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CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2026-27 Solved

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2026-27

CBSE Class 10 English: sample paper 2026-27

The sample question paper CBSE published for the 2026-27 session, as printed: 11 questions for 80 marks, in sections, with each OR choice shown as an alternative. Try each question first, then open our solution.

Every question here has our step-by-step solution, split into the steps that earn marks. Each one was checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

Source: official sample question paper from cbseacademic.nic.in: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/SQP/ClassX_2026_27/EnglishL-SQP.pdf. Questions are transcribed from that PDF; figures are described in words, so check the official paper for them.

Practise a paper like this, timedMy board paper sets a full paper in this exact format from real board questions, with a timer.Get your written answers markedThe Answer Coach marks a photo of your handwritten answer step by step, like the examiner.

How the paper is set

SectionQuestionsWhat it has
A1-2Reading Skills (20 marks): Q1 and Q2 are passage-based, 10 marks each
B3-5Writing Skills and Grammar (20 marks): Q3 grammar (any ten of twelve, 1 mark each); Q4 letter (5 marks, A/B); Q5 analytical paragraph (5 marks, A/B)
C6-11Literature Textbook (40 marks): Q6 and Q7 extracts (5 marks each, choice); Q8 any four of five (3 each); Q9 any two of three (3 each); Q10 and Q11 choice (6 each)

Instructions in brief: All questions are compulsory, but internal choice is given in Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q10 and Q11 (attempt one alternative), Q3 requires any ten of twelve tasks, Q8 any four of five, and Q9 any two of three.

Section A

Reading Skills (20 marks): Q1 and Q2 are passage-based, 10 marks each

  1. Q1 · 10 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)

    Read the following passage.

    (1) Have you ever really looked at a toy store shelf and wondered what you're actually looking at? Rows upon rows of plastic products—bright, shiny, and visually appealing. We barely question them anymore. But here's a question worth asking: does the type of toy we choose really matter? The answer might surprise you. It turns out that choosing between a conventional plastic toy and an eco-friendly alternative is about far more than just grabbing something off the shelf.

    (2) Let's be honest—plastic toys are everywhere. They've been the default choice for generations, and there's a reason: they're affordable, they're designed to grab attention, and they work. However, what exactly are we getting when we buy a mass-produced plastic toy? Often, we're getting something made with chemicals like BPA* and lead, substances that make manufacturing cheaper. These aren't just abstract risks floating in the background. They're real concerns that affect real people, especially children who interact with these toys daily.

    (3) This is precisely why eco-friendly toys matter so much. Crafted from organic cotton, sustainable wood, and recycled materials, they ask a fundamental question: what if toys could be safe, engaging, and environmentally responsible all at once? When we choose these alternatives, we're not just buying a toy—we're making a statement about what we value.

    (4) Ever noticed how a wooden block can keep a child entertained for hours, while some plastic gadget loses its appeal in minutes? There's a reason for that. Eco-friendly toys often engage children's minds differently. Natural materials offer something special—rich textures, varied tactile experiences, and a kind of sensory richness that engages the brain in deeper ways. A wooden building set doesn't just entertain; it challenges children to think, problem-solve, and create. It demands imagination in a way that pre-programmed, plastic alternatives never can.

    (5) Think about the typical lifespan of a plastic toy. It breaks, it ends up in landfills, and it's replaced. Eco-friendly toys, however, are designed to survive. They're built to last years, to be passed along, to become keepsakes rather than waste. This durability speaks volumes about the difference between toys made purely for profit and toys made with purpose.

    (6) Ultimately, the choice between conventional and eco-friendly toys reflects something deeper: how we think about consumption itself. Do we want a world where toys are disposable trinkets, or do we want objects that matter—that are safe, engaging, and kind to the planet? It's not just about toys. It's about the choices we make every single day and what those choices say about who we are and what kind of future we're building.

    *BPA: Bisphenol A, a chemical used primarily in the production of plastic items
    Created for academic usage / 435 words

    Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

    1. I

      In Paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘rows upon rows of plastic products’ emphasise?

      1 mark
    2. II

      Complete the following with the correct option from the two given.
      When the writer says, ‘These aren’t just abstract risks floating in the background’, he refers to _________. (paragraph 2)

      1. (a)the potential health hazards present in mass-produced plastic toys that consumers often ignore or are unaware of.
      2. (b)the general concerns about toy safety that exist in society but don't directly affect individual purchasing decisions.
      1 mark
    3. III

      The writer mentions, ‘organic cotton, sustainable wood, and recycled materials’ in paragraph 3.
      Which of the following is an example of ‘recycled material’?

      1. (A)Hand spun clothes certified by environmental organisations
      2. (B)Cotton grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers
      3. (C)Plastic bottles processed and converted into shoes
      4. (D)Wood treated with chemical preservatives to extend lifespan
      1 mark
    4. IV

      In paragraphs 2 and 3, the writer contrasts the characteristics of plastic toys with eco-friendly toys.
      What does this comparison reveal about the writer's perspective on consumer responsibility?

      2 marks
    5. V

      Identify whether the following statement is True or False. (Paragraph 4)
      The sensory richness of eco-friendly toys primarily enhances children's entertainment value rather than their cognitive development.

      1 mark
    6. VII

      Read the statements (i–v) given below and select the option that correctly classifies them as Facts (F) or Opinions (O).
      (i) BPA and lead are used in the production of mass-produced plastic toys.
      (ii) Plastic toys are affordable and attractive, which makes them popular.
      (iii) Eco-friendly toys are designed to survive longer and are not discarded as waste.
      (iv) Wooden toys engage children's minds in deeper and more meaningful ways than plastic toys.
      (v) The choice between plastic and eco-friendly toys is about mindful consumption.

      1. (A)(i) O (ii) O (iii) F (iv) F (v) O
      2. (B)(i) F (ii) F (iii) O (iv) O (v) F
      3. (C)(i) O (ii) F (iii) F (iv) O (v) O
      4. (D)(i) F (ii) O (iii) F (iv) O (v) O
      1 mark
    7. VIII

      What might be the author’s purpose of asking rhetorical questions** throughout the passage?
      ** a figure of speech in which questions are asked for a reason other than to get an answer

      2 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) The phrase stresses the overwhelming abundance of plastic toys on shelves. It shows how pervasive plastic products have become in consumer culture.

      1 mark

    2. (II) (a) The risks are real health hazards in mass-produced plastic toys, which buyers often ignore or do not know about.

      1 mark

    3. (III) (C) Plastic bottles processed and converted into shoes. This is the only option in which waste material is reused to make a new product.

      1 mark

    4. (IV) The contrast shows that the writer believes consumer responsibility goes beyond convenience and low price. Plastic toys may contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and lead, while eco-friendly toys are safe and sustainable. Consumers should therefore put children's health and the environment before cost, and informed choice is both a personal and a collective duty.

      2 marks

    5. (V) False. The passage says natural materials engage the brain more deeply and make children think, solve problems and create. They develop cognition, not just entertainment.

      1 mark

    6. (VII) (D). (i) is a fact, as it can be verified. (ii) is an opinion about popularity. (iii) is a fact about design and durability. (iv) is an opinion, as it is a judgement. (v) is an opinion.

      1 mark

    7. (VIII) The author uses rhetorical questions to engage readers directly and make them think about their own buying choices. They encourage critical thinking and build a persuasive case for accepting eco-friendly alternatives.

      2 marks

    Answer: (I) abundance and pervasiveness of plastic products; (II) a; (III) C; (IV) consumers should prioritise children's health and the environment over cost; (V) False; (VII) D; (VIII) to engage readers, provoke reflection and persuade

    Where the marks are

    • Identifies abundance and pervasiveness of plastic (1 mark)
    • Chooses option (a) (1 mark)
    • Chooses option C (1 mark)
    • Says responsibility goes beyond convenience and cost (1 mark)
    • Links this to health and environment, with informed choice as a duty (1 mark)
    • States False (1 mark)
    • Chooses D (1 mark)
    • Says rhetorical questions engage readers and provoke thought (1 mark)
    • Says they build a persuasive argument for eco-friendly alternatives (1 mark)

    Open Q1 on its own page

  2. Q2 · 10 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)

    Read the following passage.

    (1) A 2023 report found that ‘audio routines’ have become a mainstay in people’s daily lives. Unlike traditional content, audio-based experiences offer a hands-free and eyes-free experience, allowing individuals to stay entertained or absorb information outside the confines of a screen or paper book. The audiobooks market in India is also witnessing intense growth, fuelled by the rapid adoption of smartphones and a rising preference for convenient, on-the-go content consumption.

    (2) A survey found that half of audiobook listeners spend between 1-4 hours per week listening to audiobooks and 33% spend 5-10 hours a week. When asked in which scenarios they’re most likely to hit play on an audiobook, commute was the most popular choice. 63% said they listen to audiobooks while on the go, 54% while completing household chores and 44% while relaxing or falling asleep. 56% of the listeners generally prefer to listen to fiction over non-fiction books.

    (3) 67% of audiobook listeners say they read more with audiobooks compared to books in traditional text format. When integrated into daily routines, audiobooks serve as a channel for more people to enjoy literature, accommodating those with the busiest of schedules.

    (4) The audiobook format also offers a user-friendly format that enables a diverse population, including individuals with physical or neurological limitations to have access to literature. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for individuals with attention span difficulties, allowing them to engage with books despite the challenges of sitting down and maintaining a focus on reading.

    Created for academic usage / 253 words

    Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

    1. I

      Complete the sentence by selecting the correct option from those given in the bracket.
      The word ‘mainstay’ as used in Paragraph 1 suggests that audiobooks have ______.
      (overpowered people’s lives/ become a support in people’s lives)

      1 mark
    2. II

      What does relationship between smartphone adoption and audiobook suggest about consumer preferences? (Paragraph 1)

      1 mark
    3. III

      Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below.
      Assertion: The most preferred scenario for listening to audiobooks is when travelling.
      Reason: During travel, listeners struggle with short attention span problems.

      1. (A)Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
      2. (B)Both are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
      3. (C)The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
      4. (D)The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
      1 mark
    4. IV

      Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
      All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 2 EXCEPT—

      1. (A)50% of audiobook listeners spend between one and four hours weekly listening to audiobooks.
      2. (B)A little more than half of the audiobook listeners prefer fiction over non-fiction content.
      3. (C)Approximately 30% percent of listeners spend less than one hour weekly listening to audiobooks.
      4. (D)Audiobooks have made it possible for people to appreciate literature.
      1 mark
    5. V

      Compare the preference for fiction (56%) versus non-fiction in audiobooks. What might this suggest about listener expectations? (Paragraph 2)

      2 marks
    6. VII

      Identify the phrase from paragraph 4 that indicates that everyone would find audiobooks easy and comfortable.

      1 mark
    7. VIII

      A student with reading difficulties wants to complete his reading assignments in school. Why would an audio book option be an advantage? (Paragraph 4)

      1 mark
    8. IX

      Suggest one reason why the title, ‘Rise of Audiobooks: Transforming Reading’ is a suitable title for the passage.

      1 mark
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) become a support in people's lives. 'Mainstay' means something that supports and is relied upon.

      1 mark

    2. (II) It suggests that consumers increasingly prefer digital, on-the-go content that fits mobile lifestyles, rather than physical books or stationary screens.

      1 mark

    3. (III) (C). The assertion is true, as commute was the most popular scenario. The reason is false, because the passage never says travellers have attention span problems.

      1 mark

    4. (IV) (C). The passage says half listen for 1-4 hours and 33% for 5-10 hours, which leaves only about 17% for less than one hour, not 30%.

      1 mark

    5. (V) The strong preference for fiction (56%) suggests that listeners use audiobooks mainly for narrative-driven content. Storytelling suits audio, where the narrator's voice and the plot's twists add to engagement.

      2 marks

    6. (VII) 'user-friendly format'

      1 mark

    7. (VIII) Listening removes text-processing barriers such as decoding words, so the student can engage with the assigned books despite his reading difficulty.

      1 mark

    8. (IX) The title is suitable because it captures the main shift the passage describes, with 67% of listeners reading more through audiobooks. It also covers the growth and benefits discussed in all four paragraphs.

      1 mark

    Answer: (I) become a support in people's lives; (II) preference for digital, on-the-go content; (III) C; (IV) C; (V) fiction suits narrative-driven audio; (VII) user-friendly format; (VIII) removes text-decoding barriers; (IX) captures growth and benefits

    Where the marks are

    • Chooses 'become a support' (1 mark)
    • Says consumers prefer digital, on-the-go content (1 mark)
    • Chooses C (1 mark)
    • Chooses C (1 mark)
    • Links fiction preference to narrative-driven use (1 mark)
    • Says storytelling works well in audio with narration (1 mark)
    • Quotes 'user-friendly format' (1 mark)
    • Says audio removes reading barriers (1 mark)
    • Gives a valid reason for the title (1 mark)

    Open Q2 on its own page

Section B

Writing Skills and Grammar (20 marks): Q3 grammar (any ten of twelve, 1 mark each); Q4 letter (5 marks, A/B); Q5 analytical paragraph (5 marks, A/B)

  1. Q3 · 10 marks · GrammarGrammar

    Complete any ten of the twelve following tasks, as directed.

    1. I

      Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete the opening line of a formal email:
      Dear Ms. Sharma,
      We are writing to confirm that your application for the scholarship programme ____________________ by our selection committee last week.

      1. (A)has been reviewed
      2. (B)was reviewed
      3. (C)has been reviewing
      4. (D)will be reviewed
      1 mark
    2. II

      Report the doctor's statement.
      Doctor: “You should reduce your sugar intake and exercise regularly.”

      1 mark
    3. III

      Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the official notice:
      Notification to All Students,
      Please note that _________________ applicants who have submitted incomplete forms are required to resubmit their documents by Friday.

      1. (A)these
      2. (B)those
      3. (C)this
      4. (D)that
      1 mark
    4. IV

      Read Isha's statement to her class teacher about missing school:
      “I was absent yesterday because I had to visit the dentist for my regular check-up.”
      Report Isha's statement by completing the following sentence:
      Isha explained that _________________.

      1 mark
    5. V

      Identify and correct the error in the given line from a technical report:
      Neither the software developers nor the project manager were aware of the compatibility issues.
      (Table to be completed: Error | Correction)

      1 mark
    6. VII

      The given question has an error. Select the option that correctly identifies the error and the correction.
      What among these books have you read before?
      (Table: No. | Error | Correction)
      A. What | Which
      B. among | between
      C. these | this
      D. have | has

      1. (A)What / Which
      2. (B)among / between
      3. (C)these / this
      4. (D)have / has
      1 mark
    7. VIII

      Juhi asked her friend the following question:
      “Are you prepared for the mathematics test next week?”
      Report it correctly to complete the following sentence.
      Juhi asked her friend _________________.

      1 mark
    8. IX

      Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
      Saira was disappointed when she saw there was _______ food left to serve the guests.

      1. (A)few
      2. (B)least
      3. (C)any
      4. (D)little
      1 mark
    9. X

      Identify the error and suggest the correction.
      Each of the participants in the Science Fair have been given a set of guidelines to follow during the competition.
      (Table to be completed: Error | Correction)

      1 mark
    10. XI

      Fill in the blank to complete the teacher’s advice by choosing the correct options from those given in brackets.
      If you practice regularly, you ____________ win the quiz competition next month. (might / must)

      1 mark
    11. XII

      Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given in the brackets from a travel blog.
      This hill station ____________ (lose) its natural beauty since the last time I saw it.

      1 mark
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. I. B, 'was reviewed'. Passive voice in the simple past, because 'last week' marks a finished time.

      1 mark

    2. II. The doctor advised the patient to reduce his sugar intake and exercise regularly.

      1 mark

    3. III. B, 'those'. It refers to a specific group of applicants.

      1 mark

    4. IV. she had been absent the previous day because she had had to visit the dentist for her regular check-up. (Rule: the past tense moves back one step, 'yesterday' becomes 'the previous day', 'my' becomes 'her'.)

      1 mark

    5. V. Error: were. Correction: was. With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'the project manager', which is singular.

      1 mark

    6. VII. A. 'What' should be 'Which', because the choice is from a limited set of books.

      1 mark

    7. VIII. if she was prepared for the mathematics test the following week. (Rule: a yes/no question is reported with 'if', in statement order.)

      1 mark

    8. IX. D, 'little'. 'Food' is uncountable and the sense is negative.

      1 mark

    9. X. Error: have. Correction: has. The subject 'each' is singular.

      1 mark

    10. XI. might. It expresses a possibility, not a certainty.

      1 mark

    11. XII. has lost. Present perfect, because of 'since'.

      1 mark

    Answer: I B; II reported with 'advised...to reduce'; III B; IV she had been absent the previous day because she had had to visit the dentist for her regular check-up; V were→was; VII A; VIII if she was prepared for the mathematics test the following week; IX D; X have→has; XI might; XII has lost

    Where the marks are

    • Each correct item earns 1 mark; any ten are to be attempted (10 marks)

    Open Q3 on its own page

  2. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q4(a) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills

    NOTE: All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

    You are Maya Nair, a concerned resident of Green View Colony, Guwahati. You feel that your colony lacks adequate recreational and community spaces for residents of all age groups. The existing facilities are insufficient. Write a letter to the Secretary of your Resident Welfare Association (RWA) in 120 words, highlighting the need for establishing a community centre in the colony explaining how it will benefit the residents.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Format: sender's address and date at top left. Receiver: The Secretary, Resident Welfare Association, Green View Colony, Guwahati. Subject: Need for a community centre in Green View Colony. Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam.

      1 mark

    2. Opening and issue: I am writing as a concerned resident about the lack of recreational and community spaces in our colony. The present facilities are insufficient. There is no indoor play area for children and no venue for cultural programmes or meetings.

      1 mark

    3. Need and benefits for children and youth: A community centre would give them a safe space for indoor games, workshops and educational activities, away from traffic.

      1 mark

    4. Benefits for adults and elders: It would host meetings, cultural events, and yoga and fitness classes. It would also reduce isolation among senior citizens and bring families together, building a sense of belonging.

      1 mark

    5. Appeal and close: I request you to place this proposal before the committee and start work soon, with the cooperation of residents and the authorities. Thanking you. Yours sincerely, Maya Nair.

      1 mark

    Answer: A formal letter of about 120 words to the RWA Secretary, urging a community centre and listing its benefits for all age groups.

    Where the marks are

    • Correct letter format: address, date, receiver, subject, salutation, close (1 mark)
    • Content: states the issue and context (1 mark)
    • Content: explains the benefits for all age groups (1 mark)
    • Organisation of ideas in clear paragraphs (1 mark)
    • Accuracy of language and word limit (1 mark)

    Open Q4(a) on its own page

    OR

    Q4(B) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills

    You are Nandan Banerjee, a concerned citizen. Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily raising concern over the open burning of hospital and domestic waste in your city. Draw attention to its serious health implications, the need for scientific waste disposal practices and public awareness.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Format: sender's address and date. Receiver: The Editor, [Name of Daily], City. Subject: Open burning of hospital and domestic waste. Salutation: Sir/Madam.

      1 mark

    2. Issue: Used syringes, bandages and other biomedical waste, along with household garbage, are burnt openly on roadsides and in plots near homes. The practice is frequent and goes unchecked.

      1 mark

    3. Health implications: The burning releases toxic gases and contaminates soil and groundwater. It causes asthma, bronchitis and lung damage, and spreads infection, especially among children, the elderly and pregnant women.

      1 mark

    4. Solutions: Hospitals must follow biomedical waste rules strictly. Colour-coded bins should be used for segregation, and the municipality should collect waste regularly. Awareness drives through schools, RWAs and the media are also needed.

      1 mark

    5. Appeal: I request your paper to highlight the issue and urge the Municipal Corporation and the Pollution Control Board to act quickly. Citizens should report violations. Yours faithfully, Nandan Banerjee.

      1 mark

    Answer: A formal letter to the Editor on the health dangers of open waste burning, urging scientific disposal and awareness.

    Where the marks are

    • Correct format: sender's address, date, receiver, subject, salutation, close (1 mark)
    • Content: issue and health implications (1 mark)
    • Content: scientific disposal and public awareness (1 mark)
    • Organisation of ideas (1 mark)
    • Accuracy of language (1 mark)

    Open Q4(B) on its own page

  3. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q5(A) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills

    Read the product details mentioned on an e-commerce website for a student study desk organiser.

    ⇒ Multi-compartment storage with dedicated slots for books, stationery, and digital devices
    ⇒ Eco-friendly bamboo wood construction with non-toxic finish
    ⇒ Adjustable shelves to accommodate different item sizes
    ⇒ Compact yet spacious design suitable for a small room space
    ⇒ Anti-slip base prevents sliding on smooth surfaces
    ⇒ Available in natural wood and light oak finishes
    ⇒ Backed by a 5-year durability guarantee

    Now, analyse why this desk organiser would be a good purchase for students. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, considering factors such as its sustainability, organisational efficiency, optimal use of space, functionality, and student appeal.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. The student study desk organiser is a good purchase for students who want to stay organised and focused. Its multi-compartment slots for books, stationery and devices keep the desk clutter-free, which helps concentration. The bamboo construction with a non-toxic finish shows environmental responsibility and is safe to use.

      2 marks

    2. Adjustable shelves let students store items of different sizes. The compact yet spacious design suits a small room and makes good use of limited space.

      1 mark

    3. The anti-slip base keeps it stable on smooth surfaces. The natural wood and light oak finishes suit any room décor and appeal to young users. The five-year guarantee assures durability and value for money, so it is a smart investment.

      2 marks

    Answer: An analytical paragraph of about 120 words with no title, covering sustainability, organisation, space, functionality and student appeal.

    Where the marks are

    • Content: analyses the features, not just lists them (2 marks)
    • Organisation: logical flow with a topic sentence and a conclusion (2 marks)
    • Accuracy of language and word limit (1 mark)

    Open Q5(A) on its own page

    OR

    Q5(B) · 5 marks · WritingCompetency-basedWriting Skills

    Vikram, a student of Grade X, has been offered the position of President of his school's Debate Club, which requires 5-7 hours weekly commitment. Study the SWOT notes and write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 to evaluate whether accepting this responsibility is advisable.

    StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats
    Develops public speaking and leadership skillsSignificant time commitment away from studiesRecognition and awards when representing school in state or national level competitionsRisk of burnout balancing multiple responsibilities
    Creates strong network of like-minded peersManaging team conflicts and disagreementsOpportunity to collaborate with other school clubs for joint eventsConflicts with board examination preparation schedule & potential decline in academic performance
    Access to debate mentors and senior members who can provide guidance and supportLimited time available for other activitiesUseful for university admissions in future due to leadership experienceCriticism or negative feedback from members
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Accepting the Debate Club presidency would give Vikram a chance to build leadership and public speaking skills, a network of like-minded peers, and guidance from mentors. Recognition at state or national competitions and the leadership experience could also help his future university applications.

      2 marks

    2. However, the 5-7 hours weekly commitment clashes with board examination preparation and risks a fall in marks and burnout. Managing team conflicts and criticism takes emotional effort, and it leaves little time for other interests.

      2 marks

    3. Overall, he should accept only if he can manage his time well and keep academics as the priority. With careful planning, the benefits are likely to outweigh the challenges.

      1 mark

    Answer: An analytical paragraph of 100-120 words weighing the SWOT points and concluding that he may accept only with strong time management.

    Where the marks are

    • Content: covers strengths and opportunities, and weaknesses and threats (2 marks)
    • Organisation: balanced evaluation leading to a reasoned conclusion (2 marks)
    • Accuracy of language and word limit (1 mark)

    Open Q5(B) on its own page

Section C

Literature Textbook (40 marks): Q6 and Q7 extracts (5 marks each, choice); Q8 any four of five (3 each); Q9 any two of three (3 each); Q10 and Q11 choice (6 each)

  1. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q6(A) · 5 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedThe Proposal

    Read the given extracts A and B and answer ANY ONE of the two.

    A. Natalya: But what’s this? Why, you’re in evening dress! Well, I never! Are you going to a ball or what? Though I must say you look better…Tell me, why are you got up like that?
    Lomov: [excited] You see, honoured Natalya Stepanova…the fact is, I’ve made up my mind to ask you to hear me out…Of course you’ll be surprised and perhaps even angry, but a…[aside] It’s awfully cold!
    Natalya: What’s the matter? [pause] Well?
    Lomov: I shall try to be brief: You must know, honoured Natalya Stepanova, that I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family. My late aunt and her husband, from whom, as you know, I inherited my land, always had the greatest respect for your father and your late mother. (The Proposal)

    1. I

      Which of the following statements best explains Natalya’s attitude in the opening lines of the extract?

      1. (a)She is genuinely surprised by his formal attire and expresses sincere admiration while seeking an explanation.
      2. (b)She mocks his formal dress with sarcasm to conceal her anxiety about his unexpected and unusual appearance.
      1 mark
    2. II

      What do the ellipses (…) in Lomov’s speech highlight?

      1. (A)reveals his struggle to articulate his prepared thoughts
      2. (B)shows his overconfidence and casual attitude
      3. (C)demonstrates his anxiety and emotional turmoil
      4. (D)indicates a lack of intelligence and education
      1 mark
    3. III

      Complete the following suitably.
      Lomov is quite formal in his conversation with Natalya and prepares lengthy justifications because he ____________.

      1 mark
    4. IV

      How does the author's use of stage directions such as [excited] and [aside] enhance the dramatic tension in this extract?

      2 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) (a). Natalya is genuinely surprised and curious. Her words 'you look better' are sincere, and her questions are direct, not mocking.

      1 mark

    2. (II) (C). The ellipses show Lomov's anxiety and emotional turmoil as he speaks haltingly.

      1 mark

    3. (III) he is nervous about proposing and wants to establish his worthiness and family credentials, impressing her with formal respect.

      1 mark

    4. (IV) [excited] shows Lomov's inner agitation behind his formal speech, which creates dramatic irony. [aside] lets the audience hear his private thought that it is cold. This makes his nervousness visible and builds tension.

      2 marks

    Answer: (I) a; (II) C; (III) he is nervous about proposing and wants to impress her with his family connections; (IV) stage directions reveal his inner agitation and private thoughts

    Where the marks are

    • Chooses (a) (1 mark)
    • Chooses C (1 mark)
    • Gives the nervousness or wish-to-impress reason (1 mark)
    • Explains [excited] revealing inner state (1 mark)
    • Explains [aside] revealing private thoughts and raising tension (1 mark)

    Open Q6(A) on its own page

    OR

    Q6(B) · 5 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedBholi

    Read the given extracts A and B and answer ANY ONE of the two.

    B. Sweat broke out over her whole body. Would her stammering tongue again disgrace her? For the sake of this kind woman, however she decided to make an effort. She had such a soothing voice; she would not laugh at her.
    “Bh-Bh-Bho-Bho,” she began to stammer.
    “Well done, well done,” the teacher encouraged her. “Come on, now— the full name?
    “Bh-Bh-Bho-Bholi.” At last she was able to see it and felt relieved as if it was a great achievement.
    “Well done.” The teacher patted her affectionately and said, “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.”
    Bholi looked up as if to ask, “Really?” (Bholi)

    1. I

      Complete the sentence suitably.
      Bholi shows some physical symptoms like sweat breaking out over her body and stammering. This shows she is ______________.

      1 mark
    2. II

      Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
      “Would her stammering tongue again disgrace her?” The author has used this question as a narrative technique, with the aim of _________.

      1. (A)convincing readers to judge Bholi
      2. (B)showcasing Bholi’s inabilities
      3. (C)giving readers a peek into Bholi’s thoughts
      4. (D)showing sympathy for Bholi
      1 mark
    3. III

      The teacher's statement, “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.” suggests that Bholi's primary obstacle is psychological rather than physical. Elaborate.

      2 marks
    4. IV

      Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
      Bholi's gesture of looking up 'as if to ask, Really?' reveals a mix of _________. (hope and hesitation/ disobedience and doubt)

      1 mark
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) extremely scared and anxious, or nervous and apprehensive.

      1 mark

    2. (II) (C). The question is an internal monologue, which lets readers see Bholi's thoughts and fears.

      1 mark

    3. (III) Bholi says her full name after the teacher's encouragement, which shows her stammer comes from fear of being judged. The teacher's kindness and reassurance reduce this anxiety, and so she is able to overcome the stammer.

      2 marks

    4. (IV) hope and hesitation.

      1 mark

    Answer: (I) extremely scared and anxious; (II) C; (III) the stammer is rooted in fear, which compassion removes; (IV) hope and hesitation

    Where the marks are

    • Says scared or anxious (1 mark)
    • Chooses C (1 mark)
    • Says the obstacle is fear or anxiety, shown by her success with encouragement (1 mark)
    • Says compassion and reassurance help her overcome it (1 mark)
    • Chooses hope and hesitation (1 mark)

    Open Q6(B) on its own page

  2. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q7(A) · 5 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedAmanda!

    Read the given extracts A and B and answer ANY ONE of the two.

    A. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
    Remember your acne, Amanda!
    Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda! (Amanda)

    1. I

      Complete the sentence suitably.
      The speaker connects chocolate consumption to acne, which reveals her concerns regarding _______________.

      1 mark
    2. II

      How does the speaker's demand ‘look at me when I'm speaking to you’ suggest the dynamic between them?

      1. (A)The speaker asserts authority which has a great influence on Amanda.
      2. (B)Amanda is defiant and the speaker feels disrespected and ignored.
      3. (C)Amanda is interested in listening to the speaker but is distracted.
      4. (D)The speaker feels insecure and anxious about losing Amanda.
      1 mark
    3. III

      Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word.
      The speaker’s use of ‘Will you please’ in the beginning of the third line suggests a _______________ rather than a demand.

      1 mark
    4. IV

      Analyse how the repetition of Amanda's name and the use of exclamation marks contribute to the tone and mood of the extract.

      2 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) Amanda's physical appearance and health (her skin and what she eats).

      1 mark

    2. (II) Option B. The speaker demands eye contact because Amanda is ignoring her; this shows Amanda's defiance and the speaker's sense of being disrespected.

      1 mark

    3. (III) request (the polite phrase 'Will you please' softens the line into a plea, though the exclamation mark shows irritation).

      1 mark

    4. (IV) The repeated name 'Amanda' makes the speaker's frustration insistent, like constant nagging. The exclamation marks show urgency, exasperation and emotional intensity. Together they create a tone of frustrated concern and a mood of tension and conflict between the speaker and Amanda.

      2 marks

    Answer: (I) Amanda's appearance and health; (II) B; (III) request; (IV) repetition and exclamations create a tone of frustrated concern and a mood of tension.

    Where the marks are

    • Completes (I) with appearance/health (1 mark)
    • Chooses option B (1 mark)
    • Gives 'request' (1 mark)
    • Explains how repetition builds nagging frustration (1 mark)
    • Explains how exclamation marks give urgency and tension (1 mark)

    Open Q7(A) on its own page

    OR

    Q7(B) · 5 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedThe Trees

    Read the given extracts A and B and answer ANY ONE of the two.

    B. Listen. The glass is breaking.
    The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
    The moon is broken like a mirror,
    its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak. (The Trees)

    1. I

      Complete the sentence suitably.
      The word 'listen' at the opening of the extract creates a sense of __________, pulling the reader directly into the dramatic manner of nature's revolt.

      1 mark
    2. II

      Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
      The phrase ‘stumbling forward’ suggests that the trees’ movement is ________.

      1. (A)graceful and purposeful
      2. (B)deliberate and controlled
      3. (C)unsteady and uncertain
      4. (D)rapid and aggressive
      1 mark
    3. III

      Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word.
      The repeated imagery of 'breaking' in the extract suggests that it is not destruction but a/an _____________________ part of any meaningful change or liberation.

      1 mark
    4. IV

      How does the sequence of sensory experiences in the extract enhance meaning and impact readers?

      2 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) immediacy / urgency. The command 'Listen' makes the reader attend at once.

      1 mark

    2. (II) Option C, unsteady and uncertain. 'Stumbling' suggests trees moving awkwardly yet pushing on through obstacles.

      1 mark

    3. (III) necessary (an inevitable, essential part of change). The breaking is not destruction but a step towards liberation.

      1 mark

    4. (IV) The sequence moves from sound (glass breaking), to movement (trees stumbling forward, winds rushing), to sight (moon's pieces flashing in the oak). Chaos begins, intensifies through struggle and ends in beauty, mirroring the process of transformation. Appealing to several senses lets readers feel the experience emotionally instead of merely being told about it.

      2 marks

    Answer: (I) urgency; (II) C; (III) necessary; (IV) sound, then movement, then sight mirror the move from chaos to beauty and immerse the reader.

    Where the marks are

    • Completes (I) with urgency/immediacy (1 mark)
    • Chooses option C (1 mark)
    • Gives 'necessary/inevitable' (1 mark)
    • Traces the progression of sound, movement and sight (1 mark)
    • Explains the impact on the reader and the meaning of transformation (1 mark)

    Open Q7(B) on its own page

  3. Q8 · 12 marks · Short answerFog

    Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. (4 x 3 = 12)

    1. I

      How does the poem use the ‘cat metaphor’ to characterise the fog’s nature? (Fog)

      3 marks
    2. II

      The writer uses humour to simultaneously entertain readers and critique societal attitudes toward animals. Elaborate. (Mijbil the Otter)

      3 marks
    3. III

      How does the hailstorm function as more than just a weather event in the story? (A Letter to God)

      3 marks
    4. IV

      Assess how the poem's message about not judging by appearances still relevant today. (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

      3 marks
    5. V

      Why has the writer included the legends about tea’s origin-the Chinese emperor's story and Bodhidharma's tale in the narrative? (Glimpses of India- Tea from Assam)

      3 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) Fog comes silently on 'little cat feet', sits looking over the harbour and city, then moves on. The metaphor gives fog a cat's quiet, aloof, watchful and mysterious nature. It makes a natural phenomenon seem alive and links living and non-living nature.

      3 marks

    2. (II) Mijbil's mischief, such as screwing and unscrewing the tap, is funny and entertains. The absurd guesses of Londoners and the labourer's indignant reaction show how people force an unfamiliar animal into familiar categories like 'rat'. This mocks human arrogance and our distance from nature.

      3 marks

    3. (III) The hailstorm destroys Lencho's crop and so creates his crisis. It also tests his unwavering faith in God. It leads to his letter and prompts the postmaster's kindness, revealing character and human compassion.

      3 marks

    4. (IV) Today people often judge by looks, social media image or first impressions. Custard, mocked as a coward, proves brave when danger comes. The poem reminds us that real character shows in action, not appearance, and cautions against hasty judgments.

      3 marks

    5. (V) The legends add cultural richness and make the account more interesting and memorable. The Chinese emperor story and Bodhidharma's tale show how tea was valued for health and spiritual alertness in China and India. They show that tea has deep cultural meaning beyond commerce.

      3 marks

    Answer: Any four of I-V answered as above (all five are modelled).

    Where the marks are

    • Each answered part: relevant content, 2 marks (2 marks)
    • Each answered part: clear expression, 1 mark; deduct up to 1 overall for errors (1 mark)

    Open Q8 on its own page

  4. Q9 · 6 marks · Short answerThe Thief's Story

    Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. (2 x 3 = 6)

    1. I

      Compare Hari's initial approach to Anil with his honest smile at the story's end. What does this change reveal? (The Thief’s Story)

      3 marks
    2. II

      Analyse how the writer uses irony throughout the story to convey the message that vanity and materialism lead to one’s downfall. (The Necklace)

      3 marks
    3. III

      Why does Horace take off his gloves to give the young lady his lighter? What does this action tell us about his state of mind at that crucial moment? (A Question of Trust)

      3 marks
    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. (I) At first Hari charms and deceives Anil to win his trust and exploit him. His final smile is spontaneous and honest, with no effort behind it. This shows a real change: he now values genuine human connection over using people, and the change is internalised.

      3 marks

    2. (II) Matilda sacrifices ten years to replace a necklace that was worthless paste. Her pride and wish to look rich make her into the common woman she despised. Her suffering was needless, so the irony shows that vanity and materialism cause self-inflicted ruin.

      3 marks

    3. (III) Horace removes his gloves, abandoning his careful criminal habit of avoiding fingerprints. He is so eager to please the lady and be set free that he forgets caution. This shows his desperation and confusion, as he acts like a frightened man, not a careful thief.

      3 marks

    Answer: Any two of I-III answered as above (all three are modelled).

    Where the marks are

    • Each answered part: relevant content, 2 marks (2 marks)
    • Each answered part: clear expression, 1 mark; deduct up to 1 overall for errors (1 mark)

    Open Q9 on its own page

  5. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q10(A) · 6 marks · Long answerMadam Rides the Bus

    Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

    Valli in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ and the young seagull in ‘His First Flight’ are protagonists of the story who undergo personal transformation. Compare and contrast how the catalysts in these stories drive the change.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Introduce the similarity: Valli and the young seagull both change from fear or restriction to self-realisation.

      1 mark

    2. Contrast: the seagull's catalyst is external and involuntary. Hunger and isolation, with his family refusing to feed him, force him to dive, revealing his flying ability and overriding his fear.

      2 marks

    3. Valli's catalyst is internal: curiosity and a longing for experience and independence. She has long watched the bus and yearns to ride it, which makes her break the limits of her domestic life and win dignity.

      1 mark

    4. Conclude that both catalysts free suppressed potential and are strong enough to overcome fear, whether biological need or the desire for independence. Expression and accuracy.

      2 marks

    Answer: Seagull: hunger forces change. Valli: curiosity and yearning drive it. Both free hidden potential by overcoming fear.

    Where the marks are

    • Identifies both characters' transformation (1 mark)
    • Seagull's external catalyst, hunger (1 mark)
    • Valli's internal catalyst, curiosity and desire for independence (1 mark)
    • Comparison and conclusion (1 mark)
    • Expression (2 marks)

    Open Q10(A) on its own page

    OR

    Q10(B) · 6 marks · Long answerThe Ball Poem

    Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

    The poems, ‘The Ball Poem’ and ‘Dust of Snow’ capture brief moments that teach lasting lessons. How do these poems propose that momentary events generate a lasting impact?

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Both poems show that deep learning can come in an instant. The ball falling into the water teaches the boy the permanence of loss at once. Snow falling on the speaker changes their mood immediately.

      2 marks

    2. The impact lasts. Berryman suggests the boy will carry the lesson of loss and responsibility through life. In Frost, the snow's dust redeems the day and changes how the speaker sees it.

      2 marks

    3. The learning is felt, not reasoned. The boy feels loss deeply, and the speaker experiences nature's beauty directly. Expression and accuracy.

      2 marks

    Answer: Each poem shows a single brief event that teaches instantly and leaves a lasting change.

    Where the marks are

    • Instant learning in both poems (1 mark)
    • Examples: the ball and the snow (1 mark)
    • Lasting impact in each (1 mark)
    • Feeling versus reasoning, and a conclusion (1 mark)
    • Expression (2 marks)

    Open Q10(B) on its own page

  6. Answer one of these 2 alternatives.

    Q11(A) · 6 marks · Long answerThe Midnight Visitor

    Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

    In the story, ‘The Midnight Visitor’ the ‘balcony’ functions as the story's central plot device, yet it never physically exists. Discuss what the balcony symbolises in the story.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. The balcony symbolises the power of narrative to create reality. It exists only in words, in Ausable's description and Max's belief, yet it feels more real than the room because people act on it.

      2 marks

    2. It reveals the theme of truth against perception. Ausable builds plausible details, such as the building's history, access routes and earlier break-ins, and Max believes them because they fit what he expects of a Paris hotel.

      2 marks

    3. Finally, it stands for storytelling triumphing over material fact. Whoever controls the narrative holds power, and the imaginary balcony proves more decisive than any physical barrier. Expression and accuracy.

      2 marks

    Answer: The non-existent balcony symbolises how a convincing story can shape belief and give power over reality.

    Where the marks are

    • Balcony as narrative creating reality (1-2 marks)
    • Plausible details and Max's expectations (2 marks)
    • Storytelling's power and conclusion (1 mark)
    • Expression (2 marks, overlapping)

    Open Q11(A) on its own page

    OR

    Q11(B) · 6 marks · Long answerThe Book that Saved the Earth

    Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

    In ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’, Think-Tank rules Mars with absolute authority and arrogance, yet he makes ridiculous mistakes throughout the play. Evaluate how this impacts his leadership.

    Try it first, then show our solutionSolution

    1. Think-Tank's absolute power joined with ignorance makes him a dangerous leader. He mistakes books for sandwiches, hats and weapons, and when corrected he claims he knew it all along and is never wrong. His intelligence is useless without humility.

      2 marks

    2. His authority makes the flaw worse. Nobody challenges him and his crew obeys out of fear, so he gets no honest feedback. His errors escalate: nursery rhymes become military threats and paranoia replaces reasoning.

      2 marks

    3. At the climax he sees Humpty Dumpty's image, panics and orders Mars evacuated. Arrogance and refusal to admit mistakes lead to a catastrophic decision, so his big brain is a liability, not an asset. Expression and accuracy.

      2 marks

    Answer: Arrogance, refusal to admit mistakes and unchecked power make Think-Tank a destructive leader.

    Where the marks are

    • Ridiculous mistakes and refusal to admit them (2 marks)
    • Unchecked authority and fearful crew (2 marks)
    • Climax: panic and evacuation order, with conclusion (1 mark)
    • Expression (2 marks, overlapping)

    Open Q11(B) on its own page

Source: official sample paper, cbseacademic.nic.in. Chapter tags and solutions are ours. Spotted a transcription error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.