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Read the following passage… (English 2026 2/3/1 Q2)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2026, set 2/3/1 · 10 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 2

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/3/1, 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 carefully:

(1) Fascination of glassware has captivated people all over the world for its blending utility, artistry and cultural significance. The invention of glassblowing, a technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble with the help of a blowpipe, revolutionized the craft, making glassware more accessible, affordable and versatile. This allowed the mass production of glass vessels.

(2) In India, the craze for glassware has made this industry a significant segment of the manufacturing sector which is notably contributing to both — domestic consumption and exports. India's glass industry comprises a diverse range of products such as container glass, flat glass, and fibreglass. As of 2024, the Indian glass industry was valued at approximately ₹ 40,338 crore. The growth is fuelled by increasing sustainability and the rising demand for decorative items. The flat glass segment, essential for the construction and automotive sectors, contributes around 55% of the total industry revenue. Due to rising demand for energy-efficient buildings, toughened glass is extensively employed. It is also used in automotive windows, doors, facades, and shower screens. Actually, it is a type of processed flat glass, made specifically to be stronger and safer than ordinary flat glass, also called tempered glass. In packaging, container glass is used especially for beverages and pharmaceuticals, which makes up around 25% of the market.

(3) Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh is the heart of the Indian glass industry and is often referred to as the "City of Glass". Firozabad specializes in decorative glassware, chandeliers, bangles and domestic glass products. More than 400 glassware manufacturing units provide employment to over 1,50,000 workers. Artisans of this place have made it a leading contributor to India's glassware export, preserving tradition while supporting the local economy.

(4) The Indian handmade glassware products including artistic and decorative items continue to thrive in the domestic market and in exports. The blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology has made the Indian glass industry distinctive in comparison to global leaders like China and the USA.

(5) However, the industry faces many challenges like dependence on imported raw material, energy-intensive manufacturing processes and environmental regulations, but it still holds a vital position in the national economy. In current times, it is focusing on sustainability, as manufacturers are adopting recycled glass or cullet in production in order to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission, as they require lower melting temperatures. Economically, it decreases the cost of raw material and supports circular economy models, making the industry both profitable and environmentally responsible.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

  1. (i)

    Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. (Paragraph 1)
    Assertion: The invention of glassblowing has expanded the glass industry all over the world.
    Reason: Glassblowing allowed craftsmen to produce complex glass objects faster and in large quantities.

    1. (A)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
    2. (B)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
    3. (C)The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
    4. (D)The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
    1 mark
  2. (ii)

    In paragraph (2), identify the word that indicates people's fascination for glassware.

    1 mark
  3. (iii)

    Support with evidence from the passage that India's glass industry has a 'diverse range'. (Paragraph 2)

    2 marks
  4. (iv)

    Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank. The percentage of container glass used in pharmaceuticals and packaging is __________. (23%, 25%, 28%) (Paragraph 2)

    1 mark
  5. (v)

    Why is Firozabad referred to as the "City of Glass"? (Paragraph 3)

    1 mark
  6. (vi)

    What does the number of workers in the glassware industry emphasize about the employability of Firozabad? (Paragraph 3)

    1 mark
  7. (vii)

    Complete the sentence appropriately: India's glass industry is unique as compared to global leaders like China and the USA because __________. (Paragraph 4)

    1 mark
  8. (viii)

    How does using recycled glass benefit the glassware industry environmentally? (Paragraph 5)

    1 mark
  9. (ix)

    Complete the following with a suitable reason: The Indian glass industry is facing many challenges because __________. (Paragraph 5)

    1 mark

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/3/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Skim the paragraph named in each sub-part for the exact phrase.

Hint 2

For (iii), look at the sentence listing the products of the industry.

Hint 3

For (i), decide whether the reason actually explains why the industry spread.

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) Option (A). Glassblowing made mass production possible, and this is why the industry grew worldwide.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) The word is 'craze'.

    1 mark

  3. (iii) Any two products named in the passage: container glass, flat glass (for construction and automotive use), fibreglass, decorative glass, or toughened/tempered glass for buildings.

    2 marks

  4. (iv) 25%.

    1 mark

  5. (v) Firozabad is the heart of the Indian glass industry and specialises in decorative glassware, chandeliers and bangles.

    1 mark

  6. (vi) Over 1,50,000 workers show that the industry gives large-scale employment to local people.

    1 mark

  7. (vii) It blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

    1 mark

  8. (viii) Recycled glass (cullet) melts at lower temperatures, so it reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.

    1 mark

  9. (ix) It depends on imported raw material, uses energy-intensive manufacturing processes and must meet environmental regulations (any one).

    1 mark

Answer: (i) A; (ii) craze; (iii) container glass, flat glass, fibreglass; (iv) 25%; (v) it is the heart of the glass industry; (vi) large-scale employment; (vii) traditional craftsmanship blended with modern technology; (viii) lower energy use and carbon emissions; (ix) dependence on imported raw material

Where the marks are

  • (i) A (1 mark)
  • (ii) craze (1 mark)
  • (iii) Any two types of glass (2 marks)
  • (iv) 25% (1 mark)
  • (v) Heart of the glass industry or 400+ units (1 mark)
  • (vi) Employment of 1,50,000+ workers or export contribution (1 mark)
  • (vii) Blend of tradition and technology (1 mark)
  • (viii) Reduces energy consumption or carbon emission (1 mark)
  • (ix) Any one challenge (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 paper2026 board paper, set 2/3/1: 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.