Class 10 English Test Paper Chapter 1 A letter to God and Poem 1 Fire and Ice , Dust of Snow | CBSE Board | Detailed Solutions & Marking Scheme

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Date: ____________
Subject: English
Class: 10 (GSEB)
Marks: 25

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Section A – Reading (15 Marks)

A1. Unseen Passage – 1 (5 Marks)

Meena lived in a crowded city where life moved very fast. Despite the busy surroundings, she always found peace in helping others. Every evening, she would visit a nearby park where many elderly people gathered. She listened to their stories, helped them with small tasks, and sometimes read books aloud for them.

Over time, the elderly people began to wait eagerly for her arrival. Her presence brought them comfort and joy. Meena never expected anything in return, yet she gained respect and love from everyone around her.

Questions (Inference-based):

1. Why do you think Meena chose to spend time with elderly people instead of others?

2. How did Meena’s actions affect the emotional well-being of the elderly?

3. What kind of personality does Meena have? Explain.

4. Why did people start respecting Meena?

5. What lesson can young people learn from Meena’s behaviour?

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A2. Unseen Passage – 2 (5 Marks)

In a small town, water scarcity had become a serious issue. People had to walk long distances to collect water for daily use. One day, a group of students decided to take action. They created awareness about saving water and encouraged people to fix leaking taps.

Gradually, the town saw improvement. Water was used more carefully, and wastage reduced. The efforts of the students proved that small steps can lead to big changes.

Questions (Inference-based):

1. Why was water scarcity a serious concern for the town?

2. What motivated the students to take initiative?

3. How did awareness help in solving the problem?

4. What does this passage suggest about the power of teamwork?

5. Suggest one more solution to save water apart from those given.

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A3. Unseen Poem – 1 (5 Marks)

The silent moon lights up the night,
Guiding travelers with its light.
Stars whisper secrets from afar,
Each one shining like a star.
Darkness fades with gentle grace,
Leaving calm in every place.
Dreams awaken soft and slow,
In the moon’s peaceful glow.

Questions (Inference-based):

1. What role does the moon play in the poem?

2. How does the poet describe the night atmosphere?

3. What feeling is created by the phrase “stars whisper secrets”?

4. Why is darkness described as fading “with gentle grace”?

5. What overall mood does the poem create?

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A4. Unseen Poem – 2 (5 Marks)

Step by step, the journey goes,
Through the highs and through the lows.
Every fall and every rise,
Teaches lessons, makes us wise.
Paths may change and winds may blow,
Still ahead we choose to go.
With hope strong and courage bright,
We keep moving toward the light.

Questions (Inference-based):

1. What does the “journey” symbolize in the poem?

2. How do failures help a person grow?

3. What challenges are suggested in the poem?

4. Why is hope important according to the poet?

5. What message does the poem give about life?

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Section B – Literature (10 Marks)

B1. (2 Marks)

Why did Lencho write a letter to God in “A Letter to God”? What does it reveal about his character?

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B2. (2 Marks)

How does the incident in “Dust of Snow” change the poet’s mood? What does it suggest about nature?

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B3. (3 Marks)

Compare the ideas of destruction in “Fire and Ice.” Which one do you think is more dangerous and why?

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B4. (3 Marks)

Do you think the post office employees were kind-hearted in “A Letter to God”? Justify your answer with reasoning.

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End of Paper

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Here is the Detailed Answer Key with Marking Scheme (teacher-friendly, step-wise marking):

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ANSWER KEY WITH MARKING SCHEME

Class 10 – English (GSEB)
Marks: 25

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Section A – Reading (15 Marks)

A1. Unseen Passage – 1 (5 Marks)

(1 mark each – Accept logical inference, not exact wording)

1. Meena chose elderly people because they needed emotional support and companionship.
   👉 Marking:

• 1 mark: Mentions emotional support / loneliness

• 0.5: Partial idea

2. Her actions made them feel happy, valued, and less lonely.
   👉 1 mark: Any 2 effects (happy / comfort / less lonely)

3. Meena is kind, caring, and selfless.
   👉 1 mark: Any 2 traits with explanation

4. People respected her because she helped others without expecting anything.
   👉 1 mark: Mentions selfless service

5. Lesson: We should help others and show kindness to elders.
   👉 1 mark: Any moral value

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A2. Unseen Passage – 2 (5 Marks)

1. It was serious because people struggled daily to get water.
   👉 1 mark: Difficulty in daily life

2. Students were motivated by concern for their community.
   👉 1 mark: Sense of responsibility

3. Awareness reduced wastage and changed habits.
   👉 1 mark: Behavior change idea

4. Teamwork leads to effective solutions.
   👉 1 mark: Collective effort

5. Example: Rainwater harvesting / using water carefully / recycling water
   👉 1 mark: Any valid suggestion

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A3. Unseen Poem – 1 (5 Marks)

1. The moon acts as a guide and source of light.
   👉 1 mark: Guidance / light

2. The night is calm, peaceful, and beautiful.
   👉 1 mark: Any 2 qualities

3. It creates a mysterious and magical feeling.
   👉 1 mark: Imagination / mystery

4. It suggests a smooth and peaceful transition.
   👉 1 mark: Calm change

5. Mood: Peaceful / calm / dreamy
   👉 1 mark: Any one

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A4. Unseen Poem – 2 (5 Marks)

1. Journey symbolizes life.
   👉 1 mark

2. Failures teach lessons and make us stronger.
   👉 1 mark

3. Challenges: ups and downs, struggles, changes
   👉 1 mark: Any one

4. Hope gives strength to continue.
   👉 1 mark

5. Message: Never give up, keep moving forward
   👉 1 mark

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Section B – Literature (10 Marks)

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B1. (2 Marks)

Answer:
Lencho wrote a letter to God because his crops were destroyed by hailstorm and he needed money to survive. It shows his strong faith and innocence.

👉 Marking Scheme:

• 1 mark: Reason (crop destruction / need money)

• 1 mark: Character trait (faith / innocence)

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B2. (2 Marks)

Answer:
The dust of snow changed the poet’s mood from sadness to happiness. It shows that even small things in nature can bring positivity.

👉 Marking Scheme:

• 1 mark: Mood change

• 1 mark: Message about nature

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B3. (3 Marks)

Answer:
In Fire and Ice, fire represents desire and ice represents hatred. Both can destroy the world. Desire is dangerous as it leads to greed, while hatred destroys relationships. Either can be equally harmful.

👉 Marking Scheme:

• 1 mark: Meaning of fire

• 1 mark: Meaning of ice

• 1 mark: Personal justification

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B4. (3 Marks)

Answer:
Yes, the post office employees were kind-hearted. They collected money to help Lencho. Though they laughed at him, they still helped him, showing sympathy and generosity.

👉 Marking Scheme:

• 1 mark: Opinion (yes/no)

• 1 mark: Supporting action (collected money)

• 1 mark: Explanation (kindness/sympathy)

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✅ General Marking Instructions (Important for Checking):

• Accept any logically correct inference-based answer

• Do not insist on exact wording

• Award partial marks (0.5) wherever applicable

• Encourage student interpretation in poems

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