English Medium
Hindi Medium
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Date & Time: 21st February 2026, 10:30 am
Duration: 3h
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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) | 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 dificult. 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:
- In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles’ refer to? 1
- Complete the following with the correct option from the two given: 1
Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons as ______.
- they move to colder areas to hibernate
- they move to warmer places for food (paragraph 2)
- What is unique about the Bar-headed goose? (paragraph 2) 2
- Select the option that best explains the phrase ‘navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery’. (paragraph 3) 1
- State whether the following statement is True or False: 1
Because of rapid urbanization and clear direction, it has become easier for migratory birds to find their way. (paragraph 4) - 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
- creation of more wetland sites.
- making people aware about the eating habits of migratory birds.
- work in cooperation with other countries.
- create eating spots along the way.
- 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
- What message does the passage convey about life on Earth? (paragraph 6) 1
- Man must provide cues to clear traffic routes for migratory birds.
- Deforestation is essential to stop uncontrolled growth.
- Harmony between man and nature is essential.
- Climate change can be controlled only by technological intervention.
Chapter:
Read the following text:
| (1) | A detailed study conducted across various industries and research sectors has shed light on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). It revealed that nearly 70% of AI applications are developed by private tech companies, driven by innovation and market competition. About 20% stem from collaborations between academic institutions and industry leaders, fostering advancements in fields such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. |
| (2) | Interestingly, around 10% of AI initiatives are spearheaded by governmental or non-governmental organisations, often focussing on social welfare. These projects aim to address issues like disaster prediction, agricultural efficiency, and public health monitoring. |
| (3) | Among the AI applications, approximately 45% focus on automation, improving productivity and reducing operational cost. Around 30% cater to predictive analytics, aiding in decision-making processes in domains such as finance and weather forecasting. The remaining 25% revolve around interactive AI, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, enhancing user engagement and accessibility. |
| (4) | Further analysis indicates that about 60% of AI implementations are found in urban areas, particularly in tech hubs and metropolitan cities. Around 80% are applied in industrial zones, enhancing manufacturing and logistics. The remaining 10% serve rural and underserved regions, supporting initiatives like digital literacy, healthcare access and agricultural support. |
| (5) | Comparisons across parameters such as ethical concerns, accessibility, industry-specific applications, and societal impact reveal AI’s potential for transformative change. This analysis not only highlights the widespread adoption of AI but also underscores the need for inclusive and sustainable development in the field. |
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
- What does the use of the phrase “evolving landscape of artificial intelligence” in paragraph 1 suggest? 1
- disinterest
- progress and development
- frustration
- confusion
- Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below: 1
Assertion: Governmental and non-governmental organisations often use AI for social welfare.
Reason: These organisations focus on disaster prediction, agricultural efficiency, and public health monitoring.- 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.
- Identify the word or phrase that indicates supervision as one of the areas of AI applications. (paragraph 2) 1
- How do AI applications contribute to societal development, especially in rural and underserved regions? 1
- Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank. 1
In a remote village, an AI powered system is used to monitor crop health and provide timely updates to farmers. The percentage of AI initiatives in this segment would be categorized under is ______. (10%/30%/45%) - What does the high percentage of AI implementations in urban areas suggest about the development and adoption of technology? 1
- Complete the sentence suitably: 1
The collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders in developing AI applications demonstrates ______. - Complete the following with a suitable reason: 1
The most likely reason the passage mentions “interactive AI” as a key focus area is because it enhances ______. - In the context of the last paragraph, describe the significance of comparing various parameters such as ethical concerns, accessibility, industry-specific applications, and societal impact in understanding the evolving AI landscape. 2
Chapter:
Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete a corporate communication letter from a company to its employee.
Dear Sumit,
This July, you ______ in Japan for three years. In six months the company will transfer you to Bengaluru in a senior position.
will be have been living
will have been living
would have lived
would have been living
Chapter:
Read the given sentence from a self help book. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format.
Each one of the candidates have submitted the documents before the deadline.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
Pratima asked the following question to her friend, Shifa -
Do you like the painting, I gifted you yesterday.
Report Pratima’s question correctly.
Chapter:
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the concluding line from a school magazine report on a community outreach programme.
______ (Each/All) community member was given a different set of equipment.
Chapter:
Read Robert’s reply to his swimming coach -
Thank you sir for the opportunity. I will make sure I do you proud.
Robert thanked his coach for the opportunity and said ______.
Chapter:
Identify and correct the error in the given line.
I prefer the chocolate pudding than the vanilla truffle anyday.
| Error | Correction |
| prefer | preferred |
| Error | Correction |
| the | an |
| Error | Correction |
| than | to |
| Error | Correction |
| anyday | everyday |
Chapter:
Rishaan’s parents asked him how he had fared in the speaking test in school that day.’
He excitedly told them that before the teacher could finish the question, he ______ the correct answer.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
gave
has given
would have given
will give
Chapter:
Detect the error and supply the correction for an advice by a grandparent.
You should respect your parent and elders.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
Report the dialogue between a customer and a worker at a grocery store.
Customer: Did you pack all the items?
Worker: Yes sir, I did.
The customer asked the worker ______.
Chapter:
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Select the correct option to complete the given line.
Earlier money ______ buy much more than it can today.
could
will
can
shall
Chapter:
Complete the given poster displayed on a banner.
Drinking and smoking ______ (is/are) injurious to health.
Chapter:
Read the conversation between a student and a school counsellor.
Counsellor: How do you feel after sharing your fears with your parents?
Student: I believe they understand me better as they now know all my fears.
Report the student’s response by completing the following:
The student replied that ______.
Chapter:
You are Toshani/Toshan Singh a resident of Bharatpura.
You observed that on weekend afternoon a group of senior residents teach children free of cost.
You are delighted to see their spirit of giving back to the community, Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on the need of volunteerism and senior participation in community engagement. Mention the benefits of such activities and how it would even reduce loneliness.
Chapter:
You are Shereen/Shivaji. There has been a lot of construction going on in your colony since the past few months. However the contractors do not follow any protocols of timings, blocking pavements with building material and dumping the rubble in the back lanes and sewage pipes. Write a letter to the president of your RWA drawing attention to these issues. Suggest a set of protocols to be followed by the builders to reduce any inconvenience being caused to the neighbouring residents.
Chapter:
Read the given details of a fun zone designed for kids in a mall:
- A multi-level jungle themed play area with climbing walls, tunnels, and slides.
- A ball pit and trampoline section for younger kids.
- A gaming zone with arcade machines and interactive screens.
- Safety padding on all surfaces and trained staff for monitoring of activities.
- A dedicated toddler zone with soft toys, mini slides, and sensory play stations.
- A small cafeteria for parents with a view of the play area.
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on the suitability of this fun zone for kids in a mall.
Focus on aspects such as safety, variety of activities, age - appropriateness, convenience for parents and overall experience.
Chapter:
Read the given details of a pre-school designed for young children:
- Brightly coloured classrooms with themed decorations.
- An outdoor grassy play area with slides, swings, and sand pits.
- A sensory activity zone with toys for touch, sound, and visual stimulation.
- Dedicated nap rooms with cozy beds and calming lights.
- A library with picture books, story-telling corners, and interactive learning tools.
- CCTV monitoring for safety and a nurse available for emergencies.
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the suitability of this pre-school for young children.
Focus on aspects such as safety, learning opportunities, comfort, inclusivity and overall environment.
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the following questions given below:
|
It was a new bus, its outside painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield, there was a beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious. Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind. (Madam Rides a Bus) |
- The effect on Valli as she describes the bus reveals that she is ______.
Choose the most suitable option. 1
- awed
- scared
- disgusted
- repulsed
- How does the author’s use of descriptive language enhance the narrative technique in the passage? 2
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 1
The use of the word ‘devoured’ adds to a sense of ______ (fascination/hunger) in the extract. - Which action of Valli shows that she did not want to miss out on any part of the experience? 1
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the following questions given below:
|
Mme Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest of all - elegant, gracious, smiling, and full of joy. All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented. She danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with pleasure, thinking of nothing but all this admiration, this victory so complete and sweet to her heart. (The Necklace) |
- How is “success” perceived by Matilda? 1
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 2
‘All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented’ indicates that the men wanted to be formally ______ (introduced/withholden) to her. - Which of the following best describe Matilda’s state of mind in the context? 1
- overwhelmed
- anxious
- confused
- sad
- Explain the phrase “this victory so complete and sweet to her heart”. 1
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the questions:
|
I sit inside, doors open to the veranda (Trees) |
- Comment on the portrayal of the narrator in the given extract. 2
- Complete the following suitably: 1
The trees’ movement from the house to the forest, reflect the broader theme of ______. - What has the poet hardly mentioned in her letter? 1
- What kind of atmosphere is created through the given extract? 1
Select the correct option(s):
- nostalgia
- serenity
- detachment
- loss
- joy
- 1 and 4
- Only 2
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 5
Chapter:
Read the given extract and answer the questions:
| A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now He senses first responsibility In a world of possessions. People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. And no one buys a ball back. Money is external He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, The epistemology of loss, how to stand up Knowing what every man must one day know And most know many days, how to stand up. |
- Comment on the portrayal of the character of the boy in the given extract. 2
- Complete the following suitably: 1
“Money is external” implies that the boy ______.- values material possessions.
- learns the money cannot restore what is lost.
- believes money is the solution to all problems.
- is indifferent to material wealth.
- What does the poet mean by the phrase, ‘epistemology of loss’? 1
- What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines? 1
Select the correct option.- reflection
- intrigue
- acceptance
- anger
- fear
- 1, 4 and 5
- Only 2
- 1 and 3
- 4 and 5
Chapter:
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Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
How are the cultural and social fabric of Goa closely knit together with the traditional baker and his bread?
(Glimpses of India)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
Bring out the literal and metaphorical meaning of the word “plunge” with reference to the young seagull who failed to muster up the courage to the plunge.
(Stories About Flying)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
What lesson does “For Anne Gregory” present for youthful love?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
“Dust of Snow” presents the polar opposites black and white in a colour pallet. Justify, that ‘black’ and ‘white’ signify something deeper than the superficial meaning in the poem.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
What is the vision of freedom that comes through the speech of Nelson Mandela?
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
Why was Fowler interested in meeting Ausable? (The Midnight Visitor)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
Based on your understanding of the story, how do you assess Bholi’s father? (Bholi)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words:
What vision did Ebright have in raising a flock of butterflies? (The Making of a Scientist)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 100-120 words:
Compare the two stories, ‘Letter to God’ and ‘The Black Aeroplane’ from ‘Stories About Flying. Examine how both these stories illustrate that help can come in unexpected forms.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 100-120 words:
Examine the similarities between the tiger in “A Tiger in the Zoo” and the dragon in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 100-120 words:
Examine the difference between the tiger in “A Tiger in the Zoo” and the dragon in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 100-120 words:
Evaluate the elements of humour and endearment in “A Triumph of Surgery”.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in about 100-120 words:
Discuss how the play “The Book that Saved the Earth” depicts how misunderstanding of cultural differences and lack of awareness about other races cause confusion and conflict.
Chapter:
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