Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 15: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Adverbs, Critical Writing, Selective Summary, and Test Paper-15. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Adverbs
ASSIGNMENT
Place the adverb (given in brackets) in a suitable position in the sentence without emphasizing it:
1. He has become fluent in French. (already)
Answer: He has already become fluent in French.
2. She does not play cricket. (still)
Answer: She still does not play cricket.
3. Has her brother been a teacher? (always)
Answer: Has her brother always been a teacher?
4. I was able to hear what she said. (hardly)
Answer: I could hardly hear what she said. (OR) I was hardly able to hear what she said.
5. We deceive ourselves. (sometimes)
Answer: We sometimes deceive ourselves.
6. I have seen the report. (today)
Answer: I have seen the report today.
7. He does good work. (generally)
Answer: He generally does good work.
8. I know them well. (quite)
Answer: I quite know them well. (OR) I know them quite well.
9. They were able to hear what she said. (clearly)
Answer: They were able to clearly hear what she said. (OR) They clearly were able to hear what she said.
10. Has he glanced through the newspaper? (merely)
Answer: Has he merely glanced through the newspaper?
11. He won’t give us our share. (ever)
Answer: He won’t ever give us our share.
12. He did well in the interview. (fairly)
Answer: He did fairly well in the interview.
13. He does not refer to a dictionary. (often)
Answer: He does not often refer to a dictionary.
14. Do you make many mistakes? (usually)
Answer: Do you usually make many mistakes?
15. The teacher has marked these papers. (properly)
Answer: The teacher has properly marked these papers. (OR) The teacher has marked these papers properly.
Selective Summary
ASSIGNMENT
Read the following passage and in not more than 30 words of your own, summarise the advantages of gold.
Gold is heavier than lead, but it can be hammered so thin that light could pass through it. An ounce of pure gold is not much bigger than a lump of sugar (it measures precisely 1.579 cubic centimetres), but it can be drawn out into a wire, 50 miles long.
Nothing-well, almost nothing-can destroy gold. Coins dredged from the seabed off Florida were glittering after 250 years in salt water. Tutankhaman’s death mask is still untarnished after 34 centuries.
Not so long ago, national wealth across the world was calculated on the quantity of gold each country possessed, and practically, all the gold that was dug up and purified was immediately melted into bars and buried again in impregnable vaults.
About 1,000 tons of gold a year-roughly 75 per cent of all gold used-goes into jewellery. There it is mixed with other metals, for despite the extraordinary indestructibility of gold, it is much too soft to be used on its own.A wedding ring in pure gold would never keep its shape; small quantities of silver, or copper, or nickel, may be alloyed with it.
Answer: Gold is durable, malleable, and resistant to corrosion. It can be shaped into thin sheets or long wires and is valuable for jewellery, despite being mixed with other metals for strength.
Test Paper-15
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write a story based on the title: ‘Redemption’.
Redemption
Ravi was known as the troublemaker of his small village, Kalapur. From petty thefts to mischief, his reputation was anything but honourable. His actions alienated him from his family and the villagers, who often muttered about his wasted potential. Ravi shrugged it off, believing he could live without anyone’s approval.
One fateful evening, Ravi’s life took an unexpected turn. While wandering aimlessly, he stumbled upon an abandoned child near the riverbank. The child, no older than three, was crying uncontrollably. For the first time, Ravi felt a twinge of responsibility. He carried the child to the village, hoping someone would recognise the boy.
To his surprise, the villagers assumed he had abducted the child. Accusations flew, and Ravi found himself standing before the village head. Amid the chaos, an old woman, Lata, stepped forward and identified the boy as her lost grandson, Rohan. She thanked Ravi, her words silencing the crowd.
The incident stayed with Ravi. For days, he wrestled with his conscience. Seeing the gratitude in Lata’s eyes had stirred something within him—a longing to change. Slowly, he began to mend his ways. He apologised to those he had wronged and took up odd jobs to repay his debts.
The villagers were sceptical at first but started noticing the change. Ravi helped fix the school’s broken fence, organised clean-up drives, and even started teaching children basic maths under a banyan tree. His sincerity won over even the harshest critics.
Years later, Ravi became a respected figure in Kalapur. He turned the once-neglected school into a thriving centre of learning, funded by his hard-earned savings. When people spoke of him, it was no longer with disdain but admiration.
Ravi’s transformation proved that even the most flawed individuals could seek redemption, provided they had the courage to confront their past and the determination to change.
(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: This image depicts a rescue operation during a flood. Soldiers are assisting stranded civilians by transporting them in a boat through heavily flooded areas. One soldier is pulling the boat with a rope, while another rows. The surroundings show submerged homes and trees.]
A Day of Courage in the Floodwaters
The rains had been relentless for days, and the river had swollen beyond its banks, flooding the nearby villages. Houses were submerged, crops destroyed, and lives thrown into chaos. The once-bustling streets had turned into waterways, forcing people to seek shelter on rooftops and higher grounds.
In the midst of this calamity, a rescue team set out on their mission. The soldiers, clad in their uniforms, moved through the muddy waters on a small boat, determined to reach those stranded. The scene was both chaotic and heart-wrenching. Cries for help echoed across the water as villagers waved from their precarious perches.
The team navigated carefully, their boat laden with supplies—packets of food, water bottles, and first-aid kits. Each stop they made brought a mix of relief and desperation. Elderly villagers were gently lifted onto the boat, while children clung to their parents, too scared to let go.
At one point, the team reached a family trapped on a half-collapsed roof. The father had been waving frantically, holding a baby in his arms, while the mother balanced precariously beside him. The rescuers worked quickly, securing the family and bringing them to safety. Despite the urgency, their actions were calm and precise, a testament to their training and resolve.
The rescue continued well into the night, with the team braving the unpredictable currents and debris-filled waters. For those saved, the sight of the soldiers was a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
By dawn, the team had rescued dozens of villagers, ferrying them to dry land where relief camps awaited. Though exhausted, the rescuers felt a quiet satisfaction. They had been the lifeline for many who had lost everything.
This day was a reminder of the courage and compassion that can shine through even in the darkest times. It was a testament to humanity’s resilience and the determination to help those in need.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) Your friend had a major surgery as a result he/she missed school for a month. Write a letter to him/her suggesting how he/she should cope up with the pressure of completing the backlog of syllabus which he/she has missed.
123, Greenfield Colony
New Delhi
20 January 2025
Dear Anjali,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and recovering well after your surgery. It must have been a tough time for you, but I’m relieved to hear that you’re feeling better now. I understand how stressful it must be to have missed school for an entire month, but don’t worry—I have a few suggestions to help you catch up.
First, don’t let the backlog overwhelm you. Start by collecting all the notes and assignments from our classmates. I’ve already organised my notes and can bring them over or send copies to you. Focus on the main topics first. It’s better to understand the core concepts than to try cramming everything at once.
Make a schedule to balance revising missed topics and keeping up with current lessons. You could dedicate two hours daily to covering the backlog. If any subject feels difficult, don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers. They’re always ready to guide you, especially when you’ve missed classes for health reasons.
You can also join me for group studies once a week. I’ll explain anything you don’t understand, and it will make studying more enjoyable. Additionally, remember to use online resources like videos and tutorials—they’re great for catching up quickly.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Your health comes first, so don’t overdo it. Rest well, eat nutritious food, and study at a pace that doesn’t strain you. With consistent effort, I’m sure you’ll catch up soon and be fully prepared for the upcoming exams.
Let me know if you need anything, Anjali. I’m always here to help. Get well soon, and I can’t wait to see you back at school!
Yours lovingly,
Priya
(ii) Write a letter to the Principal of your school, requesting him/her to arrange special Classes for students of Class X, who have missed their classes due to unexpected closure of school because of inclement weather conditions.
123, Greenfield Colony
New Delhi
20 January 2025
The Principal
Bright Future Public School
New Delhi
Subject: Request for Special Classes for Class X Students
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concern regarding the syllabus backlog faced by Class X students due to the unexpected closure of the school caused by inclement weather conditions.
As the Board examinations are fast approaching, many students, including myself, are feeling anxious about the syllabus we have missed. The closures have disrupted our learning schedule, and we believe that additional support is necessary to ensure we are well-prepared.
I would kindly request you to arrange special classes for Class X students to cover the missed lessons. These classes could focus on key subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English, which require in-depth understanding. A weekend or after-school schedule could be considered to ensure we make the best use of the time remaining.
We are confident that such an initiative will help us bridge the gap and alleviate the pressure we are currently facing. It would also ensure that we approach the exams with greater confidence and clarity.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We are grateful for all the efforts the school takes for our education. I sincerely hope you will consider this request.
Yours respectfully,
Rohan Sharma
(Class X-B)
Question 3
(i) You are the Head Girl/Head Boy of your school. Draft a notice to be displayed on the school notice board, asking House Captains to submit the names of volunteers for the ‘Plantation drive’ to be held on April 22, 20…. on the two kilometre stretch outside your school, to raise awareness about protecting our planet earth from pollution.
Green Valley Public School
NOTICE
Plantation Drive on April 22, 2025
January 20, 2025
This is to inform all House Captains that a Plantation Drive will be organised on April 22, 2025, to mark Earth Day. The drive will take place along the two-kilometre stretch outside the school premises. The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness about protecting our planet from pollution and encourage sustainable living practices.
House Captains are requested to submit the names of volunteers from their respective houses by February 5, 2025, to the undersigned. Each house should nominate a minimum of five volunteers who are enthusiastic and willing to participate in this meaningful event.
Let us work together to make this event a success and contribute to a greener planet.
For further details, please contact the undersigned.
Rohan Mehra
Head Boy
(ii) Write an email to the MLA and the Counsellor of your area to lead the March being organised by your school on the occasion of the ‘Earth Day’.
To: mla@email.com
Subject: Invitation to Lead the Earth Day March Organised by Our School
Dear Mr. Arvind Kumar (MLA) and Ms. Sunita Sharma (Counsellor),
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing on behalf of the students and staff of Green Valley Public School to invite you to lead a special march we are organising on the occasion of Earth Day, on April 22, 2025.
The march aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the importance of protecting our planet from pollution. It will begin at 8:00 AM from the school premises and proceed along a two-kilometre stretch in our locality. The presence of respected leaders like you would inspire our students and the community to actively participate in this initiative.
We believe your leadership and support for this cause will highlight the importance of collective efforts in creating a sustainable future.
We kindly request you to confirm your availability for the event at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your positive response.
Warm regards,
Rohan Mehra
Head Boy
Green Valley Public School
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally, he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass – though it also remained as solid as glass. Though a brilliant scientist, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without being seen, he had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was then that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money, and quite invisible – until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked!
He escaped easily enough from the boys who followed his footprints in London. But his adventures were by no means over. He had chosen a bad time of the year to wander about London without clothes. It was mid-winter. The air was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes. Instead of walking about the streets, he decided to slip into a big London store for warmth.
The closing time arrived; and as soon as the doors were shut, Griffin was able to give himself the pleasure of clothing and feeding himself without regard to expense. He broke open boxes and wrappers and fitted himself out with warm clothes. Soon, with shoes, an overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, he became a fully dressed and visible person. In the kitchen of the restaurant, he found cold meat and coffee; and he followed up the meal with sweets and wine taken from the grocery store. Finally, he settled down to sleep on a pile of quilts.
But he did not wake up until the assistants were already arriving next morning. When he saw a couple of them approaching, he panicked and began to run. They naturally gave him a chase. In the end, he was able to escape only by quickly taking off his newly found clothes. So once more, he found himself invisible but naked in the chill January air.
This time he decided to try the stock of a theatrical company in the hope of finding not only clothes, but also something that would hide the empty space above his shoulders. Shivering with cold he hurried to Drury Lane, the centre of the theatre world. He soon found a suitable shop. He, being invisible, made his way upstairs and came out a little later wearing bandages around his forehead, dark glasses, false nose, big bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat.
To escape without being seen, he callously attacked the shopkeeper from behind, after which he robbed him of all the money he could find.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. eject (line 5)
(a) reject
(b) drive out
(c) force
(d) take off
Answer: (b) drive out
2. bitterly (line 11)
(a) angrily
(b) disappointed
(c) extremely
(d) resentful
Answer: (c) extremely
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word common?
(a) transparent
(b) solid
(c) rare
(d) empty
Answer: (c) rare
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) How can you say that Griffin was a lawless person?
Answer: Griffin was a lawless person because he set fire to his landlord’s house in revenge and later stole clothes, food, and money. He attacked the shopkeeper in Drury Lane to escape without being seen and showed no regard for rules or morality in his actions.
(b) Why was it a bad time for Griffin to move about in London?
Answer: It was a bad time for Griffin to move about in London because it was mid-winter, and the bitter cold made it impossible for him to wander around without clothes, which he needed despite being invisible.
(c) What did Griffin do in a London store at night?
Answer: At night in the London store, Griffin broke open boxes and wrappers to dress himself in warm clothes. He also helped himself to food, sweets, wine, and finally slept on a pile of quilts.
(d) What made Griffin panic next morning? How did he escape from the store?
Answer: Griffin panicked next morning when the store assistants arrived and approached him. To escape, he quickly removed his newly found clothes, becoming invisible again, and ran away into the cold January air.
(e) How did Griffin enter the shop in Drury Lane? How did he escape from there without being seen?
Answer: Griffin entered the shop in Drury Lane invisibly and sneaked upstairs to find suitable disguises. After dressing up with bandages, glasses, a false nose, and a hat, he attacked the shopkeeper from behind and stole money before escaping without being seen.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, summarise the adventures of Griffin in the London store as well as in Drury Lane.
Answer: Griffin, in a London store, dressed himself in warm clothes, ate freely, and slept there but fled naked after being discovered the next morning. At Drury Lane, he disguised himself with bandages, glasses, and a hat before attacking the shopkeeper and stealing money to escape unseen.
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.
In the olden days, when merchant ships usually ….0…. (employ) teenage boys as part of the crew, a lad ..1… (apply)for one of these jobs. The owner of the …2… (ship)company asked him what he ….3…. (can) do. “I can do my best,” the boy answered, “to do whatyou are kind enough….4…. (let) me try.” “What have you done?” asked the owner. “I ….5…. (saw)and split wood for my mother for nearly two years,” replied the boy. “What have you not done?” asked the employer. After some the boy said, “I have not …6… (think) gossiped in school for over a year.” “That is enough,” said the merchant, “I …7….(take) you aboard my vessel and I hope some day… 8…(see) you as its captain. A boy who can master a wood-pile and control his tongue must have good stuff in him.”
Answers:
0. Employed
1. Applied
2. Shipping
3. Could
4. to let
5. have sawn (or have sawed)
6. Thought
7. will take
8. to see
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) They took revenge………him.
Answer: on
Explanation: Imagine you have a toy and someone takes it away. You might want to get “revenge on” them by hiding their favorite toy. “On” shows that the revenge is directed towards someone. Think of revenge landing on the person.
(b) She has some prejudice………him.
Answer: against
Explanation: Prejudice is like having a bad thought about someone before you really know them. It’s like saying you don’t like broccoli even though you’ve never tried it. We use “against” because prejudice goes against someone, it opposes them unfairly.
(c) He is shorter and heavier……….I am.
Answer: than
Explanation: “Than” is used when we compare things. If you have a big ball and a small ball, you would say the big ball is bigger than the small ball. Here, we’re comparing height and weight. He is shorter and heavier than I am.
(d) The bus driver wanted to know how to get…….the Fair.
Answer: to
Explanation: “To” shows direction. If you want to go somewhere, you go to that place. The bus driver wants to reach a destination, the Fair, so he needs to know how to get to it.
(e) She takes……her mother.
Answer: after
Explanation: “After” means resembling or behaving like someone. If someone says you “take after” your mom, it means you’re similar to her in some way, like in looks or personality.
(f) The dog ran………..the road.
Answer: across/into/down
Explanation: This one depends on what the dog did. If the dog went from one side of the road to the other, it ran across the road. If it went from a sidewalk or grass onto the road, it ran into the road. If the road was a hill and the dog ran along it, then it ran down the road.
(g) What is the time…………your watch?
Answer: by/on
Explanation: “By” your watch means according to your watch. “On” your watch means the time displayed on your watch’s face. Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings.
(h) Bullets and stones fell……………the firing range.
Answer: on/around/over
Explanation: “On” the firing range suggests they landed directly on the range itself. “Around” the firing range means they fell in the general vicinity, maybe near the targets. “Over” the firing range implies they fell from above and landed somewhere on or near it.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. He finished the work. Just then the clock struck five.
(a) He finished the work before the clock struck five.
(b) As soon as the clock struck five, he finished his work.
(c) When the clock had struck five he had finished his work.
(d) He finished the work after the clock struck five.
Answer: (b) As soon as the clock struck five, he finished his work.
2. Kavin has untidy habits. This upsets his aunt very much.
(a) Kavin’s untidy habits makes his aunt very much upset.
(b) Kavin’s untidy habits upset his aunt very much.
(c) Kavin’s aunt becomes very upset at his untidy habits.
(d) Kavin’s untidy habits cause his aunt to be very upset.
Answer: (b) Kavin’s untidy habits upset his aunt very much.
3. Sneha is a team leader. She is very smart.
(a) Sneha due to being the team leader is very smart.
(b) Sneha is very smart as she is the team leader.
(c) Sneha, who is a team leader is very smart.
(d) Sneha is the team leader as well as smart.
Answer: (c) Sneha, who is a team leader is very smart.
4. We travelled together as far as Kolkata. We parted company there.
(a) We parted company after we travelled together until Kolkata.
(b) After reaching Kolkata we parted company.
(c) When we have reached Kolkata we parted company there.
(d) After travelling together till Kolkata we parted company.
Answer: (d) After travelling together till Kolkata we parted company.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence
1. I earnestly wish to win the first prize. (Begin with: If only…)
(a) If only I am to gained the first prize.
(b) If only I could have win the first prize.
(c) If only I could win the first prize.
(d) If only I were to win the first prize.
Answer: (c) If only I could win the first prize.
2. To get a top rank in the examination is laborious. (Begin with: It is….)
(a) It is laborious in the examination to get a top rank.
(b) It is laborious to get a top rank in the examination.
(c) It is laborious to afford a top rank in the examination.
(d) It is laborious for getting a top rank in the examination.
Answer: (b) It is laborious to get a top rank in the examination.
3. Alas, that ever a cousin should be false! (Begin with: It is very sad…)
(a) It is very sad for a cousin to be false.
(b) It is very sad to be a false cousin.
(c) It is very sad at having a false cousin.
(d) It is very sad that a cousin should be false.
Answer: (d) It is very sad that a cousin should be false.
4. There is no thunder without lightning. (Begin with: Where there is…)
(a) Where there is lighting there is thunder.
(b) Where there is to be thunder there has to be lightning.
(c) Where there is thunder, there is lightning.
(d) Where there is lightning when it has to be thunder.
Answer: (c) Where there is thunder, there is lightning.
5. To swim in the flooded river is risky. (Begin with: It…)
(a) It was risky to swim in the flooded river.
(b) It is risky to swim in the flooded river.
(c) It seems risky to have to swim in the flooded river.
(d) It has been risky to swim in the flooded river.
Answer: (b) It is risky to swim in the flooded river.
6. The player wished to win the match. (Begin with: The player wished that he…)
(a) The player wished that he will win the match.
(b) The player wished that he would win the match.
(c) The player wished that he can win the match.
(d) The player wished that he would won the match.
Answer: (b) The player wished that he would win the match.
7. She said, “I think I may complete this project tomorrow.” (Begin with: She said that…)
(a) She said that she thinks she may complete this project tomorrow.
(b) She said that she thinks she might complete this project tomorrow.
(c) She said that she thought she may complete the project tomorrow.
(d) She said that she thought she might complete that project the next day.
Answer: (d) She said that she thought she might complete that project the next day.
8. I have no money that I can spare. (End with: …to spare.)
(a) I have no money for me to spare.
(b) I have money to spare.
(c) I have no money on me to spare.
(d) I have no money to spare.
Answer: (d) I have no money to spare.
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