Maharashtra Board SSC Class 10 English Question Paper 2024 with Answers Solutions Pdf Download.
SSC English Question Paper 2024 with Answers Pdf Download Maharashtra Board
ENGLISH (FIRST LANGUAGE)
(REVISED COURSE)
[Max. Marks: 80]
SECTION I: LANGUAGE STUDY
Question 1.
(A) A1. Do as directed (any four): (4)
(1) Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence : (1)
Every child is free to grow.
(2) Write the collocations for the following : (1)
ticket ………….
…………. drizzle.
(3) Punctuate the following sentence : (1)
Dr. Kalam sat contemplating deeply
(4) Write any two present participles in which the last letter is doubled. (1)
(5) Find out any two hidden words of minimum four letters from the given word reverberated. (1)
A2. Do as directed (any two): (4)
(1) identify the verb in the given sentence and state whether it’s finite or non-finite: (2)
He gave the reward to none.
(2) Make two meaningful sentences to bring out the difference between the given two homophones : (2)
ware, wear
(3) Rewrite the sentence using ‘as soon as’: (2)
No sooner is the bill passed than it will become an act.
(B) Do as directed (any one): (2)
(1) Use the given two words into one meaningful sentence : (2)
Rest; routine
(2) Change the following sentence into a compound sentence : (2)
I awoke late next morning to find that Anil had already made the tea.
Answer:
(A) (A1)
(1) Infinitive – to grow
(2) ticket booth
light drizzle
(3) Dr. Kalam sat, contemplating deeply.
(4) Hopping, swimming
(5) reverberated – verb, rate, trade, bear, beat (any two)
(A2)
(1) He gave the reward to none.
gave – finite verb
(2) Ware – There are many ware houses reserved to store gains.
Wear – I asked her to wear the red dress.
(3) As soon as the bill is passed, it will become an act.
(B)
(1) After I came home, I completed the rest of the routine.
(2) I awoke late next morning and found that Anil had already made the tea.
SECTION II : TEXTUAL PASSAGES
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar)
Question 2.
(A) Read the following passage and do the given activities : (10)
A1. Name the following with reference to the passage : (2)
| Activity | Name |
| (i) The company started by the narrator and Woz. | …………….. |
| (ii) The second company started by the narrater. | …………….. |
| (iii) An amazing woman the narrator fell in love with | …………….. |
| (iv) World’s most successful animation studio. | …………….. |
My second story is about love and loss. I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz, (Steve Wozniak) and I started Apple when I was 20. In 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company. And then I got fired. It was devastating.
But something slowly begen to dawn on me – I still loved what I did. And so I decided to start over.
The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner agian. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.
During the next five years, I started a company Next, another company named Pixar, and I fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife.
Pixar, is now the world’s most successful animation studio, Apple bought Next. I returned to Apple and the technology we developed at Next is at the heart of Apple’s current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.
Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.
(A2) Complete the following web diagram : (2)
(A3) Fill in the blanks choosing the correct phrases in their proper form from the bracket: (2)
(to get fired, devastating, begin to dawn on)
(i) On committing persistent mistakes the employee from his post.
(ii) When the teacher explained the solution of the problems in Maths, it the students that the problems were easy.
(A4) Do as directed : (2)
(i) Identify the tense of the underlined verb : (1)
If you haven’t found yet, keep looking.
(ii) I found what I loved to do early in life. (1)
(Identify the main and subordinate clause.)
(A5) ‘Failure is the key to success.’ Explain in your own words. (2)
(B) Read the following passage and complete the activities : (10)
(B1) State whether the given statements are true or false : (2)
(i) The age of the girl was six.
(ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep.
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro.
(iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely.
One morning in a small apartment in Bombay a girl of about sixteen looked up from the newspaper and said excitedly, ‘Pandit Ravi Shankar’s playing tomorrow at Shanmukhananda auditorium’.
‘Sh-sh,’ said her mother pointing to the figure sleeping on the bed. ‘You’ll wake him up. You know he needs all the sleep and rest he can get.’
But the boy on the bed was not asleep. ‘Pandit Ravi Shankar!’ he said. ‘Pandit Ravi Shankar, the sitar maestro ? He raised himself up on his elbows for one second and then fell back. But his eyes were shining. ‘We mustn’t miss the chance,’ he said. ‘I’ve— ‘I’ve — always wanted to hear him and see him ….’
‘Lie down son, lie down.’ His mother sprang to his side. He actually raised himself without help/ she murmured with a catch in her throat and her eyes turned to the idols on a comer shelf. The prayer, which she uttered endlessly, came unbidden to her lips.
‘I must hear him and see him/ the boy repeated. ‘It’s a chance of a lifetime/ Then he began to cough and gasp for breath and had to be given oxygen from the cylinder that stood under the bed. But his large eyes were fixed on his sister.
Smita bit her lip in self-reproach. She had been so excited at seeing the announcement that she had not remembered that her brother was very ill. She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely and spoken words that neither she nor even her parents could understand. But somewhere deep inside Smita had known the frightening truth – that Anant was going to die. The word cancer had hung in the air – her brother was dying of cancer even though she pretended that all would be well and they would return together, a small family of four, to their home in Gaganpur. And he was only fifteen and the best table tennis player in the school and the fastest runner. He was learning to play sitar; they were both taking sitar lessons, but Anant was better than her as in many things, He was already able to compose his own tunes to the astonishment of their Guru.
(B2) Complete the following statements giving reasons : (2)
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing sitar because ………. .
(ii) The girl was excited because ………. .
(B3) (i) Find any two adverbs from the passage ending with ‘ly’.
(ii) Find any two compound words from the passage.
(B4) Do as directed : (2)
(i) “I’ve always wanted to hear him and see him,” he said. (1)
(Change into indirect speech).
(ii) His mother sprang to his side. (1)
(Add a question tag).
(B5) Describe your experience of any musical concert that you have attended. (2)
Answer:
(A) (A1)
| Activity | Name |
| (i) The company started by the narrator and Woz. | Apple |
| (ii) The second company started by the narrater. | Pixar |
| (iii) An amazing woman the narrator fell in love with | Laurene |
| (iv) World’s most successful animation studio. | Pixar |
(A2)
(A3)
(i) On committing persistent mistakes the employee got fired from his post.
(ii) When the teacher explained the solution of the problems in Maths, it began to dawn on the students that the problems were easy.
(A4)
(i) haven’t found : present perfect tense
(ii) Main clause : I found. Subordinate clause : what I loved to do early in life.
(A5)
Failure helps us understand that success is not easy and it cannot be achieved overnight. Success is a very long going process in which a person should be patient and ready to make efforts. Failure always takes you closer to success.
(B) (B1)
(i) False
(ii) False
(iii) False
(iv) True
(B2)
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing sitar because he was already able to compose his own tunes, which astonished their Guru.
(ii) The girl was excited because Pandit Ravi Shankar would be playing at Shanmukhananda auditorium.
(B3)
(i) Actually, gravely
(ii) Lifetime, table-tennis
(B4)
(i) He said that he had always wanted to hear him and see him.
(ii) His mother sprang to his side, didn’t she?
(B5)
Once I went to a concert with my friends. The moment the music started there was an amazing rush of energy. Being surrounded by other fans, all enjoying and reaching to the music, made the experience truly special. The entire atmosphere from the lights to the sounds created unforgettable memories.
SECTION III: POETRY
Question 3.
(A) Read the following extract and do the given activities : (5)
(A1) Identify the stages in man’s life from the given description and complete the table: (2)
| Actions | Stage |
| (i) Full of strange oaths | ……………. |
| (ii) Creeping like a snail | ……………. |
| (iii) Sighing like furnace | ……………. |
| (iv) Having fair round belly | ……………. |
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like a pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
(A2) Write down the similarities between the first and the 7th (last) stage of man’s life: (2)
(A3) Choose the correct alternative to identify the figure of speech used in the following line: (1)
All the world’s a stage.
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration.
(B) Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the given points in a paragraph : (5)
The Height of the Ridiculous
I wrote some lines once on a time
In wondrous merry mood,
And thought, as usual, men would say
They were exceeding good.
They were so queer, so very queer,
I laughed as I would die;
Albeit, in the general way,
A sober man am I.
I called my servant, and he came;
How kind it was of him
To mind a slender man like me,
He of the might limb.
“These to the printer,” I exclaimed,
And, in my humorous way,
I added (as a trifling jest,)
“There’ll be the devil to pay.
He took the paper, and I watched,
And saw him peep within
At the first line he read, his face
Was all upon the grin
He read the next; the grin grew broad
And shot from ear to ear;
He read the third; a chuckling noise
I now began to hear.
The fourth; he broke into a roar;
The fifth; his waistband split;
The sixth; he burst his five buttons
And tumbled in a fit.
Ten days and nights, with sleepless eye,
I watched that wretched man, and since,
I never dare to write
As funny as I can.
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
Points :
The title and the poet of the poem (1)
Rhyme scheme (1)
Figures of speech (1)
Central Idea/Theme. (2)
Answer:
(A) (A1)
| Actions | Stage |
| (i) Full of strange oatl | 4th stage |
| (ii) Creeping like a snail | 2nd stage |
| (iii) Sighing like furnace | 3rd stage |
| (iv) Having fair round belly | 5th stage |
(A2)
Similarities between the first and the 7th stage of man’s life include dependency on others, lack of physical strength and simplicity in living. The first stage and seventh stage are compared to childishness and mere oblivion. Both the stages are sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
(A3)
All the world’s a stage.
(b) Metaphor
(B)
The title of the poem is ‘The Height of the Ridiculous’. It is a humourous poem written by “Oliver Wendell Holmes”. It consists of eight stanzas. Each stanza has four lines.
The Rhyme scheme of the poem is ‘abcb’. Poet has used many figures of speech in the poem such as Personification, Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, Repetition, Hyperbole, etc. The tone of the poem is humourous.
The poem suggests that we should be happy all the time. We should find humour in serious or everyday situations. I like the poem very much because of its simple language and funny words. So overall, it is a humourous poem in true sense which reminds us that laughter can be found even in the most unusual or challenging situations.
SECTION IV : NON-TEXTUAL PASSAGE
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary, Grammar and Summary)
Question 4.
(A) Read the following passage and complete the given activities : (10)
(A1) Complete the following web chart: (2)
Kerala is the land of magic, ayurvedic massages and Kathakali. Most visitors generally begin their sojourn in this lovely state with Kochi. This city reflects the eclectisism of Kerala. Here, you can see the oldest European built church in India, a small 16th Century synagogue that serves a proportionate community of Jews, a palace built by the Portuguese, given to the Raja of Cochin and renovated by the Dutch and some world-class performances of the Kathakali dance drama. Make sure you take a boat trip on the Malabar Coast. It will take you out to the Dutch town and fort, an area that also has some surprisingly good book shops.
Alternatively, you could start with Thiruvananthapuram, which also has a laid back charm of its own. Here, you can visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple, the Napier museum, the Puttan Mallika Palace and the neighbouring beaches. These include Kovalam, now a pleasant spot to spend an evening.
The backwaters are also famous as a holiday option. For that, you have to move on to Alleppey or Allappuzha a district made unique by an intricate network of canals. Or you could head to Munnar, sheer beauty in the hills. Rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, crisp mountain air, craggy hills, wildlife and a throwback to colonial times makes Munnar a lovely getaway.
Or you could visit Thekkady, which is also a charming town and has an added advantage of being close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. At Thekkady you can wander through plantations of cardamom, tea and coffee.
Of the three options, you can surely choose a place of your dreams where you can chill out!
You can take a meandering cruise down the backwaters, spend a lazy day by the sea, take a trek up the winding hills or enjoy ayurvedic health holidays. These are some of the advantages no other destination offers.
Welcome to this unique land of spellbinding adventures. It’s the most refreshing holiday you could ever have.
(A2) Complete the following table : (2)
| City | Speciality |
| (i) Kochi | |
| (ii) Thekkady | |
| (iii) Thiruvananthapuram | |
| (iv) Alleppey |
(A3) Match the words in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’ : (2)
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
| (i) Charm | (a) throw back light or heat |
| (ii) Craggy | (b) enthralling |
| (iii) Reflect | (c) magical spell |
| (iv) Spellbinding | (d) steep |
(A4) Do as Directed : (2)
(i) You can choose a place of your dreams. (1)
(Use the modal auxiliary showing compulsion and rewrite the sentence)
(ii) Kerala is the land of magic and ayurvedic massages. (1)
(Rewrite the sentence using ‘not only ………. but also’).
(A5) Why is tourism industry important for the Indian Economy to flourish? (2)
(B) Summary Writing : (5)
Read the passage given in Q.4. (A) and write its summary in a paragraph. Suggest a suitable title.
Answer:
(A) (A1)
(A2)
| City | Speciality |
| (i) Kochi | The oldest European build church in India. |
| (ii) Thekkady | Plantations of cardamom, tea and coffee. |
| (iii) Thiruvananthapuram | Padmanabhaswamy temple, the Napier museum, the Puttan Mallika Palace and the neighbouring beaches. |
| (iv) Alleppey | Backwaters, intricate network of canals. |
(A3)
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
| (i) Charm | (a) magical spell |
| (ii) Craggy | (d) steep |
| (iii) Reflect | (a) throw back light or heat |
| (iv) Spellbinding | (b) enthralling |
(A4)
(i) You must choose a place of your dreams.
(ii) Kerala is not only the land of magic but also of ayurvedic massages.
(A5)
Tourism provides an avenue for economic diversification, reducing dependency on traditional sectors. Tourism in India contributes to GDP, ensuring development of more jobs and earnings, and an upward growth in foreign exchange earnings.
(B)
Kerala, The Land of Magic
Kerala’s diverse attractions, starting with Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, offer unique cultural and historical significance from the oldest European church to Kathakali dance, Kerala’s eclecticism is evident. The backwaters of Alleppey, the hill stations of Munnar and the wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady provide options for leisure and exploration. The passage invites travellers to immerse themselves in Kerala’s charm offering a refreshing and unforgettable holiday experience.
SECTION V : WRITING SKILLS
Question 5.
(A) Letter writing: (5)
Imagine you are Soham/Sohini Dargan residing at 208, Swarnadham, Hira Colony, Mumbai-400052.
Read the following snippet and write a letter based on it:
Sports and games are activities which make a person more capable with high level efficiency. It removes the mental exhaustion and makes us capable to do any hard work. It improves blood circulation all through the body, thus improves the physical and mental well being of the person.
| A1. Formal Letter : | A2. Informal Letter | |
| Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper to create awareness about the role of sports in a student’s life. | OR | Write a letter to your friend Neha/ Nishant describing the advantages of sports and games. |
Answer:
(A) (A1)
208, Swamadham,
Hira colony,
Mumbai – 400052
24th November 2024
The Editor
Times of India
108, Hanuman Nagar,
New Heritage Colony,
Mumbai – 400289
Subject: The Role of Sports in Student’s Life.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Soham Dargan, resident of Mumbai. I am writing this letter to you to throw light on the value of sports in student’s life. As your newspaper reaches to thousands of people everyday, I request you to please publish an article on this topic.
We all know that studies are important but playing sports is just as important for students. Sports and games are activities which make a person more capable with high level efficiency. It removes the mental exhaustion and makes us capable to do any hardwork. It improves blood circulation all through the body, thus improving the physical and mental well-being of the person.
I hope that I can share the importance of sports in students life with everyone through your newspaper.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Soham Dargan
(A2)
208 Swamadham
Hira Colony
Mumbai – 400052
23rd April 2024
Dear Neha,
I hope everything is fine with you. I have heard that you are very depressed. Aunty told me that you are taking too much stress about your studies.
Sports and games are as important as studies. Focus more on your physical exericse. If you are healthy only then can you focus on your studies.
Sports and games are activities which make a person more capable with high level efficiency. It removes the mental exhaustion and makes us capable to do any hard work. It improves blood circulation all through the body, thus improving the physical and mental were being of the person.
I am ending my letter here. Give my respect to Uncle and Aunt and love to your little sister.
Yours lovingly,
Sohini Dargan
Question 6.
(A) Information Transfer. (5)
(A1) Verbal to Non-Verbal:
Read the following information and complete the flow-chart for the same; and give a suitable title.
Sugar beet grows through the summer and is harvested in autumn and winter. When it arrives on site, the sugar beet is washed. The sugar beet is sliced into thin strips called cossettes.
These thin strips are mixed with hot water to extract the sugar and a lime solution is added to the raw juice to remove any impurities.
The syrup is filtered, heated and seeded with tiny sugar crystals, which grow into the required size. The sugar crystals are then washed, dried and cooled.
Sugar is delivered to our customers in a variety of formats for both industrial and retail markets.
OR
(A2) Non-Verbal to Verbal:
Transfer the given information into a paragraph. Suggest a suitable title :
| Caused by Man | Caused by Nature | Solutions |
| (i) Too many people | Droughts | Stricter laws to control population. |
| (ii) More agricultural land required to meet the needs of the evergrowing population | Floods | Stricter laws and proper execution of laws |
| (iii) Cutting of forests for wood etc. | Forest fires | Use alternative products |
| (iv) Poaching by hunters. | Reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products by not purchasing products made from these items. |
(B) (B1) Drafting a speech : (5)
Prepare a speech to be delivered in your school assembly :
The topic given to you is:
‘Nothing is more important than self-study.’
You may use the following points:
• Learn more efficiently
• Learn at your own pace
• Encourages curiosity
• Boosts student’s self-esteem.
OR
(B2) View/Counterview :
Write your counter-view in a paragraph on the following views.
‘Social networking sites are not a necessity.’
Views :
• There are other ways of connecting and staying in touch.
• People may resort to dishonesty.
• Cyber crimes are on the rise.
• Vital personal information may be misused.
Answer:
(A) (A1)
Information Transfer:
OR
(A2)
Balancing Human Actions to Protect Nature
As the global population increases, we require more agricultural land, often leading to deforestation for wood and farming. This destruction of habitats, along with issues like
poaching, droughts, floods, and forest fires, poses serious threats to our environment.
To address these challenges, we need stronger laws to manage population growth and protect wildlife. It’s also crucial to use alternative, eco-friendly products and to avoid purchasing items made from illegal wildlife parts. These steps are essential to conserve our natural resources.
(B) (B1)
Nothing is more important than self-study.
Good morning, respected principal, teachers and all my dear friends. Today I am here to talk about the most important topic of student’s life “Nothing is more important than self-study.”
Self-study allows us to learn more efficiently. It gives us the freedom to explore subjects in depth, ensuring that we truly understand the materials. Not just memorise it, this process helps us to retain information better and apply it in real world situations. Self-study also encourages curiosity. Without the constraints of a structured curriculum, we are free to explore topics that intrigue us, leading to a broader and richer base of knowledge.
In conclusion, self-studying is not just an educational tool; it’s a path to becoming more efficient learners, curious individuals and confident achievers. Let’s all makept a key part of our learning journey. Thank you!
(B2)
Social networking sites are not a necessity.
While it’s acknowledged that alternative methods exist for connecting and staying in touch, the indispensable role of social networking sites in the modern world cannot be understated. These platforms offer unparallel immediacy and breadth in communication, allowing individuals to connect across vast distances instantly and fostering a sense of global community. Moreover, these platforms serve as criticial tools for information dissemination, social activism, and professional networking. The benefits of connecting, sharing, and learning on these platforms underscore their necessity in today’s digitally interconnected world, suggesting that the focus should be on promoting safer and more responsible use rather than diminishing their importance.
SECTION VI : CREATIVE WRITING
Question 7.
(A) Attempt any one of the following: (5)
(A1) Expand the theme :
Expand the following idea into 100 words :
Trees : Nature’s Gift to Man.
OR
(A2) News Report :
Prepare a news report based on the following :
‘Child labourers rescued from stone quarries’.
(B) Developing a story/Narration on experience : (5)
(B1) Develop a story in about 80-100 words with the following beginning. Give a suitable title.
Anita was in a cake shop to buy a cake for her birthday.
She saw a small beggar boy outside the shop ………
OR
(B2) Narrate an experience in about 80-100 words with the following ending. Give a suitable title.
……….. After the sumptuous meal in a luxurious hotel, I discovered that I had forgotten my wallet at home.
Answer:
(A) (A1)
Trees : Nature’s Gift to Man
Trees are sometimes regarded as nature’s everlasting gift to humans, demonstrating our symbiotic relationship with the environment. They protect our planet’s health, giving oxygen, increasing air quality and providing critical habitat for several species. Trees provide pockets of serenity in urban jungles, acting as lungs that bring life to concrete expanses. Trees act as earth’s guardians, binding the soil, supporting the water cycle, and fighting climate change by storing carbon. Because of their numerous benefits, trees are both a gift and a lifeline, essential to the survival and development of our world and species.
(A2)
‘Child labourers rescued from stone quarries.’
Pune, 20th March, 2024
In a startling revelation of child exploitation, a group of underage labourers were rescued from illegal stone quarries in Rajasthan today. A co-ordinated operation prepared by the local police and child welfare organisations resulted in the release of 20 minors who were found working in terrible conditions.
The State government has promised to thoroughly investigate the operation. Meanwhile, rescued children are receiving medical examinations and will receive rehabilitation and therapy services two. The accident sparked a public protest for tougher enforcement of child work regulations and stronger safe-guards for sensitive youngsters.
(B) (B1)
A Slice of Happiness
Anita was in a cake shop to buy a cake for her birthday. She saw a small beggar boy outside the cake shop peeping inside with wide longing eyes.
Anita felt a tug at her heart and decided to buy an extra cake just for him. With the extra cake in hand she stepped outside and handed it to the boy whose face lit up with joy.
As they sat on a nearby bench sharing the cake, Anita and the boy talked and laughed, bridging the gap between their worlds with each slice. The simple act of kindness sparked a friendship that neither of them had anticipated.
This unexpected encounter transformed her birthday into one of the most memorable days of her life, reminding her that true happiness grows exponentially when shared.
(B2)
An Unforgettable Dinner
I ventured out one evening, determined to celebrate a recent personal achievement. My destination was a luxurious hotel renowned for its culinary excellence. As I settled into the plush surroundings the anticipation of the meal ahead heightened my senses. Each dish was a masterpiece, an exquisite blend of flavours and textures that danced on my plate. I ordered many dishes and filled my stomach to the brim. I was very satisfied with the dinner. After the sumptuous meal in a luxurious hotel I discovered that I had forgotten my wallet at home.