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Samacheer Kalvi Class 10 English Practice Question Papers

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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.)

1.1. Everything falls to the ground _______ earth's gravitational pull.a. in addition tob. because ofc. cause of[1]
2.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]
3.At last, he bequeathed the box to ______. (his offspring / his friends / the Society)A. his offspringB. his friendsC. the Society[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.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]
6.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]
7."Ms. Gervis' eyes are full of tears. Her hands are shaking." How does Ms. Gervis probably feel?a. She is upset.b. She is tired.c. She is hungry.d. She is confused.[1]
8.His uncle announced Tom as his heir and wanted him to pay for his . (rented house / marriage / funeral)A. rented houseB. marriageC. funeral[1]
9.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]
10.Niteesh bought a ________ (knew/new) cricket bat.a. knewb. new[1]
11.They faced many hardships _________ they are always cheerful.A. althoughB. neverthelessC. otherwise[1]
12.The rich man was from....a. Nagalandb. Thailandc. Finland[1]
13.The letter read that the box contained ______. (a sensitive dynamite / jewels / money)A. a sensitive dynamiteB. jewelsC. money[1]
14.We wish she continues ______ healthy. {being / be}A. beingB. be[1]
15."And the robber definitely did not use the front door." Which is the best way to rewrite this sentence?a. "And the robber may not have used the front door."b. "And the robber probably did not use the front door."c. "And the robber was not able to use the front door."d. "And the robber certainly did not use the front door."[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.Both the minister _________ the officers visited the affected areas.[1]
18.6. We do not usually change the modal verbs must and needn't. But must can become had to or would have to and needn't can become didn't have to or wouldn't have to if we want to express an obligation. Would/wouldn't have to are used to talk about future obligations. I must wash up. She said that she must wash up / she had to wash up. We must do it in June. He said that ___________[1]
19.2. _____________ of these two students can solve this question.[1]
20.3. With modal verbs would, might, could, should, ought to, used to. I might come. Shalini said that she might come. I would try it. Vinoth said that _______[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36

Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)

21.iii) Name a few places that you wish to visit with your classmates on a school trip.[2]
22.Why does M. Hamel say that we must guard our language?[2]
23.9. He wished only to borrow; He'd repay it tomorrow; a) Pick out the rhyming words in the above lines. b) Give more examples of rhyming words from the poem.[2]
24.7. Here is your watch. It has been found in the garden.[2]
25.'Back t' the lines ye goodaam' (Rewrite in standard English)[2]
26.He did not desire to do so.[2]
27.4. I usually return home from work at 10.30 .[2]
28.Why do you think Tom happily looked forward to the expenditure for his uncle's funeral?[2]
29.1. curious; wants to understand things[2]
30.What were the various sounds the brothers heard when they went downstairs?[2]
31.Who was Mrs. Hudson? Why was she worried?[2]
32.Give your partner the directions to go from the Bank to the hotel.[2]
33.Why did Holmes warn Watson against touching his things? What was Watson's reaction?[2]
34.6. You may speak politely to the elders.[2]
35.Why did Mrs. Jhunjhunwala buy the painting?[2]
36.Did Chulong want to earn money honestly?[2]
37.How did the bird feel when it started flying for the first time?[2]
38.What were the various things that tempted Franz to spend his day outdoors?[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35

Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)

39.Describe the funny incident that caused the confusion in the house.[5]
40.You are Sanjay. Your colony utilises solar energy to light the common areas. You find many friends of your colony forgetting to switch off the lights in the common area. As a responsible citizen, write a letter to a newspaper, echoing the importance to conserve and preserve solar energy.[5]
41.Why did Prospero set Ferdinand a severe task to perform?[5]
42.Report the dialogue (fill the blanks). Johnson : "What are you doing here, Suganthi? I haven't seen you since June." Suganthi : "I've just come back from my holiday in Ooty." Johnson : "Did you enjoy it?" Suganthi : "I love Ooty. And the people were so friendly." Johnson : "Did you go to Coakers Walk?" Suganthi : "It was my first trip. I can show you some pictures. Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Johnson : "I must arrange a couple of things. But I am free tonight." Suganthi : "You might come to my place. At what time shall we meet?" Johnson : "I'll be there at eight. Is it all right?"[5]
43.What was Ariel ordered to do with the people on the ship?[5]
44.h. Who was responsible for Victor Savage's death? What was the evidence for it?[5]
45.What were the three rules given by the bird?[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 1
  1. 1. b
  2. 2. B
  3. 3. C
  4. 4. (8) Human earth.
  5. 5. (4) Language.
  6. 6. d
  7. 7. (a) Upset.
  8. 8. funeral.
  9. 9. a
  10. 10. b
  11. 11. B
  12. 12. Thailand.
  13. 13. sensitive dynamite.
  14. 14. A
  15. 15. (d) The person certainly did not use the front door.
  16. 16. people in Africa are starving.
  17. 17. and
  18. 18. they must do it in June.
  19. 19. Either of these two students can solve this question.
  20. 20. he would try it.
  21. 21. Model answer: I would like to visit Tiger Hill, Kanchenjunga and Batasia Loop because of their natural beauty and memorable views.
  22. 22. Because language is the soul and heritage of a people; losing it means losing national identity and dignity.
  23. 23. a) Rhyming words: borrow / tomorrow. b) Other examples: sing / spring; found / ground; bold / cold; rain / grain; light / night.
  24. 24. 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.
  25. 25. Back to the lines, you goddamn lily-livered cattle!
  26. 26. Tom (he did not desire to pay the funeral expense initially).
  27. 27. I usually return home from work at 10:30 p.m. The colon (:) is the correct punctuation mark used to separate hours from minutes when writing time in numerical form. The abbreviation 'p.m.' stands for 'post meridiem,' which is Latin for 'after midday' and indicates that the time falls in the afternoon or evening, specifically between 12:00 noon and 11:59 at night. When writing times in formal or academic contexts, it is important to use the proper punctuation and time designation to ensure clarity and avoid confusion about whether the time refers to morning or evening hours.
  28. 28. Tom happily looked forward to the expenditure for his uncle's funeral because he was Uncle Philip's sole heir and knew that he stood to inherit a valuable collection of precious stones. The iron box containing the stones represented significant wealth and value. Therefore, Tom viewed the funeral expense as a relatively small and worthwhile investment compared to the substantial inheritance he would receive in return. The promise of inheriting such valuable gems made the funeral cost seem insignificant to him.
  29. 29. 'Inquisitive' means curious and eager to learn or understand things.
  30. 30. 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 believe that a burglar or ghost had entered their home.
  31. 31. Mrs. Hudson was Holmes and Watson's landlady who lived in the same house and looked after their domestic needs. She was deeply worried because Holmes appeared to be suffering from a dangerously severe illness with symptoms suggesting a fatal disease. She feared that he might die, and her concern for his welfare made her anxious about his condition and his refusal to allow proper medical care.
  32. 32. From the Bank, walk straight along Elm Street for about 300 metres, take the second right into Park Avenue, and the hotel is the third building on the left beside the fountain.
  33. 33. Holmes warned Watson against touching his things or coming into contact with them because he needed to maintain the appearance that he was suffering from a highly contagious and fatal disease. By forbidding Watson to touch anything in the room, Holmes reinforced the illusion that the disease was transmissible and dangerous. Watson, though concerned about Holmes's condition and puzzled by these restrictions, respected Holmes's wishes and obeyed his orders without question, accepting the apparent danger as a necessary precaution.
  34. 34. The original sentence 'You may speak politely to the elders' uses the modal verb 'may' which expresses permission or possibility. However, the context suggests that speaking politely to elders is not merely a matter of permission but rather a moral obligation or necessity. The corrected sentence is 'You must speak politely to the elders.' The modal verb 'must' conveys obligation, duty, and necessity, making it the appropriate choice. This change emphasizes that respectful communication with elders is a required standard of behavior and social conduct, not just something one is allowed to do.
  35. 35. 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.
  36. 36. No. Chulong was not satisfied because he wanted still more riches.
  37. 37. When the bird started flying for the first time, he felt free, exhilarated, and triumphant. He was filled with joy and surprise at his own success, having finally overcome the paralyzing fear that had kept him on the ledge. The sensation of soaring through the air and discovering his own capability brought him a sense of liberation and confidence that he had never experienced before.
  38. 38. Several things tempted Franz to spend his day outdoors instead of attending school. The fine weather and pleasant country air made the outdoors particularly inviting. He was drawn to opportunities for playing and engaging in various games with his friends. The river nearby offered the attraction of swimming, which was an appealing activity on such a nice day. Additionally, the general appeal of loafing and wandering about freely with friends seemed far more enjoyable than being confined to the classroom.
  39. 39. Late one moonless night the narrator, just out of the bath, heard rhythmic footsteps circling the dining-room table. He and his brother Herman, frightened, slammed doors and feared burglars or ghosts; their mother, awakened, screamed “Burglars!” and, in a frenzy, flung a shoe through the neighbouring Bodwells' window. Bodwell, startled and agitated, called the police. A large force arrived, smashed the front door, searched every room, and ransacked the house. In the attic the police startled grandfather, who, believing they were Civil War deserters, assaulted an officer and fired a gun. The whole series of misunderstandings — footsteps, a thrown shoe, an alarmed neighbour and the police raid — produced comic chaos.
  40. 40. 5 August 20XX The Editor, City Times, City. Sir, Our colony benefits from solar lighting in common areas, yet many residents leave lights on unnecessarily, wasting stored energy. Solar power is finite by night and should be used judiciously. I urge the community to adopt simple habits: switch off lights when not needed, install motion sensors/timers, and spread awareness about conserving solar energy. The colony association should remind residents and consider automatic controls to prevent wastage. Conserving solar power saves costs and preserves the environment for future generations. Yours faithfully, Sanjay Address
  41. 41. Prospero set Ferdinand to carry logs and do hard tasks to test his patience and virtue, to humble him and prove the sincerity of his love for Miranda before allowing a marriage.
  42. 42. Johnson asked Suganthi what she was doing there and said he hadn't seen her since June. Suganthi explained that she had just come back from her holiday in Ooty. Johnson wondered if she had enjoyed it. Suganthi told him that she loved Ooty and that the people had been so friendly. Johnson wanted to know if she had gone to Coakers Walk. Suganthi said that it was her first trip and that she could show him some pictures. Then she asked him if he was doing anything the next day. Johnson explained that he had to arrange a couple of things, but he added that he was free that night. Suganthi suggested that he might come to her place and asked him at what time they should meet. Johnson said he would be there at eight and finally asked if that was all right.
  43. 43. Ariel was ordered by Prospero to separate and scatter the ship's company across the island, confusing them with magical illusions and creating a sense of chaos and disorientation. However, Prospero specifically commanded that Ariel must not kill any of them, ensuring that all the shipwrecked people would survive the ordeal. Ariel was to use his magical powers to manipulate their perceptions and movements, bringing them to the island in a way that served Prospero's larger plan of bringing his enemies within his reach. By scattering them, Prospero could control their movements and encounters, preventing them from organizing resistance and allowing him to orchestrate meetings between specific individuals, such as Ferdinand and Miranda, to achieve his desired outcomes. Ariel's role was thus to be the instrument of Prospero's will, executing his magical designs while preserving the lives of those involved.
  44. 44. 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.
  45. 45. The three rules given by the bird were as follows. The first rule was never to believe everything that others say, as blind faith and credulity can lead one astray and cause harm. The second rule was never to be sad or regretful about something you do not have, emphasizing the importance of contentment with one's present circumstances rather than yearning for what is beyond reach. The third rule was never to throw away what you have in your hand, which teaches the value of preserving and cherishing what one already possesses rather than abandoning it in pursuit of something seemingly better or more attractive.
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."Do you know why she is unhappy?" He asked me if ..... unhappya. I know why she isb. you know why she wasc. did I know why she wasd. I knew why she was[1]
2.10. ______________ several warnings, he continued to swim.a. due tob. in spite ofc. because of[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]
4.3. There is a temple right ________ my house.a. in back ofb. apart fromc. in front of[1]
5."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]
6.Where does this story take place?a. in a bakeryb. at the police stationc. in Ms. Gervis' housed. in Ms. Gervis' apartment[1]
7.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]
8.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]
9.The shepherd ________ (herd/heard) the cry of his sheep.a. herdb. heard[1]
10.2. The trial was conducted ___________ the procedure of law.a. in accordance withb. due toc. despite of[1]
11.He planned to explode the box at ______ but dropped the plan in fear of losing the rubies. (home / a safe distance / a waste land)A. homeB. a safe distanceC. a waste land[1]
12.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]
13.He started thinking of all possible ways to open the box without being ______. (wounded / killed / maimed)A. woundedB. killedC. maimed[1]
14.Who had provided Prospero formerly with books and provisions?a. Antoniob. Ferdinandc. Gonzalod. Antonio[1]
15.The second human being that Miranda saw on the island was ______ .a. Arielb. Prosperoc. Ferdinandd. Gonzalo[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5

Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)

16.4. ___ your father and mother at home?[1]
17.Either Raghu _________ Bala will have to buy vegetables from the market.[1]
18.4. With would rather, had better I would rather fly. Chitti said that he would rather fly. They had better go. Sophia said that _______[1]
19.2. Her mobile phone is also a kind of _________________.[1]
20.8. The bacteria are so small that you need a ___________ to see them. (scope)[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36

Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)

21.In what way was Mr. Sanyal's behaviour strange?[2]
22.Having finished the work, the manager decided to return home.[2]
23.Why did Herman and the author slam the doors?[2]
24.9. to look into a situation (often a crime, but it can also be a mystery)[2]
25.5. Make me a cup of tea, shall you?[2]
26.What were the thoughts of the narrator's parents?[2]
27.Who says these words: "I want everyone to know the difference technology has made in my life"?[2]
28.How many years had M. Hamel been in the village?[2]
29.6. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear From what the future veils; but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer. a. Identify the rhyming words of the given lines.[2]
30.What was the doctor's warning to Tom?[2]
31.Who were the narrator's neighbours ?[2]
32.2. your / today / put on / new / since / is / birthday /dress / the[2]
33.Who were the inhabitants of the island?[2]
34.Were the policemen willing to leave the house?[2]
35.What do you mean by cyber safety?[2]
36.What powers did Prospero possess?[2]
37.What will happen to the bird in imprisonment?[2]
38.2. The young seagull gave out a loud call. (to adverb)[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35

Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)

39.Nagarajan and Dhanalakshmi want to buy a new house. They have come to see a house for sale. Complete the conversation below by adding a, an or the. Nagarajan: Well, here we are, No.8, Kaveri Street. I think this is _____ house we saw online. What do you think of _____ location? Dhanalakshmi: It is in _____ nice neighbourhood. And it's close to the railway station. Nagarajan: And _____ bus stop is not too far away. Dhanalakshmi: How many rooms are there? Nagarajan: There are three rooms, _____ kitchen and _____ balcony. Dhanalakshmi: There is _____ lawn behind _____ house, right? Nagarajan: That's right _____ lawn is actually quite large. Did you see any photos of _____ living room, online? What does it look like? Dhanalakshmi: _____ living room looks great. It looks bright and airy. It has _____ nice view of _____ hills. But _____ kitchen looks _____ little small. Nagarajan: And, I remember you said there isn't _____ store room, right? Dhanalakshmi: No, but there is _____ attic, where we can store things. Nagarajan: I hope this house is _____ better option. Dhanalakshmi: Let's wait for _____ real estate agent. She said, she would be here at three o'clock. Nagarajan: Look. There she is![5]
40.Let us learn to walk with a smile and a song, No matter if things do sometimes go wrong; a. What does the poet expect everyone to learn? b. What should we do when things go wrong sometimes?[5]
41.They, too, aware of sun and air and water, Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war's long winter starv'd. a) What is common for all of us? b) How are we fed? c) Mention the season referred here.[5]
42.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]
43.Mention a few machines which are hammered to design.[5]
44.Refer to the dictionary to find out the meaning of the following prepositions and match them with the correct meaning. Preposition: due to except for with reference to in spite of in addition to referring to in place of regardless of in the interest of because of as a substitute for with the exception of in addition to for the sake of disregarding the difficulty (As printed: match the prepositions with the meanings.)[5]
45.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]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 2
  1. 1. d
  2. 2. b
  3. 3. (a) Festival, Flowers. (b) treasures, tree.
  4. 4. c
  5. 5. d
  6. 6. (d) Ms Gervis' apartment.
  7. 7. A
  8. 8. (1) Brotherhood.
  9. 9. b
  10. 10. a
  11. 11. a safe distance.
  12. 12. (2) Unity of the human race.
  13. 13. killed.
  14. 14. (c) Gonzalo.
  15. 15. c
  16. 16. Are
  17. 17. or
  18. 18. they had better go.
  19. 19. Information file.
  20. 20. microscope
  21. 21. Mr. Sanyal's behaviour was strange because he suddenly stood up from his seat, stretched himself, and raised his lean right arm. With dilated eyes and an intense expression, he began reciting Tagore's poem 'Panraksha'. This unexpected outburst of emotion and recitation seemed out of place in the ordinary setting of a tea shop and caught everyone's attention.
  22. 22. 'Having finished' is a perfect participle, which is a non-finite participial form that expresses a completed action occurring before the main action of the sentence. It introduces a participial clause that modifies the subject 'manager' and indicates that the manager completed the work before deciding to return home. Perfect participles are useful for showing the sequence of events and adding detail to sentences.
  23. 23. Herman and the author slammed the doors because they heard footsteps coming quickly up the stairs towards them. Believing that an intruder or burglar was approaching their rooms, they reacted in fear and panic. They ran into their respective rooms and shut the doors forcefully behind them, hoping to lock out whoever or whatever was coming up the stairs. This action was a defensive response born out of terror and the belief that they were in immediate danger.
  24. 24. 'Investigate' means to carry out an inquiry or systematic examination into a matter or incident.
  25. 25. The original sentence 'Make me a cup of tea, shall you?' uses the modal verb 'shall' in a question form, which is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward. When making a polite request or giving a command followed by a question tag, the correct modal verb to use is 'will' because it is more appropriate for requests and commands in modern English. The corrected sentence is 'Make me a cup of tea, will you?' This phrasing is more natural, polite, and grammatically accurate. The question tag 'will you' softens the imperative statement and makes it sound like a courteous request rather than a harsh command.
  26. 26. The thoughts and mood of the narrator's parents reflected the gravity of the situation. The father appeared anxious and serious, deeply troubled by the implications of the order to stop teaching French and the loss of their language and culture. The mother, on the other hand, seemed more resigned and melancholy, appearing calm on the surface but occupied with household work, perhaps as a way to cope with the emotional weight of the moment. Both parents embodied the silent sorrow and helplessness felt by the entire community.
  27. 27. Alisha says these words.
  28. 28. M. Hamel had taught in the village for forty years, a fact he mentions to show his long service and devotion.
  29. 29. The rhyming pairs in the given lines are 'fear' and 'cheer,' which are perfect rhymes as they have identical ending sounds. The second rhyming pair is 'whole' and 'toll,' which also form a perfect rhyme with matching vowel and consonant sounds. These rhymes help create a musical quality and rhythm in the poem while reinforcing the thematic connections between the words. The rhyme of 'fear' with 'cheer' emphasizes the contrast between negative emotion and positive emotion, while the rhyme of 'whole' with 'toll' connects the idea of maintaining a complete heart with fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities.
  30. 30. Dr Schaff warned Tom that thinking too much about the precious stones put him in danger of losing his mind. The doctor was concerned that Tom's constant worry and obsessive thoughts about the contents of the box were taking a psychological toll on him. Dr Schaff believed that excessive mental preoccupation with the situation could lead to mental breakdown or insanity. This warning highlighted the serious emotional and psychological strain that the dilemma was placing on Tom.
  31. 31. Their neighbours were the Bodwells (Mr. and Mrs. Bodwell).
  32. 32. Since today is your birthday, put on the new dress.
  33. 33. The main inhabitants of the island were Prospero, Miranda, Caliban, and Ariel along with other spirits under Prospero's command. Caliban was the native inhabitant of the island before Prospero's arrival, while Ariel and the other spirits were supernatural beings controlled by Prospero's magic. There were no other permanent human residents on the island, making it a place isolated from the civilized world where Prospero could exercise his magical powers and raise his daughter away from the dangers of his former life in Milan.
  34. 34. No, the policemen were not willing to leave the house. They insisted on staying and searching for an intruder or some evidence of the disturbance that had been reported. They were unwilling to leave without finding someone or something besides the grandfather to justify the commotion and the calls for help that had brought them to the house in the first place.
  35. 35. 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).
  36. 36. Prospero possessed extraordinary magical powers that he had gained from his books of magic and his deep knowledge of the occult arts. Through these powers, he could control and command spirits like Ariel, forcing them to obey his will and perform various tasks. He could create violent storms and tempests at sea, summon magical visions and illusions to confuse and test people, and manipulate events on the island to achieve his purposes. His magic allowed him to govern the island completely and to orchestrate the arrival and actions of those who came to his shores, making him an almost godlike figure with command over both the natural and supernatural worlds.
  37. 37. When the bird is kept in imprisonment, it will lose its natural beauty and its sweet voice. Over time, it becomes black and crow-like in appearance, losing the characteristics that made it valuable and attractive. This transformation represents the destructive effect of captivity on the bird's physical and aesthetic qualities.
  38. 38. The young seagull called loudly.
  39. 39. Nagarajan: Well, here we are, No. 8, Kaveri Street. I think this is the house we saw online. What do you think of the location? Dhanalakshmi: It is in a nice neighbourhood. And it's close to the railway station. Nagarajan: And the bus stop is not too far away. Dhanalakshmi: How many rooms are there? Nagarajan: There are three rooms, a kitchen and a balcony. Dhanalakshmi: There is a lawn behind the house, right? Nagarajan: That's right. The lawn is actually quite large. Did you see any photos of the living room online? What does it look like? Dhanalakshmi: The living room looks great. It looks bright and airy. It has a nice view of the hills. But the kitchen looks a little small. Nagarajan: And, I remember you said there isn't a store room, right? Dhanalakshmi: No, but there is an attic, where we can store things. Nagarajan: I hope this house is a better option. Dhanalakshmi: Let's wait for the real estate agent. She said she would be here at three o'clock. Nagarajan: Look. There she is!
  40. 40. a. The poet expects everyone to learn to maintain a cheerful and positive attitude in life. Specifically, the poet wants readers to learn to walk through life with a smile and a song, meaning they should cultivate happiness, optimism, and a joyful demeanor regardless of circumstances. This suggests adopting an attitude of contentment and finding joy in simple things, rather than focusing on problems and complaints. b. When things go wrong sometimes, we should remain cheerful, hopeful, and positive rather than becoming discouraged or falling into the trap of constant complaining. We should not let temporary setbacks or difficulties dampen our spirits or make us pessimistic. Instead, we should maintain our smile and optimism, face challenges with courage and a constructive attitude, and believe that things will improve. The poet emphasizes that life will always have some difficulties, but our response should be one of resilience and positivity rather than grumbling and negativity.
  41. 41. a) What is common for all of us is our awareness of and dependence on the basic elements of nature: sun, air, and water, which sustain all human life regardless of nationality or origin. b) We are fed by peaceful harvests when there is peace and prosperity, but during war, people face long winters of starvation and deprivation, showing how conflict disrupts the natural cycle of sustenance and survival. c) The season referred to here is winter, which symbolizes the hardship, deprivation, and suffering that people endure during times of war and conflict, contrasting sharply with the nourishment provided by peaceful harvests during times of peace.
  42. 42. 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
  43. 43. Several machines are shaped and designed through the process of hammering. Hand-forged tools such as hammers, chisels, and axes are traditionally created by blacksmiths who heat metal and then hammer it into the desired shape. Anvils themselves, which are used as the base for hammering other metals, are also forged through hammering. Many machine parts and components, particularly those requiring strength and durability, are shaped using forging techniques where heated metal is repeatedly struck with hammers to achieve the final design. This method of hammering allows craftsmen to create tools and machine parts with precise shapes and properties suited to their intended functions.
  44. 44. due to → because of except for → with the exception of with reference to → referring to in spite of → disregarding the difficulty / regardless of in addition to → added to / in addition to referring to → with reference to in place of → as a substitute for regardless of → irrespective of / disregarding the difficulty in the interest of → for the sake of because of → due to as a substitute for → in place of with the exception of → except for for the sake of → in the interest of (disregarding the difficulty is a meaning phrase that corresponds to "in spite of" or "regardless of")
  45. 45. 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 hours a day without interruption. While machines can theoretically run continuously, in practice they require regular maintenance, fuel replenishment, repairs, and periodic rest periods to function properly and safely. e) And now, if you will set us to our task, we will serve you four and twenty hours a day, 365 days a year.
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."Why do volcanoes erupt?" She wondered why...a. volcanoes erupt.b. volcanoes had erupted.c. volcanoes erupted.d. did volcanoes erupt?[1]
2.6. Children are given toys ____________ sweets on Children's day.a. on top ofb. in addition toc. due to[1]
3.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]
4.I like ______ rasam. {drinking / drink}A. drinkingB. drink[1]
5.He asked me if ..... unhappya. I know why she isb. you know why she wasc. did I know why she wasd. I knew why she was[1]
6.He was curious to know who...a. took my Englishb. had taken his English book.c. takes his English book.d. has taken my English book.[1]
7.The Emperor gave Mulan __________a. six horses and six swords.b. a death sentence.c. gold.d. six camels[1]
8._________ he is ninety years old, he is in the pink of health.A. whenB. sinceC. though[1]
9.Priya has broken her ________ (four/fore) limbs.a. fourb. fore[1]
10.8. He didn't turn up ____________ his busy schedule.a. consequence ofb. due toc. except for[1]
11.She wondered why...a. volcanoes erupt.b. volcanoes had erupted.c. volcanoes erupted.d. did volcanoes erupt?[1]
12.___(5)___ like ours. We as human do the same labour with ___(6)___ and look at the world with the ___(7)___. Waging war against others as they belong to a different country is like attacking our own selves. It is the ___(8)___ we impair. We all share the same___(9)___. We are similar to each other. 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]
13.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]
14.What is the story about?a. winningb. friendshipc. women empowermentd. motherhood[1]
15.7. The parents must be informed ___________ any indiscipline conduct of their wards.a. because ofb. in case ofc. in spite of[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5

Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)

16.12. He _____________ is responsible for the downfall of his life.[1]
17."__________ I was alive and had a human heart," answered the statue, "I did not know what tears were, __________ I lived in the palace __________ sorrow was not allowed to enter. My courtiers called me the Happy Prince __________ Happy Indeed I was. So I lived and __________ I died."[1]
18.The monuments are to be preserved because of their historical __________. (significant)[1]
19.8. Neither food nor water ___ found here.[1]
20.6. The man behaved ___________ in front of the crowd. (normal)[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36

Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)

21.How would she be punished if found guilty?[2]
22.3. Take an umbrella. It should rain later.[2]
23.What was engraved on the medal?[2]
24.4. What is the experience when one falls off the platform?[2]
25.Why was the narrator sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps?[2]
26.What did Aditya visit?[2]
27.What devices help David to move from one place to other?[2]
28.Mention at least two expressions which show that Mrs. Krishnan was not willing to have Zigzag at home.[2]
29.Walk carefully lest you will fall down. (into Complex)[2]
30.As Varun is a voracious reader, he buys a lot of books. (into Simple)[2]
31.4. courageous -[2]
32.4. The drinking water is supplied by lake to the city.[2]
33.What happened when Somu left Zigzag with the Krishnans?[2]
34.Mention the events that the grandfather imagined.[2]
35.Who is Kim?[2]
36.Who is wise according to you?[2]
37.Where did Mulan's father hear about the Emperor's order?[2]
38.2. What kind of joy is unfurled during the festival of sacrifice?[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35

Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)

39.Why didn't Tom dare to assign the task of unlocking the box to someone?[5]
40.f. What were the instructions given by Holmes to Watson?[5]
41.2. The poem 'No Men Are Foreign' has a greater relevance in todays world. Elucidate.[5]
42.How did the soldiers come to know about Mulan's real identity?[5]
43.The service provided by the conservancy workers in your city is very poor. You find all the street corners dumped with garbage thrown by the residents of the locality. It causes a menace for the public at large. You are Ramya/Rajan of Class X, studying in TM Model School, Dharmapuri. Write an article in about 150-200 words to the editor of The Indian Express, about this and suggest ways by which the situation could be improved .[5]
44.2. They growl at that and they growl at this; Whatever comes, there is something amiss; a. What does the word 'growl' mean here? b. Why do they find everything amiss?[5]
45.He would think it over and come back later.[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 3
  1. 1. a
  2. 2. b
  3. 3. (6) Our hands; (7) same eyes.
  4. 4. A
  5. 5. d
  6. 6. b
  7. 7. a
  8. 8. C
  9. 9. a
  10. 10. b
  11. 11. a
  12. 12. (5) breathing body; (6) our hands; (7) same eyes; (8) human earth; (9) dreams and aspirations; (10) unnatural. These blanks complete the poet's argument about universal human similarity. The phrase 'breathing body like ours' emphasizes that all humans possess identical physical forms regardless of nationality. 'Our hands' refers to the shared capacity for labor and work that connects all people across borders. 'Same eyes' symbolizes our common vision and perception of the world, suggesting that we all witness and experience life in fundamentally similar ways. 'Human earth' represents the shared planet that sustains all humanity, making it illogical to wage war and harm what we all depend upon. 'Dreams and aspirations' acknowledges that beneath surface differences, all humans harbor similar hopes, desires, and ambitions for a better life. Finally, 'unnatural' characterizes warfare as contrary to human nature, since fighting against people who are essentially like ourselves violates our inherent unity and shared humanity.
  13. 13. B
  14. 14. c
  15. 15. b
  16. 16. He himself is responsible for the downfall of his life.
  17. 17. When; for; where; and; so
  18. 18. significance
  19. 19. is
  20. 20. normally
  21. 21. 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.
  22. 22. Take an umbrella. It might rain later. The modal verb 'might' is used to express possibility or probability regarding a future event. It suggests that there is a chance of rain occurring later, though it is not certain. The verb 'should' in the original sentence is less appropriate because it suggests obligation rather than possibility.
  23. 23. The medal was engraved with: 'Sriman Sasanka Sanyal - Special Prize for Recitation - 1948.'
  24. 24. When one falls off the platform during bungee jumping, they experience a surge of adrenaline that heightens all senses and creates an intense feeling of excitement. The jumper feels a sensation of weightlessness during the initial free fall as gravity pulls them downward. There is rapid airflow rushing past the body, which creates a distinctive sound and physical sensation. Many jumpers describe a sinking or stomach-drop sensation similar to the feeling experienced on a roller coaster. As the bungee cord reaches its limit and begins to stretch, the jumper experiences a sudden deceleration followed by a powerful rebound that propels them upward. This bouncing motion continues several times with decreasing intensity until the jumper eventually comes to rest, creating an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
  25. 25. 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.
  26. 26. Aditya visited several significant places during his journey. He visited his old school, which held memories of his childhood education. He also visited Nagen uncle's tea shop, a local establishment that was likely a gathering place in the community. Additionally, Aditya visited his ancestral home, which connected him to his family's heritage and history. He visited a jeweller's shop, suggesting he may have had business or personal reasons for this visit. Finally, he visited Jogesh Kabiraj's house, indicating a meeting with someone from his past or an important figure in the community. These visits collectively represent Aditya's reconnection with his hometown and the people and places that were significant to him.
  27. 27. David moves from one place to another using two main devices. He uses an electric wheelchair that is controlled by head switches, allowing him to navigate independently by moving his head. Additionally, he uses a walker fitted with a smaller communication aid, which provides him with mobility support while also keeping his communication device accessible. These assistive devices work together to enable David to move around and communicate simultaneously.
  28. 28. Two expressions are: "I'm going crazy with the sound of Zigzag snoring, plus all these telephone calls" and "And my beautiful painting..."
  29. 29. Corrected original: 'lest' should not be followed by 'will'. To convert to a complex sentence using a subordinate purpose/result clause, use 'so that' + negative: 'Walk carefully so that you do not fall down.'
  30. 30. Varun, a voracious reader, buys a lot of books. This simple sentence converts the complex sentence by using an appositive phrase 'a voracious reader' to describe Varun directly. The appositive phrase is set off by commas and provides additional information about the subject without using a subordinate clause, thereby reducing the sentence to a simple structure while retaining all the original meaning and information.
  31. 31. courageous - She made a courageous decision to help the injured bird.
  32. 32. Senchal Lake.
  33. 33. When Somu left Zigzag with the Krishnans, the bird immediately began to cause disruptions. Zigzag placed the fruits and nuts that were given to him on the chandelier and fan blades instead of eating them. He then perched on the curtain rod, went to sleep and began to snore loudly. This unusual behaviour and the loud snoring disturbed the entire household and created an unexpected problem for the family.
  34. 34. Grandfather imagined that the policemen who burst into his room were deserters from General Meade's army who were retreating under the attack of Stonewall Jackson. This vivid Civil War fantasy took hold of his mind when he was suddenly awakened, causing him to react violently to what he perceived as enemy soldiers invading his space.
  35. 35. Kim is the assistive technologist at Alisha's school.
  36. 36. The bird is wiser according to the story. It demonstrated wisdom by keeping its word and remaining true to its promise despite Chulong's greed and betrayal. The bird also showed that Chulong had ignored all three rules it had given him, proving that wisdom lies not in the pursuit of endless wealth but in following principles of honesty, contentment, and valuing what one already has.
  37. 37. He heard about the Emperor's order in the town.
  38. 38. The joy of giving is unfurled during the festival of sacrifice. This festival celebrates the spirit of selflessness and generosity, where people share their blessings with others and contribute to the welfare of their communities. The act of sacrifice symbolizes the willingness to give up something valuable for the greater good and for helping those in need. Through this festival, people experience the profound happiness that comes from sharing and caring for others, which is a deeper and more meaningful form of joy than material pleasure.
  39. 39. Tom did not want another person to risk being killed while opening the box, so he would not assign the task to anyone else. Tom felt a strong sense of personal responsibility and moral obligation. He believed that since the box had been entrusted to him by Uncle Philip, the danger and burden should fall on him alone rather than on an innocent person. Tom's refusal to delegate the task demonstrated his courage and his unwillingness to put someone else's life in jeopardy. He understood that if the box truly contained dynamite as the letter suggested, opening it could be fatal, and he could not in good conscience ask another person to undertake such a perilous task on his behalf.
  40. 40. Holmes instructed Watson to keep away from the bedside and not to interfere with the scene unfolding before them. Watson was told to remain in the background and to follow Holmes' directions carefully so that the elaborate ruse would succeed without being discovered. Holmes needed Watson to play a passive role, observing but not participating, so that Smith would not become suspicious. Watson was to be present as a witness but was to allow Holmes to conduct the interrogation and confession scene without interruption or interference. These instructions were crucial to the success of Holmes' plan to extract a confession from the guilty party.
  41. 41. The poem's message is especially important today because conflicts based on nationality, religion or race continue to cause suffering. Global challenges like migration, climate change and pandemics show that humanity is interconnected; therefore cooperation and empathy are essential. The poem reminds us that since we share the same needs and the same earth, hatred and war are self-defeating. Its call for recognizing common humanity and choosing peace is a timely moral guidance for contemporary society.
  42. 42. Her comrades discovered she was a woman when she removed her armour and put on women's clothes (and/or when she bathed and revealed her true identity).
  43. 43. To The Editor, The Indian Express Subject: Poor Conservancy Service — A Public Menace By Ramya/Rajan, Class X, TM Model School, Dharmapuri Sir, The chronic negligence in conservancy services in our city has turned street corners into dumping grounds. Overflowing bins, uncollected garbage and indiscriminate littering have created health hazards and attracted stray animals. The stench and spread of disease risk the safety of residents, especially children and the elderly. Improvement requires coordinated action. Municipal authorities must ensure regular, scheduled collection and increase the number of dustbins in busy areas. Public awareness campaigns should educate citizens about segregation of waste at source and penalties for littering. Introducing door-to-door collection, proper composting for organic waste and recycling centres will reduce landfill load. Private–public partnerships can improve efficiency; technology such as GPS-linked trucks ensures adherence to routes. Immediate measures and sustained civic responsibility will restore cleanliness and public health. I urge residents and officials to act together. Yours faithfully, Ramya/Rajan TM Model School
  44. 44. a. 'Growl' here means to grumble or complain. b. They are habitually dissatisfied and critical, so they always find fault with whatever happens.
  45. 45. The shopkeeper/jeweller (or a buyer) — someone considering a purchase and deciding to return.

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