Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 1
Class: 10Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1.The letter read that the box contained ______. (a sensitive dynamite / jewels / money)A. a sensitive dynamiteB. jewelsC. money[1]
2.Who had provided Prospero formerly with books and provisions?a. Antoniob. Ferdinandc. Gonzalod. Antonio[1]
3.The narrator was sent for, by his uncle when he was . (on his deathbed / on his travels / in his workplace)A. on his deathbedB. on his travelsC. in his workplace[1]
4.It is the ___(8)___ we impair.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
5.Choose the correct sentence: A. My son is fond of music. B. My son is fond to music.A. My son is fond of music.B. My son is fond to music.[1]
6.He started thinking of all possible ways to open the box without being ______. (wounded / killed / maimed)A. woundedB. killedC. maimed[1]
7.And a thousandth of an inch to give us play: Which of the following do the machines want to prove from this line?a. Once Machines are fed with fuel, they take a very long time to start.b. Once Machines are fed with fuel, they start quickly.[1]
8.5. Failure is often the __________ negligence.a. effect ofb. consequence ofc. reason of[1]
9."How many photos have you got?" He wants to know how many....a. photos I had got.b. photos you have got.c. photos had I got?d. photos I have got.[1]
10.Choose the correct sentence: A. Sreena avoids eating fruits. B. Sreena avoids to eat fruits.A. Sreena avoids eating fruits.B. Sreena avoids to eat fruits.[1]
11.4. As a ________ of his hard work, he achieved the target.a. instead ofb. result ofc. apart from[1]
12.1. Everything falls to the ground _______ earth's gravitational pull.a. in addition tob. because ofc. cause of[1]
13.How did people of the village react to Mulan after her return from the battle?a. cheered herb. mocked herc. punished herd. scolded her[1]
14.The uncle had collected precious . (jewels / stones / articles)A. jewelsB. stonesC. articles[1]
15.This poem is about the ___(1)___ of all men.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.10. Fifteen minutes ___ allowed to read the question paper.[1]
17.4. It is ___________ to cut sandalwood trees. (legal)[1]
18.2. _____________ of these two students can solve this question.[1]
19.7. Gulliver's Travels ___ an excellent story.[1]
20.3. They_____ to write the exercises neatly.[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.How did Zigzag communicate with the Krishnans?[2]
22.What was the e-mail message sent to Somu by Dr. Krishnan?[2]
23.Which devices are controlled using ACTIV controller?[2]
24.How was the young seagull's first attempt to fly?[2]
25.How did the cops manage to enter the locked house?[2]
26.What do you mean by cyber safety?[2]
27.How many years had M. Hamel been in the village?[2]
28.4. She invited most of her friends. They attended the party.[2]
29.What was Mrs.Krishnan busy with?[2]
30.Mention at least two expressions which show that Mrs. Krishnan was not willing to have Zigzag at home.[2]
31.He is sick but he attends the rehearsal. (into Simple)[2]
32."I want you to go across the dike and take these cakes to your friend, the blind man."[2]
33.6. I have sold the house. It was located at the bank of a river.[2]
34.What was the daily routine of Sanyal?[2]
35.4. How did Peter spend his time with his blind friend?[2]
36.2. Socrates, the famous Classical Greek Athenian philosopher, died in 399 .[2]
37.What did the Bodwells think when they heard the mother shout?[2]
38."Your grievances are absolutely justified." Who says this to whom? Why?[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.Based on your understanding of the poem, complete the summary using the phrases given below. In this narrative poem, the poet brings out the idea that is essential for every creature. He conveys this message to the readers through a story of _____(1)_____. _____(2)_____. The cricket _____ (3) _____ happily in the summer. He _____ (4)_____ anything for the winter. When winter comes, he is worried that his _____ (5)_____ is empty. So, he seeks the help of the ant to have _____ (6)_____ and a _____ (7)_____ to stay. The cricket was even prepared to repay it in the future. The ant made it clear that ants _____ (8)_____. He also enquired the cricket if it had saved anything when the weather was fine. The cricket answered _____ (9)______. The ant threw the cricket out and stated in a stern voice it should dance in the winter season too. In his concluding lines, the poet affirms that this is not _____ (10) _____ but it is true and applicable to _____ (11)_____ also. (Phrases given: the pleasant nature, human beings, doesn't save, warm place, kitchen cupboard, just a fable, saving for future, some grains, never borrow or lend, an ant and a cricket, sings and dances)[5]
40.Write a paragraph on 'The Grumble Family' and their attitude towards other folks.[5]
41.Change the parts of speech of the given words in the chart. Noun Verb Adjective Adverb exhaustion widen mad perfectly[5]
42.Read the poem and find the lines for the following poetic devices or write your own example. Alliteration Assonance Personification Simile[5]
43.2. Strong is she in her faith and beliefs. "Persistence is the key to everything," says she. a) What is she strong about? b) How does she deal with the adversities in life?[5]
44.G. Change the following into passive voice. 1. Please call him at once. 2. How did you cross the river? 3. No one is borrowing the novels from the library. 4. Will you help me? 5. Go for a jog early in the morning. 6. They offered the job to Venkat. 7. The boss showed the new computer to Kaviya. 8. Why have you left your brother at home? 9. When will you book the tickets to Bengaluru? 10. No one has bought the tickets. 11. Somebody has taken away my book. 12. How did they do this?[5]
45.h. Who was responsible for Victor Savage's death? What was the evidence for it?[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 1
- 1. sensitive dynamite.
- 2. (c) Gonzalo.
- 3. A
- 4. (8) Human earth.
- 5. A
- 6. killed.
- 7. b
- 8. b
- 9. d
- 10. A
- 11. b
- 12. b
- 13. a
- 14. stones.
- 15. (1) Brotherhood.
- 16. are
- 17. illegal
- 18. Either of these two students can solve this question.
- 19. is
- 20. 4. Butter milk is good for health.
- 21. Zigzag did not speak to the Krishnans despite their attempts to communicate with him in several languages. Instead, he communicated only through non-verbal means such as winking, sleeping and snoring. This limited form of communication made it difficult for the family to understand what the bird wanted or needed, adding to the confusion and frustration in the household.
- 22. Dr Krishnan sent an email message to Somu asking for instructions on how to stop Zigzag from snoring. The loud snoring had become a major problem for the family, disturbing their peace and sleep, so Dr. Krishnan urgently sought advice from Somu on how to manage this issue and find a solution to the problem.
- 23. The ACTIV controller operates David's television, Blu-ray player and music player.
- 24. The young seagull's first attempt to fly was awkward and unsuccessful. He hesitated on the ledge, overcome by fear of the height and the vast expanse of sky before him. When he finally tried to launch himself, he fell rather than flew, tumbling downward without managing a proper flight. This initial failure reflected his lack of confidence and the paralyzing effect of his fear, though it was not his final attempt.
- 25. The policemen managed to enter the locked house by using brute force. They put their shoulders against the heavy front door and broke it open, forcing their way inside without waiting for anyone to unlock it from within. This dramatic entry set the stage for the chaos that would follow inside the house.
- 26. Cyber safety means protecting yourself, your personal information and your devices from online threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft, malware and scams by using safe practices (strong passwords, privacy settings, cautious sharing and verified sources).
- 27. M. Hamel had taught in the village for forty years, a fact he mentions to show his long service and devotion.
- 28. She invited most of her friends who attended the party. The relative pronoun 'who' is used to join the two sentences and refers to 'friends.' This relative clause provides essential information about which friends are being discussed, identifying them as those who attended the party. The relative pronoun 'who' is appropriate here because it refers to people. By using the relative pronoun, the two sentences are combined into one more concise and flowing sentence without losing any important information or clarity.
- 29. Mrs Krishnan was busy preparing paintings for an exhibition the following week.
- 30. Two expressions are: "I'm going crazy with the sound of Zigzag snoring, plus all these telephone calls" and "And my beautiful painting..."
- 31. He attends the rehearsal despite being sick. This simple sentence converts the compound sentence by replacing the coordinating conjunction 'but' with a prepositional phrase 'despite being sick.' The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier that shows contrast without using a conjunction, thereby reducing the sentence from a compound structure with two independent clauses to a simple sentence with one main clause and a modifying phrase.
- 32. This line represents Peter's mother instructing him to undertake an important errand. She is directing Peter to cross the dike and deliver cakes to their blind neighbour, demonstrating both her trust in Peter's ability to complete the task and her concern for their neighbour's welfare. The instruction sets the stage for the events that follow in the story.
- 33. I have sold the house that was located on the bank of a river. The relative pronoun 'that' connects the two sentences and refers to 'house.' The relative clause 'that was located on the bank of a river' provides essential identifying information about which house was sold. The relative pronoun 'that' is used in restrictive clauses to provide necessary details that identify the noun. By combining the sentences with a relative pronoun, the writing becomes more concise and grammatically sophisticated while preserving all the relevant information about the location of the house.
- 34. Sanyal followed a consistent daily routine that revolved around visiting the tea shop. Every day, he would go to Nagen uncle's tea shop, order tea and biscuits, and consume them. Importantly, he always paid for what he consumed, demonstrating his sense of dignity and responsibility despite his difficult financial circumstances and personal tragedies.
- 35. Peter spent his time with his blind friend in a manner that showed great kindness and compassion. He would sit and talk with the blind man, providing him with companionship and comfort. Peter brought him the cakes that his mother had prepared, ensuring that the old man had food to eat. Beyond these practical acts of care, Peter was a devoted and attentive companion who understood the loneliness of the blind man's condition. He listened to the old man's stories and engaged in meaningful conversation, making the visits a source of joy and comfort for both the boy and his elderly friend. Peter's behavior demonstrated that true heroism is not only about grand acts of courage but also about sh…
- 36. Socrates, the famous Classical Greek Athenian philosopher, died in 399 B.C. The abbreviation 'B.C.' stands for 'Before Christ' and is used to denote years before the birth of Christ in the traditional Western calendar system. When writing historical dates, it is important to include this designation to clarify that the year refers to the period before the Common Era. Socrates was indeed a prominent ancient Greek philosopher who lived in Athens and made significant contributions to Western philosophy through his method of questioning and dialogue. The year 399 B.C. marks the end of his life, making it an important date in the history of philosophy and ancient Greece.
- 37. When the Bodwells heard the mother shout, they interpreted it as a sign of serious danger and became deeply alarmed. They assumed that something grave was happening in the narrator's house, likely an intruder or a violent attack. The mother's shout sounded desperate and frightened to them, leading them to believe that the family was in immediate peril. This misinterpretation of the situation caused the Bodwells to react with panic and concern, thinking they needed to call for help or take action to assist their neighbours.
- 38. Aditya says this to Sanyal. He admits that Sanyal's anger and grievance are absolutely justified because Aditya had stolen his prize medal twenty-nine years earlier and had failed to return it or make amends until now. By acknowledging the validity of Sanyal's complaint, Aditya takes full responsibility for his past wrongdoing and demonstrates genuine remorse for the harm he caused.
- 39. Filled summary: (1) an ant and a cricket (2) saving for future (3) sings and dances (4) doesn't save (5) kitchen cupboard (6) warm place (7) some grains (8) never borrow or lend (9) the pleasant nature (10) just a fable (11) human beings
- 40. The Grumble Family lives on Complaining Street and is known for its constant dissatisfaction. They grumble about everything — weather, circumstances and people — and always find faults. Their gloomy outlook makes life difficult for themselves and unpleasant for anyone who meets them. The poem warns that spending time with such people can influence others to adopt the same negative habits. Instead of trying to fix situations or look for positives, they scold and criticize, spreading unhappiness. The poet suggests keeping away from such attitudes to stay cheerful and constructive.
- 41. Provide related forms for each base word as follows: - exhaustion (noun) → verb: exhaust; adjective: exhausting / exhausted; adverb: exhaustively - widen (verb) → noun: width; adjective: wide; adverb: widely - mad (adjective) → noun: madness; verb: madden; adverb: madly - perfectly (adverb) → adjective: perfect; noun: perfection; verb: perfect
- 42. Students should locate lines in the poem that illustrate each device. Guidance/examples: Alliteration — repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words; Assonance — repetition of vowel sounds; Personification — giving human qualities to machines; Simile — a comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
- 43. a) She is strong in her faith and convictions. b) She meets adversities with persistence and steady faith; she does not give up but keeps trying.
- 44. 1. He should be called at once. / Please have him called at once. 2. How was the river crossed by you? 3. The novels are not being borrowed from the library by anyone. 4. Will I be helped by you? 5. You are advised to go for a jog early in the morning. (polite passive form) 6. Venkat was offered the job. 7. Kaviya was shown the new computer by the boss. 8. Why has your brother been left at home by you? 9. When will the tickets to Bengaluru be booked by you? 10. The tickets have not been bought by anyone. 11. My book has been taken away by somebody. 12. How was this done by them?
- 45. Culverton Smith was responsible. The evidence was his own verbal confession to Holmes (while Holmes pretended to be dying) and the circumstances Smith admitted about administering the fatal agent.
Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 2
Class: 10Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1.Who does 'we' refer to in first stanza?a. Human beingsb. Machines[1]
2.At last, he bequeathed the box to ______. (his offspring / his friends / the Society)A. his offspringB. his friendsC. the Society[1]
3.10. Write down the words that alliterate in the poetic lines below. (a) Festival of Flowers (b) That spreads treasures on a tree[1]
4.Where does this story take place?a. in a bakeryb. at the police stationc. in Ms. Gervis' housed. in Ms. Gervis' apartment[1]
5.We as human do the same labour with ___(6)___ and look at the world with the ___(7)___.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
6.We all share the same___(9)___.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
7.The Emperor gave Mulan __________a. six horses and six swords.b. a death sentence.c. gold.d. six camels[1]
8.The Emperor asked Mulan to stay with him in the palace as his ______a. wife.b. royal advisor.c. army general.d. friend.[1]
9.7. The parents must be informed ___________ any indiscipline conduct of their wards.a. because ofb. in case ofc. in spite of[1]
10.Choose the correct sentence: A. Bravery is not to pick a quarrel. B. Bravery is not picking a quarrel.A. Bravery is not to pick a quarrel.B. Bravery is not picking a quarrel.[1]
11.What else was stolen from the apartment?a. crystalb. jewelleryc. moneyd. nothing[1]
12.She wondered why...a. volcanoes erupt.b. volcanoes had erupted.c. volcanoes erupted.d. did volcanoes erupt?[1]
13."Where does Helen live?" Jim wants to know where...a. Helen lived.b. Helen lives.c. Helen had lived.d. does Helen live?[1]
14.Niteesh bought a ________ (knew/new) cricket bat.a. knewb. new[1]
15.We may wear different uniforms like' ___(4)___ ,' during wars the opposing side will also have the sameA. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.2. When we report a universal truth (something that is always true) Asia is the largest continent. Balu said that Asia is the largest continent. People in Africa are starving. Alisha said that ________[1]
17.1. He was sleeping __________ in his couch. (comfort)[1]
18.Complete the sentences in the paragraph using the appropriate form of words given in brackets: My sister wanted to go to Mumbai last week. She made a __________ (decide) to buy a ticket at once. As __________ (reserve) could be done online, she gave __________ (prefer) to book a ticket that way. First, she collected __________ (inform) about the __________ (arrive) and __________ (depart) of trains and airplanes.[1]
19.2. There ___ ten dogs in my street.[1]
20.C. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals. Dad: we go out for dinner tonight? Charan: Yes, Dad. We go to a restaurant where I have some ice cream. __________[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.3. This is Varun. His father is an architect.[2]
22.8. We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don't do it now.[2]
23.Why was the narrator sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps?[2]
24.What kind of news was usually put up on the bulletin board?[2]
25.Who are the speakers and listeners of this poem?[2]
26.Why did Aditya think that the school would not be recognisable?[2]
27.Taking the children to the museum is Seema's responsibility.[2]
28.What did Watson find on the table near the mantlepiece?[2]
29.2. Kavita is my teacher. She teaches us English.[2]
30.What was the usual scene when school began everyday?[2]
31."Tell them to come quickly!"[2]
32.Besides tea, what did Nagen uncle have in his shop?[2]
33.3. The bird cackled amusedly while flying. (to noun)[2]
34.15. to figure out something unknown by considering all its known aspects and reasoning it through[2]
35.7. Here is your watch. It has been found in the garden.[2]
36.What did Holmes ask Watson to do before leaving his room?[2]
37.Why did Mrs. Jhunjhunwala buy the painting?[2]
38."I am glad they are so strong."[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.You are the school monitor, of Modern Matriculation School, Villupuram. Your school Principal has requested you to inform the students about a trip to Yercaud for 3 days. Prepare a notice giving the details such as date of journey, mode of transportation, amount , dress code etc.[5]
40.H. In the following sentences the verbs have two objects namely Direct and Indirect objects. Change each of the following sentences into two passives using direct object as the subject in one and indirect in the other. 1. John gave a bar of chocolate to Jill. a: Jill was given b: A bar of chocolate was given 2. Pragathi lent a pencil to Keerthana. a. b. 3. Sudha told the truth to her friend. a. b.[5]
41.5. She's today's woman. Today's woman dear. Love her, respect her, keep her near... a) Is the poet talking about the women of the previous generation? b) How should a woman be treated?[5]
42.3. "Save our Earth" is the need of the hour. Draft a poster with attractive slogans/ phrases for the same in not more than 50 words. Use attractive drawings.[5]
43.It never grows leaves, Not in the winter, spring, summer or fall. It just sits there never getting small or ever growing tall. a. What does 'it' refer to? b. In what way the tree is a mystery?[5]
44.E. Answer the following questions in about 100 - 150 words: 1. Write a passage in your own words on various commotions caused by Zigzag at Dr. Krishnan's residence. 2. What happened when Zigzag was taken to the clinic. 3. Narrate the story of Zigzag in your own words.[5]
45.Complete the given tabular column with the suitable plural forms: chair - , box - , eskimo - , lady - , radius - , formula - , child - , deer - , loaf - , hero - .[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 2
- 1. b
- 2. C
- 3. (a) Festival, Flowers. (b) treasures, tree.
- 4. (d) Ms Gervis' apartment.
- 5. (6) Our hands; (7) same eyes.
- 6. (9) Dreams and aspirations.
- 7. a
- 8. b
- 9. b
- 10. B
- 11. (d) Nothing.
- 12. a
- 13. b
- 14. b
- 15. (4) Language.
- 16. people in Africa are starving.
- 17. comfortably
- 18. decision; reservations; preference; information; arrival; departure
- 19. are
- 20. Dad: Shall we go out for dinner tonight? Charan: Yes, Dad. We can go to a restaurant where I can have some ice cream.
- 21. This is Varun, whose father is an architect. The relative pronoun 'whose' is used here to show possession and to connect the two sentences. 'Whose' is the possessive form of the relative pronoun and refers back to 'Varun,' indicating that the father belongs to or is related to Varun. The relative clause 'whose father is an architect' provides additional information about Varun. Using 'whose' allows us to combine the sentences smoothly while maintaining the possessive relationship and avoiding the awkwardness of repeating the subject.
- 22. The original sentence 'We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don't do it now' uses the modal verb 'could' which expresses ability or possibility in the past or present. The corrected sentence is 'We can grow vegetables in our kitchen garden, but we don't do it now.' The modal verb 'can' is more appropriate here because it expresses present ability or possibility. The change from 'could' to 'can' makes the statement more direct and accurate in describing the current situation. The addition of a comma before 'but' improves the punctuation and clarity of the sentence, properly separating the two contrasting clauses.
- 23. The narrator was sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps because doing so set off a chain of misunderstandings and panic that led to the entire night's confusion and chaos. By focusing on and becoming alarmed by the footsteps, he mistook them for those of a burglar or ghost, which caused him to wake his brother Herman and slam the doors in fear. This action then woke the mother, who threw the shoe through the Bodwells' window, which in turn alarmed the neighbours and brought the police to the house. If the narrator had simply ignored the footsteps and gone back to sleep, none of these events would have occurred, and the night would have been peaceful and uneventful.
- 24. Official notices and proclamations (village news and government orders).
- 25. The speakers in this poem are the machines themselves, who voice their thoughts, concerns, and perspective about their relationship with humanity. The listeners are human beings, specifically the makers and users of the machines. Through this unique narrative device, the poem presents the machines' point of view, allowing them to communicate directly with their human creators and operators about their role, capabilities, and the nature of their dependence on humans.
- 26. Aditya thought that the school would not be recognizable because he was visiting it after twenty-nine years had passed since his departure. During such a long span of time, schools typically undergo significant changes including renovations, expansions, modifications to buildings and infrastructure, changes in layout and facilities, and updates to accommodate modern educational needs. Aditya expected that the physical appearance and structure of the school would be substantially different from what he remembered from his childhood and youth.
- 27. 'Taking the children to the museum' is a gerund phrase functioning as the subject of the sentence. The gerund 'Taking' is a non-finite verb form that acts as a noun, and the entire phrase expresses the action that is Seema's responsibility. Gerunds allow actions to be treated as nouns and can perform various grammatical functions within a sentence.
- 28. Watson found a small black and white ivory box on the table near the mantlepiece.
- 29. Kavita, who teaches us English, is my teacher. This sentence combines two sentences using the relative pronoun 'who,' which refers to the person 'Kavita.' The relative clause 'who teaches us English' is set off by commas because it provides additional descriptive information about Kavita rather than essential information needed to identify her. The relative pronoun 'who' is used for people and functions as the subject of the relative clause. By joining these sentences with a relative pronoun, the writing becomes more sophisticated and avoids repetition while clearly showing the relationship between the ideas.
- 30. Noisy, busy arrival of children — laughing, running, talking and settling down.
- 31. This urgent command is given by the man who found Peter at the dike. After learning about the leak and understanding the gravity of the situation, the man realizes that immediate action is necessary to prevent a catastrophe. He calls for help from the villagers and authorities, instructing them to come as quickly as possible to repair the hole in the dike. His quick thinking and decisive action are crucial in bringing assistance to Peter, who has been holding back the water with his finger throughout the long night. This call for help demonstrates the importance of community response in times of crisis and shows how one person's discovery can mobilize an entire village to action.
- 32. Besides tea, Nagen uncle sold biscuits and savouries.
- 33. The bird cackled with amusement while flying.
- 34. 'Deduce' means to arrive at a conclusion by reasoning from known facts and evidence. When you deduce something, you work through the information you already know and use logical reasoning to figure out what must be true about the unknown aspect. This process involves examining all available clues and facts, then drawing a reasonable conclusion based on them. The word perfectly matches the clue provided, as deduction is fundamentally about using known aspects to reason through and discover something that was previously unknown.
- 35. Here is your watch which was found in the garden. The relative pronoun 'which' is used to join the two sentences and refers to 'watch.' The relative clause 'which was found in the garden' provides additional information about the watch, explaining where it was discovered. The relative pronoun 'which' is appropriate for referring to things or objects. By using the relative pronoun, the two sentences are combined into a single, more fluent sentence that clearly shows the relationship between the watch and where it was found, while maintaining grammatical correctness and clarity.
- 36. Holmes asked Watson to go at once and fetch Mr. Culverton Smith.
- 37. Mrs Jhunjhunwala bought the painting because she liked its new technique and artistic style. She was particularly impressed by the streaky orange effect that had been created on the painting by the papaya pulp that had splashed across it when the fan was switched on. What had been an accident and a disaster for Mrs Krishnan became an appreciated artistic element in the eyes of the buyer.
- 38. This statement is likely spoken by Peter's mother, expressing her relief and satisfaction that the dikes are strong and sturdy. She is reassuring herself and others that the protective barriers are robust enough to withstand the pressure of the sea, reflecting the confidence and trust that the people of Holland place in their dikes for their safety and survival.
- 39. NOTICE MODERN MATRICULATION SCHOOL, VILLUPURAM TRIP TO YERCAUD 16 November 2019 All students are informed that the school has arranged a three-day trip to Yercaud. Interested students should pay Rs. 500 on or before 20 November 2019. The school bus will leave at 8.00 a.m. on 25 November 2019. Bring casual clothes and sweaters. Kamal/Kamala School Monitor
- 40. 1a. Jill was given a bar of chocolate by John. 1b. A bar of chocolate was given to Jill by John. 2a. Keerthana was lent a pencil by Pragathi. 2b. A pencil was lent to Keerthana by Pragathi. 3a. Her friend was told the truth by Sudha. 3b. The truth was told to her friend by Sudha.
- 41. a) No, the poet is not talking about the women of the previous generation. The repeated phrase 'today's woman' makes it clear that the poet is referring to contemporary women of the present time. The emphasis on 'today's' underscores that these are modern women with their own unique characteristics and challenges relevant to the current era. b) A woman should be treated with love, respect, and care. She should be kept close to those who value her, suggesting that she deserves to be cherished and appreciated. The poet advocates for treating women with dignity, recognizing their worth, and ensuring they feel valued and protected within their relationships and society. This treatment reflect…
- 42. SAVE OUR EARTH — ACT NOW! Our planet faces serious threats from pollution, deforestation and climate change. We must take immediate action through simple yet effective measures. Plant trees to increase green cover and improve air quality. Save water by fixing leaks and using it wisely. Switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use to conserve energy. Reduce waste by avoiding single-use items and practicing recycling. Every individual action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger positive impact. Join the Green Club cleanup drive this Saturday and be part of the solution. Slogan: One Earth — One Chance. Together, we can make a real difference and secure a sustainable f…
- 43. a. 'It' refers to the tree that stands on the property of the house on Elm Street. b. The tree is a mystery because it defies the natural cycle of seasons. Unlike normal trees that grow leaves in spring and summer, shed them in autumn, and remain bare in winter, this tree never grows leaves at any time of the year. Additionally, it never changes in size—it neither grows taller nor becomes smaller. This complete absence of seasonal change and growth makes the tree an enigma, suggesting that something is fundamentally unnatural or wrong about it. The tree's static, unchanging nature contrasts sharply with the expected behavior of living plants, adding to the overall atmosphere of mystery an…
- 44. 1. At the residence, Zigzag stored fruits and nuts on the chandelier and fan, slept on the curtain rod, snored loudly and caused fruit to fly across the room when the fan was switched on; papaya pulp spoiled Mrs Krishnan's painting. 2. At the clinic, he became alert, brought silence with his commanding voice, comforted frightened patients, corrected naughty children and made them laugh. 3. Somu left the multilingual bird with the Krishnans while travelling to Alaska. Zigzag caused chaos at home but proved invaluable at Dr Krishnan's clinic. The supposedly ruined painting was sold because its new effect was admired, and the family decided to keep Zigzag.
- 45. chair - chairs; box - boxes; eskimo - eskimos; lady - ladies; radius - radii; formula - formulas/formulae; child - children; deer - deer; loaf - loaves; hero - heroes
Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 3
Class: 10Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1._________ he was honest, he was punished.A. thoughB. but[1]
2.Mulan goes to the battle instead of her father because _________a. she wants to be a soldier.b. she was asked to join the army.c. her father is old.d. her brother is sick.[1]
3.The shepherd ________ (herd/heard) the cry of his sheep.a. herdb. heard[1]
4.It is raining. Take an umbrella _______ you will get drenched.A. or elseB. andC. but[1]
5.The subject of the poem is the ___(2)___ race, despite the difference in colour , caste, creed , religion , country etc.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
6.2. The trial was conducted ___________ the procedure of law.a. in accordance withb. due toc. despite of[1]
7.So the poet concludes that we shouldn't have wars as it is ___(10)___ to fight against us.A. unity of humanB. dreams and aspirationsC. same landD. our handsE. unnaturalF. breathing bodyG. same eyesH. brotherhoodI. languageJ. human earth[1]
8.Call me _________ you need money.A. so thatB. in order thatC. in case[1]
9.6. Children are given toys ____________ sweets on Children's day.a. on top ofb. in addition toc. due to[1]
10.The rich man was from....a. Nagalandb. Thailandc. Finland[1]
11.Leaders of the world must work towards the ________ (peace/piece) of human race.a. peaceb. piece[1]
12._________ he is ninety years old, he is in the pink of health.A. whenB. sinceC. though[1]
13.Choose the correct sentence: A. I had desired to eat a cake. B. I had desired to have eaten cake.A. I had desired to eat a cake.B. I had desired to have eaten cake.[1]
14.Choose the correct sentence: A. It is easier to say than do. B. It is easier said than done.A. It is easier to say than do.B. It is easier said than done.[1]
15.Priya has broken her ________ (four/fore) limbs.a. fourb. fore[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.6. The ship with its crew ___ sailing well.[1]
17.My mother called me _________ I was playing football.[1]
18.Complete the sentences in the paragraph using the appropriate form of words given in brackets. The words printed in bold letters are finite verbs. 1. My sister wanted to go to Mumbai last week. She made a __________ (decide) to buy a ticket at once. As __________ (reserve) could be done online, she gave __________ (prefer) to book a ticket that way. First, she collected __________ (inform) about the __________ (arrive) and __________ (depart) of trains and airplanes. 2. A few days later, Androcles was captured by his master. He had to suffer all kinds of __________ (punish). At last, he was thrown to a lion which was in great __________ (hungry). It had been kept in an __________ (enclose) and had not been fed for several days. His friends stood there with __________ (tear) eyes as the lion rushed towards him. The lion stopped near him and stood for a while __________ (look) at him. Then it lay down by his side like a pet dog. __________ (obvious), the lion recognized Androcles and the __________ (help) he had given it.[1]
19.Both the minister _________ the officers visited the affected areas.[1]
20.5. Fruits ____ good for health.[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.2. your / today / put on / new / since / is / birthday /dress / the[2]
22.5. Where is the Bungee Jumping point located in India?[2]
23.What conclusions did grandfather jump to when he saw the cops?[2]
24.4. speaks / Ruben / besides / German / languages / two[2]
25.What were the various sounds the brothers heard when they went downstairs?[2]
26.How would she be punished if found guilty?[2]
27.Who were Aditya's ancestors?[2]
28.Why did Aditya decide to visit his ancestral home?[2]
29.In column A are some of the idiomatic phrases from the essay. Match them with equivalent single words in column B: (Include the table as given) A / B go far - succeed blow up - explode show up - call on break off - finish put on - try again come in - go on reveal - submit visit - knuckle under [Note: original layout of columns and some items are interspersed with interview text in the printed page.][2]
30.What feelings are evoked in us by the machines in this poem?[2]
31.Who says these words: "I want everyone to know the difference technology has made in my life"?[2]
32.2. is the third highest mountain in the world.[2]
33.4. What does the poet mean by 'Festival of flowers'?[2]
34.I. Prepare attractive advertisements using the hints given below. 1. Home appliances - Aadi Sale - 20-50% - Special Combo Offers - Muthusamy & Co., Raja Street, Gingee.[2]
35.What pets did Somu have?[2]
36.What did Nagen uncle tell about Sanyal?[2]
37.At the age of six, Varsha started learning music. (into Complex)[2]
38.Why was the narrator not able to get to his desk without being seen?[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.You are waiting for your friend Raja at the shopping mall. He will get down from the bus at the bus stop in Main street. Give him directions to reach the mall. (Use the given instruction text: After you get down, walk forward along the main street and cross Smith Street at the zebra crossing. You can see a hospital to your left. Walk straight and you can see the park to your left. Cross the road at the second zebra crossing to reach the shopping mall opposite the park. I will be waiting at the entrance.)[5]
40.Fill in the missing words in this email. Dear sir, In to your mail, I have prepared a for the Science Fest. Please find the for your kind perusal. I look to hearing from you. Sincerely[5]
41.And now, if you will set us to our task, We will serve you four and twenty hours a day! a. Who does the pronoun 'you' refer to here? b. Whose task is referred to as 'our task' here? c. Open conditional clause is used in the given line. Why is the future tense 'will set' and 'will serve' used both in the 'if clause' and in the 'main clause?' d. Do the machines serve us twenty four hours a day? e. Rewrite the given lines with the ending '365 days a year.'[5]
42.Are machines humble to accept the evolution of human brain? Why?[5]
43.You are Sadasivam. You recently visited your native town in Vellore. You happened to accompany your grandmother to your family temple. You were shocked to notice the poor condition and maintenance of the temple. Write a letter to the Editor of local newspaper highlighting the poor condition of the temple. Also give some suggestions and request the HRC to take steps to improve the situation.[5]
44.Suggesting titles: Title summarises the story. Each paragraph is a part of the story. Look at the following expressions and find out the paragraphs that best suit these expressions. 1. Oh, No! But it happens! 2. Don't let out your travelling dates 3. Anyway, people will be people 4. Search begins 5. Things are not that easy 6. Hurry invites worry[5]
45.He would think it over and come back later.[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 3
- 1. A
- 2. c
- 3. b
- 4. A
- 5. (2) Unity of the human race.
- 6. a
- 7. (10) Unnatural.
- 8. C
- 9. b
- 10. Thailand.
- 11. a
- 12. C
- 13. A
- 14. B
- 15. a
- 16. is
- 17. while
- 18. 1. decision; reservations; preference; information; arrival; departure 2. punishments; hunger; enclosure; tearful; looking; obviously; help
- 19. and
- 20. are
- 21. Since today is your birthday, put on the new dress.
- 22. Commonly known commercial bungee jumping locations in India include Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, which is situated along the Ganges River and has become a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Rishikesh offers ideal conditions for bungee jumping with its scenic landscape and established safety infrastructure. Besides Rishikesh, there are other locations in India where bungee jumping is offered, though Rishikesh remains one of the most well-known and frequently visited sites for this adventure sport. The availability of professional operators, proper safety equipment, and trained staff makes these locations suitable for both beginners and experienced jumpers seeking an adrenal…
- 23. When the grandfather saw the policemen, he jumped to the conclusion that they were deserters from General Meade's army. This shows how confused and disoriented he was, as he apparently believed he was still living during the Civil War era or was so startled that his mind went back to that historical period. His misidentification of the police officers as military deserters demonstrates his state of confusion and adds to the absurdity and humour of the night's events.
- 24. Besides German, Ruben speaks two languages.
- 25. When the brothers went downstairs, they heard a variety of strange and unexplained sounds that heightened their fear and confusion. These sounds included scuffling and dragging noises, which suggested something or someone moving around in the house. They also heard odd footsteps that seemed to come from different parts of the house, creating an eerie atmosphere. Additionally, they heard creaking sounds, typical of an old house but alarming in the context of believing there was an intruder. Muffled voices added to the mystery, as the brothers could not clearly make out what was being said or who was speaking. All these sounds together created a sense of dread and panic, leading them to bel…
- 26. If discovered, Mulan would have faced death as punishment for a woman disguising herself to serve in the army. In ancient Chinese society, such an act was considered a grave violation of military law and social norms. The penalty for impersonating a male soldier and deceiving the army was execution, making her deception an extremely dangerous undertaking that could have cost her life at any moment.
- 27. Aditya's ancestors were zamindars.
- 28. At first Aditya wanted to revive childhood memories; after recognising Sanyal, he also wanted to recover the medal he had hidden in the attic.
- 29. go far - succeed; blow up - explode; show up - reveal; call on - require; break off - finish; knuckle under - submit.
- 30. The poem evokes a complex mixture of feelings toward machines. There is a sense of wonder and admiration at the remarkable power, precision, and efficiency that machines possess and demonstrate in their various functions. The poem also conveys respect for the tireless dedication of machines, which are willing to work continuously without complaint. However, alongside this admiration, the poem also evokes a subtle sense of caution and unease about humanity's growing dependence on machines and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on mechanical power. There is an underlying tension in the poem between celebrating machine capability and questioning whether humans should become so…
- 31. Alisha says these words.
- 32. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. It is located in the eastern Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. The mountain stands at an impressive height and is visible from various vantage points in Darjeeling, particularly from Tiger Hill during sunrise. Kanchenjunga is not only significant from a geographical perspective but also holds cultural and religious importance for the people of the region. The name Kanchenjunga means 'the five treasures of the snow' in the local language, referring to its five peaks.
- 33. The poet calls it the Festival of Flowers because flowers symbolize beauty, freshness, colour and the celebration of nature's finest creations. Flowers brighten and enhance any celebration with their vibrant hues and pleasant fragrance, making the festival more joyful and visually appealing. The flowers represent the blooming of happiness and the flourishing of human spirit during festive occasions. Additionally, flowers are traditionally associated with auspiciousness and are used in religious and cultural celebrations across many traditions, making them a fitting symbol for a festival that celebrates life and joy.
- 34. Aadi Sale — Home Appliances Flat 20%–50% OFF Special Combo Offers Muthusamy & Co., Raja Street, Gingee Hurry! Limited period offer.
- 35. Somu had a giant green-and-gold fighting beetle and an African snake.
- 36. Nagen uncle said that Sanyal could neither hear nor see well and had no money to buy spectacles.
- 37. When Varsha was six years old, she started learning music. This complex sentence converts the simple prepositional phrase 'at the age of six' into a subordinate clause beginning with 'when.' The subordinate clause 'when Varsha was six years old' provides the time context for the main clause 'she started learning music,' making the sentence structure more explicit and grammatically complex while maintaining the original meaning.
- 38. The narrator could not reach his desk without being seen because the classroom was unusually silent and completely filled with villagers who had gathered to attend the last French lesson. The presence of so many people watching intently meant that any movement, especially the late arrival of a student, would be immediately noticed and draw attention. The solemn atmosphere and the crowded nature of the room made it impossible for him to slip in unobserved.
- 39. Raja, when you get down at Main Street bus stop walk straight along Main Street. Cross Smith Street at the zebra crossing — you’ll see a hospital on your left. Keep walking; you will pass a park on your left. Cross the road at the second zebra crossing; the shopping mall is opposite the park. I’ll be waiting at the mall entrance.
- 40. Missing words filled as follows: 'response' (In response to your mail), 'report' (I have prepared a report), 'same attached' or 'the same attached' (Please find the same attached), 'forward' (I look forward to hearing from you). This yields a grammatically correct and polite email. Dear Sir, In response to your mail, I have prepared a report for the Science Fest. Please find the same attached for your kind perusal. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,
- 41. a) The pronoun 'you' refers to human beings, specifically the users and masters of machines who control and direct their work. b) 'Our task' refers to the work and functions that are assigned to the machines by humans; it is the purpose for which machines are created and operated. c) The future tense 'will set' in the if-clause and 'will serve' in the main clause are both used to express willingness, promise, and a conditional commitment. In older and poetic usage, 'will' in the if-clause can indicate volition, intention, or a polite conditional statement rather than simple futurity, emphasizing the machines' eager readiness to serve. d) No, machines do not literally serve us twenty-four…
- 42. Machines do not possess feelings or emotions such as humility, as they are inanimate objects created by human intelligence and engineering. Machines accept and follow human intelligence not out of humility but because they are designed, programmed, and controlled by humans. They have no consciousness or will of their own and therefore must obey the instructions and commands given to them by their operators and creators. The machines in the poem are portrayed as willing servants, but this willingness is not a genuine emotional quality; rather, it reflects the fundamental nature of machines as tools created to serve human purposes. Machines have no choice but to accept human control because…
- 43. 12 September 20XX The Editor, Vellore Gazette, Vellore. Sir, I am writing to bring to your attention the deplorable condition of our family temple in Vellore, which I recently visited while accompanying my grandmother. The temple, which holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for our community, is suffering from severe neglect and poor maintenance. The walls are crumbling, the drainage system is blocked causing water accumulation, the lighting fixtures are broken, and litter is scattered across the premises. This deterioration is deeply distressing as temples serve as important cultural and spiritual centres that deserve respectful and dignified upkeep. I would like to suggest s…
- 44. 1 → Paragraph 8 2 → Paragraph 2 3 → Paragraph 1 4 → Paragraph 6 5 → Paragraph 4 6 → Paragraph 7
- 45. The shopkeeper/jeweller (or a buyer) — someone considering a purchase and deciding to return.