English Medium
Hindi Medium
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Date & Time: 21st February 2026, 10:30 am
Duration: 3h
Advertisements
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
- This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- The question paper contains THREE sections:
Section - A: Reading Skills
Section - B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section - C: Literature Textbook - Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Read the following text:
| (1) | Forests are often called the lungs of the Earth, and in India, they are an integral part of the country’s ecological, economic, and cultural fabric. They regulate temperatures and help keep the air clean. Covering about 21.71% of India’s geographical area, forests play a pivotal role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. However, these verdant expanses face numerous challenges, raising important questions about conservation, sustainable development and policy priorities. |
| (2) | India’s forests are incredibly diverse, ranging from the lush tropical rain forests to the alpine vegetation of the Himalayas. This diversity is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or endangered, such as the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and Nilgiri Tahr. Forests also provide critical ecosystem services like water conservation, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, which are essential in combating climate change. |
| (3) | Economically, forests contribute significantly through timber, medicinal plants and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like honey and bamboo. They are also central to the lives of tribal communities who depend on them for sustenance and cultural practices. However, this dependence brings to light the complex relationship between human development and forest preservation. |
| (4) | Is it possible to achieve economic growth without degrading forest resources? The pressures on India’s forests are immense. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, mining, and agricultural encroachment have led to significant deforestation. According to recent reports, India lost around 66,000 hectares of forest cover between 2019 and 2021. This loss not only threatens biodiversity but also exacerbates climate-related challenges such as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. |
| (5) | Policy measures like the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and initiatives such as Compensatory Afforestation and Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival) reflect efforts to preserve and expand forest areas. However, critics argue that these measures often fail to address ground realities. For instance, afforestation projects may involve planting monoculture species that disrupt ecosystems rather than restore natural biodiversity. Similarly, conflicts arise when policies overlook the rights of indigenous communities, leading to displacement and social tensions. India’s forests are a microcosm of the global struggle to balance development with conservation. |
| (6) | Solutions lie in adopting sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, eco-tourism, and community-based conservation models. Empowering local communities to act as custodians of forests ensures both their livelihoods and the health of forest ecosystems. Moreover, raising awareness about the importance of forests can inspire collective action at all levels. |
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
- In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘Lungs of the Earth’ refer to with reference to the passage? 1
- Complete the following with the correct option from the two given: 1
Forests play a significant role in sustaining biodiversity by ______.
- balancing climate change and creating livelihoods for people.
- Providing wood for fuel and industries worldwide. (Para 1)
- Support the writer’s idea that forests provide critical ecosystem services with textual evidence. (Para 2) 2
- What do the recent statistics on deforestation reveal about the state of India’s forests? 1
- Deforestation has decreased significantly.
- Forest loss has been stabilised.
- Forest cover is rapidly declining.
- There is no significant impact on forest cover. (Para 4)
- Select the concept that best reflects the complex relationship between human development and preservation. (Para 3) 1
- Rapid urbanization has led to widespread deforestation depriving flora and fauna of its natural habitat.
- The introduction of initiatives like Van Mahotsav serve as compensatory afforestation.
- State whether the following statement is true or false: 1
Deforestation is one of the reasons for erratic rainfall. (Para 4) - List one challenge that critics see in compensatory afforestation measures. (Para 5) 1
- How do community-based conservation models benefit both forests and local Communities? (Para 6) 2
Chapter:
Read the following passage carefully:
| The Rise of Electric Vehicles in India: | |
| (1) | Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction globally. In India, the push for EVs is driven by concerns over air pollution, rising fuel costs and government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The Indian Government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, and 80% of two wheelers and three-wheelers to be electric by 2030. |
| (2) | The benefits of EVs extend beyond environmental impact: Lower running cost due to cheaper electricity, reduces maintenance because of fewer moving parts, and lowers noise pollution in urban areas. |
| (3) | Despite the promising outlook, the EV industry in India faces several challenges currently. While public charging stations are slowly increasing, their availability, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, remains a bottleneck. The initial high purchase cost of EVs and concerns about range or the fear of running out of charge are other causes of anxiety. |
| (4) | To overcome these hurdles, the government is offering subsidies and tax benefits to make EVs more affordable. Private companies are investing in developing new EV models with improved battery technology for longer ranges and battery swapping technology is also being explored as a quick alternative to traditional charging. |
| (5) | The Indian EV market is witnessing rapid growth, with sales figures steadily climbing. In 2023, India recorded sales of over 1.5 million EVs, a significant jump from previous years. Two-wheelers dominated the sales, followed by three-wheelers and then passenger cars. States like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have emerged as leaders in EV adoption, largely due to supportive state policies and greater awareness among consumers. |
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
- Electric vehicles offer multiple benefits in India. 2
Support the above statement in 40 words with evidence from the text. - Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below: 1
Assertion: EVs are gaining traction in India.
Reason: The Indian government is committed to reducing carbon emissions.- Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
- Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
- The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
- The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
- Justify the following statement: 1
Despite governmental support, the initial cost of EVs remains a challenge for consumers. - Complete the following with one suitable reason from the text: 1
The silent operation of EVs contributes to better urban living because ______. - “In 2023, India recorded sales of over 1.5 million EVs, a significant jump from previous years.” 1
State any one inference that can be drawn from the above statement. - According to the passage, what is ‘range anxiety’ in the context of electric vehicles? 1
- Based on the given text, which type of EV dominated sales in India in 2023? 1
- Complete the sentence suitably: 1
To address the challenge of charging infrastructure, various initiatives are being undertaken, such as ______. - Give one reason to support why the adoption of EVs is slow in some parts of India. 1
Chapter:
A manager wrote a report to his seniors about his team. Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete the report:
By the end of this quarter, the assistant manager ______ on this campaign for eight months.
will be working
will have been working
will have working
would have been working
Chapter:
“Read the given sentence from a sales report. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format:
Being checked all the figures twice, she was sure there were no errors.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
Read the conversation between the store supervisor and the salesman:
| Supervisor | “Did you switch off all the lights before leaving office yesterday?” |
| Salesman | “Yes, I did and I also handed over the keys to the night supervisor.” |
A store supervisor asked the salesman whether he had switched off all the lights before leaving the office the day before.
The salesman confirmed ______.
Report the salesman’s response.
Chapter:
“A school principal addressed Board aspirants and said:
“______ candidates must carry their identification proof.”
Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
Each
All
Every
One
Chapter:
Isha said to her parents, “My mentor will always guide me, even after this programme ends.”
Report what Isha said to her parents.
Chapter:
Find the error in the following sentence and supply the correction:
I was disappointed to see that in the library there was less books on the subject than expected.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
My friends ______ the movie tickets before we even reached the ticket counter.
has collected
had collected
collect
will collect
Chapter:
Select the correct option to complete the given sentence from a recipe book for students:
After stirring the cocoa into the melted butter, you ______ add the eggs one at a time before adding the flour.
would
might
may
must
Chapter:
Report the following sentence by a customer:
“Did you double-check the address before dispatching the washing machine?”
Chapter:
Advertisements
If we had consulted the engineer, we ______ this mistake.
would avoid
By will avoid
would have avoided
had avoided
Chapter:
Complete the following newspaper report by filling in the blank:
The number of road accidents ______ increased this year.
have
are
has
were
Chapter:
The speaker in conversation with a group of ministers said,
“I feel reassured after hearing your opinions.”
What did the speaker say to the ministers?
Chapter:
As a parent, you have observed a rise in the number of students feeling a sense of inadequacy and anxiety. According to you social media is impacting their self worth through constant social comparison and exposure to unrealistic standards. You are Divya/Dinesh Rana - write a letter to the principal of Sunrise International School, suggesting the need to hold workshops and interactive sessions with students, teachers, and parents to explore the positive aspects of social media that will strengthen a sense of self identity.
Chapter:
You are Sneha/Gursharan Singh an art teacher from a reputed public school. You have noticed that most students after class X opt for management or science streams and pursue careers as doctors, engineers, or management professionals: You believe that Art is crucial for students as it fosters creativity, critical thinking, and promotes emotional well-being. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your views on the importance of studying art in schools.
Chapter:
The data given below shows how teenagers spend their daily screentime across different digital activities.
| S. No. | Digital Activities | Percentage |
| 1. | Social media | 35 |
| 2. | Watching videos/streaming | 30 |
| 3. | Gaming | 20 |
| 4. | Online learning | 10 |
| 5. | Others (browsing, reading news, etc.,) | 5 |
Analyse the data provided and write a paragraph analysing how teenagers allocate their daily screen time.
Focus on the activity that occupies the largest proportion of time and on other major and minor activities in descending order, and on the balance between entertainment and educational screen use. Conclude with an observation about the overall trend.
Chapter:
Read the given details of a community library designed for your neighbourhood:
|
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the suitability of this library.
Focus on factors such as accessibility, reading environment, suitability for different age groups, and community engagement.
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the questions given below:
|
Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where Ausable had a room, Fowler felt let down. It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure. Ausable was, for one thing, fat, very fat. And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago. “You are disappointed,” Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. (The Midnight Visitor) |
- Which of the following describes how Fowler felt on seeing Ausable for the first time? 1
- excited and happy
- indifferent and disgusted
- surprised and disappointed
- envious and in awe
- How did the hotel’s atmosphere influence Fowler’s mood? 2
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 1
Ausable’s reaction on seeing how Fowler felt shows that he was ______. (observant/embarrassed) - In what way does Ausable defy the typical spy image? 1
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the questions given below:
|
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”. (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) |
- What is the main ideal Mandela is talking about? 1
- economic prosperity
- representative and free society
- absolute power
- finishing racism
- How does the statement reflect Mandela’s commitment to justice? (Answer in about 40 words) 2
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 1
Nelson’s vision was not simply to reverse the oppression but to end it completely as he wishes to ______ (fight/appease) all forms of domination in which all persons live with equal opportunities. - The phrase “prepared to die” shows Mandela’s ______. 1
- anxiety
- desperation
- passion
- uprightness
Chapter:
Read the following extract and answer the questions:
|
What, what is the boy now (The Ball Poem by John Berryman) |
- What does the repetition of the word “merrily” suggest in the context of the ball’s movement? 1
- How does this moment contrast the mood of the poem before and after the ball falls into the water? (Answer in about 40 words) 2
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 1
The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy’s ______. (childhood/adventure) - The line, ‘No use to say, oh there are other balls’ signifies: 1
- Words of consolation are inappropriate.
- The boy must be left alone and play with other toys.
- The boy should not be left alone.
- No ball will be as expensive as the one the boy has lost.
Chapter:
Read the following extract and answer the questions:
|
“All night the roots work (Trees) |
- What do the roots work upon all night? 1
- Each part of the trees works to get itself free. Describe their struggle. (answer in about 40 words) 2
- Fill the blank with one word. 1
The long branches are compared to ______. - The phrase ‘half-dazed’ is used for the branches as they adjust from being indoors to being in the open. It highlights the branches’: 1
- disorientation and fragility
- experience and privilege
- hurt and injury
- barrenness and pain
Chapter:
Advertisements
Answer the following question in 40-50 words:
In “Two stories about Flying - Part II (Black Aeroplane), what does the narrator’s experience suggest about unexpected help and mystery?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words:
In Dust of Snow’, what role does the unexpected moment play in shifting the speaker’s mood?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words:
In ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’, Anne’s writing reflects her maturity despite her young age. Elaborate.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words:
In ‘Glimpses of India - Part II (Tea from Assam), how does the story connect tea with both culture and economic significance?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words:
In ‘His First Flight’, the reactions of the young seagull’s family serve as both a challenge and a catalyst for his growth. How does this dual role reflect the complexities of support systems in real life? (Two Stories about Flying)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
In what way was Richard Ebright’s scientific journey enhanced by the support of his mother? (The Making of a Scientist)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
How does the setting of the hotel room become a tool in Ausable’s plan to defeat Max? (The Midnight; Visitor)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
What was the passion of Horace Danby and how did he satisfy it? (A Question of Trust)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
How does Lencho’s faith in God, as shown in ‘A Letter to God’ contrast with the skepticism of Kisa Gotami in ‘Sermon at Benares’. Support your answer with details from the two texts.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
Analyse how Amanda in the poem ‘Amanda’ and the dragon in the poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ yearn for acceptance and a life free from criticism.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
In ‘The Necklace’, Madam Loisel spends years repaying a debt for a necklace that was never valuable. How does this irony expose the illusion of wealth and the consequences of chasing appearances?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
In ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’, how does the play use humour and irony to comment on both futuristic technology and human assumptions? What message do you think the author conveys through the Martians’ misinterpretation of a nursery rhyme?
Chapter:
Other Solutions
Submit Question Paper
Help us maintain new question papers on Shaalaa.com, so we can continue to help studentsonly jpg, png and pdf files
CBSE previous year question papers Class 10 English - Language and Literature with solutions 2025 - 2026
Previous year Question paper for CBSE Class 10 -2026 is solved by experts. Solved question papers gives you the chance to check yourself after your mock test.
By referring the question paper Solutions for English - Language and Literature, you can scale your preparation level and work on your weak areas. It will also help the candidates in developing the time-management skills. Practice makes perfect, and there is no better way to practice than to attempt previous year question paper solutions of CBSE Class 10.
How CBSE Class 10 Question Paper solutions Help Students ?
• Question paper solutions for English - Language and Literature will helps students to prepare for exam.
• Question paper with answer will boost students confidence in exam time and also give you an idea About the important questions and topics to be prepared for the board exam.
• For finding solution of question papers no need to refer so multiple sources like textbook or guides.
