English Class X Sample Paper 1

Time allowed: 3 hours                                                               Maximum Marks: 100
General Instructions:
(i) This paper consists of four sections —
Section A — Reading (20 marks)
Section B — Writing (30 marks)
Section C — Grammar (20 marks)
Section D — Literature (30 marks)
(ii) Attempt all questions.
(iii) Do not write anything in the question paper.
(iv) All the answers must be correctly numbered as in the question paper and written in the answer sheet provided to you.
(v) Attempt all questions in each section before going on to the next section.
(vi) Read each question carefully and follow the instructions.
(vii) Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question. Marks will be deducted for exceeding the word limit.

SECTION A (READING)

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow (12 marks)
CREDIT CARDS

• Ask people whether credit cards are a necessity or a luxury and most would probably turn them a necessity these days.  Credit cards are considered a boon for the ready convenience they confer on the user-you don’t have to worry about carrying enough cash when you go shopping or to a restaurant.  Just flash your card, sign and walk out.
• But there are many who criticize credit cards for the ‘easy money’ syndrome they generate.  It is true that many people fall into a debt trap-thanks to the extensive use of their credit cards.  But if you are careful with your expenses, they can be a handy thing to have around.  Hence, you need to consider the term ‘responsible usage’ and understand the actual significance of living on credit.
• Remember that using a credit card does not mean ‘free’ credit.  In effect, what you are doing is merely postponing the payment.  While it looks real good to have to pay only one or two thousand a month on your card, remember that you’re paying interest on the amount that you ‘revolve’ from one billing cycle to the next.
• But there’s one precaution we should add.  Always settle a credit card bill in full for two good reasons.  First and foremost, if you’re not able to pay up now, you should not have spent it in the first place.  Second, the credit charges tends to be extremely high, ranging from two percent to three percent per month.
• There is no shortage of cards on offer.  Almost every bank has launched a card; so the biggest hurdle you face is in trying to choose from amongst them.
• So, how does one choose among the various cards on offer?  “The factors for choosing a card revolve around certain differentiating features that one card may offer and the others don’t, like acceptability, eligibility, fees, other charges, credit period, cash advance, etc.”
• The cards which carry the Master or Visa affiliation are more widely accepted across the country compared to Diners and American Express cards.  Similarly global credit cards are valid even outside India.  If you travel regularly within or outside India, these cards would probably suit you the best, due to their acceptability across various outlets.
• If your credit card is more of a functional accessory while you shop or entertain in your home town, you will want a higher credit limit.  Here, foreign and private banks will give you a higher limit.  But if you are a value-for-money person who likes the convenience offered by a card, but will alternate between paying by cash and card you could consider credit cards offered by the public sector banks.  Their entry fees are typically lower.  Moreover, if you need them, you get longer credit periods and lower credit charges.  But you may not get a very high credit limit.
• Many offers now a days carry more than one card, and another circumstances, you could use them to segregate your expenses.  For example, if your employer reimburses you for certain travel and entertainment expenses, it would be a good idea to charge all official expenses to one card and all personal expenses to the other card.  This will help your card for your official expenses easily.
• It’s all very well to be a member of the plastic age.  Like all good things in life, a credit privilege has to be enjoyed.

A2.1. On the basis of the reading of the passage, complete the following summary by filling in the suitable words or phrases in the blanks.  (4 marks)

To use a credit card all you need to do is, show it and (a) ……………….  They can be used at a shop or a restaurant.  People using credit cards often fall into debts because of (b)………………..  To use a credit card responsibly, it is important to understand the fact that a credit card only (c)………………..  It can be difficult to decide which credit card one wants because (d)…………

A2.2. Taking information from the passage, write down one advantage and one disadvantage of credit cards. (2 marks)

A2.3. The table below summarizes the types of credit cards available and the types of people they suit best.  Complete the table by choosing appropriate phrases from the passage.  (2 marks)

A2.4 Find words/phrases from the passage which mean the same as the following from the paragraphs indicated. (4 marks)
(a) attitudes / social problem (Para 2)
(b) problem or difficulty (Para 5)
(c) separate or set apart from the rest (Para 9)
(d) repay or refund (Para 9)