Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 8: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Synthesis, Narrative Composition, Letter Writing: Invitations, and Test Paper – 8. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Synthesis
ASSIGNMENT
I. Join each of the following pairs of sentences without using and, but or so.
1. He passed the examination. He won a scholarship.
Answer: Having passed the examination, he won a scholarship.
2. The referee has arrived. They should get ready for the match.
Answer: Since the referee has arrived, they should get ready for the match.
3. My friend is not a judge. He is not a lawyer.
Answer: My friend is neither a judge nor a lawyer.
4. He has high fever. He cannot take part in games.
Answer: Because he has high fever, he cannot take part in games.
5. I am rude sometimes. My friends love me.
Answer: Although I am rude sometimes, my friends love me.
6. He did not come to school. He did not send in an application.
Answer: He neither came to school nor sent in an application.
7. He was hurt. He helped the victims.
Answer: Despite being hurt, he helped the victims.
8. Do your work diligently. Leave my service.
Answer: Either do your work diligently or leave my service.
II.Combine each of the following pairs of sentences according to the directions given in brackets.
1. They could hardly see each other. It was very dark.
Answer: It was so dark that they could hardly see each other.
2. It is a difficult task. I cannot do it.
Answer: It is too difficult a task for me to do.
3. He received my message. Immediately he came to see me.
Answer: As soon as he received my message, he came to see me.
4. You will succeed. You must work hard.
Answer: You will not succeed unless you work hard.
5. The man is a cheat. We met him in the bank.
Answer: The man whom we met in the bank is a cheat.
6. Tagore was a painter. He was also a poet.
Answer: Besides being a painter, Tagore was also a poet.
7. Do not steal. Stealing is a crime.
Answer: Do not steal since stealing is a crime.
8. You must pass the exam. Your future depends on it.
Answer: You must pass the exam since your future depends on it.
9. Angels fear to tread in some places. Fools rush in there.
Answer: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
10. He lost all his money. He persevered.
Answer: He lost all his money; nevertheless, he persevered.
Narrative Composition
Write a composition on any one of the following:
1. A famous social worker has recently visited your school. Write an article for your school magazine describing his/her visit.
A Visit from a Remarkable Social Worker
Our school had the privilege of hosting an inspiring social worker, Dr. Kavita Sharma, on January 12. She is well-known for her efforts in improving education for underprivileged children. The excitement among students and teachers was clear as the day began with preparations to welcome her.
Dr. Sharma was greeted warmly by the school principal, staff, and student representatives. She started her visit by interacting with students in the auditorium, where she shared stories about her journey. She explained how she began her work in small villages and gradually expanded her efforts to reach more children. Her simple and clear way of speaking made the session enjoyable and easy to understand.
During her talk, she encouraged us to think about how we could contribute to society, no matter how small our efforts might seem. She shared examples of young people who had supported her initiatives, showing us that anyone can make a difference. Her words were motivating and gave many of us new ideas for how we could help others.
Later, Dr. Sharma visited a few classrooms and interacted directly with students. She listened to their thoughts about social issues and answered questions with patience. Her ability to connect with young people made a lasting impression.
The day ended with a short cultural programme by students, followed by a heartfelt thank-you speech from our principal. Dr. Sharma’s visit left us all inspired to do more for our communities and showed us the value of kindness and hard work. It was a day we will remember for a long time.
2. Describe an incident in which you felt you were the victim of envy or spite.
The Day Jealousy Got in the Way
It happened during a class quiz competition last August. I had worked hard to prepare, reading books and practising questions for weeks. On the day of the quiz, I felt confident and ready. The event began, and my answers earned applause from my classmates. However, I noticed that one of my friends, Arjun, wasn’t clapping or cheering like the others.
As the quiz progressed, I noticed him whispering to others, pointing in my direction, and making faces. At first, I ignored it, thinking it was harmless. But during the break, I overheard him saying I was only winning because I had studied questions beforehand from the teacher’s notes. That wasn’t true, but it stung to hear such words from someone I considered a friend.
I tried to focus on the quiz after the break, but the joy of participating had dimmed. By the end of the event, I was declared the winner. While most of the class congratulated me, Arjun avoided eye contact and left the room quickly.
Later, I decided to talk to him about it. At first, he denied saying anything, but eventually, he admitted he felt jealous because he had expected to win. Though it hurt, I appreciated his honesty. We talked it out, and I assured him that he, too, was capable of doing well with a little more effort.
That incident taught me a lot about handling jealousy and misunderstandings. While it was unpleasant at first, it helped strengthen our friendship and reminded me to stay humble in success.
Test Paper – 8
Question 1
Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write an original short story which has a crowd of onlookers, a howling mother and a group of policemen.
A Day at the Market
It was a busy afternoon at the crowded Chandni Bazaar. Vendors called out loudly, selling everything from fresh fruits to vibrant fabrics. The chatter of buyers and the sound of haggling filled the air. Suddenly, a loud scream silenced the chaos.
A woman ran into the middle of the market, shouting frantically. “My son! He’s missing!” she cried, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. The crowd gathered around her, trying to understand what had happened. The woman, dressed in a simple saree, pointed towards a lane, her voice trembling. “He was right here! He’s just five years old!”
Within minutes, a group of policemen arrived, led by Inspector Rajan. The officers began questioning the woman and the nearby vendors. Some people in the crowd murmured about kidnappers, while others speculated that the boy might have wandered off on his own. The mother’s cries grew louder, and her desperation made the onlookers feel uneasy.
Inspector Rajan quickly took charge. “Search the area,” he instructed his team. Two officers went down the narrow alleys, while another checked the nearby shops. Meanwhile, the crowd grew restless, some offering help and others simply watching.
After what felt like hours, one of the officers returned, holding the hand of a young boy. The child looked confused but unharmed. The mother’s eyes lit up as she ran towards him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Tears of relief streamed down her face, and she thanked the police repeatedly.
The officer explained that the boy had wandered into a toy shop, fascinated by the colourful cars on display. The shopkeeper hadn’t realised he was lost and had assumed his parents were nearby.
As the crowd slowly dispersed, murmurs of admiration for the police’s swift action filled the air. The mother, still holding her son tightly, walked away with tears of gratitude in her eyes. The market soon returned to its usual chaos, but for those who had witnessed the incident, it was a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant.
(v) Study the picture given below. 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: An aeroplane floating on a river. Many boats are surrounding the plane, rescuing the passengers.]
The Miracle on the River
It was a calm afternoon when flight AI-236 took off from the city airport. The passengers were seated comfortably, and everything seemed routine. But about twenty minutes into the flight, a sudden jolt shook the plane. Smoke started billowing from one of the engines. Panic spread among the passengers as the crew tried to reassure everyone. The captain’s voice came over the intercom, calm but urgent: “Brace for impact.”
The plane had lost both engines and was descending rapidly. Below lay a vast river, and the captain made the bold decision to attempt an emergency landing on the water. As the aircraft descended, the cabin filled with prayers and muffled sobs. With remarkable skill, the captain managed to land the plane on the river’s surface. The impact was harsh, but the plane stayed afloat.
Immediately, the crew sprang into action, guiding passengers out onto the inflatable life rafts. Some passengers waded through the water, clinging to anything they could find for support. Local fishermen, who had witnessed the incident, rushed to the site in their small boats. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue teams to pull people to safety.
Among the passengers was a young boy named Aditya, clutching tightly to his mother’s hand. His wide eyes reflected both fear and hope as a fisherman helped them onto his boat. A group of elderly passengers was also rescued, some needing medical attention for minor injuries.
Hours later, all 150 passengers and crew members were accounted for. Despite the terrifying experience, there were no fatalities, a fact that seemed nothing short of a miracle. News channels hailed the pilot and crew as heroes for their quick thinking and calm response under pressure.
Looking at the picture of the plane floating in the river, I am reminded of the resilience and unity displayed that day. It serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of disaster, human courage and compassion can save lives.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) You have recently won a national level debating competition held in a different city in which students from 15 States participated. Write a letter to your brother expressing your happiness at winning the competition.
Dear Rohan,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I have some exciting news to share that I couldn’t wait to tell you about. I recently participated in a national-level debating competition held in Pune. Students from 15 states took part in it, and I am thrilled to share that I won the first prize!
The competition was intense, with participants presenting such well-prepared arguments that it felt challenging. My topic was “The Role of Technology in Education,” and I spoke in favour. It was a wonderful experience, and I learned so much from the other speakers. When the judges announced my name as the winner, I could hardly believe it. The feeling of standing on that stage, holding the trophy, is something I’ll always remember.
The event was also a chance to meet students from different parts of India, and I even made a few new friends. Pune is a beautiful city, and the organisers took us on a short tour, which made the trip even more special.
I wish you were there to witness it all. Let’s celebrate when I come home next weekend. I’ll bring the trophy to show you!
Take care and write back soon.
Yours lovingly,
Ananya
(ii) Write a letter to the customer care of a popular brand of phones, complaining against the defective working of the mobile phone recently purchased by you.
To
The Customer Care
Galaxy Electronics Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Subject: Complaint Regarding Defective Mobile Phone
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the defective functioning of a mobile phone I recently purchased from your brand. The phone, Galaxy Ultra X, was bought on January 10, 2025, from your authorised store in Delhi (Invoice No. GUX12345).
The phone initially worked fine, but within three days, it started showing issues. The screen freezes frequently, and the touch response is inconsistent. Moreover, the battery drains rapidly, even without heavy usage. Despite trying basic troubleshooting steps as mentioned in the user manual, the problems persist.
As the phone is under warranty, I request you to either replace the defective product or provide a refund at the earliest. I have attached a copy of the purchase invoice for your reference. Kindly let me know the next steps and how to proceed with the return or replacement process.
I trust your brand for its quality and service and hope the issue will be resolved promptly. Please contact me via email at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
Priya Sharma
Question 3
(i) Your are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school. The school is organising an inter-house Painting Competition on the occasion of Dussehra. Write out a notice to be put up in your school informing students about it.
Vidya Jyoti Public School
Notice
Inter-House Painting Competition
Date: 17 January 2025
All students are informed that an inter-house Painting Competition will be held on the occasion of Dussehra. The competition will take place on 20 January 2025, in the school auditorium from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The theme for the competition is “The Victory of Good Over Evil”. Participants must bring their own painting materials. Sheets will be provided by the school.
Interested students should register with their House Captains by 18 January 2025.
For further details, contact the Art Teacher, Ms. Kavita Sharma.
Let’s make this event memorable and creative!
Rajiv Mehta
Head Boy
(ii) Write an email to a famous painter, requesting him/her to be the judge at the painting competition.
To: arvind@email.com
Subject: Invitation to Judge Our Inter-House Painting Competition
Dear Mr. Arvind Verma,
I hope this email finds you well. I am Rajiv Mehta, the Head Boy of Vidya Jyoti Public School, Delhi. On the occasion of Dussehra, our school is organizing an inter-house painting competition on 20 January 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in our school auditorium.
We would be deeply honored if you could grace the event as the judge. Your expertise and guidance would inspire our young artists and make the event truly special. The theme for the competition is “The Victory of Good Over Evil”, which reflects the spirit of Dussehra.
Please let us know if your schedule permits you to join us. We will be happy to provide any assistance or details you may need.
Looking forward to your positive response.
Warm regards,
Rajiv Mehta
Head Boy
Vidya Jyoti Public School
Delhi
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Kunin, a permanent employee of the Church, called for the priest, Father Yakov. Five hours later, Father Yakov appeared. “Sit down, Father,” he began more carelessly than cordially. Father Yakov coughed into his fist, sank awkwardly on to the edge of the chair, and laid his open hands on his knees. With his short figure, his narrow chest, and his red and perspiring face, he made a most unpleasant impression on Kunin.
“I have invited you on business, Father,” said Kunin. “The bishop has suggested that I should take under my supervision the church school which is being opened in Sinkino.” Kunin explained his views and watched Father Yakov’s face, seeking signs of approval in it. But the face was apathetic and immobile. Father Yakov revived somewhat only when the servant came into the room bringing in two glasses of tea and some biscuits. He took his glass and began drinking the tea at once. He drank and smacked his lips over every gulp.
In the evening, Kunin wrote a letter to the bishop. After asking for money and a blessing for the school, he wrote his opinion of the priest at Sinkino: “He is young,” he wrote, “insufficiently educated, and altogether fails to satisfy the ideals which the Russian people have of what a priest should be.”
After a few days, Father Yakov visited Kunin and asked him if he could appoint him to the post of his secretary, which was vacant.
“Why, are you giving up the Church service?” said Kunin in amazement.
“No, no,” Father Yakov said. “You see, I could do the work between whiles… so as to increase my income.”
“H’m! … your income…. But you know, I only pay my secretary twenty roubles a month.”
“Good heavens! I would take ten,” whispered Father Yakov, and went on: “I will explain it all truly…. I am ashamed of my clothes… I am ashamed of my being hungry… I get a hundred and fifty roubles a year from my parish. I pay forty roubles a year to the school for my brother. Then I have not yet paid up all that I owe for my place here. They charged me two hundred roubles for the living and I was to pay ten roubles a month…. You can judge what is left! And, besides, I must allow Father Avramy at least three roubles a month.”
“What Father Avramy?”
“Father Avramy was priest at Sinkino before I came. He was deprived of the living on account of his failing health. Though he is old, he must have a corner, and food and clothing—I can’t let him go begging on the roads in his position.”
Kunin shook hands with Father Yakov without speaking, saw him to the gate, and, going back into his study, stood at the window. He passed his hand over his eyes, and it seemed to him that his hand was moist. He could not help remembering the recent past when he was senselessly squandering his father’s fortune.
Kunin then recalled the letter he had sent to the bishop. That memory filled him with overwhelming shame before his inner self and before the unseen truth.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage):
1. cordially (line 3)
(a) rudely
(b) roughly
(c) graciously
(d) carefully
Answer: (c) graciously
2. apathetic (line 10)
(a) uninterested
(b) sad
(c) desirous
(d) courage
Answer: (a) uninterested
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word rejection?
(a) impression
(b) approval
(c) supervision
(d) opinion
Answer: (b) approval
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words:
(a) How did Father Yakov make the most unpleasant impression on Kunin?
Answer: Father Yakov made a poor impression on Kunin with his awkward manners, narrow chest, short figure, and red, perspiring face, which Kunin found unattractive.
(b) What did Kunin write about Father Yakov to his Bishop?
Answer: Kunin wrote that Father Yakov was young, insufficiently educated, and did not meet the Russian people’s expectations of a priest.
(c) Who was Father Avramy? Why did he need financial support?
Answer: Father Avramy was the former priest at Sinkino who had been removed due to ill health. He needed financial support because he was old and could not support himself.
(d) What were Kunin’s feelings after the departure of the priest?
Answer: After the priest left, Kunin felt deeply ashamed and emotional. He regretted his harsh judgment and was moved by the priest’s hardships and selflessness.
(e) Why was Kunin filled with shame when he recalled the letter he had sent to the Bishop?
Answer: Kunin felt ashamed because his letter harshly criticised Father Yakov, but he later realised the priest’s struggles and sacrifices, which made his earlier judgment seem unjust and insensitive.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, summarise Kunin’s feelings towards Father Yakov in the beginning and at the end of the story.
Answer: Initially, Kunin felt disdain and disapproval towards Father Yakov due to his awkward manners and perceived inadequacies. By the end, Kunin felt compassion and regret, recognising the priest’s hardships, selflessness, and dedication, which contrasted with his own earlier judgemental attitude.
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.
Example: (0) sold
Once, there was a farmer who regularly …0… (sell) butter to a baker. One day, the baker …1… (decide) to weigh the butter to see if he was …2… (get) the exact amount that he asked for. He …3… (find) out that he was not, so he …4… (take) the farmer to court.
The judge …5… (ask) the farmer if he uses any measure to weigh the butter. The farmer replied, “Your Honour, I am primitive. I do not have a proper measure.”
The judge replied, “Then how do you weigh the butter?”
The farmer replied, “Your Honour, long before the baker started …6… (buy) butter from me, I have been buying a pound loaf of bread from him. Every day, when the baker …7… (bring) the bread, I put it on the scale and …8… (give) him the same weight in butter. If anyone is to be blamed, it is the baker.”
Answer:
- decided
- getting
- found
- took
- asked
- buying
- brings
- give
(a) She was deaf………..his request.
Answer: to
Explanation: The phrase “deaf to” is an idiomatic expression used to indicate someone ignoring or not paying attention to something, like a request or plea. For example, “He was deaf to her complaints.”
(b) His parents were not pleased……………his result.
Answer: with
Explanation: The preposition “with” is used after “pleased” to show satisfaction or dissatisfaction with something. For example, “She was pleased with her performance.”
(c) There is a bridge…………the river.
Answer: over
Explanation: “Over” is used when something is above or across a surface, such as a bridge crossing a river. For example, “The plane flew over the mountains.”
(d) We long…………peace.
Answer: for
Explanation: The verb “long” (meaning to desire strongly) is followed by “for” when referring to the object of longing. For example, “They long for a better future.”
(e) The players are supposed to abide…………the rules of the game.
Answer: by
Explanation: The phrasal verb “abide by” means to follow or comply with rules, laws, or agreements. For example, “You must abide by the terms of the contract.”
(f) This is the man I told you…………..
Answer: about
Explanation: The phrase “told you about” is used when referring to someone or something previously mentioned. For example, “Here is the book I told you about.”
(g) The bus is running……………time today.
Answer: on
Explanation: The preposition “on” is used in “on time” to mean something is happening as scheduled. For example, “The train arrived on time.”
(h) Let us divide the property……………two of us.
Answer: between
Explanation: The preposition “between” is used when dividing something among two entities. For example, “They shared the responsibilities between them.” For more than two, “among” would be used.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. The match began in the midst of a storm. The match was abandoned.
(a) The match was abandoned due to the storm.
(b) The match was abandoned as it began in the midst of a storm.
(c) The match has to be abandoned because of the storm.
(d) Due to the storm the match had to be abandoned.
Answer: (b) The match was abandoned as it began in the midst of a storm.
2. There was a theft. The man has been caught.
(a) The man had been caught for theft.
(b) The man who did the theft has been caught.
(c) The man who committed the theft has been caught.
(d) There was a theft by a man who was caught.
Answer: (c) The man who committed the theft has been caught.
3. The monsoon may break soon. Otherwise there will be water scarcity.
(a) The monsoon may break soon causing water scarcity.
(b) If the monsoon were to break there will be water scarcity.
(c) If the monsoon may break there will not be water scarcity.
(d) If the monsoon does not break soon there will be water scarcity.
Answer: (d) If the monsoon does not break soon there will be water scarcity.
4. Akhil is studying French and German. He has never been abroad.
(a) Although Akhil has never been abroad, he is studying French and German.
(b) Akhil is studying French and German to go abroad.
(c) Akhil has never been abroad to study French and German.
(d) Akhil has been studying French and German to go abroad.
Answer: (a) Although Akhil has never been abroad, he is studying French and German.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. We consider him a very bright boy. (Begin with: He…)
(a) He was considered as a very bright boy.
(b) He is consider as a very bright boy.
(c) He has been considered as a very bright boy.
(d) He is considered to be a very bright boy.
Answer: (d) He is considered to be a very bright boy.
2. He took every care yet he died. (Use: In spite of…)
(a) In spite of the care he died.
(b) In spite of taking every care he died.
(c) In spite of being cared he died.
(d) In spite of the care he got he died.
Answer: (b) In spite of taking every care he died.
3. “I cannot lend you more than 3000,” the manager said. (Begin with: The manager said that he…)
(a) The manager said that he cannot lend me more than 3000.
(b) The manager said that he could not lend him more than 3000.
(c) The manager said that he will not lend me more than 3000.
(d) The manager said that he will not lend him more than 3000.
Answer: (b) The manager said that he could not lend him more than 3000.
4. It would be sensible to take him to hospital, before he collapses. (Begin with: We had…)
(a) We had better take him to the hospital before he collapses.
(b) We had to take him to the hospital unless he collapses.
(c) We had to take him to the hospital until he collapses.
(d) We had to take him to the hospital before he could collapse.
Answer: (a) We had better take him to the hospital before he collapses.
5. Sita said, “What a pretty flower this is!” (Rewrite: as reported speech)
(a) Sita said that this flower is pretty.
(b) Sita said that what a pretty flower it was.
(c) Sita said that that was a pretty flower.
(d) Sita said that this was a pretty flower.
Answer: (c) Sita said that that was a pretty flower.
6. To sleep under a tree at night is not advisable. (Begin with: It …)
(a) It is not advisable for sleeping at night under a tree.
(b) It is not advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
(c) It is advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
(d) It has not been advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
Answer: (b) It is not advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
7. To answer all the questions in the examination is prudent. (Begin with: It …)
(a) It is prudent if we answer all the examination questions.
(b) It is prudent that we have to answer all the examination questions.
(c) It is prudent to answer all the questions in the examination.
(d) It is prudent for us to answer all the examination questions.
Answer: (c) It is prudent to answer all the questions in the examination.
8. Only my uncle came to see me. (Use: ‘but’)
(a) All but my uncle come to see me.
(b) None but my uncle came to see me.
(c) Everyone but my uncle came to see me.
(d) Neither but my uncle came to see me.
Answer: (b) None but my uncle came to see me.
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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