Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 1: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Tenses and Their Uses, Composition An Introduction, Formal Letters, and Test Paper-1. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Tenses and Their Uses
ASSIGNMENT 1
Change the Verb in the brackets either to the Present Simple or the Present Continuous Tense:
1. When you ____ to Delhi, I shall see you. (come)
Answer: come
Explanation: Present Simple is used here as it refers to a definite time in the future that is certain to happen. “When” introduces a time clause, so the Present Simple is used instead of future tense.
2. The farmer always _____ in his field. (work)
Answer: works
Explanation: Present Simple is used for habits or routines, indicated by the word “always”.
3. Look! Someone _____ at the door. (knock)
Answer: is knocking
Explanation: Present Continuous is used for actions happening right now, as indicated by “Look!” which shows immediacy.
4. I _____ at least five cups of tea every morning. (take)
Answer: take
Explanation: Present Simple is used for habitual actions, signified by “every morning”.
5. She _____ in the kitchen at present. (cook)
Answer: is cooking
Explanation: Present Continuous is used for actions happening at the moment of speaking, indicated by “at present”.
6. We _____ to Mumbai next week. (go)
Answer: are going
Explanation: Present Continuous is used for planned future actions, indicated by “next week”.
7. Near the Equator, the sun _____ greater quantities of water. (evaporate)
Answer: evaporates
Explanation: Present Simple is used for general truths or facts, such as natural phenomena.
8. World energy demand _____ at the rate of 3% per year. (increase)
Answer: increases
Explanation: Present Simple is used for facts or things that happen regularly over time, as shown by “per year”.
9. She is always _____ to him on the telephone. (talk)
Answer: talking
Explanation: Present Continuous is used with “always” to describe actions that happen repeatedly and are often irritating to the speaker.
10. The Bible _____ love of money is the root of all evil. (say)
Answer: says
Explanation: Present Simple is used for timeless truths or universally accepted facts, as is typical in religious or philosophical contexts.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Supply the Present Perfect Tense or the Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
1. I _____ all your letters. Please take them. (bring)
Answer: have brought
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for completed actions with relevance to the present. The letters have been brought, and now they can be taken.
2. Abha _____ your letters since morning and she is only halfway through. (type)
Answer: has been typing
Explanation: Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used for ongoing actions that started in the past and continue to the present, as indicated by “since morning”.
3. I _____ stamps ever since I joined this school. (collect)
Answer: have collected
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for actions that started in the past and have continued up to the present.
4. Now I _____ so many stamps that I do not know where to put them. (gather)
Answer: have gathered
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for actions completed recently with a present result.
5. My towel is wet. Someone _____ it. (use)
Answer: has used
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for a completed action that has an evident result in the present (the towel is wet).
6. I _____ all the milk; nothing is left for you. (use)
Answer: have used
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for actions completed in the recent past, leaving an effect on the present (no milk left).
7. The old man ______ at the bus stop for an hour. Tell him that the last bus _____ gone. (stand, go)
Answer: has been standing, has already gone
Explanation: Present Perfect Continuous is used for actions that began in the past and continue into the present (standing), and Present Perfect is used for completed actions with a current impact (the bus is gone).
8. I _____ since morning and I cannot go home until late in the evening. (work)
Answer: have been working
Explanation: Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used for ongoing actions that started in the past and are still continuing, as indicated by “since morning”.
9. He _____ his work and he is going home now. (finish)
Answer: has finished
Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used for actions that have just been completed with a current consequence (he is going home).
10. Sheetal _____ for three hours and soon she will have to stop. (write)
Answer: has been writing
Explanation: Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used for actions that started in the past and continue up to the present, as indicated by “for three hours”.
Test Paper-1
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write an original short story entitled: ‘A Missed Opportunity.’
A Missed Opportunity
Ravi had always dreamt of performing on stage. His heart raced every time he imagined the spotlight on him, the audience clapping, and the sound of his voice filling the air. Yet, he was too shy to step forward. His friends often encouraged him, but Ravi would laugh it off, hiding his nervousness behind excuses.
One day, his school announced an inter-school singing competition. Ravi’s best friend, Arjun, was convinced this was his chance. “You have a golden voice, Ravi! Don’t let this pass,” Arjun said, almost pleading. Ravi shrugged, saying, “I’ll think about it.”
The days passed, and the deadline to submit entries loomed closer. Ravi kept hesitating. What if he made a mistake on stage? What if people laughed at him? Doubts clouded his thoughts. On the final day, Arjun pushed him again. “Just fill the form. Trust yourself!” But Ravi shook his head, smiling faintly. “Next time, maybe.”
The competition day arrived. Ravi decided to go and watch. The auditorium was packed, the atmosphere lively. Performers took the stage one after another, some nervous, others confident. Ravi watched in awe, imagining himself up there.
Then, something unexpected happened. The host announced a last-minute dropout and asked if anyone from the audience would like to perform. Ravi’s heart raced. This was it—a chance he hadn’t expected. His palms were sweaty, and his legs felt weak. He wanted to stand up but froze in his seat.
After a few moments of silence, another student raised their hand and went on stage. Ravi watched the performance, his heart sinking. The crowd erupted in applause, and the winner was later announced—someone who had seized the moment Ravi let slip.
Walking back home, Ravi couldn’t shake off the regret. He realised he had let fear hold him back from something he truly wanted. That night, he made a promise to himself: the next time an opportunity came his way, he wouldn’t hesitate.
(v) Study the picture. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
[Image description: A girl sitting in a wheelchair reading a book. She is possibly in a garden]
A Journey Beyond Limits
Anita loved stories. For her, books were not just pages filled with words; they were doorways to places she could never physically visit. Sitting in her wheelchair under the shade of a large neem tree in her village, she felt free. The lush greenery around her seemed to echo her quiet determination to embrace life.
Born with a condition that left her legs immobile, Anita’s childhood had been filled with challenges. Yet, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Her parents often worried about her future, but Anita’s teacher, Mrs. Rao, saw something extraordinary in her. “Anita,” she once said, “your mind can take you to places your legs cannot. Never stop learning.” Inspired by those words, Anita began to devour books borrowed from the local library.
On this particular day, Anita was reading about astronauts who had ventured into space. The idea of exploring the unknown thrilled her. Though her body was confined to the wheelchair, her imagination soared beyond the stars. The villagers often admired her resolve. Children would sit beside her, listening intently as she narrated stories, bringing distant lands and historical heroes to life.
One day, the local school held an essay competition on the theme “Overcoming Challenges.” Anita hesitated at first but eventually decided to participate. Pouring her heart into her words, she described how books had become her wings. Her essay didn’t just win; it inspired the village. Many who had overlooked the importance of education began to see it differently.
Anita’s story reminds us that strength isn’t about physical abilities but about the courage to rise above life’s limitations. Her wheelchair didn’t hold her back; it was just a seat from where she launched her dreams.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) You recently went to Delhi to attend your cousin’s wedding. As you accompanied your cousin to different markets in Delhi for shopping, you realised that Delhi has undergone a striking transformation amidst the ongoing G-20 summit. Write a letter to your friend, who lives in Mumbai, telling him/her about the remarkable makeover of Delhi that has turned it into a beautiful city.
12, Sector 15
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
September 30
Dear Aarav,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. Last week, I visited Delhi for my cousin Riya’s wedding, and I must tell you, the trip turned out to be much more than just a family event. As part of the preparations, we explored several markets for shopping, and I was amazed by the striking transformation Delhi has undergone due to the ongoing G-20 summit.
The city looks spectacular! The roads are spotless, lined with decorative plants and flowers along the dividers. Iconic landmarks like India Gate and Connaught Place are illuminated beautifully at night, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Even the flyovers are painted with vibrant designs that reflect India’s culture and heritage. It felt like the entire city was dressed up for a grand celebration.
Markets like Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar, which are usually chaotic and crowded, seemed more organised. The shopkeepers told us about stricter cleanliness rules and waste management practices being enforced. It was heartening to see a newfound consciousness among people about keeping their surroundings clean.
Public transport has also improved significantly. The metro stations are sparkling clean, and signs in multiple languages make it easy for visitors to navigate. The buses are upgraded, and the roads are repaired, ensuring smooth traffic flow. The colourful murals and art installations all over the city are truly delightful and give Delhi a unique charm.
What struck me most, however, was the sense of pride among the residents. The G-20 summit seems to have inspired everyone to present the best version of Delhi to the world. While the wedding celebrations were memorable, witnessing this transformation of the city was equally unforgettable.
You must plan a visit to Delhi soon to experience this makeover yourself. I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed. Do write back and let me know how things are in Mumbai.
Take care,
Yours,
Rohan
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising an Inter-School Poster Making Competition on the occasion of World Ozone Day on September 16, 20… Write a notice informing the students at your school about the competition.
Green Valley School, Dehradun
NOTICE
September 5, 2024
Inter-School Poster Making Competition
This is to inform all students that our school is organising an Inter-School Poster Making Competition to celebrate World Ozone Day on September 16, 2024. The competition aims to create awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer.
Details of the Event:
- Date: September 16, 20XX
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Venue: School Auditorium
- Theme: “Protect the Ozone Layer, Protect Life on Earth”
Students from Classes VI to XII are invited to participate. Those interested must register their names with their respective class teachers by September 10, 20XX. All required materials for poster making will be provided at the venue.
Exciting Prizes will be awarded to the best posters, and all participants will receive certificates of appreciation.
For more information, please contact the undersigned.
Suresh Verma
Cultural Coordinator
(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school informing him/her of the Inter-School Poster Making Competition being held in your school and requesting him/her to send a team of students to participate in the competition.
Subject: Invitation to Inter-School Poster Making Competition
Dear Principal,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that Green Valley School, Dehradun, is organising an Inter-School Poster Making Competition on the occasion of World Ozone Day, scheduled for September 16, 2024. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and its impact on life.
Details of the Event:
- Date: September 16, 20XX
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Venue: Green Valley School Auditorium
- Theme: “Protect the Ozone Layer, Protect Life on Earth”
We would be delighted if your esteemed school could participate by sending a team of enthusiastic students from Classes VI to XII. Each participant will be provided with the necessary materials at the venue. Winners will receive exciting prizes, and all participants will be awarded certificates.
Kindly confirm your school’s participation by September 10, 2024, by replying to this email or contacting the undersigned. For any further information, please feel free to reach out.
We look forward to your school’s participation in making this event a success and spreading awareness about this vital cause.
Warm regards,
Suresh Verma
Cultural Coordinator
Green Valley School, Dehradun
Phone: 9876543210
Email: cultural.greenvalley@gmail.com
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Bobby Gillian inherited a thousand dollars from his uncle, Old Gillian. The terms of the will stipulated that he had to render to the lawyers an account of the manner of expenditure of the one thousand dollars
Gillian went to the club to see Old Bryson, and asked him for advice on how to spend the money. He told Bryson that several other people his uncle knew got far less – a seal ring and just ten dollars and these included Miriam Hayden, a young woman, who was the ward of his uncle.
After flippantly suggesting Gillian to spend the money on charitable endeavours, something he knew Gillian would never do, Bryson suggested that he should buy a diamond pendant for Lotta Lauriere, a singer Gillian was engaged to. Gillian liked this plan and rushed to the theatre to meet Lotta. He asked her what she would like that would be worth a thousand dollars. Lotta replied that she had seen a necklace costing more than two thousand dollars, and liked the look of it. Realising Lotta had too expensive tastes for him, Gillian left the theatre.
Outside the theatre, Gillian saw a blind man selling pencils. Gillian went to him and asked, “Would you mind telling me what you would do if you had a thousand dollars?” The blind man drew a small book from his coat pocket and held it out. Gillian opened it and saw that it showed a balance of $1,785 to the blind man’s credit. Gillian returned the book and then drove to the law offices of Tolman and Sharp.”I beg your pardon,” said Gillian, cheerfully, “May I ask you a question? Was my cousin, Miss Hayden, left anything by my uncle’s will besides the ring and the $10?”
“Nothing,” said Mr. Tolman. Gillian immediately rushed to Miss Hayden’s house.
“I’ve just come from old Tolman’s,” he explained. “They found an amendment to the will. It seemed that the old boy loosened up a little on second thoughts and willed you a thousand dollars, I was driving up this way and Tolman asked me to bring you the money. Here it is.” Gillian laid the money beside her hand on the desk.
Having spent his one-thousand-dollar inheritance, Gillian went back to the lawyer and told him he had done so. He had written a note in an envelope which explained how he had used the money to ‘the best and dearest woman on earth’.
The lawyer then revealed that there was a condition to Old Gillian’s will, which stated: ‘In the event that Gillian’s disposition of the $1,000 demonstrated that he possessed any of the qualifications that deserved reward, much benefit would accrue to him. But if he had used this money as he had used it in the past in reprehensible dissipation among disreputable associates, the $50,000 would be paid to Miss Hayden.’
Gillian took the envelope and tore the account and its cover leisurely into strips and dropped them into his pocket. “It is all right” he said smilingly. “I lost the thousand dollars on the races. Good-day to you, gentlemen.”
The lawyer shook his head mournfully when Gillian left, for he heard him whistling gayly in the hallway as he waited for the elevator.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from options provided:
1. stipulated (line 2)
(a) refused
(b) agreed upon
(c) declined
(d) implied
Answer: (b) agreed upon
2. flippantly (line 8)
(a) casually
(b) carefully
(c) tenderly
(d) heavily
Answer: (a) casually
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word income?
(a) endeavours
(b) credit
(c) dissipation
(d) expenditure
Answer: (d) expenditure
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What did the terms of Old Gillian’s will stipulate?
Answer: The terms required Bobby Gillian to provide an account of how he spent the $1,000 inheritance.
(b) Why did Gillian go to meet Old Bryson? How can you conclude that Bryson knew Gillian quite well?
Answer: Gillian sought Bryson’s advice on spending the money. Bryson’s flippant suggestions indicate he was familiar with Gillian’s carefree and extravagant nature.
(c) Why did Gillian leave the theatre just after meeting Lotta?
Answer: Lotta desired a necklace worth over $2,000, beyond Gillian’s budget, leading him to abandon the idea.
(d) What did the blind man’s act of showing his passbook to Gillian suggest?
Answer: It suggested that the blind man was financially independent and self-sufficient despite his circumstances.
(e) Why did Gillian tear the account and the envelope and drop them in his pocket?
Answer: Gillian destroyed the account to ensure Miss Hayden received the $50,000 reward stipulated in the conditional clause of the will.
iv. In not more than 50 words, summarise the character of Bobby Gillian.
Answer: Bobby Gillian is carefree, self-indulgent, and outwardly frivolous, yet reveals a hidden depth of generosity and selflessness. Despite his hedonistic tendencies, he sacrifices his own fortune to ensure the well-being of Miss Hayden, demonstrating integrity and compassion beneath his flippant exterior.
Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
A new sensation has been …0… (add) to the life of the transatlantic traveller on the steamship, ‘La Provence’. The little floating island is now …1… (attach) to the world from which it ….2…. (be) once quite free. A bond unites the travellers even in the very heart of the …3… (water) wastes of the Atlantic. That bond is the wireless telegraph, by means of which we receive news in the most mysterious manner. We know fully well that the message is not …4… (transport) by the medium of a hollow wire. No, the mystery is even more inexplicable, more …5…. (romance), and we must have recourse to the wings of the air in order to explain this new miracle. During the first day ofthe voyage, we …6…. (feel) that we were being followed, …7… (escort), preceded even, by that distant voice, which, from time to time, whispered to one of us a few words from the …8… (recede) world.
Answer:
- attached
- was
- watery
- transported
- romantic
- felt
- escorted
- receding
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) There is a picture….the wall above the television.
Answer: on
Explanation: “On” is used to indicate the position of something resting atop or attached to a surface. In this case, the picture is on the wall.
(b) He must protect himself….crafty people.
Answer: from
Explanation: “From” is used to indicate the source of danger or harm. Here, it shows he must guard against crafty people.
(c) Joe is taller than you….two inches.
Answer: by
Explanation: “By” is used to indicate the measure or difference in quantity. Joe’s height exceeds by two inches.
(d) Physical exercise is beneficial….health.
Answer: to
Explanation: “To” is used to indicate a relationship or connection. Exercise contributes positively to health.
(e) He is bent….creating troubles.
Answer: on
Explanation: “On” is used here as part of the phrase “bent on,” meaning determined or focused on doing something, even if it’s bad.
(f) The people protested….the lathi-charge.
Answer: against
Explanation: “Against” is used to indicate opposition. The people were against or resisting the lathi-charge.
(g) Regular work is indispensable….success.
Answer: for
Explanation: “For” is used to show purpose or necessity. Regular work is necessary for achieving success.
(h) There is someone….the door, ringing the bell.
Answer: at
Explanation: “At” is used to indicate a specific location. Someone is positioned at the door.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. The man is honest. The man is trusted.
(a) The man is honest since he is trusted.
(b) The man is honest as well as trusted.
(c) The man is honest is trusted.
(d) The man should be honest to be trusted.
Answer: (b) The man is honest as well as trusted.
2. Rita was very tired. She could not keep her eyes open.
(a) Rita was too tired to keep her eyes open.
(b) Rita could not keep her eyes open for being tired.
(c) Rita could not open her eyes she was tired.
(d) Rita could not open her eyes after being tired.
Answer: (a) Rita was too tired to keep her eyes open.
3. I know the man. He stole the bicycle.
(a) I knew the man for stealing the bicycle.
(b) I know the man as he stole the bicycle.
(c) The man stole the bicycle as I knew him.
(d) I know the man who stole the bicycle.
Answer: (d) I know the man who stole the bicycle.
4. The dacoit was angry. He threatened to kill the family.
(a) The dacoit got angry as he threatened to kill the family.
(b) The dacoit being angry, threatened to kill the family.
(c) The dacoit threatened to kill the family for being angry.
(d) The dacoit was angry to threaten to kill the family.
Answer: (b) The dacoit being angry, threatened to kill the family.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. He complained that he was underpaid. (Begin with: He complained of…)
(a) He complained of pay being less.
(b) He complained of he was underpaid.
(c) He complained of being underpaid.
(d) He complained of his not being underpaid.
Answer: (c) He complained of being underpaid.
2. The teachers are holding a meeting tomorrow. (Begin with: A meeting…)
(a) A meeting by the teachers is held tomorrow.
(b) A meeting by the teachers is being held tomorrow.
(c) A meeting was going to be held by the teachers yesterday.
(d) A meeting will be held by the teachers the next day.
Answer: (b) A meeting by the teachers is being held tomorrow.
3. If you promise to behave, I will go with you. (Begin with: Unless…)
(a) Unless you promise to go with me I will behave.
(b) Unless I go with you I will behave.
(c) Unless you promise to behave I will go with you.
(d) Unless you promise to behave I will not go with you.
Answer: (d) Unless you promise to behave I will not go with you.
4. Manoj said, “I wonder if I’ll meet these officers again.” (Begin with: Manoj said that…)
(a) Manoj said that whether he would meet these officers again.
(b) Manoj said that he wonders if he had met these officers again.
(c) Manoj said that he wondered if he would meet those officers again.
(d) Manoj said that he wondered if I’ll meet these officers again.
Answer: (c) Manoj said that he wondered if he would meet those officers again.
5. We used to play cricket every evening. (Begin with: We were…)
(a) We were going to play in the evening.
(b) We were to play cricket habitually.
(c) We were playing cricket every evening.
(d) We were to play cricket that evening.
Answer: (c) We were playing cricket every evening.
6. To cut down trees is unwise. (Begin with: It…)
(a) It is being unwise to cut down trees.
(b) It was unwise cutting trees.
(c) It has cut trees being unwise.
(d) It is unwise to cut down trees.
Answer: (d) It is unwise to cut down trees.
7. It was a waste for him to pretend that he didn’t do it. (Rewrite: using his in place of him)
(a) It was wasted of his pretending to do it.
(b) It was a waste for his pretence of not doing it.
(c) It was a waste for his pretend of having to do it.
(d) It was a waste for his pretence of having to do it.
Answer: (d) It was a waste for his pretence of having to do it.
8. Mala sprang a surprise on us. (Rewrite: to end with Mala)
(a) A surprise was sprung on us by Mala.
(b) A surprise sprang on us by Mala.
(c) A surprise will sprang on us by Mala.
(d) A surprise will be sprang on us by Mala.
Answer: (a) A surprise was sprung on us by Mala.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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