Maharashtra SSC Board Question Paper for Class 10th English 2018 In PDF

Maharashtra SSC Board 10th Standard English Exam Question Paper 2018 – Free Download

The Maharashtra SSC Board Class 10 English 2018 Question Paper will help the students master the grammar and the complex concepts related to the English language. These solutions also function as the best resource for students to prepare well for the board exams of Maharashtra SSC Board. Most students consider English an easy language to learn and do not give it much importance as with other subjects such as Maths or Science.

However, scoring in this language is easy if students know the language well. This previous year paper, in the meantime, also sets the foundation for the types of questions likely to be asked in the English exam for the boards. Students can access the question paper from the respective links mentioned in this article and answer the unsolved question paper PDF to practise for exams. Students can download the paper by clicking on the interactive PDF link. The printable format of the question paper is available here. The questions and answers are also published online on the web-page, for the convenience of the students.

In the meantime, students are urged to get familiar with the main topics covered in the MSBSHSE Class 10 English textbook. The below given question paper is considered as the perfect resource for students because it helps them to get an overview of the question paper format of the MSBSHSE Class 10 English exam. Students are advised to practise these previous year papers of Maharashtra Board Class 10 English to understand the language properly. Referring to these previous year question papers will help students gauge their performance and their preparation level for the exams. The students can solve these papers regularly to know how to answer the questions most proficiently.

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MSBSHSE SSC (Class 10) English 2018 Question Paper Solutions

Section-I

(Reading skill, Vocabulary and Grammar)

1 [20 Marks]

1. A Read the following passage and do the activities:

A 1 True or False:

Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are ‘true’ or ‘false.’

(i) Mashelkhar’s mother did menial work to bring him up.

Answer: True

(ii) Mashelkhar’s mother died when he was twelve.

Answer: False

Mashelkhar’s father died when he was six. About age 12, it is mentioned that he walked barefoot, till he was 12.

(iii) Mashelkhar was born in a very rich family.

Answer: False

Mashelkhar was born in a very poor family.

(iv)Tatas added much value to Mashelkhar’s life.

Answer: True

A scholarship of 60 rupees by Sir Dorab Tata Trust helped Mashelkhar continue his studies and added value to his life. It made him capable enough to address the audience, as a Director on the Board of Tata.

I start with my greatest guru-my mother. I was born in a very poor family, and my father died when I was six. We moved to Mumbai, and my mother did menial work to bring me up. Two meals a day was a tough challenge. I studied under street lights, and I walked barefoot until, I think, I was twelve. I remember when I passed the seventh standard, and I wanted to go into the eighth standard, our poverty was such that even to secure 21 rupees for secondary school admission became a big challenge. We had to borrow from a lady, who was a housemaid in Chaupati in Mumbai. That was the tough life I had.

In fact, I remember my passing the SSC Examination-i.e 11th standard. Those days it used to be not 10th standard or 12th standard but 11th standard. I stood 11th among 1,35,000, but I was about to leave higher education and find a job. What helped me was the scholarship by Sir Dorab Tata Trust. It was just 60 rupees per month and would you believe that 60 rupees per month from Tata’s added so much value to my life that I have been able to stand here today before you to speak to you.

I am on the Board of Tata now, and it is very interesting that the same Bombay house where I used to go to collect that 60 rupees per month now one goes and sits there like a Director on the Board of Tata Motors. The turn that these 40 years have taken is very interesting. It has all been possible because of the chance I got to do higher studies at the insistence of my mother. She gave me the values of my life. She was one of the noblest parents I have met in my life. So, my greatest guru was my mother. My second guru was Principal Bhave, about whom I made a mention earlier. He taught us Physics. Because it was a poor school, I remember, it had to innovate to convey to the young students the message of Science.

A 2. Complete:

Complete the following sentences and write:

(i) Mashelkhar was inspired by his greatest guru, _____

Answer: Mashelkhar was inspired by his greatest guru, his mother

(ii) Mashelkhar studied under_________

Answer: Mashelkhar studied under street lights

(iii) Principal Bhave taught________

Answer: Principal Bhave taught Physics

(iv) The scholarship by _________ Trust helped him in higher education

Answer: The scholarship by Sir Dorab Tata Trust helped him in higher education

A 3. Find the meaning:

Choose the correct meaning for the underlined words from the below given options:

(i) We moved to Mumbai and my mother did menial work.

1. skilled
2. hard
3. unskilled
4. of low status

Answer: (d) of low status

(ii) Because it was a poor school; it had to innovate to convey to the young students the message of Science.

1. do a cheap experiment
2. introduce new things
3. avoid
4. try hard

Answer: (b) introduce new things

(iii) I got to do higher studies at the insistence of my mother.

1. firm saying
2. being inspired
3. being inspected
4. being Instigated

Answer: (a) firm saying

(iv) That was the tough life I had.

1. difficult
2. soft
3. cheap
4. simple

Answer: (a) difficult

A 4. Match:

Match the following sentences with the given tags in the next column:

Answer:

A 5. Personal Response:

“Mother is the greatest Guru”. Discuss.

Answer: In this passage given above, Mashelkhar says that his mother is his greatest guru. She always insisted to him to get a higher education and she did menial work to bring him up. We can also relate to this because mothers always motivate their children to do well in life. They always support them to achieve success in their career and studies. They would willingly sacrifice their desires to ensure the welfare of their children. They will also impart wisdom to their children, guiding them to do well in life.

1. B [10 Marks]

Read the following passage and do the activities:

B 1. Match:

Match the content in Column “A” with the description of Mehndi design in Column “B”:

Answer:

Henna comes from the leaves of the plant Lawsonia inertias. The plant grows in hot and dry climates and is native to North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. The leaves of the plant are dried and crushed to powder. Various additives such as coffee decoction, tea, lime juice, Mehandi, and eucalyptus oil are mixed with henna powder to increase the potency of the dye; this also helps bind the powder to a paste-like consistency. The mixture is applied through cones in intricate patterns depending on the region of use.

Album of patterns

Four major patterns can be found in the vast dictionary of Mehandi designs. Earlier the application was restricted to hand and feet, but the adoption of Mehandi by different cultures throughout the world has seen experimentation on different body parts including the neck, naval and back.

North African patterns rely on geometrical images to trace the shape of hands and feet; Arabic designs borrow heavily from local textiles, paintings, and architecture. These are more spaced out, to allow the design to stand out boldly from the skin parts left untouched by henna. The Indian style comprises delicate loops and curves, paisleys, teardrops and flowers that give a dainty filigree glow-like effect. Though intricate patterning is the name of the game today, this trend took off in India only during the 20th century. The patterns preferred by the South Asian countries are mixed with Indo-Pakistani and Arabic design schemes. Chinese and Celtic symbols now find a place in the vast repertoire of Mehandi designs as well.

B 2. Complete:

Complete the sentence and write:

(i) The procedure before applying henna_____

Answer: The procedure before applying henna includes crushing the dried henna leaves and forming a powder. Various additives are also added with henna powder to increase the potency of the dye and to form a paste-like consistency.

(ii) The reasons for using additives______

Answer: The reasons for using additives is that they help to increase the dye’s potency and form a paste-like consistency, making it easier to apply.

(iii) The suitable climatic conditions for the henna plant_____

Answer: The suitable climatic conditions of the henna plant is a hot and dry climate.

(iv) Mehandi is used on __________

Answer: Mehandi is used on hands, feet and is also used as experimentation on other parts of the body such as the neck, naval and back.

B 3. Find words:

Look at the given descriptions and give appropriate words from the passage and write:

(i) Existing naturally in the place: n____

Answer: native

(ii) Consist of something: c_____

Answer: comprises

(iii) Delicate decoration made from gold, silver and copper wire : f_____

Answer: filigree

(iv) The substance that is added in small quantity: a_______

Answer: additives

B 4. Language Study:

Fill in the blanks with apt subordinators given in the box

(i) The mixture that is applied through the cones in intricate patterns_______ depends on the region of use.

Answer: The mixture that is applied through the cones in intricate patterns however depend on the region of use.

(ii) The intricate pattern is the name of the game today_______, this trend took off in India, recently.

Answer: (ii) The intricate pattern is the name of the game today however, this trend took off in India, recently.

(iii) North African Pattern relies on geometrical images______ they trace the shape of hands and feet.

Answer: North African Pattern relies on geometrical images so that they trace the shape of hands and feet.

(iv) The patterns preferred by the South Asian Countries are mixed with Indo-Pakistani_______ Arabic design schemes.

Answer: The patterns preferred by the South Asian Countries are mixed with Indo-Pakistani as well as Arabic design schemes.

B 5 Personal Response:

Which Mehandi design do you like? Why?

Answer: I like the Arabic Mehandi designs better because Arabic designs borrow heavily from local textiles, paintings and architecture. These are also more spaced out and allow the design to stand out boldly from the skin parts that are left untouched by henna.

2 [20 Marks]

2 A. Read the below given passage and follow instruction to do the activities:

A 1. Web:

Complete the following web with the help of the passage:

Answer:

My dictionary tells me that “personality” is the “Personal or individual quality that makes one person be different and act differently from another. “Personality is, “the total physical, intellectual and emotional structure of an individual, including abilities, interests and attitudes.

There are many benefits to having a pleasant personality. There is only one opportunity to make a first impression, and all of us instinctively make decisions or judgements about an individual within the first few seconds of crossing paths. With that in mind, when we teach our kids to smile, be pleasant and cheerful, be courteous and respectful of others, respond to requests or questions pleasantly, we are helping them develop a personality that will open many doors for them. Once the doors are opened, the character will keep them open; but personality, not the character is on display in the first few seconds. Therefore, it’s important to develop a pleasant personality and use it for life.

A 2. Personality:

Personality of an individual is recognised by:

(i) _________

Answer: intellectual and emotional structure

(ii)________

Answer: including abilities

(iii)________

Answer: interests

(iv) _________

Answer: attitudes

A 3 Vocabulary:

Find out the words for the given passage and write:

(i) Polite=

Answer: courteous

(ii) relating to feelings=

Answer: emotional

(iii) to do anything naturally without thinking=

Answer: instinctively

(iv) a chance to do something=

Answer: opportunity

A 4. Complete the below given table:

Answer:

Select any word from the table and use it meaningfully in a sentence of your own:

He treated her differently than Rita.

Her grip tightened instinctively around the book.

A 5. Personal Response:

Why do you think personality development is necessary?

Answer: Personality is, “the total physical, intellectual and emotional structure of an individual, including abilities, interests, and attitudes. Meanwhile, we believe that personality development is useful as it helps to open new doors for you.

2. B [10 Marks]

Read the given passage and follow the instructions carefully to answer the questions:

B 1. Select:

Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct options:

(i) It is more important to have_________before rushing to work. [lunch, breakfast, dinner]

Answer: It is more important to have breakfast before rushing to work.

(ii) Skipping breakfast brings a higher risk of _________( cancer, high attack, brain attack)

Answer: Skipping breakfast brings a higher risk of heart attack.

(iii) An adequate________ is provided by your meal. (energy, weight, height)

Answer: An adequate energy is provided by your meal.

(iv) More than half of the people risk heart attack due to _____ eating. ( early morning, afternoon, late-night)

Answer: More than half of the people risk heart attack due to late-night eating.

Men Who Skip Breakfast Face

27% Higher Risk Of Heart Attack

Late- night eaters at 55% risk. TNN.

London-Breakfast is widely acknowledged as the most important meal of the day. But now, there’s more reason to have that piece of toast before rushing to work: Skipping breakfast has for the first time been associated with an increase in heart attacks.

A study published in the American Heart Association journal circulation showed that men who skipped breakfast had a 27% higher risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease than those who didn’t.

“Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may, in turn, lead to a heart attack over time,” said Leah E. Cahill, lead author from the Harvard School of Public Health.

“Our study group has spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition, and now this new data also suggests overall dietary habits can be important to lower risk of coronary heart disease,” said co-author Eric Rimm.

“Don’t skip breakfast,” Cahill said. “Eating breakfast is associated with a decreased risk of heart attacks. Incorporating many types of healthy foods in your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meal provides adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients.

B 2. Find:

Find the pieces of ‘advice’ from the passage given and write:

Answer: Breakfast is widely acknowledged as the most important meal of the day. But now, there’s more reason to have that piece of toast before rushing to work: Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may, in turn, lead to a heart attack over time. Incorporating many types of healthy foods in your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meal provides adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients.

B 3 Antonyms:

Find out the antonyms from the passage for the below given words and write:

(i) higher –

Answer: lower

(ii) decrease –

Answer: increase

(iii) excluding –

Answer: including

(iv) low –

Answer: high

B 4. Reported Speech:

Complete the reported speech of the following sentences given indirect from:

(i) “Our study group has spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition,” said co-author Eric Rimm.

Co-author Eric Rimm_____

Answer: Co-author Eric Rimm said that their study group had spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition.

(ii) “Don’t skip breakfast,” Cahill said.

Cahill_____

Answer: Cahill said not to skip breakfast.

B 5. Personal Response:

How will you practice the message implied in the passage in your life?

Answer: The main message conveyed in this passage is that Breakfast is the most important meal of your day, and you should not skip it. Skipping breakfast could result in many risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and so on, which could cause a heart attack over a while. So, the best way to practise this message in your life is to incorporate many types of healthy foods in your breakfast to get adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients. Meanwhile, it is also best to avoid processed food and other food items that lack nutritional value.

Section- II

(Poetry)

3. [10 Marks]

3. A Read the extract given below and answer the following questions:

A 1. Complete:

Answer:

There was a roaring in the wind all night;

The rain came heavily and fell in floods;

But, now the sun is rising calm and bright,

The birds are singing in the distant woods;

Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;

The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;

And all the air is filled with pleasant voice of waters

All things that love the sun are out of doors;

The sky rejoices in the morning’s birth;

The grass is bright with raindrops-on the moors

The hare is running races in her mirth;

And with her feet she from the plashy earth

Raises a mist; that, glittering in the sun,

Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.

A 2. What do different birds do? Discuss.

Answer: The birds are all singing in the distant woods.

The Stock-dove broods over his own sweet voice

Jay answers and the Magpie chatters.

A 3. The sky rejoices in the morning’s birth. (Name and explain the figure of speech).

Answer: The figure of speech used in this poem is personification as the sky and the morning are given human qualities of ‘rejoicing’ and ‘giving birth to’.

3. B Read the extract and do the following activities:

B 1. Likes and Dislikes:

(i) The child likes eating_______

Answer: three full slabs of chocolate cake

(ii) The child dislikes eating______

Answer: Peas, bread, fat, gravy, grapes, Tomatoes, onions, peppers, fish

Garlic or cottage cheese and red sauce

They won’t eat peas; don’t like your bread-

For something in it crunches;

They gag on fat, the gravy’s gross,

They won’t eat grapes in bunches.

Tomatoes, onions, peppers, fish

Garlic nor cottage cheese;

Oh, It’s a dish uncommon rare

That truly seems to please.

No red sauce may the ice cream have,

“It’s bleeding”, they will say;

And gravely hand it to their mum

To take it to clean away

But let us speak of chocolate cake,

It must be frosted o’er;

They’ll devour three full slabs,

And calmly ask for more.

Oh, I do so always love to eat

With pricky little pests,

Whose parents joy to make them

The most undesirable guests!

B 2. What message does the poem convey to the students?

Answer: The message given in this poem is that children should not be picky eaters. Parents should make them eat everything and children should not make any fuss, when there are guests.

B 3. Pick out two pairs of rhyming words from the poem.

Answer: pests- guests, crunches-brunches, cheese-please, are some pairs of rhyming words in the poem.

Section-III

(Rapid Reading)

4 Read the following extract and complete the given activities: [5 Marks]

A 1. Compare the old and new house and complete the below table:

Answer:

I was thirteen, the year we moved to the Cantonment, at Allahabad. In stark contrast to the razzle-dazzle of the city’s commercial areas like Katra and Chowk, the Cantonment was a quiet, orderly place with broad tree-lined roads that still carried the names of long-dead Britishers. Our bungalow was on a sleepy by-lane called McPherson road. When we first saw it, my brothers and I were delighted. It was by far the biggest house we had ever lived in. The task of furnishing those huge, echoing rooms daunted mother.

“Is a slightly smaller house not available?” she asked father. “We do not have enough curtains for this place. And the furniture seems a little inadequate. Why did they have to plan the kitchen at such a distance from the dining room? It is like doing a route march. And who is going to help me keep this place clean and dusted?”

Her misgivings and objections were undoubtedly valid. But, seeing our crestfallen faces, she sighed and gave in. We made extravagant promises to help in the household chores. Keep our rooms tidy. Put away our toys and books. She smiled with amused disbelief, her mind already working out how many meters of curtain-cloth would be needed and so on.

A 2. Complete:

Complete the following list of objections that the mother had with the new house:

(i) Inadequate _____

Answer: furniture

(ii) Do not have ____

Answer: enough curtains

(iii) Kitchen at a distance from _____

Answer: the dining room. It is like doing a route march.

(iv) A very big_______

Answer: house. She wanted a smaller house.

A 3. Personal Response:

Do you agree with the objections raised by the mother? Explain.

Answer: The objections raised by the mother are real from a practical viewpoint. Since the size of the house was big, maintenance was hard work and required time. The task of furnishing the huge echoing rooms was also very daunting. Since they had lived in smaller houses before, the furnishings were inadequate for the huge house. Dusting and cleaning the house would also require more time. As the kitchen was further away from the dining room, carrying the food to and fro would also be a daunting task.

Section- IV

(Writing Skill)

5 [10 Marks]

5 A. A1 OR A 2. Do any one of the given activities:

5. A.1 Informal.

Write a letter to your friend informing about the house on rent. Add your own points.

Answer: Activity to be done by students.

Format given below:

Address

Date

Salutation: Dear John, Dearest Lizzy and so on

Introduction: How are you? Hope you are doing well …. so on

Body of the letter: Come to the main point, describe the house, location, facilities available, rent amount, and so on

Conclusion: End the letter by asking for their response to the offer.

Sincerely or Lovingly,

Your name

Or

5. A. 2 Formal:

Look at the following advertisement from the classified section of the newspaper and develop a letter addressing the owner and asking for more information.

Flats Available: 1 BHK and 2 BHK

Flats are available on a rental basis.

Fully furnished, affordable rent

Contact: Mr. A.P. Jog,

100, M.G. Road, Mumbai

[email protected]

Answer: Activity to be done by the students.

The format for the same is given below:

To,

Contact

Address

Email

Date

Subject: Request to flat-owner to know more details about the flat

Salutation: Hello, Mr. A.P. Jog,

Introduce yourself. State the reason for sending email. Can ask for more details about the flat. Also, fix an appointment to view the flat at a feasible time for both.

Finally, you can end the letter by thanking the owner for his time. Also, leave your contact details such as phone / mobile number for the owner to contact you.

Thanking you,

Your Name

Address

5 B. Do any from the given activities:

5. B. 1 Do any of the following activities:

Report:

You have visited “Thasa” Exhibition. Based on the advertisement given, prepare a report. You may add your own points.

Answer: Activity to be done by the students.

Or

5. B.2. Interview:

Prepare a list of 10 questions to interview Amisha Jain, the artist seeking her guidance as you want to make a career in “art”.

Warli Painting

‘Theresa’ is an exhibition of Warli paintings organised by the Raja Kelkar Museum. On display are the paintings of Amisha Jain. On this occasion, the museum provides guidance and a platform for young people who want to cultivate their hobbies and art.

Date – October 23 to 29

Time from – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue- Raja Kelkar Museum,

Bajirao Road, Pune

Answer: Here are some questions to ask the artist:

1. We would like to know more about you. Tell us about your journey into art.
2. Tell us more about the project ‘Colorize the Future.’
3. What was the inspiration to take up this cause?
4. How can we contribute to the cause?
5. Tell us more about your next projects.
6. Do you have any advice for young artists? What is it?
7. What is the meaning of “Being an Artist”?
8. What is the aim behind your art?
9. Name the person who has influenced you the most in your life or career.
10. Which are the current art trends that you are following?

6 [10 Marks]

6. An Information Transfer:

6. A. 1 Transfer the information into a paragraph about ‘Average Annual Tea Consumption Per Person’, as shown in the below given table:

Answer: According to the table given, we can see that the Tea consumption per person (in Kg) is 3.15 for Turkey, 2.19 for Ireland and 1.94 for the United Kingdom. At the same time, other countries like Russia, Morocco, China and India are behind in Tea consumption with 1.38, 1.21, 0.57 and 0.32. If we consider the population and the countries’ area, you will see that Ireland is bigger. However, from the table, we see Turkey leads in Tea consumption per person(in Kg). Thus, Turkey, Ireland and the United Kingdom are the world’s biggest tea consumers per person. From, here, you also see that India has the least Tea consumption per person.

Or

6. A.2 Read the given paragraph and transfer the information in the form of a tree diagram:

The United Nations was established at the end of the second world war to maintain international peace and security.

In the central system of the UN, there are 15 members of the Security Council. The Economic and Social Council has 54 members. The Secretariat of the United Nations is headed by a Secretary- General.

The UN has several specialised agencies such as the World Health Organisation(WHO), the Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Labour Organisation(ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO).

Answer: Activity to be done by students by themselves.

6. B Attempt any of the given activities:

6. B.1 Speech:

You are selected as the head boy/girl of your school. You are expected to appeal to the students for growing more trees. Look at the following news to prepare your speech. You may use your own points.

Patan: The fast deforestation in the vicinity is resulting in serious changes in the weather conditions. Scanty rain, migration of birds, rising level of mercury is all due to the loss of proper environment. If we don’t take proper steps in time, we will have to face the penalty.

Answer: Activity to be done by the students.

Or

6. B. 2 Views:

Develop a paragraph on the view by using the points given below:

Answer: Activity to be done by the students.

7. Develop a paragraph of about 100 words expanding any of the below given expressions: [5 Marks]

(i) A stitch in time saves nine

Answer: “A stitch in time saves nine” means that any timely action can save us a lot of trouble and loss of time and so on. This statement tells us about the importance of doing our work on time. If we are lazy and leave our work for tomorrow, we are more likely to suffer from loss.

So, in short, the phrase tells us that it is better to do our work on time instead of delaying it. Hence, if we encounter any difficulty, we can remove it very quickly with prompt action.

We know that our life on earth is short, and we have much work to do. For this reason, we do not have any spare time. We will have to buck up and do all our work on time. A time that has passed can never be recalled. This is why we say that if we have any work to do, we should do it asap.

(ii) Female Infanticide- stigma on the society

Answer: Infanticide means the intentional killing of infants and female infanticide means to kill a girl child. Female infanticide is known to be more popular than the killing of a male child. Female infanticide leads to an imbalance of sex ratio, leading to more males than females. So, there will be very few girls to marry and build a family with.

India is known to lead in female infanticide over other countries, and this needs to be stopped. Female infanticide is prevalent amongst low caste people as they believe that a girl child can never take over a boy’s place. They do not want to spend money on bringing up a girl child, their education, or their wedding expenses. Many believe that the girl child will also not be able to work or earn money.

People of India mainly believe that a girl child is only worthy of delivering children and staying at home. She will not be able to work on a farm or provide meals for the family. Even though women today are empowered there are still many people who consider them useless.

Other than the dowry system, some of the societal evils that have given birth to this evil custom are the patriarchal society, poverty, and the accessibility to sex-selective abortion. This corrupt system is mainly prevailing in rural places of India. People have to be empowered enough to know that girls are as equally important as boys. She holds the root of your home in her hands, and she has to be saved if we are to take a step into our future.

(iii) ________ that’s how we reached at the airport from Kedarnath.

Answer: Activity to be completed by the students.