Maharashtra Board SSC Class 10 English Question Paper 2019 with Answers Solutions Pdf Download.
SSC English Question Paper 2019 with Answers Pdf Download Maharashtra Board
ENGLISH (FIRST LANGUAGE)
[Time: 3 Hours]
[Max. Marks: 100]
SECTION I : LANGUAGE STUDY
Question 1.
(A) Al. Do as directed: (8)
(1) Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the following phrase : (1)
“to look into”
(2) Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence : (1)
I just had to do it.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence : (1)
did you hear him he whispered
(4) Find out two hidden words of minimum four letters from : (1)
‘endurance’
(5) Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it: (1)
The novel was publishing in 1952.
(6) Complete the following word chain of verbs : (1)
Write : e …………, …………, …………, …………,
(7) Identify the type of sentence : (1)
I could manage well enough.
(8) Write two past participles in which the last letters are doubled.
A2. Do as directed : (8)
(1) Make two sentences by using the given word as a noun and as a verb : (2)
dream.
(2) We saw a tree bare of all leaves. (2)
(Rewrite the sentence beginning with “A tree bare …………)
(3) The Dauphin will give me all I need. (2)
(Rewrite the sentence using the present perfect tense)
(4) The Nobel Prize is one of the greatest honours in the world. (2)
(Change the given sentence into positive and comparative degree)
(B) Do as directed : (4)
(1) I must tell the truth. (2)
(Pick out the model auxiliary verb and state its function)
(2) Identify the clauses and name it: (2)
The nerves that controlled his muscles were shutting down.
Answer:
(A) A1.
1. I want the authorities to look into the matter and solve it fast.
2. ‘to do’.
3. “Did you hear him?”, he whispered.
4. Dance, endure.
5. The novel was published in 1952.
6. Envy, yawn, note, enlighten.
7. Assertive sentence.
8. Slipped, rubbed.
A2.
1. The boy has seen a horrible dream. (Noun)
They dream about their project becoming the best one. (Verb)
2. A tree bare of all leaves was seen by us.
3. The Dauphin has given me all I need.
4. Positive : Very few honours in the world are as great as the Nobel Prize.
Comparative : The Nobel Prize is greater than many other honours in the world.
(B)
1. Must-It shows compulsion.
2. (i) The nerves were shutting down-Main clause.
(ii) That controlled his muscles-Subordinate objective clause.
SECTION II : TEXTUAL PASSAGES
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar)
Question 2.
(A) Read the following passage and do the activities : (10)
A1. Choose the correct alternatives from the given options and rewrite the sentences (appealing, casually, flattery, well-oiled) (2)
(1) I followed …………
(2) Anil talked about the ………… wrestlers.
(3) I gave him my most ………… smile.
(4) A little ………… helps in making friends.
| I was still a thief when I met Anil, and though only 15,1 was an experienced and fairly successful hand.
Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25—tall, lean fellow and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck of late and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence. “You look a bit of a wrestler yourself,” I said. A little flattery helps in making friends. “So do you,” he replied, which put me off for a moment because at that time I was rather thin. After this introduction, Anil talked about the well-oiled wrestlers who were grunting, lifting and throwing each other about. I didn’t have much to say. Anil walked away. I followed casually. He took me to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and told me I could sleep on the balcony. But the meal I cooked that night must have been terrible because Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off. But I just hung around, smiling in my most appealing way, and he couldn’t help laughing. |
A2. Complete the following web-chart : (2)
A3. Find the similar meaning words from the passage for the following: (2)
(1) endearing
(2) miscalculated
(3) humbly
(4) awful
A4. (1) “I want to work for you,” I said. (1)
(Change it into indirect speech)
(2) I can’t pay you. (1)
(Rewrite making it affirmative)
A5. “We should learn from our own mistakes.”Explain. (2)
(B) Read the following passage and do the given activities : (10)
B1. Answer in one word : (2)
(1) At what age was Stephen diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
(2) Over the years, how many books has Stephen written or co-written?
(3) When did Stephen catapult to international prominence?
(4) In which year was his life story depicted?
| Stephen Hawking (bom January 8,1942) is a British scientist, professor and author who has done groundbreaking work in physics artd cosmology, and whose books have helped to make science accessible for everyone. At the age of 21, while studying cosmology at the University of Cambridge, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Part of his life story was depicted in the 2014 film, The Theory of Everything.
Over the years, Stephen Hawking has written or co-written a total of 15 books. A few of the most noteworthy include: In 1988, Hawking catapulted to international prominence with the publication of A Brief History of Time. The short, informative book became an account of cosmology for the masses and offered an overview of space and time, the existence of God and the future. The work was an instant success, spending more than four years atop the ‘London Sunday Times’ best-seller list. Since its publication, it has sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into more than 40 languages. A Brief History of Time also wasn’t as easy to understand as some had hoped. So in 2001, Hawking followed up his book with The Universe in a Nutshell, which offered a more illustrated guide to cosmology’s big theories. In 2005, Hawking authored the even more accessible. A Briefer History of Time, which further simplified the original work’s core concepts and touched upon the newest developments in the field like String theory’. |
B2. Complete the following table with the relevant information about Stephen Hawking: (2)
| Books | Film |
| (i) ……………………… | (i) ……………………… |
| (ii) ……………………… | |
| (iii) ……………………… |
B3. Find out the ‘Antonyms’ from the passage for the following : (2)
(1) worst ×
(ii) exclude ×
(iii) duplicate ×
(iv) oldest ×
B4. (1) It has sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated 40 languages. (1)
(Change it into simple sentence)
(2) The short informative book became an account of cosmology. (1)
(Add a Question Tag)
B5. “Stephen Hawking was a versatile personality.” Justify. (2)
Answer:
A1. 1. I followed casually.
2. Anil talked about the well-oiled wrestlers
3. I gave him my most appealing smile.
4. A little flattery helps in making friends.
A2. Complete the following web chart:
A3. 1. appealing
2. misjudged
3. modestly
4. terrible.
A4. 1. I said that I wanted to ork for him/her.
2. I am unable to pay you
A5. It is true that we should learn from our mistakes because experience is the best teacher. Once we make a mistake, we realise where we went wrong and what its consequences would be. So next time, we avoid making the same kind of mistakes for our own progress.
(B) Bl. 1 – 21, 2 -15, 3 – in 1988, 4 – 2014.
B2.
| Books | Film |
| (i) A Brief History of Time | (i) The Theory of Everything |
| (ii) The Universe in a Nutshell | |
| (iii) A Briefer History of Time |
B3. (i) best
(ii) include
(iii) original
(iv) newest
B4.
1. Having been translated into more than 40 languages, it has sold millions of copies worldwide.
2. The short informative book became an account of cosmology, didn’t it?
B5.
Stephen Hawking had an all-rounder personality. He was a true researcher with a broad per-spective who wanted to use his skill or talent to spread his knowledge of theories to the world. He was persistent in his studies and continued to be determined towards his research even after being diagnosed with a fatal disease.
SECTION III : POETR
Question 3.
(A) Read the following extract and do the given activities : (5)
A1. Fill in the web with what Passion Poesy can do to you: (2)
| …………….. and clear rills That for themselves a cooling covert make ‘Gaint the hot season; the mid forest brake, Rich with a sprinkling of the dooms: We have imagined for the mighty deed; All lovely tales that we have heard or read : An endless fonutain of immortal drink Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. Nor do we merely feel these essences For one short hour, no, even as the trees That whisper round a temple become soon Dear as the temple’s self, so does the moon, The passion poesy, glories infinite, Haunt us till they become a cheering light Unto our souls, and bound to us so fast, That, whether there be shine, or gloom o’ercast They always must be with us, or we die. |
A2. List the things which express sorrow from the extract. (2)
A3. Write down the rhyme scheme of the last five lines. (1)
(B) Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the given points in a paragraph format: (10)
| The Pulley When God at first made Man, Having a glass of blessings standing by; Let us (said He) “pour on him all we can:” Let the worlds riches, which dispersed lie, Contract into a span. So strength first made a way; Then beauty flow’d, then wisdom, honour, pleasure : When almost all was out, God made a stay, Perceiving that alone of all His treasures Rest in the bottom lay. For if I should (said He) Bestow this jewel also on my creature, He would adore my gifts instead of me, And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature. So both should losers be. Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness : Let him be rich and weary, that at last, If goodness lead him not, yet weariness May toss him to my breast. —George Herbert |
• The title of the poem (1)
• The poet (1)
• Central idea/theme (2)
• Rhyme scheme (1)
• Figure of speech (1)
• Special features (2)
• Favourite line/lines (1)
• Why I like/don’t like the poem (1)
Answer:
(A) A1.
A2. The things which express sorrow are :
the dooms, gloom o’ercast.
A3. The rhyme scheme of the last five lines is – a a b b c
(B)
The title of the poem is ‘The Pulley’ and it is composed by George Herbert.
The poem deals with the idea why man remains continually restless throughout his life. The poet says that man’s restlessness is all because of the fact God withheld the quality of ‘rest’ from man. As a result of this, man’s thoughts would always finally turn towards God, the Creator.
The poet has used five-lined stanzas with a rhyming pattern so the rhyme scheme used throughout the poem uniformly is a b a b a.
The poet has used many figures of speech adding charm to the poem. The prominent one is metaphor as the quality of ‘rest,’ is indirectly compared with a ‘jewel.’ Besides, the poet has used inversion, alliteration, repetition, etc.
The poem has a specific message to offer. The poem tries to convey that though we possess the riches or have all the good qualities with us, ultimately we have to direct our thoughts towards God, our Creator.
‘Let him be rich and weary’ is my favourite line from the poem. The poem deals with paradox. It indicates that even though the man may be very rich, ultimately he will feel exhausted and recall his Creator.
I like the poem because it tells us the importance of never becoming self-contented but always try to recall God and thank Him for all the things He has bestowed upon us.
SECTION IV : NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGE
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar)
Question 4.
(A) Read the following passage and do the given activities : (10)
A1. Fill up the boxes with virtues of dogs : (2)
(1) ………….
(2) ………….
(3) ………….
(4) ………….
Human and dogs are inseparable for thousands of years and they are dependent on each other for protection and survival. Relationship between humans and dogs is often characterized by strong emotional bonds which run both way. Dogs are very popular as pets and companions. Dog is ‘Man’s Best Friend’ and a family member. The dog is one of the most loyal, faithful and devotee animal. In earlier days dogS were kept mainly for hunting and guarding; now they are kept for companionship, protection and showmanship.
There are millions of people all over the world who are dog lovers. Puppies need more attention at their early age. As much as possible try many methods of socialisation, such as playing with them, taking them for walk, expose them to crowds, make them to obey the orders, etc.
A2. Methods of socialisation of puppies are : (2)
(1) ………….
(2) ………….
(3) ………….
(4) ………….
A3. Cross out the odd one : (2)
(i) Inseparable, dependent, protection, popular.
(ii) Hunting, guarding, playing, petting.
(iii) Earlier, human, relationship, family
(iv) Often, mainly, now, emotional.
A4. (1) There are millions of people all over the world. (1)
(Pick out the determiners and write them)
(2) Puppies need more attention. (1)
(Rewrite the sentence without changing its meaning beginning with : Puppies don’t ……………)
A5. Should we ban keeping pets? Justify. (2)
(B) Write a short summary of the passage given in Q. No. 4. (A) and suggest a suitable title. (5)
Answer:
A1. 1. Man’s best friend 2. A family member 3 Loyal and faithful 4. Devoted animal.
A2. 1. Playing with them 2. Taking them for walk 3. Exposing them to crowds 4. Making them obey the orders.
A3, (i) Popular (ii) Petting (iii) Earlier (iv) Mainly
A4. 1. millions of
2. Puppies don’t need less attention.
A5. There is no need to ban keeping pets but there must be certain rules about it. Those who have empty space around could have pets and they must take care to keep their pets healthy, hygienic and vaccinated.
(B) Popular Pet: Dog
Humans and dogs have been interdependent for years together for survival and protection. They share strong emotional bonds as dogs prove to be ‘Man’s Best Friend’ or a family member. Puppies should be taken care of and socialisation methods like playing with them or taking them for walk need to be carried out in order to give them the attention they require.
SECTION V : WRITING SKILLS
Question 5.
(A) Letter Writing : (5)
Imagine you are Dipesh/Disha Shastri, residing at J.M. Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. Attempt any one letter based on the given advertisement.:
Blood Donation Camp
Donate Blood—Save Lives :
• Blood means life
• A noble work
• Higher requirement
• Can bring smile on many faces
Venue : F. C. Road, Pune
Date: 5th March
Time : 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Contact: The Secretary, Lions Club, Pune
| A1. Formal Letter | A2. Informal Letter | |
| Write a letter to ‘The Secretary, re-questing him to enroll your name for the Blood Donation Camp. | OR | Write a letter to your friend Manish/Manisha appealing him or her to donate generously. Tell him/ her the importance of Blood Donation. |
(B) B1. Dialogue Writing : (5)
Draft an imaginary dialogue between a scientist and Ritesh/Ruta about the importance of developing scientific attitude. You can use the following points :
- Helps to fight against social evils.
- Develops rational and logical thinking.
- Helps to understand latest technology.
- For betterment of humanity.
- Strengthens economy
OR
B2. Interview Questions : (5)
Imagine you are the monitor of the class. You are asked to conduct an interview of a famous singer. Frame a set of 8 questions with the help of the following points :
- Early life and education
Interest for this particular field
Guru or mentor
Awards/achievements
Future plans and advice to the youngsters.
Answer:
(A) A1.
J.M. Road,
Shivaji Nagar,
Pune
3rd March, 20XX
To,
The Secretary
Lions Club,
Pune
Subject : Enrolling for Blood Donation Camp.
Respected Sir,
I am Dipesh Shastri, a resident of Pune and a student of XYZ School. I am writing this letter to get my name enrolled in the Blood Donation Camp, organised by the Lions Club on 5th March. We know that donation of blood is a noble work as it can save someone’s life. There are so many mishaps and accidents, taking place every day. A lot of patients suffer due to the unavailability of blood in the hospitals or the blood banks. Therefore, I believe it is a noble cause as it can bring smile on many faces, I want to donate blood in the camp organised on 5th March. I am also appealing to some of my friends to participate in this noble work. Kindly enroll my name for the camp.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Dipesh Shastri
A2.
J.M. Road,
Shivaji Nagar,
Pune
1st March, 20XX
Dear Manish,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing this letter for a specific purpose of appealing to you to participate in the Blood Donation Camp.
There are many mishaps and accidents taking place nowadays. Therefore as a result, blood is always required and some patients suffer from serious consequences due to unavailability of blood.
Blood donation is a noble cause and we all must participate in it. Our donation can bring smiles on many faces. So, I request you to come to F.C. Road on 5th March from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. along with your family members as well as friends and donate blood generously.
Convey my regards and message to your parents, friends, and relatives.
Yours lovingly,
Dipesh
B1.
Ritesh : Hello sir! Right in the beginning, I would like to thank you for sparing your valuable time for me.
Scientist : It’s a pleasure for me.
Ritesh : Sir, it is a pitiful condition that even educated people believe in various wrong notions and superstitions.
Scientist : It’s true. What I feel is that we are lacking in the development of scientific attitude.
Ritesh : How does this attitude help?
Scientist : Scientific attitude helps a person to think rationally and as a result it helps to fight against social evils.
Ritesh : What are the other advantages of it?
Scientist : This attitude develops logical thinking, thus a person can analyse any given situation and decide what needs to be done.
Ritesh : What about the development of science and technology?
Scientist : It helps in understanding the latest developments in the field of science and technology. Developing such a rational attitude is a must for the betterment of humanity.
Ritesh : What you are pointing out is surely true.
Scientist : Besides, development of such attitude also helps in strengthening economy because it is beneficial in all facets of life.
Ritesh : I feel that you have elaborated the importance of scientific attitude really well. I personally will try to imbibe and develop it.
Scientist : Good. I wish it for all our countrymen.
OR
B2.
Lets put our hands together to welcome a great veteran singer.
Asha Bhonsale.
- Ashatai, we wish you good luck for the release of your new album. How was your experience while working with young musicians?
- You have been singing for 50 years now. What changes do you find fascinating in the techniques of recording?
- When did you realise you had the talent to sing so well?
- Who was your Guru or mentor?
- How did you prepare yourself for this profession?
- How many awards have you won until now?
- Who are the musicians that you would like to work with?
- What are your future plans?
- What advice would you give to our young and promising singers or musicians?
Question 6.
(A) Information Transfer (5)
A1. Verbal to non-verbal:
Read the following information and prepare a pie diagram for the same :
Annual Water Usage in Maharashtra
Water is life. It is a universal solvent and an important resource. The annual usage of water differs in various sectors of Maharashtra. The major occupation of Maharashtra being agriculture, the maximum amount of available water is used for irrigation that is 86%. The distant following , place 7% is contributed by domestic sector including drinking, washing, cooking, etc. There is
a close competition of other sectors which is not far away with 6% usage of water. One of the key factors which plays an important role in the development of a nation is industrial sector. The consumption of water by industrial sector is very negligible which is 1%. We know energy sector plays a vital role in the development of a nation.
In this sector, the use of water is almost nil. If we try to observe its place in the chart we do realise that it holds 0% usage and is yet to open its account.
OR
A2. Non-verbal to verbal:
Observe the following table and transfer the information into a paragraph :
Statewise Distribution of Urban and Rural Population in India :
| State | Population in Millions | |
| Rural | Urban | |
| Maharashtra | 560 | 410 |
| Gujarat | 320 | 190 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 440 | 160 |
| Chhattisgarh | 170 | 40 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 550 | 210 |
| Karnataka | 350 | 180 |
(B) Speech writing/view-counterview : (5)
B1. Prepare a speech to be delivered for District Level Elocution Competition.
The subject given to you is ‘How to live a happy and joyful life’.
Use the following points :
- Live in a stress free atmosphere.
- Daily meditation and exercise.
- Be in a company of cheerful people.
- Take inspiration from great people.
OR
B2. Write your counterview on ‘Children should work to earn during vacations’. Use the following points :
View :
- Fruitful use of time
- Development of skills
- Financial support to own education and parents
- Knowledge of transaction
- Awareness of responsibility
Answer:
(A) A1.
Verbal to Non-verbal:
A2.
India’s population can be divided into rural and urban population. Maharashtra has the highest number of rural population which is 560 million and urban population of 410 million. In comparison to it, Andhra Pradesh has 550 million of rural population and 210 million of urban population. After these two big states in terms of population, comes Madhya Pradesh, as it has the rural population of 440 million and urban population of 160 million. Gujarat records the rural population of 320 million and urban population of 190 million. Karnataka has a greater rural population than Gujarat as it is 350 million and has slightly lesser urban population than Gujarat as it is 180 million. The state of Chhattisgarh has the lowest figures. The rural population there is 170 million and urban population is 40 million. It shows that we need to strengthen rural areas to record rapid progress.
(B) B1.
Honourable judges, respected teachers and my dear friends.
Its’s greater pleasure to be here to express my views about leading a happy and joyful life. Nowadays, the conditions around us are filled with tension, mental stress, deadlines to meet and great hustle and bustle. It is hindering us from living a happy and joyful life.
To lead a cheerful life, we need to live in a stress-free atmosphere. Though stress has become inevitable now, we have to learn the techniques to deal with it skillfully. One can regularly exercise and properly meditate to qiake oneself physically as well as mentally strong.
Another way to live joyfully is by keeping good company. ‘A man is known by the company he keeps’ is a well-known saying. Their cheerfulness helps us to remain calm. We see and read about many influencial people and how they overcame the hurdles in their lives and achieve great success. Such success stories should be taken as an inspiration for all.
In the end I feel that it is us, who have to decide firmly to lead a happy and cheerful life.
Thank you all.
OR
B2.
Children should follow their inclinations.
When summer vacations start, many students jump out of joy as they look forward to the long awaited days of sleeping-in, chilling on the couch aijd hanging out with friends.
Yet, what their parents expect is a summer of full-time jobs, summer school classes, internships, studying abroad and more. While it may be tempting to get ahead and earn during summer, students should be taking a true break during the summer months instead.
What students really need to focus on during the summer months is taking a break from the usual stress and work. Relaxing during summer break is important because it allows students to recharge for the coming quarter. After a stressful year of nonstop work, students who choose not to take the summer off will find themselves less motivated during the regular academic year. Personal ventures, such as an art project that was meant to be completed long ago, or a book that has sat on a dusty shelf waiting to be read, can be just as enriching as a structured class. Free time helps in creativity often overlooked during the regular school year and makes individuals well-rounded. Pursuing personal interest such as dancing, sculpting or graphic design ventures can be even more worthwhile than sticking to the structured regime of classes and internships. These projects will shine on resumes as they exhibit true passion and interest on the individual’s part.
As unexpected as it may seem, students would benefit more by focusing on themselves during the summer, working on personal projects and simply relaxing.
SECTION VI : CREATIVE WRITING
Question 7.
(A) A1. Expand the theme : (5)
Nature—The Best Teacher.
OR
A2. News Report:
Prepare a news report based on the following headline :
’14 Child Labourers Were Rescued From Firework Factory.’
(B) Developing a story/Narrating experience : (5)
B1. Develop a story in about 80-100 words with the following ending.
Give a suitable title :
………. and that’s how he got inspired to avoid the use of plastic.
OR
B2. Narrate an experience in about 80-100 words beginning with the following words :
It was Sunday and I was enjoying the latest movie in the theatre with my parents
Answer:
(A) A1.
Nature — The Best Teacher
When a person becomes tired of following the same routine daily and doing similar jobs, he should take a break to relax and rejuvenate himself by going away and being with nature. Nature has the power to comfort us, to refresh us and to send us back in the routine fully rejuvenated. Nature can teach us many things if we carve out some time to look at it carefully. Nature teaches us to never feel superior or be boastful about our achievement. It makes us realise that we are just a drop in the vast expanse of the ocean.
Nature teaches us to be humble in our approach and go on persevering in spite of the obstacles that come in our way. Ants tell us the importance of teamwork, spiders teach us resilience and birds teach us hard work and its significance. If we spend sometime observing nature, we can aim to gain wisdom and other great virtues in life.
OR
A2.
14 Child Labourers Were Rescued From Firework Factory.
Pune, June 10
In a sudden raid on Vishwatma Firework Factory, located on the outskirts of the city, 14 child labourers ageing between 8 to 13 years were rescued by the Human Resource Department and the police.
There were rumours lingering everywhere in the city that the firework factories situated on the outskirts were employing child labourers as these children were from poor families of labourers working within factories on daily wages. The Human Resource Department took note of it and raided the factories along with the police force on 8th June. Other three factories were found to be functioning properly but the owner of the Vishwatma Factory proved to be guilty. There were 14 child labourers working there and all were ranging between 8 to 13 years. As they were poor, they were not going to schools and were made to work to support their families. The children were rescued and the manager and the proprietor were arrested. The Human Resource Department has decided to take care of the education of all these children hereafter.
From our Correspondent.
B1.
Curse of Plastic
Rohan was a boy from a nearby village who had recently shifted to the city and was living in a hostel close to his college.
In his college, there was an on-going campaign against the use of plastic but he never paid attention to it and kept on using plastic bags whenever needed.
One fine morning, he went to the library to read the newspaper. He was shocked by the news that a herd of elephants died and in the post mortem, it was revealed that they had ingested polybag thrown by the tourists and people in the adjacent areas. The same newspaper had a photo of a cow from whose stomach, 6 kg of plastic waste was taken out.
After reading this, he realised the danger of using plastic and that’s how he got inspired to avoid the use of plastic.
OR
B2.
It was Sunday and I was enjoying the latest movie in the theatre with my parents. Suddenly there Was a great uproar. A young fellow stood up from the front row of the hall and yelled ‘Bomb’. He had noticed a plastic bag containing something suspicious in it. As a result, everyone rushed towards the exit gates trying to evacuate the theatre.
In a short while, the police arrived with the bomb squad. They checked all the rows to search for a bomb. When they reached the second front row, they found a bag in which something heavy was wrapped up and a ticking sound was clearly heard.
Very cautiously the plastic bag was opened and the parcel wrapped in newspapers was taken out. When the parcel was opened, there was no bomb found but an old alarm clock duly wrapped up and placed under the seat. Everyone present in the theatre heaved a sigh of relief. They realised somebody had played a prank on them.