ICSE-X-EnglishLanguage
Previous Year Paper year:2018
- #1 [25](Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (350 - 400 words) on any one of the following: (a) Write an original short story entitled `The,Gift' .
(b) "Money is important for happiness." Express your views either for or
against this statement.
(c) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you helped to prepare a
meal. Explain what you did and what you gained from the experience.
(d) You had been waiting outside the examination hall. Describe what you saw and
the sounds you heard when you arrived at the place. What were your feelings?
Describe how the scene changed once you entered the hall and the examination
started.
(e) 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.
Ans : (a) Once there lived a couple in Canada named Jim and Della,
Della was very pretty. Jim was very fond of her beauty. For Jim only
things were very precious: Della's hair and his ancestorial watch.
It was Christmas time and Della wanted to purchase one of the best and
unique gift for her husband. After managing all the household expenses for that
month Della was left with only 1$ and 87 cents. This amount was nothing to
purchase a gift for Jim. She tried to arrange for the money but could'nt get it.
Next day Della got ready wearing a black skirt and white shirt with a cap. Her hairs
were looking beautiful. She left for the market & while entering the market she saw a
Hair Salon with many exclusive offers. She went inside and asked the Hair Stylist
that how much he would pay her for cutting her hair till shoulder length as abroad the
Hair Salon purchases the hair of customers for wigs and medical uses. The hair
stylist checked Della's hair, the quality, texture, colour, length etc.... He then told her
that he can pay her 20$. Della was quite happy and agreed for the haircut as she was
eager to purchase a unique gift for Jim. The hair cut was done and Della left
searching a perfect gift for her husband.
As she entered the market further she saw a gold chain designed with white
gold for Jim's watch. She purchased that watch chain and went home. It was
evening time and as usual Jim came home. As soon as he entered he saw Della and
was upset after looking at her haircut but he didn't reacted to it. Della and Jim had
casual conversation like everyday. Della also tried convincing Jim that haircut gave
her a different look and her hair will grow again so not to be upset.
Then Della remembered about the gift that she had bought for Jim.
Even Jim said that he has bought a gift for Della. Both were eager to
see each other's gift. But when Jim saw the gift he was quite
disappointed. Della saw that he was not happy. Jim gave Della
her gift and said he sold that ancestorial watch to purchase that gift for
her. After listening to this, even Della was disappointed as she knew
well that Jim had lost both his valuable and precious things that was her
hairs and his ancestorial watch. (b) Most individuals are of the view that a good amount of wealth results into
happiness, while some believe that being very rich has its own curse. In my
opinion, I completely agree that a lot of money always brings with itself many
unforeseen problems as well.
Money and it.s vicious power to attract humans to fulfill their various wishes, at any
cost, has always been debated. Earning sufficient money for one.s basic needs and
amenities, as well as to fulfill their family obligations and provide them with suitable
comforts of a modern life are very much justifiable. However, the issue arises when
more wealth leads to a feeling of greed and a sense of invincibility amongst family
and peers. As a result, a sense of suspicion, envy and jealousy creeps in within social
relationships and takes a heavy toll on family matters as well. For instance, the recent
war of words in public between Ambani brothers due to differences of opinion, for
sharing and taking control of the vast business empire left over by their father. Such
instances, due to fear of personal financial loss lead to permanent damage of
relationships and split between families.
Secondly, gaining more and more financial clout and enjoying the material luxuries
the world has to offer, comes with its own set of sacrificies. Many high-earning
corporate CEO.s and senior level management at most of these companies struggle
with their daily hectic work schedules and get overburdened by the responsibilities,
with the only aim of maximising the bottom line at all cost. This results in a serious
issue of not being able to devote enough time to their family and friends, as well as a
deterioration in their physical and mental well-being, and later at times leading to
life-threatening diseases. A recent survey by Times showed that more than 40 percent
of top executives in India are suffering from high-blood pressure and stress related
issues.
In conclusion, I believe that having too much money not only leads to
issues in personal and family relationships, but also deprives one of a
healthy and peaceful way of life that can be enjoyed with sufficient money. (c) When I was young, the kitchen had an invisible 'stop' sign put there by my mom. .No
you cannot enter here!. she always said to me. Well, I really don't blame her as it is
no place for kids.
I was just left outside in awe, looking at what wonders the kitchen held. A few years
passed by and I became very interested in food, both eating and preparing it.
Nonetheless, the kitchen was still out of bounds so I couldn't experiment with
cooking. But they couldn't stop me forever now, could they?
It was early morning, mom had gone for grocery shopping and my sister was fast
asleep, and no one else was at home. Time to strike! I sneaked through the dining
room and there was the kitchen in front of me!
I stepped inside and took in the sight in front of me - cabinets rising high like
skyscrapers, the oven occupying a majestic place beside one wall, the dishes
sparkling like diamonds. I had seen it from outside but this time it was up close. As I
hadn't had breakfast I decided to begin my first experience as a chef by making an
omelette. Sure I had seen mom do it, so how could it be hard?
I set to work quietly so as not to wake my sister up. I took an egg, and some tomatoes
and onions. I knew the basics, so I began the work. I chopped the onions on the work
surface just I had seen chefs do it. Then came the tomatoes. I washed them first and
started chopping. This time disaster struck and I cut my finger. Ouch! There was no
bleeding but it was just as painful.
This little nib didn't stop me and after about a few minutes of whining, I got back on
my feet. The egg awaited its fate, to be cracked in half. It took two or three attempts
to crack it open and into the bowl. The spices were next.
Well, as most of you know, mothers always keep spices on the top shelf of the
cabinet. Whatever the logic may be, it is very annoying trying to jump to reach them.
After a failed attempt, I went to the hall and grabbed a stool. After climbing up the
stool, I grabbed the chilli powder and the salt.
I put the ingredients in the bowl with the egg, and whisked it. I lighted the stove and
put the big frying pan on it and poured some oil in it... and spilled some on the floor
too, accidentally, of course!
Till the pouring of the batter into the pan, everything was going perfect . then I
wondered what was used for turning the egg upside down in the pan. Soon, I was
running all over the kitchen, searching all the cabinets to find the cooking spoon, all
the while the omelette was sizzling in the pan. Finally I found the spoon and made a
rush to turn over the omelette. I managed to do that without breaking or spilling it out
of the pan only to see a very nicely browned, or rather burnt, side up!
While I was busy taking it out in a plate, someone came up behind me. It was mom. I
was dumbstruck. She was angry at seeing the kitchen in a mess, the drawers all open,
and some salt and chilli powder on the stoves and countertop.
She found a fit punishment for me . I was to eat the burnt omelette. Sitting
on the table and eating the omelette, I realised it wasn't as bad as it looked.
My first cooking experience turned out to be a disaster and I just got the
taste of my own medicine... I mean, omelette. But I was happy with my
accomplishment, even if it was a bit burnt. And I had learnt to leave things
to the expert chef (my mom), and never tried cooking anything myself! (d) Examinations sap the examinees of energy and make them sleepless at nights. But
then, it has not so far been possible to devise a better way of judging their ability.
So, they are a necessary evil.
It is strange that an examinee.s ability has to be judged in just three hours. Again,
there is no better way out. All who study know that they will have to appear in the
examination one day. They have had to work hard for months together. As the crucial
day comes, they reach the examination hall, prepared for it, some more some less.
A few minutes before the start of the examination, I saw a strange scene outside the
examination hall. An eerie silence prevails there. The examinees are carrying their
books and notes in their hands which they have already mugged up and are trying to
make this mugging firmer and firmer in their minds. Most of the examinees are busy
in their own work and are not inclined to talk. But a few, sitting or standing in groups
of two or three may be seen discussing some points.
Even the dullest students appear to be great scholars outside the examination hall.
They are poring over their books most attentively. Some of them may be thinking of
devising means of copying or behaving if they are caught copying.
The brilliant students are also busy revising their notes or lessons. But comparatively,
they are not so much agitated. They wear cool and balanced looks.
Most of the students reach the examination hall well before time. They look at the
notice-board to find out their room and even try to locate their seats. They try to
bring to the notice of the superintendent if they find any discrepancy. But a few
careless stud dents reach the hall late and enter it in a state of great excitement.
Rarely, there may be one or more students who get delayed because of some genuine
difficulty. The supervisors generally try to accommodate them. As soon as the bell
rings, all the students enter the hall.
Even I entered the hall at last. Unlike other students, I went inside with all the
materials required for exam & did my prayers. The supervisor gave the answer sheets
& question paper and everybody started writing the paper. (e) In the above picture, we can see boys playing cricket in their locality. It
seems a match between two groups from same area which is also called as .Gully
Cricket..
Unlike every game, cricket has its own plus point and its quite an interesting
game. The boys seems to be well trained and interested in the picture. The batsman
and the 2 fielders both are playing the game sporingly and with healthy spirit.
The image shows that batsman has played a shot and the 2 fielders are
trying to save their points by stopping the ball or catch the ball. Like the game is
played were every run counts a point, the batsman wants to make run and defends
his wicket and that's the reason he is striking the bat upwards in the direction of ball.
Overall, it seems to be an interesting match also enjoyed and accompanied by the
other boys.
- #1-aWrite an original short story entitled `The,Gift' .
Ans : Once there lived a couple in Canada named Jim and Della,
Della was very pretty. Jim was very fond of her beauty. For Jim only
things were very precious: Della's hair and his ancestorial watch.
It was Christmas time and Della wanted to purchase one of the best and
unique gift for her husband. After managing all the household expenses for that
month Della was left with only 1$ and 87 cents. This amount was nothing to
purchase a gift for Jim. She tried to arrange for the money but could'nt get it.
Next day Della got ready wearing a black skirt and white shirt with a cap. Her hairs
were looking beautiful. She left for the market & while entering the market she saw a
Hair Salon with many exclusive offers. She went inside and asked the Hair Stylist
that how much he would pay her for cutting her hair till shoulder length as abroad the
Hair Salon purchases the hair of customers for wigs and medical uses. The hair
stylist checked Della's hair, the quality, texture, colour, length etc.... He then told her
that he can pay her 20$. Della was quite happy and agreed for the haircut as she was
eager to purchase a unique gift for Jim. The hair cut was done and Della left
searching a perfect gift for her husband.
As she entered the market further she saw a gold chain designed with white
gold for Jim's watch. She purchased that watch chain and went home. It was
evening time and as usual Jim came home. As soon as he entered he saw Della and
was upset after looking at her haircut but he didn't reacted to it. Della and Jim had
casual conversation like everyday. Della also tried convincing Jim that haircut gave
her a different look and her hair will grow again so not to be upset.
Then Della remembered about the gift that she had bought for Jim.
Even Jim said that he has bought a gift for Della. Both were eager to
see each other's gift. But when Jim saw the gift he was quite
disappointed. Della saw that he was not happy. Jim gave Della
her gift and said he sold that ancestorial watch to purchase that gift for
her. After listening to this, even Della was disappointed as she knew
well that Jim had lost both his valuable and precious things that was her
hairs and his ancestorial watch.
- #1-b"Money is important for happiness." Express your views either for or
against this statement.
Ans : Most individuals are of the view that a good amount of wealth results into
happiness, while some believe that being very rich has its own curse. In my
opinion, I completely agree that a lot of money always brings with itself many
unforeseen problems as well.
Money and it.s vicious power to attract humans to fulfill their various wishes, at any
cost, has always been debated. Earning sufficient money for one.s basic needs and
amenities, as well as to fulfill their family obligations and provide them with suitable
comforts of a modern life are very much justifiable. However, the issue arises when
more wealth leads to a feeling of greed and a sense of invincibility amongst family
and peers. As a result, a sense of suspicion, envy and jealousy creeps in within social
relationships and takes a heavy toll on family matters as well. For instance, the recent
war of words in public between Ambani brothers due to differences of opinion, for
sharing and taking control of the vast business empire left over by their father. Such
instances, due to fear of personal financial loss lead to permanent damage of
relationships and split between families.
Secondly, gaining more and more financial clout and enjoying the material luxuries
the world has to offer, comes with its own set of sacrificies. Many high-earning
corporate CEO.s and senior level management at most of these companies struggle
with their daily hectic work schedules and get overburdened by the responsibilities,
with the only aim of maximising the bottom line at all cost. This results in a serious
issue of not being able to devote enough time to their family and friends, as well as a
deterioration in their physical and mental well-being, and later at times leading to
life-threatening diseases. A recent survey by Times showed that more than 40 percent
of top executives in India are suffering from high-blood pressure and stress related
issues.
In conclusion, I believe that having too much money not only leads to
issues in personal and family relationships, but also deprives one of a
healthy and peaceful way of life that can be enjoyed with sufficient money.
- #1-cNarrate an incident from your own experience when you helped to prepare a
meal. Explain what you did and what you gained from the experience.
Ans : When I was young, the kitchen had an invisible 'stop' sign put there by my mom. .No
you cannot enter here!. she always said to me. Well, I really don't blame her as it is
no place for kids.
I was just left outside in awe, looking at what wonders the kitchen held. A few years
passed by and I became very interested in food, both eating and preparing it.
Nonetheless, the kitchen was still out of bounds so I couldn't experiment with
cooking. But they couldn't stop me forever now, could they?
It was early morning, mom had gone for grocery shopping and my sister was fast
asleep, and no one else was at home. Time to strike! I sneaked through the dining
room and there was the kitchen in front of me!
I stepped inside and took in the sight in front of me - cabinets rising high like
skyscrapers, the oven occupying a majestic place beside one wall, the dishes
sparkling like diamonds. I had seen it from outside but this time it was up close. As I
hadn't had breakfast I decided to begin my first experience as a chef by making an
omelette. Sure I had seen mom do it, so how could it be hard?
I set to work quietly so as not to wake my sister up. I took an egg, and some tomatoes
and onions. I knew the basics, so I began the work. I chopped the onions on the work
surface just I had seen chefs do it. Then came the tomatoes. I washed them first and
started chopping. This time disaster struck and I cut my finger. Ouch! There was no
bleeding but it was just as painful.
This little nib didn't stop me and after about a few minutes of whining, I got back on
my feet. The egg awaited its fate, to be cracked in half. It took two or three attempts
to crack it open and into the bowl. The spices were next.
Well, as most of you know, mothers always keep spices on the top shelf of the
cabinet. Whatever the logic may be, it is very annoying trying to jump to reach them.
After a failed attempt, I went to the hall and grabbed a stool. After climbing up the
stool, I grabbed the chilli powder and the salt.
I put the ingredients in the bowl with the egg, and whisked it. I lighted the stove and
put the big frying pan on it and poured some oil in it... and spilled some on the floor
too, accidentally, of course!
Till the pouring of the batter into the pan, everything was going perfect . then I
wondered what was used for turning the egg upside down in the pan. Soon, I was
running all over the kitchen, searching all the cabinets to find the cooking spoon, all
the while the omelette was sizzling in the pan. Finally I found the spoon and made a
rush to turn over the omelette. I managed to do that without breaking or spilling it out
of the pan only to see a very nicely browned, or rather burnt, side up!
While I was busy taking it out in a plate, someone came up behind me. It was mom. I
was dumbstruck. She was angry at seeing the kitchen in a mess, the drawers all open,
and some salt and chilli powder on the stoves and countertop.
She found a fit punishment for me . I was to eat the burnt omelette. Sitting
on the table and eating the omelette, I realised it wasn't as bad as it looked.
My first cooking experience turned out to be a disaster and I just got the
taste of my own medicine... I mean, omelette. But I was happy with my
accomplishment, even if it was a bit burnt. And I had learnt to leave things
to the expert chef (my mom), and never tried cooking anything myself!
- #1-dYou had been waiting outside the examination hall. Describe what you saw and
the sounds you heard when you arrived at the place. What were your feelings?
Describe how the scene changed once you entered the hall and the examination
started.
Ans : Examinations sap the examinees of energy and make them sleepless at nights. But
then, it has not so far been possible to devise a better way of judging their ability.
So, they are a necessary evil.
It is strange that an examinee.s ability has to be judged in just three hours. Again,
there is no better way out. All who study know that they will have to appear in the
examination one day. They have had to work hard for months together. As the crucial
day comes, they reach the examination hall, prepared for it, some more some less.
A few minutes before the start of the examination, I saw a strange scene outside the
examination hall. An eerie silence prevails there. The examinees are carrying their
books and notes in their hands which they have already mugged up and are trying to
make this mugging firmer and firmer in their minds. Most of the examinees are busy
in their own work and are not inclined to talk. But a few, sitting or standing in groups
of two or three may be seen discussing some points.
Even the dullest students appear to be great scholars outside the examination hall.
They are poring over their books most attentively. Some of them may be thinking of
devising means of copying or behaving if they are caught copying.
The brilliant students are also busy revising their notes or lessons. But comparatively,
they are not so much agitated. They wear cool and balanced looks.
Most of the students reach the examination hall well before time. They look at the
notice-board to find out their room and even try to locate their seats. They try to
bring to the notice of the superintendent if they find any discrepancy. But a few
careless stud dents reach the hall late and enter it in a state of great excitement.
Rarely, there may be one or more students who get delayed because of some genuine
difficulty. The supervisors generally try to accommodate them. As soon as the bell
rings, all the students enter the hall.
Even I entered the hall at last. Unlike other students, I went inside with all the
materials required for exam & did my prayers. The supervisor gave the answer sheets
& question paper and everybody started writing the paper.
- #1-eStudy 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.
Ans : In the above picture, we can see boys playing cricket in their locality. It
seems a match between two groups from same area which is also called as .Gully
Cricket..
Unlike every game, cricket has its own plus point and its quite an interesting
game. The boys seems to be well trained and interested in the picture. The batsman
and the 2 fielders both are playing the game sporingly and with healthy spirit.
The image shows that batsman has played a shot and the 2 fielders are
trying to save their points by stopping the ball or catch the ball. Like the game is
played were every run counts a point, the batsman wants to make run and defends
his wicket and that's the reason he is striking the bat upwards in the direction of ball.
Overall, it seems to be an interesting match also enjoyed and accompanied by the
other boys.