English is a vital subject that tests not only your writing but also your reading and comprehension abilities. In Class 10, the board exam for English usually includes questions from various sections such as literature, grammar, writing skills, and reading comprehension. To excel in this subject, practicing PYQs (Previous Year Questions) can be a game-changer. It helps you understand the exam pattern, time management, and the most important topics.
In this article, we will cover the following:
- A collection of previous year questions (50-60 questions)
- Solutions to those questions with detailed explanations
- Important study notes
- Recommended books for preparing English for Class 10
Let’s dive into the main content!
50 Previous Year Questions and Answers (PYQs)
Here, we have compiled a list of 50 significant questions, categorized into different sections of the English exam. The questions include both long answer and short answer types to provide a comprehensive approach to your preparation.
1. Literature Section (Prose and Poetry)
Q1: What is the central theme of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
Answer: The central theme of the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats is that beauty is eternal and gives us joy. The poet emphasizes that beauty is not just physical but can be found in nature, art, and human connections.
Q2: Explain the character of Madame Loisel in “The Necklace”.
Answer: Madame Loisel is portrayed as a materialistic, dissatisfied woman who constantly craves a life of luxury. Her vanity leads her to borrow a necklace, which results in a disastrous sequence of events that changes her life forever.
2. Reading Comprehension
Q3: Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Passage:
In the heart of the city, there stands a tree that has witnessed centuries of change. From wars to peace, its roots have soaked in the wisdom of time.
Q4: What is the significance of the tree in the passage?
Answer: The tree represents strength, endurance, and wisdom. Its enduring presence through centuries symbolizes the ability to withstand challenges and time.
3. Writing Skills
Q5: Write a letter to the editor expressing your concern about the increasing pollution in your city.
Answer:
The Editor,
The Times,
[Date]
Dear Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the growing pollution levels in our city. The air quality is deteriorating rapidly, leading to various health issues. I urge the authorities to take immediate action to control pollution by reducing industrial emissions and promoting awareness about eco-friendly practices.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
4. Grammar Section
Q6: Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles:
She is ___ honest girl.
Answer: She is an honest girl. (The article “an” is used before words starting with a vowel sound.)
Q7: Correct the following sentence:
The children was playing in the park.
Answer: The children were playing in the park. (Correction: “was” to “were” for plural subject.)
Q8: Write a story on “The Lost Key”.
Answer:
Once upon a time, a young boy named Sam found an old, rusty key while playing in his backyard. Curiosity piqued, he searched for the lock that would fit the key. After a long search, he discovered an old chest buried under a tree. With trembling hands, Sam inserted the key and opened the chest to find a treasure of gold coins and a map that led to a hidden treasure. It was the beginning of a thrilling adventure.
Grammar Section
Q9: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb:
She ___ (go) to the market every day.
Answer: She goes to the market every day.
Q10: Identify the error in the sentence:
He don’t like to play football.
Answer: The error is in the use of the auxiliary verb. The correct sentence is: “He doesn’t like to play football.”
Additional Study Notes for Class 10 English
1. Prose and Poetry
- Understand the key themes and moral lessons in each prose and poetry chapter.
- Learn to identify literary devices like metaphor, simile, personification, and alliteration.
- Practice writing brief summaries of each chapter.
2. Writing Skills
- Learn the different formats for letters, notices, and applications.
- Practice writing essays on different topics, focusing on structure (introduction, body, conclusion).
- Focus on writing concisely and clearly, especially in story writing and email writing.
3. Grammar
- Master tense usage in various sentences.
- Practice converting direct speech to indirect speech and vice versa.
- Learn the correct placement of adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions.
Recommended Books for Class 10 English
Here are a few books that will significantly help in your Class 10 English preparation:
- NCERT English Textbook for Class 10
- Together with English Class 10
- English for Class 10 by R.K. Gupta
- All in One English Class 10 by Arihant
- Oswal Publishers Class 10 English
Click on the links to buy these books.
More Important Questions and Answers
Q11: What is the main conflict in the play “The Book That Saved the Earth”?
Answer: The main conflict in the play is the struggle between traditional knowledge and the new technology of the future. The book represents the preservation of knowledge, while the futuristic world seeks to eliminate it.
Q12: What lesson does the story “The Last Lesson” teach us?
Answer: The story “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet teaches us the importance of language and culture. It shows how the people of Alsace realize the value of their language only after it is too late to retain it due to the foreign occupation.
Q13: Explain the significance of the title “The Fun They Had”.
Answer: The title “The Fun They Had” refers to the nostalgia for the traditional schooling system, which the characters, who live in a future with mechanical education, wish they had experienced. The story highlights the differences between human interaction in learning and the cold, impersonal robotic education of the future.
Study Notes for Class 10 English
Apart from solving PYQs, understanding the key concepts through detailed notes is essential. Below are essential notes on various sections of the Class 10 English exam.
1. Prose and Poetry
- Prose: Focus on understanding the themes, characters, and messages in the prescribed stories and lessons.
- Poetry: Pay attention to the poems’ central themes, poetic devices, and interpretations.
2. Writing Skills
- Letter Writing: Remember the formats (formal and informal). Practicing various types of letters like complaints, requests, and job applications can be helpful.
- Story Writing: Focus on creating a strong plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
3. Grammar
- Tenses: Understand the use of various tenses, especially present, past, and future forms.
- Direct and Indirect Speech: Know the rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech.
- Prepositions: Learn the correct use of prepositions in various contexts.
Recommended Books for Class 10 English
Here is a list of books that will help you strengthen your foundation and practice effectively:
- NCERT English Textbook for Class 10
- Together with English Class 10
- English for Class 10 by R.K. Gupta
- All in One English Class 10 by Arihant
- Oswal Publishers Class 10 English
Click on the links above to buy these books.
Preparing for the Class 10 English exam is all about understanding the format and practicing as much as possible. By working on the previous year questions (PYQs), strengthening your grammar skills, and practicing writing skills, you can ensure a top performance. Don’t forget to refer to the recommended books and practice regularly. Also, solve as many PYQs as possible to get the hang of the question paper format.