Chapter 12: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar solved

ICSE Class 10 English Language
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Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 12: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Adjectives, Picture Composition, Letters of Complaint, and Test Paper-12. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.

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Adjectives

ASSIGNMENT

1. Did you hear the (latest, last) news?

Answer: latest

Explanation: “Latest” refers to the most recent or up-to-date information. “Last” would indicate the final news, which is not appropriate in this context. For example, “Have you read the latest updates on the event?”

2. He is not fond of (this, these) kind of sweets.

Answer: this

Explanation: “This kind” is singular, and it agrees with the singular noun “kind.” “These” would be incorrect as it is plural. For example, “I don’t like this type of cake.”

3. My friend lives in the (nearest, next) town.

Answer: next

Explanation: “Next” refers to something that is adjacent or following. “Nearest” indicates the closest in distance, which is not relevant here. For example, “I will visit the next town on my trip.”

4. Who is (more, most) beautiful, Anne or Rita?

Answer: more

Explanation: “More” is used to compare two things, whereas “most” is used for three or more. For example, “Who is more intelligent, John or Mark?”

5. The Principal accepted the (latter, later) proposal.

Answer: latter

Explanation: “Latter” refers to the second of two things mentioned. “Later” refers to time and would be incorrect here. For example, “Of the two options, I prefer the latter.”

6. Of the two brothers, Rakesh is the (elder, eldest).

Answer: elder

Explanation: “Elder” is used when comparing two siblings. “Eldest” is used for three or more. For example, “My elder brother helped me with my homework.”

7. Sarita came (later, latter) than I expected.

Answer: later

Explanation: “Later” refers to time, meaning after the expected time. “Latter” refers to the second of two options and is incorrect here. For example, “She arrived later than usual.”

8. Can you do this without (further, farther) delay?

Answer: further

Explanation: “Further” is used to refer to an extension in time or degree, while “farther” refers to physical distance. For example, “I can’t tolerate further interruptions.”

9. Maya is my (older, elder) sister.

Answer: elder

Explanation: “Elder” is used for siblings, while “older” is a general term used for people or things. For example, “My elder sister is five years older than me.”

10. She is inferior (than, to) her in social position.

Answer: to

Explanation: “Inferior to” is the correct grammatical construction. “Than” is used for comparisons but not with “inferior.” For example, “His work is inferior to mine.”

II. Arrange the adjectives in the correct order before the noun, changing a and an where necessary.

1. a coat (leather, black, dirty)

Answer: a dirty black leather coat

Explanation: The correct order of adjectives follows the rule: Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Colour → Origin → Material → Purpose. “Dirty” is an opinion, “black” is a colour, and “leather” is the material, so they are placed in this order.

2. a shirt (Indian, cotton, green)

Answer: a green Indian cotton shirt

Explanation: Following the rule, “green” (colour) comes before “Indian” (origin), and “cotton” (material) comes last.

3. a carpet (beautiful, multicoloured, oval)

Answer: a beautiful oval multicoloured carpet

Explanation: “Beautiful” (opinion) comes first, “oval” (shape) comes next, and “multicoloured” (colour) is last.

4. a table (teak, kitchen, handmade, brown)

Answer: a handmade brown teak kitchen table

Explanation: “Handmade” (opinion) comes first, “brown” (colour) follows, “teak” (material) comes next, and “kitchen” (purpose) is last.

5. a necklace (old, gold, expensive, artistic)

Answer: an artistic old expensive gold necklace

Explanation: “Artistic” (opinion) comes first, “old” (age) follows, “expensive” (opinion on cost) comes next, and “gold” (material) is last.

6. a horse (brown, thin, countryside)

Answer: a thin brown countryside horse

Explanation: “Thin” (size) comes first, “brown” (colour) follows, and “countryside” (origin) comes last.

7. a room (narrow, dark, dirty)

Answer: a dirty narrow dark room

Explanation: “Dirty” (opinion) comes first, “narrow” (size) follows, and “dark” (colour) is last.

8. a sweet (buttery, straw-coloured, square, almond-flavoured)

Answer: a buttery almond-flavoured straw-coloured square sweet

Explanation: “Buttery” (opinion) comes first, “almond-flavoured” (specific type) follows, “straw-coloured” (colour) comes next, and “square” (shape) is last.

9. a boy (brave, tall, ambitious)

Answer: a tall brave ambitious boy

Explanation: “Tall” (size) comes first, “brave” (opinion) follows, and “ambitious” (opinion on personality) is last.

Test Paper-12

Question 1

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

(i) Write an original story to bring out the meaning of the proverb: ‘Once bitten twice shy.’ 

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Ravi was an ambitious teenager from a small town in Gujarat. He dreamed of starting his own business and often shared his plans with his friends. One day, he decided to invest his savings in buying and selling mobile accessories. He partnered with a local vendor who promised him great profits and assured him there was no risk involved.

Excited about his first venture, Ravi trusted the vendor completely. He handed over his savings without signing any formal agreement. Days turned into weeks, but the vendor neither delivered the products nor returned the money. When Ravi tried to contact him, the vendor had vanished. Ravi was heartbroken. His trust had been misused, and his hard-earned money was gone.

Months passed, and Ravi slowly recovered from the incident. However, the fear of being deceived again lingered. He promised himself never to trust anyone blindly. This time, he researched thoroughly before stepping into another venture. He attended workshops, consulted experienced people, and took small steps instead of risking everything at once.

When Ravi started his new business, he ensured every deal was documented, and he only partnered with those who had a good reputation. His caution paid off. Over time, his business grew steadily, and he became known for his honesty and professionalism.

Years later, when his friends asked him why he was so careful in his dealings, Ravi simply smiled and said, “Once bitten, twice shy.” He explained how his first failure taught him the value of caution and proper planning.

Ravi’s story became an example for others in his town. He showed them that one failure, no matter how painful, could lead to better decisions and eventual success. The lesson he learned stayed with him forever, shaping his life and his choices.

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(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 old cobbler sitting on a footpath with his tools and a few sandals]

The Cobbler’s Day

The image reminds me of a humble cobbler, a man who works tirelessly to mend the shoes of others. The scene suggests a quiet corner in a busy marketplace, where he has set up his modest workstation. His tools are simple – a hammer, a few nails, and an assortment of brushes and polish. Despite the simplicity, his work speaks of dedication and skill.

This cobbler, perhaps named Ram Lal, is an elderly man who has spent decades perfecting his craft. Each morning, he arrives early, placing his worn stool and toolbox beside the iron railing. He greets his customers with a warm smile, even though life may not have been very kind to him. His hands, calloused from years of work, move deftly as he repairs broken soles or polishes dusty shoes. For him, every shoe has a story – of the person who wears it and the journey it has taken.

As the day progresses, people from all walks of life approach him. A student asks him to fix a torn strap on her sandal. A rickshaw puller hands him a pair of tattered shoes. An office worker requests a quick polish. Ram Lal treats each customer with respect, charging a small fee that barely meets his daily needs.

The cobbler’s life is a stark reminder of the unsung heroes who make our lives easier. While we rush through our routines, people like him quietly ensure that we walk comfortably. His existence, though simple, is filled with dignity. He finds satisfaction in his honest labour and the small interactions with his customers.

This picture evokes a sense of gratitude and respect. It teaches us to value the work of people like Ram Lal, who remind us that every small effort contributes to the larger tapestry of life.

Question 2

Select one of the following:

(i) A penfriend of yours living in Australia has recently seen a documentary on India and wants to know about the festival of Dussehra. Write a letter to him describing how the festival is celebrated and the spirit behind the celebration. 

123, Green Avenue
Kolkata, West Bengal
18 January 2025

Dear Emily,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It was great to hear that you recently watched a documentary on India. I am thrilled to share with you about one of our most vibrant festivals, Dussehra.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. It marks the victory of good over evil and is rooted in two significant legends. One is the story of Lord Rama defeating the demon king Ravana, and the other is about Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The festival comes at the end of Navratri, a nine-day period of worship and celebration.

The way Dussehra is celebrated varies from region to region, but the spirit remains the same. In most places, huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad are constructed. On the evening of Dussehra, these effigies are burned amidst fireworks, symbolising the end of evil. This event is accompanied by dramatic performances called Ramlila, where scenes from the epic Ramayana are enacted. It’s a beautiful way to retell our mythology and remind everyone of the values of truth and righteousness.

In some parts of India, like West Bengal, it is also the culmination of Durga Puja. Elaborate idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers or seas with immense devotion, bidding her farewell until next year. The processions during this time are a sight to behold, filled with music, dancing, and prayers.

Dussehra is not just about celebrations; it also inspires us to reflect on the importance of defeating the evils within us. It’s a time for families to come together, pray, and exchange sweets and good wishes.

I hope this gives you a glimpse of the festive spirit of Dussehra. It’s a celebration of values, culture, and community. Let me know if you’d like to know about any other Indian festival!

Warm regards,
Ananya

(ii) The Principal of your school has put up a notice asking suggestions from students whether Financial Planning should be included or not in the curriculum from the next
session. Write a letter to the Principal giving you suggestion either in support or
against the proposal. 

Class 10A
Sunrise Public School
New Delhi
18 January 2025

The Principal
Sunrise Public School
New Delhi

Subject: Suggestion Regarding Inclusion of Financial Planning in the Curriculum

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to your notice seeking suggestions about including Financial Planning as a part of our school curriculum from the next session. I would like to express my strong support for this proposal.

Financial literacy is a crucial skill that every student needs in today’s world. Understanding how to manage money, save, invest, and spend wisely is essential for leading a secure and independent life. Many young people step into adulthood without any knowledge of budgeting or financial responsibility, which often leads to unnecessary debts and financial stress. Introducing Financial Planning at an early age will equip us with the tools to make informed decisions about our finances.

Moreover, such a subject can help students develop a practical mindset. Learning about banking, insurance, taxes, and the basics of investments like fixed deposits, mutual funds, and shares will give us a clear picture of how the financial world works. It will also teach us the importance of setting goals, prioritising needs over wants, and planning for the future.

Including this subject will not only benefit students personally but also prepare them to contribute more effectively to society and the economy. Financial planning is a life skill, and its inclusion in the curriculum will ensure that we are ready to face the challenges of adult life with confidence.

I believe that this subject can be introduced in an engaging and interactive manner, using practical examples, workshops, and case studies. This will make it both educational and enjoyable for students.

Thank you for considering my suggestion. I hope it is taken into account for the benefit of all students.

Yours sincerely,
Arjun Sharma

Question 3 

(i) You are Ankit/Anita a student of Class X of New Bloom Public School. While playing basketball in the school playground you lost your locker keys, which were in the pocket of your track pants. Write a notice to be displayed on the school notice board, requesting the finder to return the keys to you.

New Bloom Public School
Notice
Lost Locker Keys

18 January 2025

This is to inform all students and staff that I, Anita, a student of Class X, have lost my locker keys while playing basketball in the school playground during recess today. The keys were in the pocket of my track pants, and I seem to have dropped them somewhere in the area.

The keys are attached to a small blue keychain with a smiley face on it. If anyone happens to find them, I kindly request you to return them to me in Class X-A or hand them over to the school office.

Your help in finding the keys would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Anita
Class X-A

(ii) Write an email to the Incharge of ‘Lost and Found’ Department of your school, requesting him/her to help you in finding your keys.

To: incharge@email.com
Subject: Request for Assistance in Locating Lost Keys

Dear Mr. Verma,

I hope this email finds you well. I am Anita Sharma, a student of Class X-A at New Bloom Public School. I am writing to request your assistance in locating my locker keys, which I lost today during recess while playing basketball in the school playground.

The keys were in the pocket of my track pants and are attached to a small blue keychain with a smiley face on it. I have searched the area thoroughly but have been unable to find them.

If someone has already handed them over to the Lost and Found Department, or if they are found later, I kindly request you to inform me so I can collect them. This is quite urgent, as the locker contains some important books and personal items.

Thank you very much for your support. Please let me know if any further information is needed.

Kind regards,
Anita Sharma
Class X-A
New Bloom Public School

Question 4

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

Around 15 lakh engineering students graduate every year from various institutes in India. Unfortunately, very few have the employability skills, so much so that the industry is facing a problem about how to bridge the gap between what the job market requires and what is being taught. The available jobs are static at 10,000 for many years. This means that only the best of the best get placed in top-notch companies.

There was a time when the demand and supply were at par. Today, the supply is 15-fold more than the demand. This has added to the problems that exist in private engineering colleges. The problem is a cycle that is difficult to break. More and more private institutions are coming up who compromise on the quality of the knowledge they are imparting. This means that the skill sets required by the industry are not being met.

Compounding this problem is the fact that, in India, there are only three professions a child is told he/she has to study to become a doctor, an engineer or an MBA. Parents need to understand that today, there are far better options available. Engineering is just one of them to pursue. Institutions should not admit anybody who has only the money to pay the fee. A student’s calibre must be judged. Otherwise, the student will not get a job, the institute will lose its reputation and the industry will not have good engineers.

The demand for engineers remains high but the employers have difficulties recruiting the staff they need. In today’s competitive world, the employers don’t have the time or the money to train a recruit on the job. They want engineers to get down to work from day one.

The solution to this problem is first, there must be a capping in all engineering colleges for the next 10 years. Second, the focus should shift from quantity to quality. Third, colleges should cater to what the industry needs. The industry, on the other hand, is of the opinion that if a doctor can upgrade his knowledge and a lawyer needs to be abreast of the latest laws, an engineer needs to know what is happening around the world.

An engineer must know how the common man thinks and what he wants. Interdisciplinary learning is a must today. Besides, a student needs to gauge where his passion lies. Following a herd mentality will not help. To be a good engineer, just doing your job is not enough. One has to be extremely dynamic to be the best among the best.

This is because the technology has changed the expectations of society. The demand for better products and services is mounting. As competition intensifies, the speed of the market revolution has become one of the driving forces.

India has been uniquely positioned to meet the challenges in the world of work. We are one of the largest producers of engineers, management graduates and technically qualified staff. We have an ever-increasing growth of people who can speak English and communicate easily with the English-speaking world.

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

1. compromise (line 10)

(a) accept lower standards
(b) enter into a contract
(c) obtain a degree
(d) get into an argument

Answer: (a) accept lower standards

2. calibre (line 17)

(a) rate
(b) capability
(c) rank
(d) marks

Answer: (b) capability

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

(a) bridge
(b) static
(c) demand
(d) knowledge

Answer: (b) static

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

(a) Why do only a few engineers get a job in good companies?

Answer: Only a few engineers get jobs in good companies because there are very few available jobs compared to the large number of graduates, and many lack the necessary employability skills.

(b) What is the main drawback of the private engineering institutes?

Answer: The main drawback of private engineering institutes is that they often compromise on the quality of education, focusing on profit instead of meeting industry skill requirements.

(c) Why do the employers want their engineers to get down to work from the very first day?

Answer: Employers want engineers to start working immediately because they do not have the time or resources to provide on-the-job training.

(d) Give two reasons to justify that an engineering graduate needs to be extremely dynamic.

Answer: An engineering graduate needs to be dynamic because of the rapid technological advancements and increasing societal expectations for better products and services.

(e) In what way India has an advantage over other countries in the world of work?

Answer: India has an advantage due to its large number of engineering and technical graduates, as well as a significant population fluent in English, enabling effective global communication.

(iv) In not more than 50 words, state why most of the engineering graduates are at a disadvantageous position as far as their employment is concerned.

Answer: Most engineering graduates face disadvantages due to a mismatch between industry requirements and education, lack of employability skills, and an oversupply of engineers compared to available jobs. Many institutes focus on quantity over quality, failing to prepare students for the dynamic and competitive job market.

Question 5 

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.

Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, …0… (can) not sleep one night and called the guard in the antechamber …1… (bring) him a book. The guard, who …2… (stay) up several nights, had fallen asleep on duty. When no one …3… (answer), the king got up and saw that the guard had fallen asleep while …4… (write) something. It was a letter to his mother:

“Mother, I feel very sleepy because I …5… (stand) guard for the last few nights, although it was not my turn. I did this in order to earn more money and send it to you. I am sending you some money now that I …6… (earn) this way.”

Reading this, the king returned to his room, …7… (take) a handful of gold coins and put them on the paper without …8… (awake) the guard.

Answer:

0. Could
1. To bring
2. Had stayed
3. Answered
4. Writing
5. Had stood
6. Have earned
7. Took
8. Awakening

(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

1. He prevailed ___________________ me to withdraw my complaint.

Answer: upon

Explanation: “Prevail upon” is a phrase that means to persuade or convince someone to do something. For example, “She prevailed upon him to stay.”

2. A drowning man clutches ___________________ a straw.

Answer: at

Explanation: “Clutch at” is a phrasal verb used when someone desperately grabs or reaches for something. For example, “He clutched at the rope to stop himself from falling.”

3. She congratulated me ___________________ my success.

Answer: on

Explanation: We use “congratulate on” to express good wishes to someone for their achievement or success. For example, “He congratulated her on winning the prize.”

4. We should not deviate ___________________ telling the truth.

Answer: from

Explanation: “Deviate from” is used when someone moves away from a path, plan, or truth. For example, “The car deviated from its lane.”

5. We sat ___________________ the shade of a tree.

Answer: in

Explanation: We say “in the shade” because “shade” is an area sheltered from direct sunlight. For example, “They relaxed in the shade of a large oak tree.”

6. The truck ran ___________________ a dog.

Answer: over

Explanation: “Run over” means to hit someone or something with a vehicle. For example, “The car ran over a pothole.”

7. The victim died ___________________ loss of blood.

Answer: of

Explanation: “Die of” is used to describe the cause of death due to a condition or disease. For example, “He died of a heart attack.”

8. Meet me ___________________ the entrance to the stadium.

Answer: at

Explanation: We use “at” to describe a specific point or location. For example, “Meet me at the corner of the street.”

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

1. I have no aptitude for business. I cannot run a business.

(a) I cannot run a business if I have no aptitude for business.
(b) On having aptitude for business, I can run a business.
(c) I cannot run a business unless I have no aptitude for business.
(d) Since I have no aptitude for business, I cannot run a business.

Answer: (d) Since I have no aptitude for business, I cannot run a business.

2. Ajay called Suman. Suman did not hear him.

(a) Suman called Ajay but he did not hear her.
(b) Suman did not hear when Ajay called her.
(c) Suman did not hear for Ajay called her.
(d) Suman did not hear since Ajay called her.

Answer: (b) Suman did not hear when Ajay called her.

3. I will be studying. Ravi will arrive at the airport.

(a) Ravi will arrive at the airport when I was studying.
(b) I am studying when Ravi will arrive at the airport.
(c) Ravi would be arriving at the airport while I was studying.
(d) Ravi will have arrived at the airport while I will be studying.

Answer: (d) Ravi will have arrived at the airport while I will be studying.

4. He has risen from poverty. It is highly creditable.

(a) He has risen from poverty to be creditable.
(b) He will be creditable as he has risen from poverty.
(c) His rise from poverty is highly creditable.
(d) It is highly creditable if he could rise from poverty.

Answer: (c) His rise from poverty is highly creditable.

(ii) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instruction given after each sentence 

1. That is not the way a gentleman should behave. (Begin with: Is)

(a) Is that how a gentleman should behave?
(b) Is that the way for a gentleman to behave?
(c) Is that not the way a gentleman should behave?
(d) Is that the way a gentleman should behave?

Answer: (c) Is that not the way a gentleman should behave?

2. This shop does not accept cheques. (Begin with: Cheques…)

(a) Cheques are not accepted by this shop.
(b) Cheques is not accepted by this shop.
(c) Cheques have not been accepted by this shop.
(d) Cheques will not be accepted by this shop.

Answer: (a) Cheques are not accepted by this shop.

3. The result surprised everybody in the town. (Begin with: The result took…)

(a) The result took everybody in the town in surprise.
(b) The result took everybody in the town with surprise.
(c) The result took everybody in the town for surprise.
(d) The result took everybody in the town by surprise.

Answer: (d) The result took everybody in the town by surprise.

4. They said, “We are sure Anil was here last month.” (Begin with: They said that…)

(a) They said that they are sure that Anil was here last month.
(b) They said that they were sure that Anil was there the previous month.
(c) They said that they were sure Anil was here last month.
(d) They said that they are sure Anil will be here last month.

Answer: (b) They said that they were sure that Anil was there the previous month.

5. Do not go away until I return. (Use: ‘as long as’)

(a) Do not return as long as I go away.
(b) Do not go as long as I am away.
(c) Do not go away as long as I do not return.
(d) Do not go as long as I return back.

Answer: (c) Do not go away as long as I do not return.

6. He is too immature to represent us. (Remove: ‘too’)

(a) He is such immature that he cannot represent us.
(b) He is so immature that he cannot represent us.
(c) He was so immature that he cannot represent us.
(d) He is more immature for the task to represent us.

Answer: (b) He is so immature that he cannot represent us.

7. To purchase a flat in the colony is beyond my means. (Begin with: It…)

(a) It is beyond my means to purchase a flat in the colony.
(b) It is not under my means to purchase a flat in the colony.
(c) It is above my means to purchase a flat in that colony.
(d) It is not beyond my means to purchase a flat in this colony.

Answer: (a) It is beyond my means to purchase a flat in the colony.

8. You must work hard to pass the examination. (Use: or)

(a) You must not work hard or you will fail the examination.
(b) You must work hard or you will fail the examination.
(c) You must work hard or fail in the examination.
(d) You must not work hard to fail in the examination.

Answer: (b) You must work hard or you will fail the examination.

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