Standard 10 English - First Mid Term Test 2025 | Solved Paper

Tirunelveli District

Common First Mid Term Test - 2025 (Solved)

Standard: 10 | Subject: ENGLISH

Time: 1.30 Hrs. | Marks: 50

Section - I
I. Choose the appropriate synonyms from the options given below: 1×3=3
1) Scraping his beak now and again to whet it.
  • a) clean
  • b) sharp
  • c) blunt
  • d) wet
Answer:

b) sharp

Explanation: The word 'whet' means to sharpen the blade of a tool or weapon. In this context, the seagull is sharpening its beak.

2) His father was pruning the feathers on his white beak.
  • a) cleaning
  • b) shaping
  • c) sharping
  • d) painting
Answer:

b) shaping

Explanation: 'Pruning' here refers to the act of dressing or trimming feathers to keep them in good order. 'Shaping' is the closest synonym among the given options.

3) The doors and drawers were yanked open.
  • a) pushed
  • b) pulled
  • c) fixed
  • d) repulsed
Answer:

b) pulled

Explanation: 'Yanked' means to pull something forcefully with a quick, sharp movement.

II. Choose the appropriate antonyms from the options given below: 1×3=3
4) Then a monstrous terror seized him.
  • a) release
  • b) grasp
  • c) snatch
  • d) conquer
Answer:

a) release

Explanation: 'Seized' means to take hold of suddenly and forcibly. The opposite is to let go, or 'release'.

5) He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards.
  • a) slowly
  • b) steadily
  • c) regularly
  • d) suddenly
Answer:

d) suddenly

Explanation: 'Gradually' means happening slowly and over a period of time. The antonym is 'suddenly', which means happening quickly and unexpectedly.

6) Herman rushed to his room and slammed.
  • a) closed
  • b) locked
  • c) banged
  • d) opened
Answer:

d) opened

Explanation: 'Slammed' means to shut a door or window forcefully and loudly. The direct opposite action is to 'open' it.

III. Answer all the questions: 3×1=3
7) Complete the sentence using appropriate modals:

When I was a child, I _____ climb trees easily but now I can't.

  • a) can
  • b) could
  • c) should
  • d) will
Answer:

b) could

Explanation: The modal 'could' is used to express ability in the past. The sentence refers to an ability the speaker had as a child.

8) Choose the correct plural form of the word alumnus:
  • a) alums
  • b) alumni
  • c) alum
  • d) alumnum
Answer:

b) alumni

Explanation: 'Alumnus' is a Latin word meaning a former male student. Its plural is 'alumni'.

9) Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate prepositional phrase from the given options:

There is a temple right _____ my house.

  • a) in back of
  • b) apart from
  • c) in front of
  • d) result of
Answer:

c) in front of

Explanation: The phrase 'in front of' is used to indicate a position directly before something else, which fits the context of the sentence.

IV. Write down the passive forms: 2×2=4
10) The manager appointed many office assistants.
Answer:

Many office assistants were appointed by the manager.

Explanation: The object 'many office assistants' becomes the subject. The past tense verb 'appointed' changes to 'were appointed' (were + V3). The original subject 'The manager' is added at the end with 'by'.

11) Cross the busy roads carefully.
Answer:

You are advised to cross the busy roads carefully.

OR

Let the busy roads be crossed carefully.

Explanation: This is an imperative sentence (advice). It can be changed into the passive voice using "You are advised to..." or the "Let... be..." structure.

Section - II
V. Answer any three of the following: 3×2=6
12) Why did the seagull fail to fly?
Answer:

The young seagull failed to fly because he was filled with fear. He believed that his small wings would not support him, and he was terrified of falling into the vast, green sea beneath him. This lack of courage and self-confidence prevented him from making his first flight.

13) What did the parents do when the young seagull failed to fly?
Answer:

When the young seagull failed to fly, his parents tried to encourage and push him. They came around calling to him shrilly, scolding him (upbraiding), and even threatened to let him starve on his ledge if he did not fly. They then left him alone, hoping hunger would compel him to fly.

14) Why did the young bird utter a joyful scream?
Answer:

The young bird uttered a joyful scream because he was maddened by hunger. After a full day of starvation, he saw his mother flying towards him with a piece of fish in her beak. The sight of the food, after being so hungry, made him scream with joy and excitement.

15) Who were the narrator's neighbours?
Answer:

The narrator's neighbours, from the story "The Night the Ghost Got In," were the Bodwells. A neighbour, Mrs. Bodwell, was a robust woman who was awakened by the commotion and threw a shoe through the window of the narrator's house, mistakenly believing someone was being harmed.

16) What was the grandfather wearing?
Answer:

In the story "The Night the Ghost Got In," the grandfather was wearing a long flannel nightgown with a V-neck, a tassel-adorned nightcap, and steel-rimmed spectacles.

VI. Write any one of the following: 1×5=5
17) Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying?
Solution:

The Seagull's Struggle to Fly

The young seagull's journey to overcome his fear of flying was filled with intense emotional and physical struggle. Initially, he was paralyzed by fear, convinced that his wings were too weak to support him over the vast sea. While his siblings soared confidently, he remained isolated on his ledge, a symbol of his cowardice. His family tried everything—encouragement, scolding, and threats of starvation—but his fear was greater. For twenty-four hours, he suffered the pangs of hunger, watching his family enjoy their meals. The real turning point came when his mother, in an act of clever motivation, flew close to him with a piece of fish but stopped just out of reach. Maddened by hunger and the sight of food, the seagull forgot his fear and dived for the fish. In that moment of desperation, his wings instinctively opened, and he found himself flying, finally conquering the terror that had held him captive.

OR
18) Write a paragraph on 'The Grumble Family' and their attitude towards other folks.
Solution:

The Grumble Family's Attitude

'The Grumble Family,' from the poem by L.M. Montgomery, is a symbolic representation of chronic complainers. They live on "Complaining Street" in a city called "Never-Are-Satisfied," which aptly describes their perpetual state of discontent. Their attitude is relentlessly negative; nothing is ever right for them. Whether it's sunny or rainy, hot or cold, they find a reason to grumble. Their dissatisfaction extends to everything, big or small. This constant negativity makes them unpleasant to be around, and as a result, "nobody likes to meet" them. Their attitude towards other folks is one of implicit criticism, as they believe everything is flawed. The poem serves as a warning, urging readers to avoid falling into this pattern of grumbling, lest they too become a part of the infamous Grumble Family and alienate those around them.

Section - III
VII. Read the following lines of the poem and answer the questions given below: 3×2=6
19) "Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul".
  1. Whom does the word me refer to?
  2. What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
Answers:
  • a) The word 'me' refers to the poet, Henry Van Dyke.
  • b) The poet wants to lead a life full of optimism and willingness. He wants to face the future with a positive attitude ("forward face") and a spirit that does not hesitate or hold back ("unreluctant soul").
20) "My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best".
  1. What kind of quest does the poet seek here?
  2. What is the poet's hope?
Answers:
  • a) The poet seeks the quest of life itself. The "quest" refers to the journey through life with all its challenges, adventures, and experiences.
  • b) The poet's hope is that the final phase or the end of his life's journey ("the road's last turn") will be the most fulfilling and best part of his entire life.
21) "There's a family nobody likes to meet;
They live, it is said, on complaining street".
  1. Where does the family live?
  2. Why do you think the street is named as 'Complaining street'?
Answers:
  • a) The family lives on a metaphorical street named "Complaining Street".
  • b) The street is named 'Complaining Street' because its inhabitants, the Grumble family, are known for their constant complaining and grumbling about everything. The name of the street reflects the primary characteristic of the people who live there.
VIII. Quote from memory: 1×5=5
22) Not mourning ........ with cheer.
Answer:

The lines are from the poem "Life" by Henry Van Dyke. The complete stanza is:

Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

The completed line as per the question would be:
Not mourning for the things that disappear in the dim past, nor holding back in fear from what the future veils; but with a whole and happy heart, that pays its toll to Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

Section - IV
IX. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below: 1×5=5
23) Mobile Galaxy - Smart phones - accessories - Sim card - Recharge - Free Power banks on mobile purchase - No. 1, Toll gate, Trichy.
Solution:
X. Write a report based on the following: 1×5=5
24) You are the School Pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the inaugural ceremony of the English Literary Association of your school which was held recently. Write a report on the same in not more than 120 words.
Solution:

INAUGURATION OF ENGLISH LITERARY ASSOCIATION

By [Your Name], School Pupil Leader

Tirunelveli, 25th July 2024

The English Literary Association of our school was inaugurated for the academic year 2024-2025 in the school auditorium on 24th July 2024. The ceremony commenced with a prayer song. The renowned author and speaker, Dr. Susan Mathew, was the chief guest. She lit the ceremonial lamp and delivered an inspiring inaugural address on "The Power of Words," encouraging students to read more and express themselves creatively. Her speech was followed by a vibrant cultural programme presented by students, which included a skit and a poetry recitation. The Principal felicitated the chief guest and announced the association's plans for the year. The event concluded with the vote of thanks and the national anthem.

XI. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints: 1×5=5
25) Prospero - Duke of Milan - out of magic - brother Antonio - overthrow Prospero - King of Naples - Prospero and his daughter twelve years - released good spirits from Sycorax - creates storms - Ariel helps the enemies - Ferdinand arrives - Miranda and Ferdinand - attractive Prospero tests - Ferdinand - realizes his mistakes - repented Prospero - restored the kingdom.
Solution:

The Tale of Prospero

Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, was a man deeply engrossed in the study of magic. His ambitious brother, Antonio, conspired with the King of Naples to overthrow him and seize his dukedom. Prospero and his infant daughter, Miranda, were cast out to sea and eventually found refuge on a remote island, where they lived for twelve years. On this island, Prospero used his magic to release good spirits like Ariel, who were imprisoned by the witch Sycorax. One day, using his powers, Prospero created a great storm to shipwreck his enemies, including Antonio and the King of Naples, on his island. Ariel helped bring the enemies before him. During this time, the King's son, Ferdinand, arrived and instantly fell in love with Miranda. Prospero tested Ferdinand's love and found him worthy. Faced with his victims, Antonio realized his mistakes and repented. In a final act of grace, Prospero forgave them all and had his kingdom restored to him.