Here is the CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Question Paper 2019 Set 4:
Section A: Reading (30 marks)
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Harold Bloom, an American literary critic, has often been critical of postmodernism and its influence on literature. According to him, postmodernism is a form of cultural decay, which has led to a lack of moral seriousness in contemporary literature. In his essay, 'The Western Canon', Bloom argues that postmodernism has undermined the authority of the literary text and reduced literature to a plaything for the masses. He further claims that postmodernism has also led to a decline in the value of human experience and the importance of individual identity.
In his own words, Bloom says, 'One's own self is the only home one has, and that self is inseparable from one's language.' Therefore, Bloom argues that the search for the self is a fundamental aspect of literary endeavour. He believes that writers must use their unique voice and style to express their own unique experiences and perspectives.
However, Bloom's criticisms of postmodernism are not without controversy. Some critics have argued that his views are overly simplistic and neglect the complexity of postmodern literature. Others have pointed out that his emphasis on the importance of individual identity and the need for clear moral standards is out of touch with the diversity of human experience.
Despite these criticisms, Bloom's ideas continue to influence literary theory and criticism. His emphasis on the importance of individual identity and the need for moral seriousness in literature remain relevant to contemporary debates about literature and culture."
a) Identify the topic of Harold Bloom's essay 'The Western Canon'.
b) What is the central argument of Harold Bloom against postmodernism?
c) How does Bloom define the concept of 'self'?
d) What is the view of some critics regarding Bloom's criticism of postmodernism?
(5 marks)
2. Read the play extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams
(The following scene takes place in the evening, at the Kowalski's apartment)
STELLA: (whispering) What are you trying to say, Stanley?
STANLEY: (whispering back) I'm trying to say that I think we're through. That this thing between us is dead…
STELLA: (gasping) Oh, Stanley…Why must you say these things to me?
STANLEY: (coldly) Because it's true, Stella. It's the one thing that is true.
STELLA: (desperately) Please, Stanley…Don't say any more. I can't stand it…"
a) Who is the speaker in this extract?
b) What is the main issue of conversation between Stella and Stanley in this extract?
c) How does Stanley respond to Stella's gasp of shock?
(5 marks)
Section B: Writing (40 marks)
3. Write a short paragraph (about 30-35 words) in response to the following topic:
"The Importance of Effective Communication"
Effective communication is crucial in our daily lives. Good communication helps to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and understand each other's perspectives. Without effective communication, misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to tension and conflict.
(4 marks)
4. Write a story (about 150-160 words) based on the following prompt:
"The summer of 1995 was one of the hottest on record. Water conservation efforts were in place, but Mary's family was struggling to get by. She had an idea…".
(12 marks)
Section C: Literature (30 marks)
5. Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:
"La Belle Dame sans Merci" by John Keats
"Oh, what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.
O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel's granary is full,
And the harvest's done.
O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
SoPale and fair, yet so forsaken,
Wandering heavenward with visions of fairie,
Or with the pains of hell."
a) Who is the speaker in this poem?
b) What is the tone of the poem?
c) What does the poem reveal about the knight's life?
(10 marks)
6. Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Mother's Song" by William Wordsworth
"Stern Daughter of the Earth,
As last eve you conveyed me from the blissful haunts
Of joy and love, to the warm confines
Of mortal life, ye showed the infant love
And faith that was his guide…"
a) Who is the speaker in this poem?
b) What is the occasion of the poem?
c) What theme does the poem explore?
(10 marks)
Section D: Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)
7. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the given words:
a) The tourists _____________________ (speak/are speaking) French fluently.
b) By the time I _____________________ (finish/finished) my studies, I will be 25 years old.
c) The new employee _____________________ (prove/proving) herself to be very efficient.
d) The manager _____________________ (appoint/appoints) three new members to the team.
(4 marks)
8. Identify the correct forms of the given words:
a) The bus _____________________ (arrive/arrives) at the station at 5 pm.
b) The weather _____________________ (improve/improves) gradually.
c) The company _____________________ (launch/launches) a new product next month.
d) The computer _____________________ (crash/crashes) regularly.
(4 marks)
9. Choose the correct answer:
a) The word 'surprise' is a:
i) Verb
ii) Noun
iii) Adjective
iv) Adverb
b) The word 'enormous' is an:
i) Adjective
ii) Adverb
iii) Noun
iv) Verb
(4 marks)
10. Identify the correct form of the given word:
a) The hotel _____________________ (charge/charges) a high fee for parking.
(2 marks)
Section E: Additional Activity (10 marks)
Write a short paragraph (about 50-60 words) on the following topic:
"The Benefits of Reading Books"
Reading books has numerous benefits. It improves your vocabulary, broadens your knowledge, and enhances your writing and communication skills. Moreover, it reduces stress and anxiety, and increases your focus and concentration. In today's digital age, reading books is more important than ever, as it helps you to stay curious and open-minded.
