English Olympiad Class 10 - Sample question paper 10
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Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined word(s)
Q) The novel's intricate plot kept readers engaged until the last page.
A. Complex
B. Simple
C. Intriguing
D. Elaborate
Answer: A. Complex
Explanation: "Intricate" refers to something detailed and complex.
Q) A precarious situation
A. casual
B. feasible
C. hazardous
D. inferior
Answer: C. hazardous
Explanation: "Precarious" means dependent on circumstances beyond one's control and can be hazardous or risky.
Q) In pristine condition
A. vague
B. virulent
C. immaculate
D. poignant
Answer: C. immaculate
Explanation: "Pristine" means in its original condition, clean, and fresh, similar to immaculate.
Q) A tenable argument
A. rational
B. complacent
C. devious
D. contentious
Answer: A. rational
Explanation: "Tenable" means capable of being defended, and a rational argument is one that can be defended logically.
Q) A solemn ritual
A. amazing
B. amusing
C. serious
D. dangerous
Answer: C. serious
Explanation: "Solemn" means formal and dignified, often associated with serious or ceremonial situations.
Q) Skill in using your hands
A. dexterity
B. ethnography
C. hermitage
D. panache
Answer: A. dexterity
Explanation: "Dexterity" refers to skill and grace in physical movement or use of hands.
Choose the most suitable option to complete each sentence
Q) The picture of an Indian elephant is on the next page. Turn ________ the page to look at it.
A. up
B. in
C. over
D. under
Answer: C. over
Explanation: The phrase "turn over the page" means to flip to the next page.
Q) If we had listened to our teacher, we _______ into trouble.
A. wouldn’t have got
B. will not get
C. hadn’t got
D. wouldn’t had got
Answer: A. wouldn’t have got
Explanation: The correct form is "wouldn't have got" indicating a past hypothetical situation.
Q) He talked a lot but never __________ the point.
A. got to
B. took too
C. made off
D. put to
Answer: A. got to
Explanation: The phrase "got to the point" means to reach or address the main issue or topic.
Q) Three hours _________ to run on the beach.
A. are a great period
B. are really difficult
C. has been tired
D. is a long time
Answer: D. is a long time
Explanation: The correct phrase is "Three hours is a long time to run on the beach."
Q) By this time tomorrow, I hope we ______ the assignment.
A. will have finished
B. will finished
C. have finished
D. will have finishing
Answer: A. will have finished
Explanation: The correct phrase is "will have finished," indicating a future completion.
Q) If I’d known it was your birthday, I _________ you some flowers.
A. will be buying
B. had bought
C. would have been bought
D. would’ve bought
Answer: D. would’ve bought
Explanation: The correct form is "would have bought" for a past unreal condition.
Q) When I arrived at the platform, the train __________ already _______.
A. had, left
B. –, left
C. is, leaving
D. has, left
Answer: A. had, left
Explanation: The past perfect tense is used to indicate an action completed before another in the past.
Q) While I _________ the dishes, my father _________ TV.
A. do, watched
B. was doing, was watching
C. did, is watching
D. would do, watched
Answer: B. was doing, was watching
Explanation: Both actions were happening simultaneously in the past, requiring the past continuous tense.
Q) Unless he suddenly _________, he __________ the new champion.
A. falters, will be
B. faltered, will be
C. has faltered, has been
D. would falter, would be
Answer: A. falters, will be
Explanation: The correct form is "Unless he suddenly falters, he will be the new champion."
Q) Try to avoid ______ activity in the evening as it might make getting to sleep difficult.
A. prevalent
B. eminent
C. arduous
D. sceptic
Answer: C. arduous
Explanation: "Arduous" means requiring a lot of effort and difficult, suitable in the context of the sentence.
Q) The exam had to be _____ at the last minute because the paper got leaked.
A. swapped down
B. swapped in
C. swapped out
D. swapped up
Answer: C. swapped out
Explanation: "The exam had to be swapped out at the last minute" suggests a change or replacement due to the leaked paper.
Q) It was ______ to announce that we’d won before the end of the match.
A. efficacious
B. presumptuous
C. judicious
D. moderate
Answer: B. presumptuous
Explanation: "Presumptuous" means excessively forward or confident, which fits the context of making an announcement before the end of the match.
Q) ________, we didn’t hear the telephone.
A. As we were asleep
B. When we are sleeping
C. Due to asleep
D. Before we have slept
Answer: A. As we were asleep
Explanation: "As we were asleep" indicates the time frame when the action happened.
Q) Please don’t call between 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm, as we________ dinner then.
A. will be having
B. will had
C. would had
D. were having
Answer: A. will be having
Explanation: "Will be having" is the correct future continuous tense.
Q) Do you drive on _____ right or on _____ left in the USA?
A. a/a
B. the/the
C. no article/no article
D. a/the
Answer: B. the/the
Explanation: In this context, it's referring to specific sides - "the right" and "the left."
Q) I am so ___________ as I went running today! Tomorrow I will need a rest.
A. exhausted
B. happy
C. disgusted
D. sad
Answer: A. exhausted
Explanation: "Exhausted" fits the context of feeling tired after running.
Q) When it gets too hot in the summer, I always _______ the swimming pool.
A. take in
B. bring in
C. let on
D. make for
Answer: D. make for
Explanation: "Make for" means to head for, which is suitable for going to the swimming pool to escape the heat.
Q) He talked a lot but never __________ the point.
A. got to
B. took too
C. made off
D. put to
Answer: A. got to
Explanation: "Got to" means to reach or arrive at, fitting the context of reaching the main point of discussion.
Q) Three hours __________ to run on the beach.
A. are a great period
B. are really difficult
C. has been tired
D. is a long time
Answer: D. is a long time
Explanation: "Three hours is a long time" is the correct phrase.
Q) By this time tomorrow, I hope we ______ the assignment.
A. will have finished
B. will finished
C. have finished
D. will have finishing
Answer: A. will have finished
Explanation: "Will have finished" is the correct future perfect tense.
Q) In the finals, I will have to _________ a very strong opponent.
A. turn in
B. break up
C. take on
D. clear away
Answer: C. take on
Explanation: "Take on" means to compete against or confront, fitting the context of facing a strong opponent.
Q) If I’d known it was your birthday, I _________ you some flowers.
A. will be buying
B. had bought
C. would have been bought
D. would’ve bought
Answer: D. would’ve bought
Explanation: The correct conditional statement for a past unreal situation is "would have bought."
Q) When I arrived at the platform, the train ________ already _______.
A. had, left
B. –, left
C. is, leaving
D. has, left
Answer: A. had, left
Explanation: Past perfect tense is used to show an action completed before another action in the past.
Q) While I _________ the dishes, my father _________ TV.
A. do, watched
B. was doing, was watching
C. did, is watching
D. would do, watched
Answer: B. was doing, was watching
Explanation: Both actions are in progress simultaneously in the past.
Q) Unless he suddenly _________, he __________ the new champion.
A. falters, will be
B. faltered, will be
C. has faltered, has been
D. would falter, would be
Answer: A. falters, will be
Explanation: The correct present simple tense is used in the conditional statement.
Q) Try to avoid ______ activity in the evening as it might make getting to sleep difficult.
A. prevalent
B. eminent
C. arduous
D. sceptic
Answer: C. arduous
Explanation: "Arduous" means requiring a lot of effort and is suitable in the given context.
Q) The exam had to be _____ at the last minute because the paper got leaked.
A. swapped down
B. swapped in
C. swapped out
D. swapped up
Answer: C. swapped out
Explanation: "Swapped out" is the correct phrasal verb indicating a last-minute change or substitution.
Q) It was ______ to announce that we’d won before the end of the match.
A. efficacious
B. presumptuous
C. judicious
D. moderate
Answer: B. presumptuous
Explanation: "Presumptuous" means failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate, which fits the context.