ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
CLASS-X- (2024-25)
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections –
Section – A: Reading Skills
Section – B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section – C: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Part.
SECTION A
READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the following text. 10
(1) Water is one of the most essential resources on Earth, yet it is often taken for granted.
Despite its abundance, the reality is that only a small fraction of the world’s water is fresh
and available for human use. With increasing populations, climate change, and industrial
demands, the pressure on our water resources is growing. This makes water conservation
not just a collective responsibility but a crucial individual duty. Each person’s effort towards
conserving water can significantly impact the preservation of this vital resource for future
generations
(2) One of the primary reasons individual water conservation efforts are so important is the
cumulative effect of small actions which may seem trivial on their own. However, when
multiplied by millions of people, these actions can lead to substantial water savings. For
example, a single dripping tap can waste over 15 litres of water a day. Imagine the water
saved if every household in a city repaired just one leaky faucet. This highlights the power
of collective individual actions in reducing water waste.
(3) Moreover, personal efforts towards water conservation often lead to greater awareness
and education. When individuals take steps to conserve water, they become more
conscious of their water usage and the importance of this resource. This awareness can
then spread within communities, inspiring others to adopt similar practices. For instance,
a family that installs water-saving devices in their home may encourage neighbours and
friends to do the same, creating a ripple effect. This grassroots approach to conservation
can be particularly effective in areas where larger-scale initiatives may be slow to
implement or lacking in support.
(4) In addition to daily habits, individuals can also make a difference through more significant
lifestyle choices. For instance, opting for drought-resistant plants in gardens and
supporting water-efficient agriculture can all contribute to water conservation. Agriculture,
especially livestock farming, is one of the largest consumers of water globally. By
supporting sustainable farming practices, individuals can indirectly reduce the water
footprint of their food.
, (5) Critics might argue that individual efforts are negligible compared to the large-scale water
consumption by industries and agriculture. However, this perspective overlooks the
potential for individual actions to drive systemic change. When people collectively make
water-conscious choices, they send a powerful message to businesses and policymakers
about the importance of conservation.
(6) Each person’s commitment to saving water, no matter how small, contributes to a larger
culture of sustainability. By making conscious choices and spreading awareness,
individuals can help ensure that future generations have access to the clean, fresh water
they need to thrive. Water conservation is not just the responsibility of governments and
industries; it is a shared duty that begins with each of us.
Created for Academic Usage / 441 words
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
I In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘each person’s effort towards conserving 1
water can significantly impact the preservation of this vital resource’ emphasise?
II Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. 1
Water is often taken for granted, despite its essential nature because .
a) it is abundant and always easily accessible, making people less aware of its
usage
b) its importance is not always recognised, leading people to overlook its value
(paragraph 1)
III Support the writer's idea that small individual actions towards water conservation 2
are not trivial.
(paragraph 2)
IV Select the option that best reflects the concept of a ‘ripple effect’ in the context of 1
student life at school.
a) A student’s act of volunteering at a local charity leads to the school
administration organising a large-scale fundraising event.
b) A student who consistently follows good study practices inspires classmates to
improve their own study routines, creating a culture of academic excellence
in the class. (paragraph 3)
V State whether the following statement is True or False. 1
(paragraph 3)
VI The writer mentions ‘sustainable farming practices’ in paragraph 4. 1
Which of the following is a sustainable farming practice?
A. Using chemical fertilizers and pesticides extensively to increase crop yields.
B. Clearing large areas of natural vegetation to expand farmland for organic
farming.
C. Implementing crop rotation and using organic compost to maintain soil health.
D. Relying solely on monoculture farming to maximise production efficiency.
VII List any two points that a powerful message sent to businesses and policy makers
about the importance of water conservation might include. (paragraph 5) 2