BSEB Class 10 English Question Paper 2020

1. He travels by  ____  bus.

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

2. Choose the correct sentence:

1. (A) He wants to become a doctor.
2. (B) He wants to become an doctor.
3. (C) He wants to become doctor.
4. (D) He wants to become the doctor.

3. The author values the capacity for contemplation and reflection. Why are these qualities often casualties of the fast pace, according to Hutchinson?

1. (A) The constant rush leaves little time or mental space for deep thought.
2. (B) Contemplation is considered an inefficient use of time in a fast-paced society.
3. (C) Modern education systems actively discourage reflective thinking.
4. (D) Individuals are too distracted by technological devices to reflect.

4. According to the story, what is a significant benefit of animal companionship for humans?

1. (A) It brings joy, lightness, and can have a therapeutic impact on well-being.
2. (B) It serves as a constant reminder of life's impermanence.
3. (C) It teaches humans about the harsh realities of nature.
4. (D) It primarily offers a source of amusement and entertainment.

5. What is the poem's overall tone regarding the issue of polythene bags?

1. (A) Urgency and concern
2. (B) Indifference and apathy
3. (C) Amusement and lightheartedness
4. (D) Celebration and progress

6. Which of these words is spelled correctly?

1. (A) Accommodation
2. (B) Acommodation
3. (C) Accomodation
4. (D) Acomodation

7. Choose the correct sentence:

1. (A) The news are bad.
2. (B) The news is bad.
3. (C) The news were bad.
4. (D) The news am bad.

8. The phrase 'agonizing deaths' when referring to animals is an example of:

1. (A) Pathos (appeal to emotion)
2. (B) Hyperbole (exaggeration)
3. (C) Irony
4. (D) Understatement

9. 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.

10. The train ____ by the time we reached the station.

1. (A) leaves
2. (B) left
3. (C) had left
4. (D) leaving

11. Why is the polythene bag described as a symbol of pollution in the poem?

1. (A) Because its widespread use leads to significant environmental degradation
2. (B) Because it is inherently an unattractive product
3. (C) Because it is difficult to dispose of without causing harm
4. (D) Because it is a sign of economic prosperity

12. The poem contrasts 'moment's convenience' with 'lasting cost.' What does this contrast emphasize?

1. (A) The short-term benefit of using a polythene bag versus its long-term environmental impact.
2. (B) The immediate satisfaction of a purchase versus the financial expense.
3. (C) The ease of disposal versus the effort of recycling.
4. (D) The temporary nature of plastic versus the permanence of nature.

13. She is good …… playing the guitar.

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

14. The story's use of specific details, like Gillu perching on her desk while she wrote, contributes to the overall effect of:

1. (A) Creating an intimate and personal atmosphere
2. (B) Demonstrating the author's writing process
3. (C) Illustrating the difficulties of writing
4. (D) Showing the limitations of animal companionship

15. Which modal verb is used to ask for or give permission in a polite way?

1. (A) a) Shall
2. (B) b) Will
3. (C) c) May
4. (D) d) Would

16. The author implies that the modern individual often feels unfulfilled despite being constantly busy. What is this feeling a result of?

1. (A) Chasing deadlines and achievements without true satisfaction.
2. (B) Spending too much time in nature.
3. (C) Engaging in slow, deliberate activities.
4. (D) Having too much leisure time.

17. A government in which all religions are treated equally.

1. (A) Monarchy
2. (B) Theocracy
3. (C) Secularism
4. (D) Democracy

18. How does Hutchinson describe his own thinking process in relation to the modern pace?

1. (A) He is a fast thinker who excels in debates.
2. (B) He prefers quick decisions over contemplation.
3. (C) He admits to being a slow thinker who struggles to keep up.
4. (D) He believes speed is essential for intelligence.

19. Which article is used before a singular countable noun that begins with a vowel sound?

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

20. The author admits to being a 'slow thinker'. What challenge does this pose in urban environments?

1. (A) Difficulty keeping up with rapid conversations and witty remarks.
2. (B) Being perceived as unintelligent by others.
3. (C) Finding it hard to relax and unwind.
4. (D) Being unable to enjoy fast-paced entertainment.

21. The poem implies that the polythene bag, initially designed for ease, has become a symbol of:

1. (A) Pollution
2. (B) Progress
3. (C) Innovation
4. (D) Hygiene

22. What does Mahadevi Verma mean when she says Gillu's rescue initiated a 'journey of care and affection that would transform both their lives'?

1. (A) It led to a deep emotional bond and mutual enrichment between the author and the squirrel.
2. (B) The author provided extensive veterinary care for the squirrel.
3. (C) The squirrel's recovery allowed it to return to its natural habitat.
4. (D) The author learned new skills in animal rehabilitation.

23. The word 'Solitude' in the title primarily refers to:

1. (A) A state of being alone but content, rather than lonely
2. (B) Complete isolation from human society
3. (C) A state of deep sadness
4. (D) A preference for noisy gatherings

24. What is the 'underlying message' or call to action in Hutchinson's essay?

1. (A) To practice mindfulness and re-evaluate life's priorities.
2. (B) To embrace technological advancements for greater speed.
3. (C) To speed up daily activities for increased productivity.
4. (D) To ignore the pace of modern society and live in isolation.

25. What does Hutchinson believe should not be the sole measure of intelligence?

1. (A) The speed of thought or action.
2. (B) The ability to empathize with others.
3. (C) The depth of knowledge acquired.
4. (D) The creativity in problem-solving.

26. In the context of the story, what does the word 'poignant' primarily suggest about Mahadevi Verma's short story?

1. (A) It is cheerful and lighthearted.
2. (B) It evokes a sense of sadness and deep emotion.
3. (C) It is purely factual and objective.
4. (D) It focuses on humor and comedy.

27. What does Mahadevi Verma advocate for through the narrative of Gillu?

1. (A) A compassionate worldview and ethical responsibility towards animals.
2. (B) The importance of scientific research on animal behavior.
3. (C) The superiority of human intelligence over animal intelligence.
4. (D) The necessity of keeping animals confined for their own safety.

28. How does 'will' change in indirect speech if the reporting verb is in the past tense?

1. (A) will becomes would
2. (B) will becomes can
3. (C) will becomes could
4. (D) will remains will

29. My father is  ____  engineer.

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

30. Choose the correct sentence:

1. (A) She can speak French very well.
2. (B) She may speak French very well.
3. (C) She must speak French very well.
4. (D) She should speak French very well.

31. In 'The Pace for Living', R.C. Hutchinson watches a play in which corn-merchants feature as characters. Where is this play set?

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

32. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Jim tries to lecture Mr. Johnson about turning off what appliance?

1. (A) Television
2. (B) Air conditioner
3. (C) Car motor
4. (D) Water heater

33. What food item did Gillu the squirrel refuse to eat during his illness?

1. (A) Caju
2. (B) Rice
3. (C) Biscuits
4. (D) Milk

34. According to Satyajit Ray in 'What is Wrong with Indian Films', what is primarily lacking in Indian cinema compared to foreign films?

1. (A) Good music
2. (B) Style and consistency
3. (C) Emotional depth
4. (D) Traditional stories

35. Who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi?

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

36. In the poem 'God Made the Country', what has man made?

1. (A) Villages
2. (B) Towns
3. (C) Rivers
4. (D) Mountains

37. According to Alexander Pope in 'Ode on Solitude', a happy man gets his daily bread from:

1. (A) Markets
2. (B) His own fields
3. (C) Shops
4. (D) Neighbours

38. What happens when the polythene bag is left alone, according to the poem 'Polythene Bag'?

1. (A) It melts away
2. (B) It bursts
3. (C) It buries itself
4. (D) It remains intact

39. In the poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent', the girl's name is:

1. (A) Radha
2. (B) Meera
3. (C) Martha
4. (D) Durga

40. In 'The Empty Heart', the king's greed for wealth led him to amass gold in:

1. (A) Two big pots
2. (B) Seven big pots
3. (C) Ten big pots
4. (D) Five big pots

41. Choose the correct indirect speech of: 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 asked me that where I was going.

42. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'The dog chased the cat.'

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

43. Fill in the blank with the correct tense: By next month, we ______ our project.

1. (A) will finish
2. (B) will have finished
3. (C) finished
4. (D) have finished

44. Choose the correct preposition: She is afraid ______ dogs.

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

45. What is the antonym of the word 'Ancient'?

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

46. What is the synonym of the word 'Brave'?

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

47. Choose the one-word substitution for: 'A person who writes books.'

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

48. Which of the following words is correctly spelled?

1. (A) Recieve
2. (B) Receive
3. (C) Receve
4. (D) Reseive

49. In 'The Unity of Indian Culture', Humayun Kabir points out that India's culture has a wonderful capacity for:

1. (A) Rejection
2. (B) Assimilation
3. (C) Destruction
4. (D) Isolation

50. In the story 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', who are the two little girls involved in the initial dispute?

1. (A) Akulina and Malasha
2. (B) Anna and Maria
3. (C) Olga and Natasha
4. (D) Sonia and Vera

51. In the poem 'Koel', what does the bird's song do to the listener's heart?

1. (A) Fills it with anger
2. (B) Makes it restless
3. (C) Piesces it with fire
4. (D) Brings deep sleep

52. In the poem 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter is described as carrying a load that makes his heart:

1. (A) Beat normally
2. (B) Flutter
3. (C) Stop
4. (D) Sing

53. In the poem 'Martha', what is special about Martha's stories?

1. (A) They are very long
2. (B) Her eyes seem to remember them
3. (C) They are written in a book
4. (D) They are sung like songs

54. Fill in the blank with the correct article: He wants to become ______ university professor.

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

55. Choose the correct sentence among the following:

1. (A) He does not knows the answer.
2. (B) He do not know the answer.
3. (C) He does not know the answer.
4. (D) He not know the answer.

56. In 'The Pace for Living', R.C. Hutchinson describes his anxiety while traveling in a car driven by whom?

1. (A) His nephew
2. (B) His friend
3. (C) His wife
4. (D) A taxi driver

57. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Jim visits Mr. Johnson and advises him not to burn what item?

1. (A) Plastic bags
2. (B) Dry leaves
3. (C) Old newspapers
4. (D) Plastic bottles

58. What favorite food did Gillu the squirrel particularly relish when he recovered?

1. (A) Cashewnuts
2. (B) Peanuts
3. (C) Almonds
4. (D) Walnuts

59. According to Satyajit Ray in 'What is Wrong with Indian Films', Indian films frequently lack what crucial element?

1. (A) Music and dance
2. (B) Style and honesty
3. (C) Lengthy runtimes
4. (D) Melodramatic acting

60. Whose speech is presented in the chapter 'Acceptance Speech'?

1. (A) Aung San Suu Kyi
2. (B) Martin Luther King Jr.
3. (C) Nelson Mandela
4. (D) Mahatma Gandhi

61. In Toni Morrison's 'Once Upon a Time', who is depicted as talking to a visitor?

1. (A) A wise old woman
2. (B) A young child
3. (C) A blind old man
4. (D) A village chief

62. According to Humayun Kabir in 'The Unity of Indian Culture', what has been the defining feature of Indian civilization?

1. (A) Isolationism
2. (B) Synthesizing diverse cultures
3. (C) Military conquest
4. (D) Absolute uniformity

63. In Leo Tolstoy's 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men', what started the argument between Akoulina and Malasha?

1. (A) A broken toy
2. (B) Puddle splashes on a dress
3. (C) Stolen apples
4. (D) A lost coin

64. In the poem 'God Made the Country', the poet states that towns were made by whom?

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

65. In 'Ode on Solitude', how does the happy man spend his youth according to Alexander Pope?

1. (A) Full of worries
2. (B) Unconcerned and free
3. (C) Working tirelessly
4. (D) Traveling the world

66. In the poem 'Polythene Bag', what happens to the bag when it is left untouched?

1. (A) It melts into soil
2. (B) It dissolves completely
3. (C) It never dies and stays forever
4. (D) It burns into ash

67. In Vidyapati's poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent', the girl's state of mind is caused by what?

1. (A) Poverty
2. (B) Separation from her lover
3. (C) Physical illness
4. (D) Loss of wealth

68. In the poem 'The Empty Heart', what happened to the city where the rich man lived after his death?

1. (A) It became a bustling capital
2. (B) It turned into a silent forest
3. (C) It was destroyed by floods
4. (D) It was rebuilt by neighbors

69. In the poem 'Koel', what feeling does the bird's fiery voice arouse in the poet?

1. (A) Joy
2. (B) Restless longing and pain
3. (C) Anger
4. (D) Fear

70. In 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter climbs the steep mountain slope carrying what?

1. (A) A heavy load
2. (B) A wounded animal
3. (C) Fresh water
4. (D) Firewood

71. In Walter de la Mare's poem 'Martha', where does Martha sit to tell her stories?

1. (A) On a wooden bench
2. (B) In the hazel-glen
3. (C) By the riverside
4. (D) Under the old oak tree

72. Choose the correct tense form: 'She ______ a book when I entered the room.'

1. (A) is reading
2. (B) was reading
3. (C) has read
4. (D) reads

73. Choose the correct indirect speech of: He said, 'I am writing a letter.'

1. (A) He said that he is writing a letter.
2. (B) He said that he was writing a letter.
3. (C) He said that he has written a letter.
4. (D) He says that he was writing a letter.

74. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'The mason is building the wall.'

1. (A) The wall was built by the mason.
2. (B) The wall is being built by the mason.
3. (C) The wall has been built by the mason.
4. (D) The wall builds the mason.

75. Choose the correct preposition: 'Distribute these sweets ______ the children.'

1. (A) between
2. (B) among
3. (C) in
4. (D) on

76. What is the antonym of the word 'Artificial'?

1. (A) False
2. (B) Natural
3. (C) Manmade
4. (D) Synthetic

77. What is the synonym of the word 'Abundant'?

1. (A) Scarce
2. (B) Plentiful
3. (C) Little
4. (D) Rare

78. Choose the one-word substitution for: 'A person who does not believe in the existence of God.'

1. (A) Theist
2. (B) Atheist
3. (C) Optimist
4. (D) Pessimist

79. Which of the following words is correctly spelled?

1. (A) Environment
2. (B) Envirnment
3. (C) Environmint
4. (D) Envrionment

80. Fill in the blank with the correct article: 'He is ______ honorable man.'

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

81. In 'The Pace for Living', the Cornish businessman's heart failed because he was exhausted by:

1. (A) the hectic pace of modern life
2. (B) a long walk in the country
3. (C) financial loss in business
4. (D) travelling in a slow train

82. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', what excuse does Jim give Ms. Greene about keeping her yard clean?

1. (A) He tells her that garbage creates pollution
2. (B) He asks her to collect used plastic bottles
3. (C) He says she should plant more trees
4. (D) He reminds her about picking up aluminum cans

83. Where was Gillu buried after his death?

1. (A) Under the sonjuhi creeper
2. (B) Beneath a mango tree
3. (C) In the middle of the lawn
4. (D) Near the author's writing desk

84. According to Satyajit Ray, what element must be present in a true national cinema?

1. (A) Style, polish and a genuine social purpose
2. (B) Heavy use of traditional classical dances
3. (C) Excessive melodrama and loud background music
4. (D) Complex foreign plotlines

85. Who delivered the Acceptance Speech on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi?

1. (A) Her son, Alexander Aris
2. (B) Her husband, Michael Aris
3. (C) The chairman of the Nobel Committee
4. (D) Her close political colleague

86. In Toni Morrison's 'Once Upon a Time', the old woman is addressed by visitors who are described as:

1. (A) young people
2. (B) curious children
3. (C) government officials
4. (D) foreign journalists

87. Humayun Kabir compares the culture of India to what natural phenomenon?

1. (A) A mighty river absorbing various tributaries
2. (B) A deep forest with diverse wildlife
3. (C) A high mountain standing firm against storms
4. (D) An endless ocean with calm waves

88. How did the dispute between the little girls in 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men' initially get resolved?

1. (A) They forgot their anger and started playing together again
2. (B) Their parents intervened and forced them to apologize
3. (C) The village elders gave a formal judgment
4. (D) They exchanged gifts as a sign of peace

89. In the poem 'God Made the Country', the poet observes that human inventions tend to cause:

1. (A) health issues and spiritual decay
2. (B) rapid industrial progress and wealth
3. (C) better communication among nations
4. (D) greater peace in society

90. According to 'Ode on Solitude', the man whose wishes and care are bound to his native plot is:

1. (A) content
2. (B) ambitious
3. (C) restless
4. (D) wealthy

91. What happens to the environment when a polythene bag is discarded carelessly, according to the poem?

1. (A) It persists and degrades the earth
2. (B) It dissolves quickly in rainwater
3. (C) It is eaten by stray animals safely
4. (D) It turns into harmless dust

92. In Vidyapati's poem 'Thinner Than a Crescent', friends are worried because the girl is pining away due to:

1. (A) separation from her lover
2. (B) severe physical illness
3. (C) poverty and hunger
4. (D) loss of her family home

93. In 'The Empty Heart', what drove the rich man to spend all his time accumulating wealth?

1. (A) Insatiable greed
2. (B) Fear of poverty
3. (C) A royal decree
4. (D) Desire to build a temple

94. In the poem 'Koel', what quality of the koel's song pierces the poet's heart?

1. (A) Its intense and fiery notes
2. (B) Its soft and soothing lullaby
3. (C) Its sad and mournful tone
4. (D) Its loud and angry shout

95. In 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter's breath is described as:

1. (A) reflux and heavy
2. (B) warm and steady
3. (C) cool and refreshing
4. (D) faint and fragile

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

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

97. Choose the correct passive voice of: 'They will finish the work tomorrow.'

1. (A) The work will be finished by them tomorrow.
2. (B) The work would be finished by them tomorrow.
3. (C) The work is finished by them tomorrow.
4. (D) The work has been finished by them tomorrow.

98. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: She congratulated him ______ his success.

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

99. What is the antonym of the word 'Transparent'?

1. (A) Opaque
2. (B) Clear
3. (C) Bright
4. (D) Visible

100. Choose the correct one-word substitution for: 'A person who knows many languages.'

1. (A) Polyglot
2. (B) Linguist
3. (C) Bilingual
4. (D) Translator