HBSE Pre-Board Exam (2024-25) for Class X English is a preparatory examination designed to help students assess their readiness for the final board exams conducted by the Haryana Board of School Education (HBSE). The exam evaluates students’ proficiency in English across different areas, including comprehension, grammar, writing skills, and literature.
Key Features of the HBSE Class X English Pre-Board Exam:
- Pattern:
- Follows the same structure as the final board exam, with sections for Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature.
- Includes objective, short, and long-answer type questions.
- Syllabus Coverage:
- Questions are based on the prescribed HBSE Class X English syllabus, which includes prose, poetry, and supplementary reader texts from the NCERT curriculum.
- Literature:
- Focuses on chapters and poems from the textbooks, with questions aimed at testing understanding, themes, and character analysis.
- Examples include chapters like “The Midnight Visitor”, “A Triumph of Surgery”, and poems like “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
- Skills Tested:
- Reading comprehension and vocabulary.
- Creative writing skills through essays, letters, and paragraphs.
- Application of grammar rules.
- Critical analysis and interpretation of literary texts.
- Marks Distribution:
- Total: 80 marks (pre-board theory paper).
- Internal assessment and practicals contribute 20 marks.
- Objective:
- To identify weak areas in students’ preparation and provide insights to teachers for targeted revision before the final board exams.
Tips for Students:
- Focus on NCERT textbooks for literature questions.
- Practice writing essays, letters, and story completion for the Writing section.
- Revise grammar rules and solve exercises regularly.
- Attempt past pre-board papers and mock tests for time management.
The pre-board exam is an excellent opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the exam format, boost their confidence, and identify areas for improvement before the final HBSE board exams.
HBSE Pre-Board Exam (2024-25) for Class X
PRE-BOARD EXAM (2024-25)
CLASS: X
SUBJECT: ENGLISH
Time: 3 Hours M.M.:80 General Instructions: –
(i) The Question Paper is divided into four sections- A, B, C, and D.
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part
SECTION A (20 Marks)
(READING SKILL)
Q1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
(10 marks) (i) Today we know about each and everything about the world. There is no land or sea that is not known to us. Man has explored every corner of the world, and he knows all the ways and routes from anywhere to everywhere in the world. He can reach from one place to the other as safely, easily and quickly as he likes. He has maps to guide him and fastest means of transport to carry him.
(ii) But for ages, most of the world was unknown to man. To begin with, he lived in caves. Then he came out of caves and started making homes in little corners of forests or behind the hills. He was afraid of wild animals and also of the clouds and the winds. He offered prayers and sacrifices to gods who, he thought, controlled the clouds and the winds. But slowly. through long centuries, men began to explore what lay beyond their caves, hills and forests where they had homes. They went in their boats, first on the rivers and then across the seas. At first, they remained close to the shore, and each new voyager went a little further than the previous one.
(iii) To those early travelers, the earth seemed to be a vast, flat world. They feared what would happen if they reached the edge. They believed that if they sailed southward, the sea would become so hot and boiling that life would be impossible. Toward the North, they thought, it must be too cold for anything to live. Till only five hundred years ago, nearly all men believed this. When some Portuguese explorers began to sail southward, their seamen revolted and refused to go further. They believed that the steaming waters of the southern seas would boil them like potatoes.
(iv) When some clever men of those days said that the earth was not flat but a
ball or sphere, people would laugh at them. ‘How could there be people or trees on the other side of the world? They would say “Would men walk and trees grow upside down? And how could they stay on the other side? Surely they would fall off.”
Questions:
1. We can travel as we like __________.
(a) safely (b) easily
(e) quickly (d) all the above
2. The modern man can reach anywhere he likes with the help of __________.
(a) maps to guide him (b) fastest means of transport
(c) both (a) and (b) above (d) neither (a) nor (b)
3. After leaving the caves, man started making little homes __________.
(a) in corners of forests (b) behind the hills
(c) either (a) or (b) (d) neither (a) nor (b)
4. Why would people not believe that the earth was not flat but round?
(a) They said that if the earth were round, it would roll away like a ball.
(b) They said that if the earth were round, people and trees on the other side would fall off.
(c) They said that if the earth were round, water would not stay at one place.
(d) They said that if the earth were round, it would look like the sun and the moon.
5. What is meant by the word ‘voyager’?
(a) A person who makes sacrifices in order to please gods.
(b) A person who goes about begging from place to place.
(c) A person who wants to explore new lands.
(d) A person making a long journey
6. Where did men in ancient times build their homes and why?
They built homes in corners of forests or behind hills to protect themselves from wild animals and harsh weather conditions.
7. Why were sacrifices offered to gods?
Sacrifices were offered to gods to please them as people believed gods controlled natural elements like clouds and winds.
8. What did the early explorers think about the earth?
They thought the earth was flat, with dangerous and boiling seas in the south and unbearably cold regions in the north.
9. What did the early sailors think about the northern and southern ‘ends’ of the world?
They believed the southern seas were boiling hot and the northern regions were too cold to sustain life.
10. Why did the seamen of Portuguese explorers revolt?
They feared that the southern seas were so hot that they would boil like potatoes.
Q2. Read the Passages given below and answer the questions that follow: (10)
(i) A wife shared all her husband’s privileges and was his companion and helpmate in his activities. This freedom for women continued even after the Vedic age and it is only when we reach the time of Manu that we find women regarded as chattels, whose place in is nowhere but in the home, though even he allows that there they are like goddesses. Where women are honoured, there the gods are pleased. But Manu’s attitude is summed up in the following quotation: ‘A woman’s father protects her in childhood, her husband protects her in youth and her son protects her in old age; she is never fit for independence.
(ii) Why women lost their high position is not quite clear, nor why Manu depreciated them; but perhaps one of the reasons may have been the fact that when the Aryans first came to India, it was not essential to be specifically trained in order to take part in sacrifices and religious ceremonies. But later, when years of study in learning the Vedas were required for a priest, women were necessarily excluded because their household duties left them no time to pursue Vedantic studies.
(iii) Whatever be the cause, gradually women were deprived of rights and given a status inferior to that of men. However, the Vedic wife was supreme in her household and free to do what she
Page 3 of 6liked. In richer houses, there were separate apartments for ladies where they met and sewed and chatted. A woman could sing and play on the Vina and dance, especially on the festive occasions. Some could also probably read and write. Early marriage was not the practice, and girls could choose their own husbands.
Questions:
1. What was the position of women in ancient India?
Women had freedom, shared their husband’s privileges, and were respected as companions and helpmates.
2. What are Manu’s views about women?
Manu believed women were not fit for independence and needed to be protected by their father, husband, or son at different stages of life.
3. What was the position of Vedic wife in her household?
The Vedic wife had a supreme position in her household and was free to do as she liked.
4. How do you think the position of women changed after the coming of Aryans?
Women’s status declined as they were excluded from priesthood and religious activities due to the necessity of long Vedic studies, which household duties prevented.
5. What was the attitude towards women in ancient India?
Initially respectful and liberal, but over time, women were deprived of rights and given an inferior status.
6. Which of the following verb tenses is predominantly used in the passage?
(a) Present Tense (b) Past Tense (c) Future Tense (d) Present Perfect Tense
7. Which of the following statements suits appropriately to be the title of the passage?
(a) The Role of women in Vedic Society (b) The rise and fall of women in Ancient India
(c) Manu’s laws: Impact of women’s Rights (d) Ancient India: A Patriarchal Society
8. The word ‘Perhaps’ means the same as:
(a) Certain (b) Equal (c) Privileges (d) Probably
9. The opposite of the word ‘later’ is:
(a) Late (b) Soon (c) Early (d) After
10. The synonym of ‘ancient’ is:
(a) Old (b) New (c) Recent (d) Fresh
Section-B (Grammar) 10 marks
Q3. Attempt any ten sentences from the given items. (10 X 1 =10)
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb:
(1) My servant __would have painted ________ (paint) the door if you had given him a brush.
(2) They ____had left______(leave) the park when we reached there.
B. Punctuate the following sentences:
(3) harpreet is a student of khalsa college amritsar
3. Harpreet is a student of Khalsa College, Amritsar.
(4) mahatma gandhi was cremated at rajghat delhi
4. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated at Rajghat, Delhi.
C. Fill the blanks with suitable articles wherever necessary:
(5) Keep to ____THE______ right.
(6) The more ____THE_____ merrier.
D. Change the following sentences into indirect speech:
(7) The teacher said to the students, “Stop making a noise.”
The teacher told the students to stop making a noise.
(8) He said, “Farewell, my friends!”
8. He bade farewell to his friends.
E. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals:
(9) ___may_______ God grant peace to the departed soul!
(10) ____could______ I sit on the chair, please?
F. Combine the following sentences:
(11) She said something. I did not hear it.
She said something that I did not hear.
(12) He will pass this year. It is certain.
It is certain that he will pass this year.
Section-C (Writing Skill) 10 marks
Q4. Attempt any one of the following: (5)
(i) You bought some crockery from Saurav Goods Emporium, Rohtak and found them in broken condition. Write a letter to them asking to replace the goods.
Letter to Saurav Goods Emporium:
Subject: Request for Replacement of Damaged Crockery
Dear Sir/Madam,
I purchased crockery from your emporium on [date], but upon unpacking, I found several items broken. Kindly arrange to replace the damaged items at the earliest. I have attached a copy of the bill for reference.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
(ii) Suppose you are Ravi/Riya. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about the incidents of violence taking place with the aged alone at home, drawing the attention of the authorities towards the problem.
Q5. Attempt any one of the following: (5)
(i) Write a story on the topic ‘Honesty is the Best Policy’ with the help of the given outline.
Once a woodcutter… cutting a tree… axe fell into the water…God appeared… golden axe… woodcutter refused… silver axe.. iron axe… God happy… moral
(i) Story on ‘Honesty is the Best Policy’:
Once a woodcutter accidentally dropped his axe into a river. A god appeared and offered him a golden axe, but the woodcutter refused, saying it was not his. The god then showed him a silver axe, but again he refused. Finally, the god returned his iron axe. Pleased with his honesty, the god gifted him all three axes.
Moral: Honesty is the best policy.
or
(ii) Suppose you are Dr. Sahil, MD. You are looking for an independent house in Ghaziabad on a reasonable rent for your residence- cum-clinic. Draft a suitable advertisement to be published in The Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
or
(iii) G
cheap, I had no idea I could be damaging Write a letter to the editor of a news paper on the health hazard s cause by junk food using your own ideas and also from units you read on Health and Nutrition.
Section-D (Literature) (40 marks)
Q6. Do any one of the passages given below and answer the questions that follow: (5)
In life, every man has twin obligations- obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children, and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated.
Questions:
1. What twin obligations does the writer mention?
The writer mentions obligations to one’s family and obligations to one’s community and country.
2. What can one do in a civil and humane society?
One can fulfill obligations according to their own abilities and inclinations.
3. What was impossible for the blacks in South Africa to do and why?
It was impossible for blacks in South Africa to fulfill their obligations as they were oppressed and restricted by racial laws.
4. How were the blacks treated if they tried to live as human beings.?
Blacks were punished and isolated if they tried to live as human beings.
5. Find in the passage words that mean – (i) a written contract or bond (ii) to put apart.
(i) Obligation = a written contract or bond.
(ii) Isolated = to put apart.
OR
‘ sound of his specially made bamboo stick. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the
basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children. Then we did not even care to brush our teeth or wash our mouths properly. And why should we? Who would take the trouble of plucking the mango-leaf for the toothbrush? And why was it necessary at all? The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all!
Questions:
1. Name the chapter and its author.
2. How did the baker make his musical entry?
3. What can the author still recall?
4. What did the author and other kids do to look into the baker’s basket?
5. Find from the passage words which mean the same as :
(i) helped (ii) welcome.
Q7. (Attempt any two questions: 2 x 3 = 6)
(i) Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne Frank? What would he ask her to do?
Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne Frank because she talked too much during his classes, disrupting the lessons. To discipline her, he often gave her extra homework assignments. Once, he asked her to write an essay titled “A Chatterbox” to reflect on her talkative nature, but Anne turned it into a humorous and clever piece, impressing him.
(ii) When and why did Maxwell think of keeping an otter as a pet?
Maxwell thought of keeping an otter as a pet while living in Southern Iraq, after the loss of his dog. He wanted a new pet to keep him company and chose an otter because it was unique and suited his love for nature and animals.
(iii) What type of a person is the conductor in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’?
The conductor in Madam Rides the Bus is a kind, jovial, and friendly person. He treats the young girl, Valli, with respect and patience, even when she acts mature beyond her age. His playful nature and gentle demeanor make him approachable and likable.
(iv) How did Siddhartha get the name of the ‘Buddha’?
Siddhartha became the Buddha, meaning “the Enlightened One,” after he attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree. He realized the truths of life, suffering, and liberation, and his teachings led to the foundation of Buddhism.
Q8. (Attempt any one question: 6 marks)
Justify the title of the play ‘The Proposal’.
The title “The Proposal” is justified as the play revolves around a marriage proposal. Lomov visits Natalya’s house intending to propose to her. However, instead of expressing his feelings, they engage in trivial arguments over land and dogs. Despite their disputes, Lomov and Natalya eventually get engaged, making the proposal the central theme. The humorous portrayal of misunderstandings and reconciliations adds to the significance of the title, highlighting how human relationships are often driven by practical considerations rather than emotions.
Q9. Attempt any one of the following stanzas: (5)
The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing:
He hasn’t any ears at all, And not a single wing
If there is nothing on the tree.
‘Tis the chameleon you see.
Questions:
1. Name the poem and its poet.
2. What is the rhyme scheme of the stanza?
3. How does a chameleon look like?
4. Where can you see a chameleon?
5. Identify the poetic device used in the given extract.
Stanza 1: The true Chameleon is small, A lizard sort of thing…
- Name the poem and its poet: The Chameleon by Ogden Nash.
- Rhyme scheme: ABABCC.
- How does a chameleon look like? It is small, resembles a lizard, has no ears, and no wings.
- Where can you see a chameleon? On trees, blending with the surroundings.
- Poetic device: Imagery, as the poet vividly describes the chameleon’s appearance and behavior.
OR
Page 6 of 6Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
Questions:
1. Why did Belinda cry for help?
2. How did Ink behave?
3. What did Mustard do when it heard Belinda’s cry?
4. Where did the mouse slip away?
5. Name the poem and the poet.
- Why did Belinda cry for help? She cried for help because a pirate attacked her house.
- How did Ink behave? Ink, the kitten, ran away in fear and hid.
- What did Mustard do when it heard Belinda’s cry? Mustard, the dog, fled with a frightened yelp.
- Where did the mouse slip away? The mouse, Blink, strategically escaped to its hole.
- Name the poem and poet: The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash.
Q10. (Attempt any two questions: 2 x 3 = 6)
(i) Where was the poet standing, and what happened to him there? (The Road Not Taken)
The poet was standing at a fork in the woods, faced with two paths. He chose the less-traveled path, symbolizing his decision to take a unique route in life, which made a significant difference in his journey.
(ii) What is the effect of the loss of the ball on the boy? (The Ball Poem)
The boy feels deep grief and sorrow upon losing his ball, as it symbolizes his lost childhood and innocence. This incident teaches him a valuable life lesson about accepting losses and moving on.
(iii) What is Amanda asked to do or not to do? (Amanda!)
Amanda is constantly instructed to follow societal norms. She is asked to sit straight, not to slouch, avoid eating chocolate, clean her room, and behave properly. These restrictions make her long for freedom and solitude.
(iv) What did the old religious man declare in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’?
The old religious man declared that true love goes beyond physical appearances. A person who truly loves Anne would love her inner qualities, not just her beauty or her yellow hair.
Q11. (Attempt any two questions: 2 x 3 = 6)
(i) Why did the thief boy want to become an educated man?
The thief boy wanted to become educated after meeting Anil, who trusted him despite knowing his background. Anil’s kindness and teaching inspired the boy to lead an honest life and gain self-respect through education.
(ii) Why were the two boys in London surprised and fascinated?
The two boys in London were surprised and fascinated to see a flying machine for the first time. The Wright brothers’ invention filled them with awe and wonder about the possibilities of human innovation.
(iii) What did Matilda and her husband do when they found the necklace missing?
When Matilda and her husband discovered the necklace was missing, they searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. They decided to replace it by buying an identical one, spending their entire savings and taking loans.
(iv) Who are in the library on the Earth? What are they doing there?
In the library on Earth, the books are alive, and the Martians are reading them to understand Earth’s culture and knowledge. This highlights the Martians’ interest in Earth’s literature and history.
Q12. (Attempt any one question: 6 marks)
1. Give a brief character sketch of Horace Danby.
Horace Danby is a fifty-year-old bachelor who appears to be a respectable, honest man. However, he secretly leads a double life as a thief, robbing a house once a year to fund his passion for rare books. He is meticulous and plans his thefts carefully but is also naïve and gullible, as evident when he is tricked by the lady in red. Despite his criminal activities, he has a likable personality, showing a mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and love for books.
2. Why does Think-Tank decide not to invade the Earth?
Think-Tank decides not to invade Earth after misinterpreting simple nursery rhymes as signs of Earth’s advanced intelligence and destructive capabilities. He fears Earthlings possess dangerous knowledge and weapons, leading him to abandon his invasion plans.
