Chapter 10: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar solved

ICSE Class 10 English Language
Share with others

Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 10: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Transformation of Sentences, Argumentative Composition, Letters of Application, and Test Paper-10. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.

Register Login

Video tutorial

Transformation of Sentences

ASSIGNMENT

Rewrite the following sentences as directed:

1. Students should study hard to succeed. (Use: ‘so that’)

Answer: Students should study hard so that they can succeed.

2. Time is so valuable that it cannot be wasted. (Use: ‘too’)

Answer: Time is too valuable to be wasted.

3. Many years have passed since he met me. (Use: “ago”)

Answer: He met me many years ago.

4. If the thief apologises, he will be pardoned. (Begin: Unless’)

Answer: Unless the thief apologises, he will not be pardoned.

5. She walked along the path and she lost her purse. (Begin: ‘Walking’)

Answer: Walking along the path, she lost her purse.

6. Meeta is wearing a blue saree and she is my sister. (Use: ‘who’)

Answer: Meeta, who is my sister, is wearing a blue saree.

7. One should have sympathy for the poor. (Use: the verb form of ‘sympathy’)

Answer: One should sympathise with the poor.

8. Only a fool would believe you. (Begin:’Nobody’)

Answer: Nobody would believe you except a fool.

Argumentative Composition

ASSIGNMENT

1. Give your arguments for or against animals being used in public and street performances. 

Should Animals Be Used in Public and Street Performances?

Using animals in public and street performances has sparked much debate. While some find these shows entertaining, others argue they are unfair and harmful to animals.

Animals in such performances often face harsh treatment. Many are trained using cruel methods, involving physical punishment or deprivation of food. They may also be forced to perform unnatural acts that can cause them stress or injury. The noisy and chaotic atmosphere of streets can make these conditions even worse for animals, affecting their mental and physical well-being.

On the other hand, these performances can provide income for people who depend on them for their livelihood. Performers often argue that their animals are cared for and trained without harm. However, even with good intentions, the needs of animals are rarely met fully in such settings. Proper food, rest, and medical care are hard to ensure when animals are constantly on the move.

Additionally, such performances often promote the idea that animals are objects for human entertainment rather than living beings with their own needs and feelings. This can influence how society views and treats animals overall, normalising neglect or mistreatment.

It is better to support alternatives that do not involve animals. Street performers can focus on human skills like music, dance, or acrobatics, which are equally entertaining and ethical. Protecting animals from unnecessary suffering should take precedence over temporary amusement.

2. “There is no such thing as equality between the sexes.” Express your views either for or against this statement 

Equality Between the Sexes: A Reality or a Myth?

Equality between the sexes is not only possible but necessary for a just and progressive society. The idea that men and women are unequal comes from old traditions and outdated thinking, not from facts. Men and women may have different strengths, but these differences do not make one superior to the other. Both genders are capable of contributing equally to every field, whether it is science, sports, education, or governance.

In India, leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kalpana Chawla have shown the world that women are just as capable of achieving great things as men. Today, we see women excelling in every sector—be it Rani from a small village running her own business or Nirmala Sitharaman managing the country’s finances. Laws such as the right to equal pay and the reservation of seats for women in local bodies show that steps are being taken toward equality.

However, challenges remain. Social norms, lack of education for girls in some areas, and deeply rooted biases still hinder progress. These problems must be tackled by spreading awareness, ensuring access to education, and enforcing laws that protect the rights of women.

Equality is not about making men and women the same; it is about giving them equal opportunities and respect. India has made progress, but there is still a long way to go before society truly accepts that both sexes are equal in all aspects of life.

3. Science is a good servant, but a bad master. Express your views either for or against this statement.

Science: A Good Servant, But a Bad Master

Science is one of the greatest gifts to humanity. It has made life easier, solving problems that once seemed impossible. Electricity, medicine, transportation, and communication are all examples of how science serves us. It helps us save lives, connect with loved ones, and explore the universe.

However, when science is misused, it becomes dangerous. Nuclear weapons, environmental pollution, and unethical experiments show the harm it can cause. The atomic bomb, created through scientific knowledge, caused destruction on a massive scale. Factories that run on scientific principles often harm the environment, damaging the very earth that sustains us.

Science must be guided by ethics and human values. It should serve to improve lives, not destroy them. When humans become slaves to scientific advancement, losing control of its purpose, the consequences can be disastrous. The balance lies in using science responsibly, ensuring it remains a tool for the betterment of society and not a force of destruction.

Science is a good servant because it simplifies life and solves problems, but it is a bad master when it controls us or harms the world. Therefore, wisdom and responsibility must always guide its use.

Test Paper-10

Question 1

Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any of the following:

(i)  Write an original story bringing out the meaning of the proverb: ‘Still waters run deep.

Still Waters Run Deep

In the quiet village of Gokulpur, nestled beside a calm river, lived a young man named Raghav. He was an unassuming figure, often seen sitting by the riverbank with a book in hand. Unlike others in the village, who were lively and talkative, Raghav rarely spoke. His silence made him the subject of much gossip. “He’s just a simpleton,” the villagers often said. Little did they know, his quiet nature hid a mind as vast and deep as the river itself.

One day, trouble struck the village. Heavy rains caused the river to swell dangerously. The villagers panicked as the rising waters threatened to flood their fields and homes. The village head, Sarpanch Patel, called a meeting, but no one had a solution. They argued endlessly, each trying to outdo the other with ideas that led nowhere.

Raghav stood quietly at the back, listening. After much hesitation, he finally spoke, his voice steady but firm. “The river can be diverted before it reaches the fields,” he said. “We need to dig a channel to the dry land near the forest.”

The villagers were skeptical. “What would he know?” someone scoffed. But the Sarpanch, desperate for a solution, decided to give him a chance. Under Raghav’s guidance, the villagers worked tirelessly, digging the channel. His precise instructions and calm demeanor inspired them to continue even when exhaustion set in.

When the rains subsided, the water flowed safely into the dry land, preventing the flood. Not only was the village saved, but the diverted water also created a fertile patch of land for farming. The villagers were astonished. They realized that the quiet young man they had underestimated had saved their homes and crops with his sharp mind and thoughtful plan.

From that day, Raghav earned their respect. The villagers no longer judged him by his silence. They understood that, like the calm surface of the river, his quietness hid great depth.

Indeed, still waters run deep. Those who are quiet often possess wisdom and strength far greater than what meets the eye.

Missing answers are only available to registered users. Please register or login if already registered. How to register? Click on Menu and select Register

(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: Women, young girls, boys, men, in Indian attire sitting inside a bus]

A Journey to Remember

The bus was packed, with people seated shoulder to shoulder and a few children squeezed onto laps. It was one of those old, rickety buses that ran through the countryside, the kind where windows rarely closed properly, and the engine roared like a lion. I was seated at the back, observing everyone around me.

There was a young mother balancing a restless toddler on her lap, her face etched with a mixture of patience and fatigue. Next to her sat an elderly man, clutching a bag of vegetables and staring quietly out of the window, lost in thought. A group of teenagers were chatting animatedly in one corner, their laughter occasionally breaking through the monotony of the engine’s noise. Each face in the bus told a story, though none of them spoke directly to each other.

As the bus trudged along the dusty road, the environment seemed to mirror the passengers—quiet, yet alive. The sun peeked through the trees, creating dancing patterns on the floor of the bus. Suddenly, the bus hit a bump, and everyone jolted in unison. Laughter erupted from a few seats, breaking the ice. The young mother smiled at the elderly man, who responded with a gentle nod. The children giggled, and even the teenagers paused their chatter to join in the moment of shared humor.

It struck me then how, despite the apparent differences between us—our ages, our lives, our destinations—we were all connected in that tiny space for the duration of the journey. It was as though the bus was a small world of its own, carrying strangers who shared fleeting, unspoken bonds.

By the time we reached my stop, the bus felt less like a crowded space and more like a community. As I stepped out, I turned back for one last look. The image of those faces—serene, smiling, and human—stayed with me. It reminded me that even in the simplest journeys, there is beauty in the connections we make, however brief they may be.

Question 2

Select any one of the following:

(i) You were stuck in your hostel due to flashfloods in the state and was not able to return home to celebrate Diwali with your family. Write a letter to your mother describing your feelings.

Hostel Block B
Ramnagar School Campus
Dehradun
25th October 2024

Dear Ma,

I hope you are doing well. I know this Diwali feels incomplete without me at home, and I feel the same way. The flash floods have caused such chaos here, and all the roads leading out of the city are blocked. I was so looking forward to being with you, Papa, and Didi during the festival, but fate had other plans this time.

It feels strange to celebrate Diwali away from home. The hostel is quiet, and though some of the other students tried to light a few diyas and make the best of the situation, it just doesn’t feel the same. I miss the warmth of our home, the smell of your freshly made gujiyas, and the joy of decorating the house with you and Didi. Most of all, I miss sitting together for the puja and watching the diyas glow brightly in the dark.

Here, I spent the evening recalling all the happy Diwalis we’ve had together. It’s these memories that are keeping me company tonight. Though my friends here are kind and supportive, I miss my family terribly. I can’t wait for the roads to clear so I can come home and hug you all.

I hope you’re taking care of yourself and not worrying too much about me. The school authorities are ensuring we are safe and have enough food and water. Please light a diya for me at home, Ma, and tell Papa and Didi how much I miss them.

This Diwali may feel lonely, but it has also made me realize how special our family moments are. I will cherish them even more when I return.

Wishing you all a happy Diwali from afar.

With love,
Ravi

(ii) Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him/her to issue you a ‘Character Certificate’ required by you for getting a temporary job during the summer vacation.

To
The Principal
St. Xavier’s Senior Secondary School
Kanpur

Date: 25th January 2025

Subject: Request for Issuance of a Character Certificate

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to request a Character Certificate from the school as it is required for a temporary job opportunity that I plan to take up during the upcoming summer vacation.

I am a student of Class 10, Section B, and have always strived to maintain good conduct and discipline in school. This certificate is essential for the job application process, and I would be extremely grateful if you could kindly issue it at the earliest.

Please let me know if any formalities are required from my side for this purpose. I shall be happy to comply with the necessary procedures.

Thank you for your time and support.

Yours sincerely,
Ankit Sharma
Class 10-B
Roll No. 23

Question 3 

(i) Your school is organising a Quiz Competition on 24th October on the occasion of United Nations Day. Write a notice to be displayed on the school notice board informing the students about the competition.

St. Mary’s High School, Mumbai
NOTICE
United Nations Day Quiz Competition

20th October 2025

All students are informed that our school is organizing a Quiz Competition on the occasion of United Nations Day. The details of the competition are as follows:

Date: 24th October 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: School Auditorium
Participants: Open to students of Classes 8 to 12
Topics: United Nations, Global Peace, and International Relations

Interested students can register their names with their respective class teachers by 22nd October 2025. Certificates and exciting prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and win accolades!

For further details, contact:
Mr. Rajeev Malhotra (Quiz Coordinator)

Head Boy
St. Mary’s High School

(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school informing him/her of the competition and requesting him/her to send a teacher to be the Quiz master. 

To: principal@email.com
Subject: Request to Nominate a Teacher as Quiz Master for United Nations Day Quiz Competition

Dear Principal,

Greetings from St. Mary’s High School, Mumbai.

On the occasion of United Nations Day, our school is organizing a Quiz Competition on 24th October 2025, aimed at promoting awareness about the United Nations, global peace, and international relations among students.

We would be delighted if you could kindly nominate a teacher from your esteemed institution to serve as the Quiz Master for this event. The teacher’s expertise and presence will add great value to the competition. The details are as follows:

Date: 24th October 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: School Auditorium, St. Mary’s High School

Please let us know at your earliest convenience if it would be possible for one of your teachers to assist us in this capacity. Your cooperation in making this event a success will be highly appreciated.

Looking forward to your positive response.

Warm regards,

Anjali Verma
Cultural Coordinator
St. Mary’s High School, Mumbai

Question 4

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

“Why have I not been shown your mother’s letters?” asked Alicia. “Your mother,” continued she, “invites us to make a visit to the farm. I have never seen a farm. We will go there for a week or two, Robert.”

“We will,” said Robert, with a grand air. “I did not lay the invitation before you because I thought you would not care to go. I am much pleased at your decision.”

A week passed and found them landed at the little country station five hours out from the city. Robert’s brother had come to receive them. They drove homeward. The cities were far away. And then all the voices of the soil began a chant addressed to Robert. The old voices of the soil spoke to him. Leaf and bud and blossom conversed with him in the old vocabulary of his careless youth. 

A queer thing he noticed in connection with it was that Alicia, sitting at his side, suddenly seemed to him a stranger. She did not belong to this recurrent phase. Never before had she seemed so remote, so colourless and high-so intangible and unreal. And yet:he had never admired her more than when she sat there by him in the rickety spring wagon.

That night when the greetings and the supper were over, the entire family, sat together in the front porch. Alicia, not haughty but silent, sat in the shadow dressed in an exquisite pale-gray tea gown.

When Robert saw his father sitting without his pipe and writhing in his heavy bootsa sacrifice to rigid courtesy-he shouted: “No, you don’t!” He fetched the pipe and lit it; he seized the old gentleman’s boots and tore them off. The last one slipped suddenly, and Mr. Robert Walmsley, tumbled off the porch backward. Tom laughed sarcastically.

“Come out here, you rustic,” Robert cried to Tom, “and I’ll wrestle with you.”

Tom understood the invitation and accepted it with delight. Three times they wrestled on the grass. Dishevelled, panting, each still boasted of his own prowess. The rustic mania possessed Robert. He sang, he told stories that set all but one shrieking; he was mad, mad with the revival of the old life in his blood. By and by Alicia asked permission to ascend to her room, saying that she was tired. On her way she passed Robert. He was standing at the door, the figure of vulgar comedy,with ruffled hair, reddened face and utter confusion of attire-no trace there of the immaculate Robert Walmsley, the ornament of the cultured society.

As Alicia passed in, Robert started suddenly. He had forgotten for the moment that she was present. Without a glance at him she went on up the stairs. Robert followed her. He sighed and went near the window where Alicia was standing. He was ready to meet his fate. A confessed vulgarian, he foresaw the verdict of Alicia. Dully he awaited the approaching condemnation.”Robert,” said the calm, cool voice of Alicia, “I thought I married a gentleman. But I find that I have married someone better-a man.”

(i) For each word given below, choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage):

1. vocabulary (line 10)

(a) jargon
(b) dictionary
(c) glossary
(d) list

Answer: (a) jargon

2. haughty (line 17)

(a) naughty
(b) mischievous
(c) arrogant
(d) polite

Answer: (c) arrogant

(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word strong?

(a) remote
(b) rickety
(c) unreal
(d) prowess

Answer: (b) rickety

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words:

(a) How was Robert welcomed in the countryside?

Answer: Robert was welcomed warmly by his brother at the station and by his family, who gathered on the porch.

(b) What did Robert notice about Alicia in the wagon?

Answer: Robert noticed that Alicia seemed distant, colourless, and unreal, as if she didn’t belong to the countryside.

(c) How did Robert treat his father?

Answer: Robert cared for his father by bringing his pipe, lighting it, and removing his boots for comfort.

(d) Show how Robert acted in a rustic manner.

Answer: Robert wrestled with his brother, laughed loudly, told jokes, and behaved with carefree energy.

(e) When Alicia was going back to her room, how did Robert appear to her?

Answer: Robert appeared dishevelled, with ruffled hair, a reddened face, and untidy clothing.

(iv) In not more than 50 words, state how Robert acted like a man rather than a gentleman.

Answer: Robert acted like a man by embracing his authentic self, caring for his father, enjoying rustic activities, and showing genuine emotions, rather than adhering to the polished behaviour of a gentleman.

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. 

Chandi Prasad Bhatt …..0…. (launch) a public campaign, …1…. (know) as the ‘Chipko’ Movement, to protect the trees against the axe. In this movement, village women…..2…….(play) an active role. They took up their positions with each …3…. (hug) a tree by enveloping the trunk in their arms. This 4 (do) to warn the contractors that if they wanted …5…. (cut) down a tree, they would have to attack the protestors first. Bhatt himself at the success of the movement and at the protectors’ positive …6…. (surprise) participation to prevent the felling of trees. This unusual movement was successful as it …7….. (base) on the principle of non-violence and …8… (focus) on the sentimental feelings of the local inhabitants who treated trees as their family members.

Answer:

  1. launched
  2. known
  3. played
  4. hugging
  5. did
  6. cut
  7. was surprised
  8. surprising
  9. was based
  10. focused

(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

1. I will come back _______ six o’clock.

Answer: at

Explanation: “At” is used to indicate a specific time. Here, it specifies the time “six o’clock.” For example, “I will meet you at 8 PM.”

2. The war began _______ September, 1939.

Answer: in

Explanation: “In” is used to indicate months or years. Here, it refers to “September, 1939.” For example, “She was born in January.”

3. The police got the fire _______ control.

Answer: under

Explanation: “Under control” means to manage or restrain something effectively. In this case, the fire is being managed. For example, “The team got the situation under control.”

4. I am trying to look _______ my key.

Answer: for

Explanation: “Look for” means to search for something. Here, the person is searching for their key. For example, “I am looking for my lost phone.”

5. The lake abounds _______ fish.

Answer: with

Explanation: “Abounds with” means to be filled with or have in large quantities. Here, the lake is full of fish. For example, “The garden abounds with flowers.”

6. We do not have our weekend break _______ Sunday.

Answer: until

Explanation: “Until” means up to a particular time. In this context, the break does not happen before Sunday. For example, “I won’t see her until Monday.”

7. The President gave her assent _______ the proposal.

Answer: to

Explanation: “Assent to” means to agree or approve something formally. Here, the President agreed to the proposal. For example, “He gave his assent to the plan.”

8. The principal promised to look _______ her case.

Answer: into

Explanation: “Look into” means to investigate or examine something. Here, the principal promises to investigate the case. For example, “The police are looking into the incident.” ​​

(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.

1. My brother alighted from the train. He fell over a bag on the platform.

(a) As my brother was alighting from the train, he fell over a bag on the platform.
(b) When my brother alighted from the train he fell down on the platform.
(c) When my brother fell over a bag on the platform he alighted from the train.
(d) As my brother fell over a bag he alighted on the platform from the train.

Answer: (a) As my brother was alighting from the train, he fell over a bag on the platform.

2. My friend may call. Please ask him to wait.

(a) My friend may call for him to wait.
(b) Please ask him to wait for my friend’s call.
(c) If my friend calls, ask him to wait for me.
(d) Please wait for my friend call.

Answer: (c) If my friend calls, ask him to wait for me..

3. This is Vikas. We stayed in Vikas’s house for our holiday.

(a) This is Vikas where we stayed for our holiday.
(b) This is Vikas in whose house we stayed for our holiday.
(c) This is the house where we stayed with Vikas.
(d) This is Vikas’ house for we stayed on our holiday.

Answer: (b) This is Vikas in whose house we stayed for our holiday.

4. You can borrow the money. You can pay it back.

(a) You can borrow the money if you can pay it back.
(b) Unless you can borrow the money to pay it back.
(c) Unless you will pay you can borrow the money.
(d) The money you can borrow if you can pay it back.

Answer: (a) You can borrow the money if you can pay it back.

(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence:

1. “I will come as soon as I can,” mother assured me. (Begin with: Mother assured me…)

(a) Mother assured me that she will come as soon as she can.
(b) Mother assured me that she will come as soon as she could.
(c) Mother assured me that she would come as soon as she can.
(d) Mother assured me that she would come as soon as she could.

Answer: (d) Mother assured me that she would come as soon as she could.

2. You are always expected to greet your elders. (Begin with: You must…)

(a) You must always except to greet your elders.
(b) You must always greet your elders.
(c) You must are expected to great your elders.
(d) You must greet your elder always.

Answer: (b) You must always greet your elders.

3. To predict the future is impossible. (Begin with: It…)

(a) It is impossible for predicting the future.
(b) It is impossible to predict the future.
(c) It has been impossible to predict the future.
(d) It was impossible to predict the future.

Answer: (b) It is impossible to predict the future.

4. We should not bother to meet them. (Rewrite using: about in place of to)

(a) We should not bother about meeting them.
(b) We should not bothered about having to meet them.
(c) We should bother about meeting them.
(d) We should not be bothering about them.

Answer: (a) We should not bother about meeting them.

5. I hoped to get the scholarship. (Begin with: I hoped that…)

(a) I hoped that I would get the scholarship.
(b) I hoped that I can get the scholarship.
(c) I hoped that I was to get the scholarship.
(d) I hoped that I got the scholarship.

Answer: (a) I hoped that I would get the scholarship.

6. I can rely on Ashish. (Begin with: Ashish…)

(a) Ashish can be relied on by me.
(b) Ashish can be relied at by me.
(c) Ashish can be relied in by me.
(d) Ashish can be relied with by me.

Answer: (a) Ashish can be relied on by me.

7. He leads a very unhappy life. (Rewrite as an Exclamatory Sentence)

(a) How unhappy life he leads!
(b) How unhappy life he is leading!
(c) What an unhappy life he leads!
(d) Oh! how unhappy his life is.

Answer: (c) What an unhappy life he leads!

8. It seems that the servants have been dismissed. (Begin with: The servants…)

(a) The servants have been dismissed seemingly.
(b) The servants seems to have been dismissed.
(c) The servant seem to been dismissed.
(d) The servants seem to have been dismissed.

Answer: (d) The servants seem to have been dismissed.

Get notes of other boards, classes, and subjects

NBSESEBA/AHSEC
NCERTTBSE
WBBSE/WBCHSEICSE/ISC
BSEM/COHSEMMBOSE
Custom Notes ServiceQuestion papers

Share with others

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Only registered users are allowed to copy.