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Read the following… (Class 10 English SQP 2025-26, Q2)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2025-26 · 10 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English sample paper 2025-26: question 2

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2025-26, section A, question 2, for 10 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

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

Read the following passage.

1 A recent study conducted across two age groups—students aged 10–12 and 13–16—explored their preferences for ballpoint and micro-tip pens for various writing activities such as note-taking, examinations, and personal writing. The study aimed to understand trends in writing habits and the factors influencing pen selection among students.

2 The results revealed distinct patterns based on age groups and writing purposes. Among students aged 10–12, 65% preferred ballpoint pens for note-taking, citing ease of use and affordability as key factors. However, 35% opted for micro-tip pens, valuing their precision and smooth writing. For examinations, ballpoint pens were the overwhelming choice, with 78% favouring them for their speed and reliability, while 22% stuck with micro-tip pens, appreciating their fine control.

3 In the 13–16 age group, preferences shifted slightly. For note-taking, 60% favoured micro-tip pens, highlighting their ability to produce neat, legible notes, while 40% continued to use ballpoint pens. During examinations, however, 70% still relied on ballpoint pens, indicating their consistency under time constraints. When it came to personal writing, such as journalling or creative tasks, 58% in this group chose micro-tip pens, appreciating the aesthetic appeal of finer lines, while 42% stuck with ballpoint pens for their convenience.

4 These findings point to the importance of understanding age-specific preferences and task requirements, enabling manufacturers to innovate products. Manufacturers could further explore incorporating hybrid features, such as pens offering the speed of ballpoint pens with the precision of micro-tip pens, to cater to a wider range of student preferences.

Created for academic usage / 250 words

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

  1. I

    Why did the study most likely focus on the two specific age groups of 10–12 and 13–16? (Paragraph 1) This is so because these age groups ____. A. represent the largest population of growing students. B. are when students develop and refine their writing habits. C. were the easiest to survey across various schools. D. have a natural preference for ballpoint pens.

    1. (A)represent the largest population of growing students.
    2. (B)are when students develop and refine their writing habits.
    3. (C)were the easiest to survey across various schools.
    4. (D)have a natural preference for ballpoint pens.
    1 mark
  2. II

    Identify the phrase in paragraph 1 that conveys the writer's reference to the patterns or preferences observed in how students use pens for various writing tasks.

    1 mark
  3. III

    Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. (Paragraph 2) Geetha, aged 11, wishes to complete her practical file neatly, ensuring her work is legible and appealing. She is most likely to choose a micro-tip pen for this task because the ________ (speed / precision) offered by this type of pen helps produce tidy work.

    1. (a)speed
    2. (b)precision
    1 mark
  4. IV

    What does the writer mean by ‘affordability’ while citing the high percentage of ball point pen usage? (Paragraph 2)

    1 mark
  5. V

    Complete the following with the correct option. When the writer says ‘distinct patterns’ in the line ‘The results revealed distinct patterns based on age groups and writing purposes,’ of paragraph 3, s/he means that _______.

    1. (A)students in both age groups use pens in the same way for all the listed purposes.
    2. (B)the preferences for pens varied according to the students' age and the type of writing task.
    3. (C)only micro-tip pens were popular across all writing tasks in the 13-16 age group.
    4. (D)students of all age groups preferred ballpoint pens for completing creative writing tasks.
    1 mark
  6. VII

    How are ‘aesthetic appeal’ and ‘finer lines’ connected? (Paragraph 3)

    1 mark
  7. VIII

    Elaborate how hybrid features in pens would lead to a commercially viable product. (Paragraph 4)

    2 marks
  8. IX

    Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word. (Paragraph 4) Understanding age-specific preferences helps manufacturers design products that cater to the unique needs of different age groups, ensuring their products are both ________ as well as appealing.

    1 mark

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2025-26.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Look for the phrase in paragraph 1 that talks about patterns of habits.

Hint 2

For VI, recall the ballpoint's advantages in paragraphs 2 and 3, such as reliability and cost.

Hint 3

For VIII, think about who would buy a pen that is both fast and precise.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (I) B. These ages are when students develop and refine their writing habits, so preferences are likely to change across them.

    1 mark

  2. (II) 'trends in writing habits'

    1 mark

  3. (III) precision. Micro-tip pens give precise, neat and legible writing.

    1 mark

  4. (IV) 'Affordability' means ballpoint pens cost less than micro-tip pens, so they are budget-friendly and accessible to students.

    1 mark

  5. (V) B. 'Distinct patterns' means preferences varied with students' age and the type of writing task.

    1 mark

  6. (VI) Ballpoints are less likely to smudge or dry out quickly, and they are cheaper than micro-tips.

    1 mark

  7. (VII) Finer lines make writing look neat, elegant and visually pleasing, and this is the aesthetic appeal.

    1 mark

  8. (VIII) A hybrid pen combines the speed and reliability of a ballpoint with the precision and look of a micro-tip. It would suit students of different ages and tasks, so it would reach a wider market. It would also meet the growing demand for versatile tools, which supports sales.

    2 marks

  9. (IX) functional

    1 mark

Answer: (I) B; (II) trends in writing habits; (III) precision; (IV) lower cost, budget-friendly; (V) B; (VI) less smudging / more affordable; (VII) finer lines create neat, elegant writing; (VIII) wider appeal means commercial success; (IX) functional

Where the marks are

  • I: B (1 mark)
  • II: 'trends in writing habits' (1 mark)
  • III: precision (1 mark)
  • IV: lower cost than micro-tip pens (1 mark)
  • V: B (1 mark)
  • VI: one valid advantage of ballpoints (1 mark)
  • VII: finer lines make neat, pleasing writing (1 mark)
  • VIII: combines features, broader demographic, demand for versatility (2 marks)
  • IX: functional/useful (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Reading (unseen passages)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Reading (unseen passages), one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paperSample paper 2025-26: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.