English Communicative All India Set 2 2015-2016 English Medium Class 10 Question Paper Solution

One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man's daily life as a telephone or a calculator.

Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automation'. In the future 'automation' may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.

Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 'think'. There is no possibility that human beings will be "controlled by machines". Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or "rule the world" by making decisions of their own.

Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.

a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology?

b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?

c) Write one use of computers.

d) Explain automation.

e) Why can't computers lead independent lives or rule the world?

f) How would computers as translating machines help people? 

g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in the future?

h) How can computers help people going on holiday?

1. Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.

2. Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word 'impossible' was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.

3. Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factorsone's personal planning and support from the external world. People, take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, a great risk of failure.

4. Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, "I was wrong'.

5. Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.

6. Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned

7. There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

1) Answer the following :(8)

a. Why does a person become overconfident? 

b. What does overconfidence generally lead people into? 

c. How can one manage overconfidence? 

d. What kind of person does 'modesty' make you? 

2)Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow :(4)

a. Misadventure (Para 3) 

   (i) Mishap    (ii) Unlucky    (iii) Unhappy    (iv) Unpleasant

b. Endangering (Para 3) 

   (i) Reckless   (ii) Imperil   (iii) Risky   (iv) Threatening

c. Assess (Para 5) 

   (i) Assemble   (ii) Acquire   (iii) Evaluate   (iv) Accept

d. Objective (Para 4) 

   (i) Obedient   (ii) Servile   (iii) Honest   (iv) Impartial

You feel that the 'Clean India Campaign' has not been as effective as you thought it should have been. As Ankit/Ankita, write an article in 100-120 words discussing the reasons for this. Also highlight the measures that a common man and a student can take to make it a success.

Influence of friends can have both positive and negative impact on the students. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in 100-120 words discussing how we can make it more positive and productive. You are Arun/Aruna 24 Mall Road Chennai.

It was cold, foggy morning - the dog - Snoopy – reluctant to come out of its bed – just then suddenly……..

Learning to swim – enjoyed – not fully trained – pushed inside – started drowning…….

The school decided (a) _________ withdraw the facility of (b) ______________additional answer sheets during tests to cut __________(c) on expenses.

(a) (i) upon (ii) to (iii) for (iv) on

(b) (i) give (ii) gives (iii) gave (iv) giving

(c) (i) on (ii) upon (iii) down (iv) up

                                                                                      Error                     Correction

Anup : Where can we meet tomorrow?

Atul : I may not be able to meet you tomorrow.

Anup : Are you going to be busy?

Atul : Yes, I will be travelling tomorrow.

Anup asked Atul (a) _________. Atul replied (b) _________. Anup asked if he was going to be busy. Atul said that he was as (c) _________.

"Oh, oh, oh; oh, oh ..." Patol Babu began giving the exclamation a different inflection each time he uttered it: After doing it a number of times he made an astonishing discovery.

(a) Why did Patol Babu repeat the word, `oh' over and over again '?

(b) What 'astonishing discovery' did he make?

(c) What does the word, 'uttered' mean?

"They that have done this deed are honorable: What private grief’s they have, alas, I know not, That made them do it"……………….

(a) Who is the speaker?

(b) What deed have 'they' done?

(c) What does the word, 'grief’s' mean?

What is the poet’s dual attitude towards the snake?

How was Shultz finally recued by Michael?

What did Caesar leave for the Romans in his will?

John Hallock could never displease Jenkins. Why?

What is ironic about the inscription on the pedestal of Ozymandias?

Who was Mr. Pakrashi and how did he instill the value of being true to one's work in Patol Babu?

Keeping in mind the poem, 'Snake', write out a speech for the morning assembly on the topic, Snakes - a beautiful creation of God, an object of our love and not hatred.

There were many reasons for Helen Keller's embittered childhood. What were they and how were they overcome?

Helen's struggle has become a source of inspiration for all less fortunate. Comment.

Anne's relationship with her mother was never simple. What created the tension and discord? Why

Anne's father was close to her. What did she like about him? Why?