Maharashtra Board SSC Class 10 English Question Paper Dec 2020 with Answers Solutions Pdf Download.
SSC English Question Paper Dec 2020 with Answers Pdf Download Maharashtra Board
Time: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 80
Note:
- The answer to each question must be written on a new page.
- Read the question carefully before you attempt it.
- Read the passage/extract at least twice before you begin writing the answers.
- The answers to the web diagrams must be written within the web diagram. Use a pen and a scale to draw the web diagram and write the answers with a pen.
- Answer questions such as Fill in the Blanks, Complete the sentences, Choose the correct alternative, etc. by writing complete sentences and underline the part which forms the answer to the question.
- Ensure that your handwriting is legible and that your answers look presentable.
- Try and avoid making errors as far as possible.
Section I: Language Study
Question 1.
(A) (A1) Do as Directed (any four): [04 Marks]
i. Make a meaningful sentence of your own using the following phrase:
‘drop out’
ii. Pick out the present participle from the following sentence: (1)
His eyes were shining.
iii. Fill in the blank with the proper form of the verb given in the bracket: (1)
Either of the two guilty. (is/are)
iv. Form past participle in which the last letter is doubled. (1)
v. Complete the word chain of adjectives: (1)
Small, l _____________, _____________
_____________, _____________
(A2) Do as Directed (any two): [04 Marks]
i. Begin the following sentence with: Our inaction ……… (2)
Children are questioning our inaction.
ii. Make two sentences of your own to show the difference of Homograph: (2)
‘fine’
iii. Change the following sentence into indirect speech: (2)
“Are you still hungry?” I asked her. She said, “Yes, I am.”
(B) Do as Directed (any one): [02 Marks]
i. Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function: (2)
Lack of rain could cause drought.
ii. Make two sentences by using the given word as a noun and as a verb without changing its form: (2)
Water
Answer:
(A) i Section I: Language Study
(A1) i. Many girls drop out of school before the age of 15.
ii. shining – Present Participle
iii. Either of the two is guilty.
iv. stop – stopped
v. small, large, elegant, tall, loud
(A2) i. Our inaction is being questioned by children.
ii. fine
The princess wore fine clothes made of silk.
The driver paid a fine for breaking the traffic rules.
iii. I asked her whether she was still hungry. She replied in the affirmative that she was.
(B) i. could – Possibility
ii. Water is essential for every living being.
He should water the plants daily.
Section II: Textual Passages
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar)
Question 2.
(A) Read the following passage and do the given activities:
(A1)
| We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we are so small, yet if we persist…
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking : however impossible things may look, there is always an opening…. We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter months. We thought its chapter was over. But three months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, however difficult things are right now, it will not remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass. |
(A2) Mention what you learn from the following: (2)
i. Bits of grass peeping through the small cracks ………
ii. Tree bare in winter blooms in spring ………
(A3) Match the words with their meanings: (2)
| ‘A’ | ‘B’ |
| i. Majestic | a. Huge/massive |
| ii. Persist | b. Grand |
| iii. Colossal | c. Firm belief |
| iv. Conviction | d. Continue |
(A4) Do as Directed:
i. It takes the shape of water. (Add a question tag) (1)
ii. We saw small bits of grass. (1)
(Pick up the verb and state whether it is transitive or intransitive verb)
(A5) How do you face difficulties in life? (2)
(B) Read the following passage and do the given activities: [10 Marks]
(B1) Complete the following sentences using word/words from the passage: (2)
i. Hemingway’s novel is based on …………. .
ii. The novel was published in …………. .
iii. During the First World War Hemingway worked for …………. .
iv. Hemingway had experience of fishing in …………. .
| Hemingway’s novel is based on real events and it also draws heavily on his own life. He had experience of fishing in the Cuban waters and like the old man he was also a fan of baseball. He worked for the Red Cross during the First World War and was injured by shrapnel when he was in Italy. Hemingway always talks about the need to struggle against defeat or death and how determination and endurance can help one to win in this struggle. The old man is at the end of the novel very near death, but we know that the story of his suffering and loss will live on in the memories of the people of his village. Ultimately his story becomes one of triumph because the tales of his life will live on even after his death. The novel was published in 1952, when people were trying to recover from the mass destruction wrought by the two world wars, and this tale of endurance and ultimate triumph immediately struck a chord with the readers. |
(B2) Two things which Hemingway always talks about: (2)
i. …………. ii. ………….
(B3)
i. Add suffix to make adjectives: (1)
a. injury
b. memory
ii. Write the synonyms from the passage for the following words: (1)
a. victory
b. tolerance
(B4) Do as Directed:
i. Ultimately his story becomes one of triumph. (1)
(Rewrite the sentence in present perfect tense)
ii. He was injured during the First World War. (1)
(Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as an answer)
(B5) Would you prefer reading a book or watching an animated film? Justify your answer. (2)
Answer:
(A) (A1)
(A2) i. Bits of grass peeping through the small cracks teach us that even if things seem impossible, there is always an opening, a way out.
ii. Tree bare in winter that blooms in spring, teaches us to have the conviction that even the most difficult things will not remain so for ever. It too shall pass.
[1 Mark each]
(A3) Match the words with their meanings:
| ‘A’ | ‘B’ |
| i. Majestic | b. Grand |
| ii. Persist | d. Continue |
| iii. Colossal | a. Huge/massive |
| iv. Conviction | c. Firm belief |
(A4) i. It takes the shape of water, doesn’t it?
ii. saw – Transitive Verb
(A5) I try to keep a positive attitude during difficult times in life. I believe that every problem can be solved and no situation in life is permanent. I face difficult times like challenges in life which make us better and stronger. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. [2 Marks]
(B) (B1) i. Hemingway’s novel is based on real events and it also draws heavilv on his own life.
ii. The novel was published in 1952, when people were trying to recover from the mass destruction wrought by the two world wars.
iii. During the First World War, Hemingway worked for the Red Cross.
iv. Hemingway had experience of fishing in the Cuban waters. [½ Mark each]
(B2) i. One needs to struggle against defeat or death. [1 Mark]
ii. Determination and endurance can help one to win in the struggle against defeat or death. [1 Mark]
(B3) i. a. victory – triumph
b. tolerance – endurance [½ Mark each]
(B4) i. Ultimately his story has become one of triumph.
ii. When was he injured? [1 Mark each]
(B5) I would prefer reading a book to watching an animated film. A book gives detailed version of the story. It elaborates every aspect of the story and lets you use your imagination. An animated film is limited to time due to which it may miss out on many important aspects that a writer has the liberty to include in the book. A film gives you a ready-made version of the characters and the setting. [2 Marks]
Section III: Poetry
Question 3.
(A) Read the following extract and do the given activities: [05 Marks]
(A1) Complete the web chart with the information from the extract: (2)
| If you simply go after that thing that you what with all of your capacity, strength, faith, hope and confidence and stren for tenacityIf neither cold poverty, famish or gout or body and braincan keep you away from the thing that you want,If dogged and grim you be size and beget it, with the help of GOD you’ll get it! |
(A2) How can poverty keep you away from achieving your goals? (2)
(A3) With the help of GOD you’ll get it! (1)
(Name and explain the figure of speech)
(B) Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the given points in a paragraph format:
|
Animals I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-containd |
- The title and the poet of the poem (1)
- Rhyme scheme (1)
- Figures of speech (1)
- Central Idea/Theme (2)
Answer:
(A) (A1)
(A2) Poverty can make it difficult to pursue one’s goals. A poor person doesn’t have the time, money and resources to go after his dream. He is caught up in trying to make his ends meet. Earning money and providing for the basic necessities becomes the top priority. [2 Marks]
(A3) Inversion – The normal word order has been changed. It should be – ‘You will get it with the help of God!’
Exclamation – A strong emotion is expressed using an exclamation mark. (Any one) [1 Mark]
(B) Appreciation of ‘Animals’
The poem ‘Animals’ has been written by the famous American poet Walt Whitman.
It has been written in a free-verse format and hence lacks a regular rhyme scheme. The beauty of this poem is enhanced manifold using various figures of speech like Interrogation, Alliteration, Metaphor, Antithesis, Tautology, Onomatopoeia, Repetition, Consonance and Hyperbole. An example of Interrogation from the poem is “Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?” as the question is not asked to elicit any answer, but to stimulate the reader to think deeply about the question.
The poem is a sarcastic take on what human beings have lost in their craze for a materialistic life. By comparing human life to that of animals, the poet highlights the appalling life man is presently living. Although, today, he has made rapid strides towards progress and made himself stable, comfortable and wealthy, he lacks many of the qualities that will make him enjoy the fruits of his labour. He has been reduced to a dissatisfied, materialistic individual who is ignorant of how well life should be lived.
(Section IV: Non-Textual Passage)
(Reading Skills, Vocabulary, Grammar and Summary)
Question 4.
(A) Read the following passage and do the given activities:
(A1) Choose the correct option from the following balloons: (2)
i. Musical instrument with shrill unpleasant sound …………. .
ii. The sound of shehnai began to be considered as …………. .
iii. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to …………. .
iv. Till recently it was used only in …………. .
| A musical instrument called pungi, had a shrill unpleasant sound. A barber of a family of professional musicians, who had access to the royal palace, decided to improve the tonal quality of the pungi. He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi, and made seven holes on the body of the pipe. When he played on it, closing and opening some of these holes, soft and melodious sounds were produced. He played the instrument before royalty and everyone was impressed. The instrument so different from the pungi had to be given a new name. As the story goes, since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai (barber), the instrument was named the ‘shehnai’.
The sound of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious. And for this reason it is still played in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding. In the past, the shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan. |
(A2) Say why? (2)
The instrument was named as shehnai …………. .
(A3) Find words from the passage which mean: (2)
i. high-pitched
ii. regal
iii. admired
iv. essential.
(A4) Do as Directed:
i. Shehnai was part of the naubat. (1)
(Pick out the subject and predicate)
ii. It was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai. (1)
(State whether the statement is simple/compound/complex)
(A5) Which is your favourite musical instrument and why? (2)
(B) Summary Writing [05 Marks]
Write a short summary of the passage given in Q. No. 4(A) and suggest a suitable title.
Answer:
(A) (A1) i. pungi
ii. auspicious
iii. Ustad Bismillah Khan
iv. temples [½ Mark each]
(A2) The instrument was named as shehnai because it was first played in Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai (barber). [2 Marks]
(A3) i. high-pitched – shrill
ii. regal – royal
iii. admired – impressed
iv. essential – indispensable [½ Mark each]
(A4) i. Subject – Shehnai
Predicate – was part of the naubat [1 Mark]
ii. Compound sentence [1 Mark]
(A5) My favourite instrument is the guitar. It is one of the instruments closest to the human voice. It is versatile and can be used solo or along with others. It can play harmonies, more than one tone at a time. I admire rock music that primarily uses the guitar. [2 Marks]
(B) The Origin of the Shehnai
A barber improved upon the pungi and played the new instrument before royalty, impressing everyone. Since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers, by a nai (barber), the new instrument was named ‘shehnai’. As its sound is considered auspicious, the shehnai is played in temples and weddings. It used to be a part of the naubat at royal courts and was brought upon the classical stage by Ustad Bismillah Khan. [5 Marks]
Section V: Writing Skills
Question 5.
Letter writing: [05 Marks]
(A) Imagine you are Ria/Rahul, residing at 103, Pragat Colony, M.G. Road, Nagpur – 15.
Attempt any one of the letter based on the given situation.
“Dengue-Death : A cause for concern.”
| A1. Formal Letter Write a letter to the Health Officer, Nagpur, Municipal Corporation, Nagpur-10 requesting him to take necessary preventive measures to control the spread of dengue. |
OR | A2. Informal Letter Write a letter to your friend Anil/Anita making him/her aware about the dangers of spread of dengue. |
Answer:
(A1) Ria Kale,
103, Pragat Colony,
M.G. Road, Nagpur – 15.
10th September, 2020
To,
The Health Officer,
Nagpur Municipal Corporation,
Nagpur – 10.
Subject: Request to take necessary preventive measures to control the spread of dengue.
Respected Sir,
I am a resident of the Pragat Colony on M.G. Road. On behalf of all the residents, I am writing this letter to bring attention to the increasing cases of dengue in our locality.
In the past month, the number of dengue cases has risen throughout the city. The outbreak of the dreadful disease after the heavy rains has raised concerns about the health of the citizens. Many cases of dengue death have been reported. There is a garbage collection centre in our vicinity near a drain. The garbage often spills over and blocks the drain, leading to stagnant water that becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos. Repeated requests to the municipality for clearing the garbage have fallen on deaf ears. This puts the lives of children and senior citizens at great risk.
I request you to look into the matter and take timely proactive measures against this deadly disease. I ensure the co-operation of all the residents in this regard.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours truly,
Ria Kale
OR
Rahul Kale,
103, Pragat Colony,
M.G. Road, Nagpur – 15.
10th September, 2020
Dear Anil,
I hope you have settled at the new hostel by now. I read in today’s newspaper that there is a dengue outbreak in your city. I am writing this letter to ask you to take precautions against this dreadful disease.
The world is already somehow dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, around 5 people have died in your city due to the dengue outbreak. As you would be aware, this disease is carried by mosquitoes that breed on stale, stagnant water. So, keep your surroundings clean and dry. Use a mosquito net at night and use a mosquito repellent cream. If you have fever, cold and headache, consult a doctor immediately. Now that you are living independently, you need to be more careful. We are all worried for you.
Please take care of yourself. I hope to meet you soon. Do visit us during Diwali.
Yours lovingly,
Rahul Kale
Question 6.
(A) Information Transfer [05 Marks]
(A1) Read the following information and transfer it into a flow chart and suggest a suitable title:
| Select juicy lemons to prepare 1 litre of lemon squash extract the juice. Then take 1 liter of water, 2 kg of suger and half tsp of citric acid and boil the mixture till the suger is completely dissolved. Later add yellow food colour and 1 tsp essence and extracted juice of lemons. Dissolve the potassium metabisulphite in a little juice and mix it into the prepared squash. Pour the prepared squash into sterilized bottles and allow it to cool. Seal it or close the bottles tightly. Lastly store the bottles in a cool place away from sunlight. |
OR
(A2) Transfer the information into a paragraph:
Read the following diagram and transform it into a paragraph:
(B) Attempt any one of the following: [05 Marks]
(B1) Speech:
Prepare a speech to be delivered on ‘Environment Day’ in your school on the topic ‘Ban on Single Use of Plastic’.
Make use of the following points:
- choke pipes
- endangers marine life
- soil degrade
- disturbs the ecological balance
- encourage use of cloth/paper bag.
OR
View-Counterview:
Life of a bird is better than that of a human being
Prepare a paragraph of counterviews on the given topic.
View:
- tension free life
- no bondages
- no studies
- no parental control
- free to do anything.
Answer:
(A) (A1) The Lemon Squash Recipe
OR
(A2) Sources of Air Pollution
Pollution is one of the biggest dangers that the world is facing today. Volcanoes and forest fires are the natural sources of air pollution. The smoke caused due to combustion is another major cause of air pollution. There are various industrial sources of air pollution like smoke and poisonous gases. Agricultural sources like Pesticides and insecticides not only emit foul smell but also pollute the air. And last but not least are solvents including spray paints and fumes that contribute to air pollution. It is necessary to recognise the major causes of air pollution in order to contain them.
(B) (B1) ‘Ban on Single Use of Plastic’
Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends.
On this wonderful occasion of Environment Day, I would like to use this stage to talk about an issue close to my heart. “It’s only one straw,” said 8 billion people.
Yes, my dear friends, I am talking about plastic. The Maharashtra government banned the use of single use plastic on March 23, 2018. And yet we find that it is used all around. Plastic has been one of the biggest boons as well as curses of the modern age. We are all aware that it would take millions of years for plastic to disintegrate. The world is consuming and discarding things particularly made of plastic in colossal quantities. We know of its harmful effects. It chokes pipes, congests water bodies, endangers marine life as also degrades the quality of soil. All this is causing a threatening disturbance in the ecological balance. However, what causes us to be indifferent to its ban? Why don’t we as citizens ensure the ban’s implementation?
Perhaps, we don’t see its harmful effects immediately. The abovementioned dangers are not visible to us and we think that they won’t affect us. We don’t seem to be concerned about our planet and the generations to come. The option of using it is so convenient that we fail to put in the extra effort of carrying our own cloth bag every day.
Minor changes like using paper or cloth bag, bamboo straws, plates made of dry leaves and steel containers go a long way in changing the world. Perhaps, the Indian way of reusing things isn’t so uncool after all. If each one of us decides to change ourselves, we can change the world. So, let’s get into action and let us declare a ban on the use of single use plastic in our lives.
Thank you.
OR
(B2) Counterviews on ‘Life of a bird is better than that of a human being’
How many times have you sat watching a bird and wondered how wonderful its life is? Each one of us has at some point believed that we would be free if we could fly like a bird. But when you think over the idea, you realise the comfort of the human life. Every morning, a bird has to set out searching for food. Be it rain, snow or storm, a bird is worried about feeding itself as well its babies. Human beings are intelligent and have created a civilised society.
We enjoy many comforts and have come a long way from living a nomadic life in the jungles. However, birds have to face so many predators on their own. They live in constant fear for their lives. If they get injured, they don’t have medical facilities like we do and have to bear the pain all on their own. And if a bird is unable to fly, it lives a painful life. A flying bird may be a symbol of freedom, but a bird’s life is far from being free of worries.
Section VI: Creative Writing
Question 7.
(A) Do any one of the following: [05 Marks]
(A1) Expand the theme:
Expand the following idea into a paragraph of 100 words:
‘Actions speak louder than words.’
OR
(A2) News Report:
Prepare a news report based on the following headline:
‘Heavy rains disrupt the city.’
(B) Do any one of the following: [05 Marks]
(B1) Developing a story:
Develop a story and suggest a suitable title. The conclusion/end is given.
……….. thus they decided to speak the truth.
OR
(B2) Narrating an experience:
Narrate an experience of your own. Begin with:
The day being a holiday I ………..
Answer:
Actions speak louder than words
As Paulo Coelho has said, “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion”. Today, everyone wants to assert their opinions and beliefs. Everyone has some expert advice to give regarding everything that happens in the world. But a close look at their lives would reveal that many a time their actions do not support their words. It is easy to talk about bravery and about how a soldier should not think twice before laying down his life. However, only when it comes to implementation, does one realise how difficult that is. Thus, it is easy to criticise people’s actions, but difficult to lead lives that would be examples. And we must remember that if a person’s words are not backed by actions, they are being hypocritical. So, if we want to form an opinion about a person, we should watch their actions instead of listening to their words.
OR
(A2) Heavy Rains Disrupt the City
– By a News Reporter
Mumbai, 20th July, 2020
Heavy rains have lashed the city of Mumbai since Wednesday evening. The meteorological department has issued a warning to those living in low-lying areas.
In the past 28 hours, Mumbai witnessed a rainfall of over 250 mm. This along with a high tide has resulted in flooding in many areas around the city. Train services are running late by 2 hours whereas there are massive traffic jams on the Express Highways. Several fallen trees have been reported. With people already battling the Coronavirus and the consequences of the lockdown, the rain has only added to their woes.
The Mayor has appealed to the citizens to stay at home unless it is an emergency. A local living in a low-lying area was quoted, “This is due to negligence of the government. This situation happens every year but no concrete action is taken to resolve the flooding of the nation’s financial capital”.
(B) (B1) Honesty is the Best Policy
Rohan, Aryan and Ron were best friends. When the class teacher announced their yearly trip, Aryan and Ron were extremely happy but Rohan was rather silent. Upon being confronted by them, Rohan told Aryan and Ron that he would not be joining them on the school trip as his dad had lost his job recently. Desperate to find a way to get Rohan aboard, Aryan and Ron lied to their parents. They said that the cost of the trip was ₹750 instead of ₹500. They used the extra money to pay for Rohan’s share. Little did they realise that one lie would lead to a series of lies. They had to convince Rohan that they had paid for his fee from their pocket money. Then, Aryan had to lie to his parents that he had submitted the letter from his mother.
She had written to the class teacher regarding the increase in the trip charge that year. Rohan had to convince his parents that the school was not charging for the trip that year. After all the effort, they were finally happy that Rohan could join them on their trip. But on the 1st of the next month, Ron’s parents called him. “Son, how much was the charge for the school trip?” From their tone, he realised he had been caught and blurted out the truth. The school had sent a receipt to all the parents along with the monthly mail. All of them confessed their lies before their parents, who forgave them but expressed regret at their lies. And thus, they decided to speak the truth.
OR
(B2) An Unforgettable Day
The day being a holiday, I woke up really late. When I was eating my breakfast, my elder sister asked me if I would go cycling with her. Now, I dreaded cycling. But after a lot of coaxing, I agreed to join her. I did not ride the bicycle on two wheels yet due to which the other kids made fun of me. The training wheels were still attached as I had not overcome my fear of falling. Frustrated, I sat down in a corner. When Didi noticed me, she came there and said, “We all feel afraid at some or the other time.
But you need to be brave and overcome you fears. Trust me, it is not that difficult.” She held my cycle for a little while as I balanced it rather clumsily. But all of a sudden, she left her grip and I went forward without realising it for a bit. I have been riding my bicycle smoothly ever since that day. That one round on my own made me realise that I could ride perfectly. It was only my mental block.