.
- (D) Simplicity and contentment.
11. What social issue is prominently highlighted in 'January Night'?
- (A) Child labor
- (B) Poverty and exploitation of tenant farmers
- (C) Gender inequality
- (D) Religious intolerance
12. Spot the error: The crowd were very enthusiastic about the match.
- (A) The crowd were
- (B) very enthusiastic
- (C) about the match
- (D) All are correct
13. The essay's conclusion encourages readers to prioritize what over blindly conforming to contemporary society's relentless rush?
- (A) Finding their own balanced 'pace for living'.
- (B) Adopting the fastest possible pace.
- (C) Returning to a pre-industrial lifestyle.
- (D) Focusing exclusively on work and productivity.
14. What does the author believe people lose due to the fast pace of life?
- (A) The pleasure of leisure, thought, and conversation
- (B) Their ability to read and write
- (C) Their sense of direction
- (D) Their physical strength
15. What does the story suggest about the emotional intelligence of animals?
- (A) Animals can exhibit profound emotional intelligence.
- (B) Animals are incapable of emotional intelligence.
- (C) Animal emotions are simple and fleeting.
- (D) Only domestic animals possess emotional intelligence.
16. What ethical responsibility towards animals is highlighted by Mahadevi Verma's narrative?
- (A) The responsibility to provide care, kindness, and respect to all living creatures.
- (B) The responsibility to only care for animals that can offer significant benefits.
- (C) The responsibility to keep animals confined for their own safety.
- (D) The responsibility to allow nature to take its course without intervention.
17. Choose the correct sentence:
- (A) He might come late today.
- (B) He can come late today.
- (C) He must come late today.
- (D) He will come late today.
18. Each of the students _______ given a book.
- (A) were
- (B) are
- (C) was
- (D) be
19. Which sentence uses the preposition correctly?
- (A) She is waiting for the bus since morning.
- (B) She is waiting for the bus from morning.
- (C) She has been waiting for the bus since morning.
- (D) She has been waiting for the bus from morning.
20. Why is the polythene bag described as a symbol of pollution in the poem?
- (A) Because its widespread use leads to significant environmental degradation
- (B) Because it is inherently an unattractive product
- (C) Because it is difficult to dispose of without causing harm
- (D) Because it is a sign of economic prosperity
21. Choose the correct sentence:
- (A) I saw a European tourist yesterday.
- (B) I saw an European tourist yesterday.
- (C) I saw the European tourist yesterday.
- (D) I saw European tourist yesterday.
22. What is the poet's message to the reader regarding their role in environmental issues?
- (A) Readers have a responsibility to adopt sustainable practices
- (B) Readers should ignore environmental problems
- (C) Readers should focus only on economic development
- (D) Readers should rely on governments to solve environmental issues
23. What does the poem suggest about the overall tone of its message?
- (A) Urgency and concern for the environment
- (B) Indifference towards pollution
- (C) Celebration of modern conveniences
- (D) Humor about waste management issues
24. What does Hutchinson value over the speed of thought or action?
- (A) The ability to multitask effectively.
- (B) The capacity for contemplation and reflection.
- (C) The drive to achieve ambitious goals.
- (D) The efficiency of modern communication.
25. The news _______ bad.
- (A) are
- (B) were
- (C) is
- (D) be
26. How did Gillu respond to his name and Mahadevi Verma's presence?
- (A) He would engage and respond, showing understanding.
- (B) He would ignore her completely.
- (C) He would become scared and hide.
- (D) He would only respond to food.
27. What does Hutchinson encourage readers to find in their lives?
- (A) Their own 'pace for living'.
- (B) The fastest possible speed for all activities.
- (C) More reasons to be busy.
- (D) Less time for reflection.
28. Choose the correct indirect speech for: 'Where do you live?' he asked.
- (A) He asked me where I lived.
- (B) He asked where do I live.
- (C) He asked me where I live.
- (D) He asked where I am living.
29. Hutchinson believes that the modern individual is often a victim of:
- (A) Self-imposed hurry
- (B) Lack of ambition
- (C) Excessive leisure time
- (D) Poor natural resources
30. In 'The Pace for Living', the author finds himself in a cinema along with a:
- (A) Cornish man
- (B) French man
- (C) German man
- (D) American man
31. Choose the correct sentence:
- (A) He told me that he was tired.
- (B) He told me that he is tired.
- (C) He told me he was tired.
- (D) He told me that he will be tired.
32. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', who tries to preach ecology to Mr. Johnson?
- (A) Jim
- (B) Greta
- (C) Mr. Greene
- (D) The narrator's mother
33. What was the name of the squirrel in Mahadevi Verma's story 'Gillu'?
- (A) Mitu
- (B) Kalu
- (C) Gillu
- (D) Chiku
34. According to Satyajit Ray ('What is Wrong with Indian Films'), what is primarily lacking in Indian films?
- (A) A lively imagination and simplicity
- (B) Good music
- (C) Longer duration
- (D) Traditional dances
35. Who delivered the 'Acceptance Speech' on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize?
- (A) Aung San Suu Kyi
- (B) Martin Luther King Jr.
- (C) Nelson Mandela
- (D) Mahatma Gandhi
36. In Toni Morrison's 'Once Upon a Time', who is the old woman?
- (A) A wise woman and daughter of slaves
- (B) A village school teacher
- (C) A foreign traveller
- (D) A queen
37. Humayun Kabir's essay 'The Unity of Indian Culture' emphasizes India's underlying:
- (A) Diversity in unity
- (B) Economic superiority
- (C) Military might
- (D) Political separation
38. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', what is the name of the two little girls?
- (A) Malasha and Akulina
- (B) Nina and Masha
- (C) Olga and Natasha
- (D) Anna and Sophia
39. According to the poem 'God Made the Country', who made the town?
- (A) Man
- (B) God
- (C) Nature
- (D) Kings
40. The poem 'Ode on Solitude' is written by:
- (A) Alexander Pope
- (B) William Wordsworth
- (C) John Keats
- (D) P. B. Shelley
41. What makes a noise and causes trouble in the poem 'Polythene Bag'?
- (A) The polythene bag
- (B) The wind
- (C) Stray dogs
- (D) Passing cars
42. In the poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent', who is pining away?
- (A) Radha
- (B) Mira
- (C) The moon
- (D) A young maiden
43. What burns continually in the hearts of the characters in 'The Empty Heart'?
- (A) Greed and desire for wealth
- (B) Love and affection
- (C) Anger and hatred
- (D) Fear of death
44. Which bird is the central theme of the poem 'Koel'?
- (A) Koel
- (B) Cuckoo
- (C) Crow
- (D) Sparrow
45. What is the physical condition of 'The Sleeping Porter'?
- (A) Tired, burdened and shivering
- (B) Fresh and energetic
- (C) Fast asleep in a bed
- (D) Relaxing by a river
46. Who used to tell stories to the children in Walter de la Mare's poem 'Martha'?
- (A) Martha
- (B) Alice
- (C) Jane
- (D) Mary
47. Choose the correct tense: By next Monday, we ______ our project.
- (A) will have finished
- (B) finish
- (C) finished
- (D) are finishing
48. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'Open the door.'
- (A) Let the door be opened.
- (B) The door is opened.
- (C) Open should be the door.
- (D) Let the door open.
49. Choose the correct indirect speech: He said, 'I am reading a book.'
- (A) He said that he was reading a book.
- (B) He said that he is reading a book.
- (C) He says that he reads a book.
- (D) He told that he read a book.
50. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: She is fond ______ music.
- (A) of
- (B) in
- (C) at
- (D) on
51. Choose the correct synonym for 'Ancient':
- (A) Old
- (B) Modern
- (C) Fresh
- (D) New
52. Choose the correct antonym for 'Brave':
- (A) Cowardly
- (B) Bold
- (C) Fearless
- (D) Strong
53. Give one-word substitution for: 'A person who writes books.'
- (A) Author
- (B) Painter
- (C) Singer
- (D) Actor
54. Choose the correctly spelled word:
- (A) Environment
- (B) Envirunment
- (C) Environmnet
- (D) Enviornment
55. Fill in the blank with the correct article: She wants to be ______ engineer.
- (A) an
- (B) a
- (C) the
- (D) no article
56. In 'The Pace for Living', the corn-merchant is described as a man of anxiety and of what type of mind?
- (A) Brilliant mind
- (B) Slow, hitching mind
- (C) Sharp mind
- (D) Scientific mind
57. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Jim advises Ms. Greene not to burn her leaves because it causes what?
- (A) Noise pollution
- (B) Water pollution
- (C) Air pollution
- (D) Soil pollution
58. What favorite food of Gillu is mentioned in Mahadevi Verma's story?
- (A) Rice
- (B) Kaju
- (C) Biscuits
- (D) Peanuts
59. According to Satyajit Ray in 'What is Wrong with Indian Films', what should be the primary raw material of cinema in a country like India?
- (A) Fantasy
- (B) Life itself
- (C) Western influence
- (D) Mythology alone
60. Who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her husband and delivered the 'Acceptance Speech'?
- (A) Toni Morrison
- (B) Mahadevi Verma
- (C) Aung San Suu Kyi
- (D) Narain
61. In Toni Morrison's 'Once Upon a Time', language is described not merely as protection but as what?
- (A) A weapon
- (B) An act
- (C) A barrier
- (D) A decoration
62. Humayun Kabir argues in 'The Unity of Indian Culture' that India's unique quality lies in its capacity for what?
- (A) Isolation
- (B) Synthesis and assimilation
- (C) Rigid purity
- (D) Conquest
63. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', what starts the quarrel between Akoulya and Malasha?
- (A) A stolen toy
- (B) A splash of muddy water
- (C) An argument over berries
- (D) A broken fence
64. In the poem 'God Made the Country', the poet states that man made what?
- (A) The hills
- (B) The town
- (C) The fields
- (D) The sky
65. In 'Ode on Solitude', the man whose wishes and care are bound to what is described as happy?
- (A) His native air
- (B) A foreign land
- (C) The busy town
- (D) The royal court
66. According to the poem 'Polythene Bag', the polythene bag never does what within the earth?
- (A) Melt
- (B) Dissolve
- (C) Burn
- (D) Grow
67. In the poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent', the bride of the South is pining for whom?
- (A) Her father
- (B) Her friend
- (C) The Madhava
- (D) The king
68. In 'The Empty Heart', what happens to the wealthy man's peace of mind after he gains immense wealth?
- (A) It increases
- (B) It vanishes entirely
- (C) It remains stable
- (D) It turns to joy
69. The poem 'Koel' highlights the bird's song which stirs what inside the speaker's heart?
- (A) Anger
- (B) A deep fire or restlessness
- (C) Complete peace
- (D) Indifference
70. In 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter carries a heavy load through the cold air while wearing what condition of clothing?
- (A) Warm woolens
- (B) Tattered rags
- (C) Silk robes
- (D) Waterproof jackets
71. What color were Martha's eyes as described in Walter de la Mare's poem?
- (A) Blue
- (B) Clear, grey eyes
- (C) Dark black
- (D) Hazel
72. Choose the correct form of tense: By the time we arrive, the train ______.
- (A) will leave
- (B) will have left
- (C) left
- (D) has left
73. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'Please help me.'
- (A) You are requested to help me.
- (B) Let me be helped by you.
- (C) Help is wanted by me.
- (D) I must be helped.
74. Choose the correct indirect speech for: He said to me, 'Are you coming?'
- (A) He asked me that I am coming.
- (B) He asked me if I was coming.
- (C) He told me whether you are coming.
- (D) He asked me are you coming.
75. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: She is proficient ______ mathematics.
- (A) in
- (B) at
- (C) on
- (D) with
76. Choose the correct synonym for 'Abundant':
- (A) Scarce
- (B) Plentiful
- (C) Little
- (D) Meager
77. Choose the correct antonym for 'Artificial':
- (A) False
- (B) Natural
- (C) Synthetic
- (D) Fake
78. Give the one-word substitution for: 'A government by the people.'
- (A) Monarchy
- (B) Autocracy
- (C) Democracy
- (D) Oligarchy
79. Choose the correctly spelled word:
- (A) Environment
- (B) Enviroment
- (C) Inviroment
- (D) Envirnment
80. Fill in the blank with the correct article: ______ honest man is respected everywhere.
- (A) A
- (B) An
- (C) The
- (D) No article
81. In 'The Pace for Living', R. C. Hutchinson describes the elderly corn-merchant as a man with a mind like what?
- (A) A slow machine
- (B) A wandering engine
- (C) A falling leaf
- (D) A broken clock
82. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Jim tells the author that recycling old newspapers helps in saving what?
- (A) Water
- (B) Electricity
- (C) Trees
- (D) Plastic
83. During the final days of Gillu's life, what did Gillu refuse to touch or eat?
- (A) Cashew nuts
- (B) Milk
- (C) Rice
- (D) Bread
84. According to Satyajit Ray, Indian films often lack what fundamental element of realism?
- (A) Exotic locations
- (B) Consistency
- (C) Costly costumes
- (D) Grand sets
85. In the 'Acceptance Speech', the speaker emphasizes that humanity's true survival depends on what?
- (A) Technological advancement
- (B) Mutual trust and peace
- (C) Economic dominance
- (D) Military power
86. In Toni Morrison's 'Once Upon a Time', what is the old woman holding while conversing with the young visitors?
- (A) A book
- (B) A letter
- (C) Nothing, she is blind
- (D) A wooden stick
87. Humayun Kabir maintains that Indian culture is characterized by its continuous capacity for what?
- (A) Isolation
- (B) Assimilation
- (C) Destruction
- (D) Rejection
88. In 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', whose fault was it that caused the angry crowd to gather?
- (A) Akoulya's father
- (B) Malasha's mother
- (C) Akoulya's mother
- (D) Malasha's grandmother
89. In 'God Made the Country', the poet suggests that health and virtue are best preserved in which setting?
- (A) The busy town
- (B) The rural countryside
- (C) The royal palace
- (D) The coastal port
90. In 'Ode on Solitude', the happy man gets his clothing from which source?
- (A) Imported silk
- (B) His own flocks
- (C) The village market
- (D) A royal merchant
91. What sound does the polythene bag make when stepped upon or crushed, according to the poem?
- (A) A loud boom
- (B) A melodic tune
- (C) A squeaky note
- (D) A silent rustle
92. In 'Thinner Than a Crescent', the heroine's suffering is caused by separation from whom?
- (A) Her mother
- (B) Her childhood friend
- (C) Her beloved
- (D) Her brother
93. In 'The Empty Heart', what drove the wealthy man to accumulate more and more riches?
- (A) Greed and unending desire
- (B) A royal decree
- (C) Family pressure
- (D) Poverty
94. The poem 'Koel' portrays the bird as hiding amidst the dense foliage of which tree?
- (A) Mango tree
- (B) Neem tree
- (C) Banyan tree
- (D) Pine tree
95. In 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter's heart is described as beating with what quality?
- (A) Fear
- (B) Courage and rhythm
- (C) Sorrow
- (D) Anger
96. Choose the correct indirect speech for: He said, 'I am going to Patna today.'
- (A) He said that he was going to Patna that day.
- (B) He said that he is going to Patna today.
- (C) He says that he was going to Patna that day.
- (D) He said that he will go to Patna that day.
97. Choose the correct passive voice for: 'The teacher praised the boy.'
- (A) The boy was praised by the teacher.
- (B) The boy is praised by the teacher.
- (C) The teacher was praised by the boy.
- (D) The boy has been praised by the teacher.
98. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: He is good _______ playing cricket.
- (A) at
- (B) in
- (C) on
- (D) with
99. Choose the correct antonym for the word 'Arrogant':
- (A) Proud
- (B) Humble
- (C) Cruel
- (D) Selfish
100. Give the one-word substitution for: 'A person who does not believe in the existence of God.'
- (A) Theist
- (B) Atheist
- (C) Optometrist
- (D) Fatalist
Section B — Short answer: 30 questions, answer any 15 (2 marks each · 30 marks)
1. How does the author describe modern man's anxiety in 'The Pace for Living'?
2 marks2. What message does Jim convey regarding ecology in 'Me and the Ecology Bit'?
2 marks3. Why does the poet consider rural life superior in 'God Made the Country'?
2 marks4. How does Alexander Pope describe a happy man in 'Ode on Solitude'?
2 marks5. What is the central theme of the poem 'Polythene Bag'?
2 marks6. “O little Bird !” Why capital ‘B’ has been used here?
2 marks7. How does Ray view the common elements of song, dance, and melodrama in Indian films, and what is their effect on the overall quality and message of these films?
2 marks8. Why Akoulaya started shouting at Malasha?
2 marks9. What did Radha’s friend believe in?
2 marks10. Describe the initial rescue of Gillu and the challenges faced by Mahadevi Verma in nursing him back to health. What does this incident reveal about her character?
2 marks11. What did Akoulaya do while other women were abusing?
2 marks12. Describe the unique bond that developed between Mahadevi Verma and the squirrel, Gillu.
2 marks13. Where did the writer watch the play?
2 marks14. Discuss the ways Gillu expressed his joy and affection towards the author.
2 marks15. How did the writer manage to pour water in the mouth of the motionless tiny baby squirrel?
2 marks16. What led to the tragic downfall of the rich man in 'The Empty Heart'?
2 marks17. How does the poet depict the harsh working conditions of the porter in 'The Sleeping Porter'?
2 marks18. What is the significance of the crescent moon in Vidyapati's poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent'?
2 marks19. Why does the speaker in 'Once Upon a Time' wish to unlearn her old habits?
2 marks20. How does the Koel express its inner agony in the poem 'Koel'?
2 marks21. What role does memory play in Walter de la Mare's poem 'Martha'?
2 marks22. According to Humayun Kabir in 'The Unity of Indian Culture', what has been India's greatest strength through history?
2 marks23. What does Aung San Suu Kyi emphasize regarding the Burmese people's struggle in her 'Acceptance Speech'?
2 marks24. What main criticism does Satyajit Ray make regarding the plots of Indian films?
2 marks25. Why does the author in 'The Pace for Living' feel that modern rapid travel is not true leisure?
2 marks26. How does Jim try to convince Mr. Williams about protecting the environment in 'Me and the Ecology Bit'?
2 marks27. What lesson do the little girls learn at the end of Tolstoy's story 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men'?
2 marks28. How does the poet describe the lingering nature of the polythene bag in the poem 'Polythene Bag'?
2 marks29. What kind of lifestyle does the poet praise in William Cowper's 'God Made the Country'?
2 marks30. What specific qualities make a man truly happy according to Alexander Pope in 'Ode on Solitude'?
2 marks
Section C — Long answer & composition: 8 questions, answer any 4 (5 marks each · 20 marks)
1. What alternative does R.C. Hutchinson suggest to the hurried pace of modern city life?
5 marks2. Quote a few lines from the text which highlights the plight of woman and depressed classes
5 marks3. How does the story portray the difference between children's and adults' approaches to environmental issues?
5 marks4. What paradox of a peasant's life is revealed at the end of the story when Halku's crops are ruined?
5 marks5. According to Satyajit Ray, what are the main reasons for the criticism of Indian films?
5 marks6. Fill in the blank: My birthday is ______ November 5th. (in, on, at, during)
5 marks7. Can you provide examples of sentences where articles are omitted, and explain why?
5 marks8. Explain the usage of the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' with examples.
5 marks9. Change the voice: He had written a letter before he slept.
5 marks