Quarterly Exam 2026-27 Class: 10th Subject: English IMP / त्रैमासिक परीक्षा 2026-27 कक्षा: 10वीं विषय: अंग्रेजी imp

Quarterly Exam 2026-27

Class: 10th Subject: English

Time: 3 hrs Maximum Marks: 75

Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks allotted to each question are indicated against it.

Section-A (Reading Skills)

Q.1 Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. [1×5=5]

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in human history, stretching over 21,000 kilometers across northern China. Built over several centuries, its primary purpose was to protect Chinese territories from invasions, particularly from nomadic tribes in the north. Construction began in the 7th century BC, but the most well-preserved sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). The wall is made from various materials, including stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood, depending on the region’s resources. Watchtowers were strategically placed for surveillance, communication, and defense, with soldiers stationed to guard vulnerable points. Contrary to the popular myth, the wall is not visible from space without aid, but it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Chinese resilience. Over the centuries, the wall also served as a means of controlling trade along the Silk Road and regulating immigration and emigration. Today, it attracts millions of tourists annually, standing as a reminder of China’s rich history and engineering skill.

i. Approximately how long is the Great Wall of China?

(A) 2,100 km

(B) 21,000 km

(C) 210 km

(D) 12,000 km

ii. What was the primary purpose of the Great Wall?

(A) To mark Chinese territory

(B) To protect from northern invasions

(C) To serve as a trade route

(D) To connect cities

iii. What is a common myth about the Great Wall?

(A) It was built in one year

(B) It is visible from space without aid

(C) It is made entirely of stone

(D) It has no watchtowers

iv. Besides defence, what other functions did the Great Wall serve?

(A) Controlled trade and regulated migration (B) Stored grain and water

(C) Served as a royal palace (D) Hosted sports events

v. Today, the Great Wall is a symbol of:

(A) Chinese wealth

(B) Chinese resilience and engineering skill

(C) Modern military strength

(D) Global unity

Q.2 Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. [1×5=5]

Ravi was late for work, weaving through the crowded street when something caught his eye—a small, worn leather wallet lying near a bus stop. He bent down and picked it up. Inside were a few bills, a bus pass, and an ID card belonging to a Mr. Sharma, an elderly man who lived only a few streets away. Ravi considered leaving it at a police station, but something urged him to return it personally. The building he found was old, with peeling paint and narrow stairs. When he knocked, the door opened to reveal a frail man with worry etched on his face. “My wallet!” Mr. Sharma exclaimed, relief flooding his voice. He explained that he had been searching for it all morning—it held not only his money but also photographs of his late wife, his most treasured possession. As Ravi handed it over, Mr. Sharma’s eyes filled with gratitude. “You’ve returned more than just a wallet,” he said softly. Ravi left with a lighter heart, realizing that small acts of honesty could leave deep imprints on someone’s life.

i. Where did Ravi find the wallet?

(A) In a park

(B) Near a bus stop

(C) On his office desk

(D) In a shop

ii. What was NOT inside the wallet?

(A) Bills

(B) Bus pass

(C) Photographs of Ravi’s family

(D) ID card

iii. Why did Ravi decide to return the wallet personally?

(A) He wanted to meet Mr. Sharma (B) He had extra time

(C) He felt urged to do so (D) He didn’t trust the police

iv. Why was the wallet so important to Mr. Sharma?

(A) It had his bank cards (B) It had photographs of his late wife

(C) It had gold coins (D) It was a gift from his son

v. What realization did Ravi have at the end?

(A) Helping others is a waste of time (B) Honesty can deeply impact someone’s life

(C) He should work for the police (D) He should carry less money

Section-B (Writing Skills)

Q.3 Read the following passage carefully and make notes on it. Also give a suitable title to it. [04]

Reading is one of the most enriching habits a person can develop. It is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and emotional understanding. Through books, we are transported into worlds beyond our own, meeting characters, ideas, and perspectives that challenge and inspire us. Fiction allows us to experience emotions, dilemmas, and cultures that we may never encounter in real life, building empathy and creative thinking. Non-fiction, on the other hand, expands our factual knowledge, offering insights into history, science, philosophy, and countless other fields. In today’s fast-paced digital era, where attention spans are shrinking, deep and focused reading is more important than ever. It improves vocabulary, sharpens critical thinking, and strengthens concentration. Reading also has therapeutic benefits—it reduces stress and can even improve mental health by providing an escape from daily pressures. Furthermore, it keeps the brain active, which helps prevent cognitive decline with age. Developing a reading habit does not require hours of free time; even 20–30 minutes a day can have a profound impact. Whether you choose novels, poetry, essays, or newspapers, reading is a lifelong companion that continues to enrich the mind and soul.

Q.4 Look at the picture given below (Cleanliness / Healthy Earth) and write a short paragraph on it. (in about 75 words) [03]

Q.5 Letter Writing [04] FORMAL: You are Manasvi Shrivastava studying in Govt. High School, Chhindwara, (M.P). Write an application to your Principal for School Leaving Certificate (S.L.C.) / Transfer Certificate (T.C.) / Character Certificate (C.C.).

— OR —

INFORMAL: You are Deepansh. Write a letter to your friend inviting him to attend the marriage ceremony of your sister.

Q.6 Write a paragraph on any ONE of the following topics in about 120 words: [05]

• Importance of English
• Online Education
• Value of Games and Sports
• Computer and Mobile: Modern Need
• Madhya Pradesh: The Tiger State
• Importance of Trees
• A Visit to a Fair
• Health is Wealth

Section-C (Grammar)

1. Q.7 Fill in the blanks (Any five) — [Determiners] [05]
2. i. There is _____ water in the pool. (some / any / many)
3. ii. I haven’t bought _____ milk today. (some / any / many)
4. iii. How _____ students are present today? (any / much / many)
5. iv. How _____ sugar do you take in tea? (any / much / many)
6. v. Will you please give me _____ money? (some / any / many)
7. vi. Would you like to have _____ coffee? (some / any / many)
8. vii. I have lost _____ the money that I had. (each / every / all)

Q.8 Do as directed (Any five) [05]

1. He did his work well. (Change into negative)
2. They are selling their house. (Change into present perfect)
3. She speaks the truth. (Change into negative)
4. They have been playing here since morning. (Change the sentence into past perfect continuous)
5. In the park / were playing / Children / football (Rearrange the words to make a meaningful sentence.)
6. She shut the door. (Change into negative)
7. He has taken tea. (Change into interrogative)
8. She lived in Shivpuri. (Change into interrogative)

Section-D (Textbooks)

Q.9 Choose the correct answer: [04]

(1) Who read the letters sent by Lencho?

(A) His wife (B) The postmaster (C) The God (D) His son

(2) Who is the author of the lesson ‘A Letter to God’?

(A) G.L. Fuentes (B) Anne Frank (C) Gavin Maxwell (D) Eleanor Estes

(3) What did Lencho think of the post office employees?

(A) rude (B) proud (C) bunch of crooks (D) unhelpful

(4) How much money was arranged by the postmaster?

(A) 100 pesos (B) 10 pesos (C) 700 pesos (D) 70 pesos

Q.10 (A) Read the following extract (Prose) and answer the questions given below: [3]

“The house – the only one in the entire valley – sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height one could see the river and the field of ripe corn, dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest. It was during the meal, as Lencho had predicted: big drops of rain began to fall…”

(1) Where was Lencho’s house located?

(A) On the bank of a river (B) At the foot of a hill

(C) On the crest of a low hill (D) In the middle of the valley

(2) What did the flowers in the cornfield always promise?

(A) A beautiful view (B) A good harvest

(C) A sweet fragrance (D) Early rainfall

(3) Who were working in the field when the rain began?

(A) The younger boys (B) The older boys

(C) Lencho and his wife (D) The entire family

Q.10 (B) Read the following extract (Poetry) and answer the questions given below: [3]

The way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree / Has given my heart / A change of mood / And saved some part / Of a day I had rued.

(1) Who is the poet of the above poem? (A) Carolyn Wells (B) Robin Klein (C) Robert Frost

(2) Where was the crow?

(A) on hemlock tree (B) on banyan tree (C) on peepal tree

(3) The poet's mood got changed, when

(A) he falls asleep (B) dust of snow falls on him (C) he starts talking

Q.11 Answer the following questions in about 30 words (Any 6) [12]

1. Who was Lencho and what were his main sources of livelihood?
2. What did Lencho hope for?
3. What did Lencho compare the raindrops to?
4. Why did Lencho say that the raindrops were like 'new coins'?
5. Why did Lencho decide to write a letter to God?
6. How much money did Lencho ask for in his letter and why?
7. What did the postmaster do to help Lencho?
8. Why was Lencho not surprised when he received the money?
9. What did Lencho write in his second letter to God?

Q.12 Answer the following questions in about 30 words (Any 2) [04]

1. What is a 'dust of snow'?
2. What does the poet say has changed his mood?
3. How does Frost present nature in the poem ‘Dust of Snow’?
4. In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, what does hemlock tree represent?
5. What does ‘fire’ stand for in the poem?

Q.13 Answer the following questions in about 30 words (Any 2) [04]

1. Why was Dr. Herriot worried about Tricki?
2. How did Mr. Pumphrey and her servant behave when Tricki was being sent to the Surgery?
3. Why was Dr. Herriot confident that Tricki will be in hospital soon?
4. Why was the narrator shocked at Tricki's appearance?
5. Who does 'I' refer to in the story ‘A Thief's Story’?

Q.14 Answer the following question in about 75 words (Any 1) [03]

1. What message does the story ‘A Letter to God’ convey?
2. Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is?
3. What role did faith play in Lencho's life?
4. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation?

Q.15 Answer the following question in about 75 words (Any 1) [03]

1. What do the 'crow' and the 'hemlock' represent? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
2. Write the central idea of the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
3. What is the central idea of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?
4. What is the theme of the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’?

Q.16 Answer the following question in about 75 words (Any 1) [03]

1. In the end of the lesson, why does Mrs. Pumphrey say “This is a triumph of surgery”?
2. Distinguish between Mrs. Pumphrey's method and Mr. Herriot's method in looking after the dog. Whose method could be regarded the better of the two and why?
3. What treatment was given to Tricki by Dr. Herriot?
4. What are Hari Singh's reactions to the prospect of getting an education? Do they change over time? What makes him return to Anil?