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Read the following text: (1) Every… (English 2026 2/4/1 Q1)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2026, set 2/4/1 · 10 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 1

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/4/1, section A, question 1, for 10 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

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

Read the following text:

(1) Every year, countless flocks of birds take to the skies in one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles – migration. This incredible phenomenon involves the regular, long-distance movement of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Some species fly only a few hundred kilometers, while others travel across continents and oceans, covering tens of thousands of kilometers each year.

(2) Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons. When food becomes scarce during harsh winters, birds travel to warmer regions where they can find abundant insects, seeds, or fish. The Siberian crane, for instance, travels thousands of kilometers from the cold wetlands of Siberia to India’s warmer lakes such as Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur and Chilika Lake in Odisha. The Bar-headed goose, another amazing traveler, is known to fly over the towering Himalayas at heights where oxygen levels are dangerously low – a feat that astonishes even scientists.

(3) How these small creatures navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery. Studies suggest that migratory birds use multiple cues: the position of the sun by day, the stars at night, and even the Earth’s magnetic field. Some, like homing pigeons, possess a memory-based instinct that helps them return to the same spot year after year with stunning accuracy.

(4) Unfortunately, migration today is becoming more difficult. Expanding cities, pollution, and deforestation have destroyed vital wetlands and resting areas. Climate change has disrupted the timing of migration, confusing birds about when to travel or breed. Many species arrive too early or too late, missing the right conditions for nesting or feeding.

(5) Conservationists worldwide are working to protect these travellers. International cooperation is essential since migratory routes cross national borders. Protected wetland sites, bird sanctuaries, and awareness programs encourage people to appreciate and safeguard these winged wanderers.

(6) Migratory birds are not just symbols of endurance and freedom; they are vital to nature’s balance. They help in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. The survival of these birds is linked to the survival of ecosystems everywhere. Watching them reminds humanity of a powerful truth – the planet is shared, and the harmony of life depends on care, cooperation, and respect for nature’s rhythms.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

  1. (i)

    In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles’ refer to?

    1 mark
  2. (ii)

    Complete the following with the correct option from the two given: Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons as ________. (paragraph 2)

    1. (A)they move to colder areas to hibernate
    2. (B)they move to warmer places for food
    1 mark
  3. (iii)

    What is unique about the Bar-headed goose? (paragraph 2)

    2 marks
  4. (iv)

    Select the option that best explains the phrase ‘navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery’. (paragraph 3)

    1. (A)travelling to unknown destinations without getting lost is truly amazing
    2. (B)travelling plans are predictable and well marked out by the leader of the pack
    1 mark
  5. (v)

    State whether the following statement is True or False: Because of rapid urbanization and clear direction, it has become easier for migratory birds to find their way. (paragraph 4)

    1 mark
  6. (vi)

    The writer mentions that conservationists worldwide are working to find solutions to give migratory birds safe travel. Based on the information given in the passage, which of the following will protect these travellers?

    1. (A)creation of more wetland sites.
    2. (B)making people aware about the eating habits of migratory birds.
    3. (C)work in cooperation with other countries.
    4. (D)create eating spots along the way.
    1 mark
  7. (vii)

    List any two points according to the passage that illustrate that migratory birds play an important role in maintaining nature’s balance. (paragraph 6)

    2 marks
  8. (viii)

    What message does the passage convey about life on Earth? (paragraph 6)

    1. (A)Man must provide cues to clear traffic routes for migratory birds.
    2. (B)Deforestation is essential to stop uncontrolled growth.
    3. (C)Harmony between man and nature is essential.
    4. (D)Climate change can be controlled only by technological intervention.
    1 mark

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/4/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Go back to the paragraph named in each sub-part and find the exact line.

Hint 2

For (v), ask what urbanisation does to birds' resting places.

Hint 3

For (vii), look at the sentence listing what birds help with in paragraph 6.

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) The phrase refers to bird migration: the regular, long-distance movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) (B) they move to warmer places for food. Paragraph 2 says food becomes scarce in harsh winters, so birds travel to warmer regions.

    1 mark

  3. (iii) The Bar-headed goose flies over the towering Himalayas, at heights where oxygen levels are dangerously low. This feat astonishes even scientists.

    2 marks

  4. (iv) (A) travelling to unknown destinations without getting lost is truly amazing. The 'mystery' is how small birds find their way over such distances.

    1 mark

  5. (v) False. Urbanisation, pollution and deforestation have destroyed wetlands and resting areas, so migration has become more difficult.

    1 mark

  6. (vi) (C) work in cooperation with other countries, because migratory routes cross national borders.

    1 mark

  7. (vii) Migratory birds help in pollination and in seed dispersal (pest control is also acceptable).

    2 marks

  8. (viii) (C) Harmony between man and nature is essential. The passage ends by saying life depends on care, cooperation and respect for nature.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) Migration of birds; (ii) B; (iii) flies over the Himalayas at dangerously low oxygen heights; (iv) A; (v) False; (vi) C; (vii) pollination, seed dispersal; (viii) C

Where the marks are

  • (i) Migration of birds (1 mark)
  • (ii) Option B (1 mark)
  • (iii) Himalayan flight and low-oxygen heights (2 marks)
  • (iv) Option A (1 mark)
  • (v) False (1 mark)
  • (vi) Option C (1 mark)
  • (vii) Any two valid points (2 marks)
  • (viii) Option C (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 2/4/1: 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.