Class X English Pre-Board Examination Paper (2025-26).
SECTION A – READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
Q.1 Read the following passage (Crochet):
(i) Why is the revival of crochet described as a ‘long lost art’?
Answer: It is described as a ‘long lost art’ because for a long time, it was considered outdated, associated only with older generations, and limited to household use before making a recent comeback1111.
(ii) According to paragraph II, crochet items are valued for all of the following qualities EXCEPT being:
Answer: (B) entirely machine-made
(Reason: The passage states that the uniqueness of each handmade piece makes it special, contrasting it with machine-made fashion2222.)
(iii) Complete the following:
The use of natural or recycled yarns makes crochet products eco-friendly33.
(iv) Select the option that is True for what the phrase “slow fashion” suggests:
Answer: (A) Fashion that focuses on creativity, patience, and sustainability4444.
(v) Complete the analogy:
fast fashion : waste :: crochet : sustainability5555.
(vi) Why is crochet seen as beneficial for people’s mental health?
Answer: Crochet is therapeutic because the repetitive motions of looping yarn help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and provide a calming, meditative effect in a stressful world6.
(vii) Select the correct option for the main ideas of paragraph II and paragraph III:
Answer: (B) Main idea of Para II: (a) Social media has revived interest in crochet; Main idea of Para III: (c) Crochet promotes eco-friendly and sustainable fashion7777.
(viii) Why is crochet no longer seen as just an old-fashioned household skill?
Answer: It has evolved into a creative art form that blends culture, fashion, and sustainability, moving from a symbol of family warmth to a global fashion statement shaping the future of handmade fashion8.
Q.2 Read the following passage (Study Habits):
(i) Why did the study most likely focus on the two specific age groups of 13-15 and 16-18?
Answer: (A) represent students who are preparing for important examinations.
(Reason: The text mentions the 16-18 group specifically in the context of “board exam preparation”9.)
(ii) Identify the phrase in paragraph I that conveys the writer’s reference to the patterns or preferences in how students study.
Answer: “study preferences”10.
(iii) Complete the following:
Riya prefers group study because it helps her with quick doubt clarification and keeps her motivated to continue11.
(iv) What does the writer suggest by saying that students preferred group study for “better doubt clarification”?
Answer: The writer suggests that studying with peers allows students to understand difficult concepts more easily through discussion and peer support12.
(v) Complete the following with the correct option:
When the writer says “preferences shifted” in paragraph III, he means that (B) the older age group leaned more towards self-study compared to the younger group131313.
(vi) One likely reason why many older students preferred self-study is:
Answer: It gave them more control over their time, pace, and topics, which is crucial for board exam preparation14.
(vii) How does combining both study methods impact performance?
Answer: Students who combined both approaches strategically performed the best, as group study aided conceptual clarity while self-study helped with focused revision15.
(viii) Elaborate how using both group and self-study strategically benefits students.
Answer: Group study is effective for active discussions and clearing concepts, while self-study is better for focused revision and exam practice. Using both allows students to leverage the unique advantages of each method for optimal success161616.
(ix) Fill in the blank:
The study concluded that both methods have unique advantages and students should blend them based on their learning styles for best results17.
SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 Marks)
Q.3 GRAMMAR
(i) The new wallpapers are beautifully designed to attract young buyers18181818.
(ii) Error: were | Correction: was (Subject “The student” is singular)19.
(iii) I can’t believe how much the place has changed since my last visit20.
(iv) He told his teacher that he had completed his project21.
(v) We hope that the issue will be resolved (B) promptly22222222.
(vi) She requested her brother to help her with her homework23.
(vii) Watching the match live was an experience I will never forget; it left me (A) completely thrilled24242424.
(viii) Error: do | Correction: does (Option A)25252525.
(ix) She asked her friend if she would help her with the assignment26.
(x) We haven’t decided yet, but we may go on a short trip this weekend27272727.
(xi) (B) Some students have submitted the practical file on time. (“Have” is plural, so “Each/Every” are incorrect; “Much” is for uncountable nouns) 28282828.
(xii) There were (A) few chairs in the room, so some guests had to stand29292929.
Q.4 CREATIVE WRITING (LETTERS) – Attempt ANY ONE
(Option A) Letter to District Education Officer
RV International School,
[City Name],
[Date]
The District Education Officer,
[District Name],
[City Name]
Subject: Request to organise career counselling sessions for students.
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you as the Vice Head Girl of RV International School to bring to your attention the growing anxiety among students regarding their career paths. Many students, especially those in Class 10, feel confused and overwhelmed about choosing the right stream for their future.
This lack of clarity often leads to stress and poor decision-making. I earnestly request you to organise professional career counselling sessions in schools. These sessions would help students identify their aptitudes and make informed choices.
We suggest inviting experts from various fields to conduct interactive workshops and aptitude tests. Such initiatives would greatly empower students to build a successful future.
Yours faithfully,
Nida
Vice Head Girl
OR
(Option B) Letter to the Editor
RV Public School,
[City Name],
[Date]
The Editor,
The National Daily,
[City Name]
Subject: Urgent need for traffic management near schools.
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the chaotic traffic situation near RV Public School during arrival and dispersal hours. As the Vice Head Girl, I witness daily how haphazard parking and reckless driving create severe congestion and safety hazards for students.
The resulting noise pollution and delays are a constant source of stress. It is imperative that strict action be taken against traffic violators in school zones. I suggest the deployment of traffic police during peak hours and the implementation of a designated drop-off/pick-up system to manage the flow of vehicles.
I hope authorities will take immediate note of this issue to ensure the safety of students and reduce public inconvenience.
Yours truly,
Sadhika
Vice Head Girl
Q.5 CREATIVE WRITING (ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH) – Attempt ANY ONE
(Option A) Analyzing Guest Authors
Choosing the Right Author for the Literature Festival
The school is hosting a Literature Festival, and the choice between Mr. Saurabh Singh and Ms. Shikha depends on the target audience’s age and interests. Mr. Saurabh Singh is an award-winning poet who focuses on contemporary social themes30. His work inspires young adults to express themselves, making him an ideal choice if the audience consists of high school students who can engage with complex social issues. On the other hand, Ms. Shikha specialises in children’s fiction and interactive storytelling workshops31. She is best suited for a younger, primary school audience to foster a love for reading. Since the goal of a “Literature Society” in a senior school setting is often to stimulate critical thinking and creative expression among teenagers, Mr. Saurabh Singh would likely be the more relevant guest to engage the students effectively.
OR
(Option B) Selecting a Co-leader for Rehan
Selecting the Best Co-Leader for the Campaign
Rehan, tasked with leading the Social Awareness Campaign, is a creative thinker but struggles with execution and follow-through32. To ensure the project’s success, he needs a partner who complements these weaknesses. David is a dynamic speaker but, like Rehan, struggles with documentation33, which might lead to organizational chaos. Zoya is good at planning but her hesitation in decision-making 34 could slow down progress. Manisha appears to be the best choice. As a natural organizer who excels at logistics and ensures tasks are done on time35, she perfectly balances Rehan’s creativity. Rehan can generate ideas, and Manisha can execute them efficiently, ensuring the campaign is both innovative and well-managed.
SECTION C – LITERATURE (40 Marks)
Q.6 Answer ANY ONE of the two extracts:
(Option A) Mijbil The Otter
(i) Contradict the view that Mij was a dull and inactive pet.
Answer: Mij was far from dull; he was highly active and playful. He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball like a soccer player and juggling marbles on his belly without dropping them363636.
(ii) Which of the following statements best explains Mij’s behaviour during playtime?
Answer: (b) Mij was energetic and skilled, engaging actively in different kinds of playful activities37.
(iii) What can be inferred about Mij’s personality from the way he played with marbles?
Answer: It infers that Mij was intelligent, dexterous (skillful with paws), and capable of great concentration, as he could balance and roll marbles on his belly without dropping them38.
(iv) Select the option that correctly categorises (i)-(v) into sound and movement words.
Answer: (A) Sound: i (shuffling); Movement: ii, iii, iv, v (dribble, flick, rolling, juggling)39.
(Note: “Shuffling” implies the sound of dragging feet/objects, while the others are purely physical actions described in the text.)
OR
(Option B) The Book that Saved the Earth
(i) What does the word “(chuckling)” at the beginning of the Historian’s speech convey?
Answer: (A) amusement at the events being narrated40.
(ii) How do the stage directions, such as “(She bows and exits right)”, contribute to the understanding of the scene?
Answer: They help visualise the action, indicate the end of the character’s role in the scene, and show formal etiquette (bowing) to the audience, marking a transition in the play41.
(iii) The Historian refers to “Mother Goose” as the book Martians can’t read to:
Answer: (A) highlight the lingering comic irony of the Martians’ misunderstanding42.
(iv) What emotion is the Historian most likely conveying through her tone and actions in this extract?
Answer: She conveys a sense of light-hearted humor and perhaps a bit of pride or satisfaction that a simple book of nursery rhymes saved the Earth.
Q.7 Answer ANY ONE of the two extracts:
(Option A) Amanda
(i) What emotions are most appropriately conveyed through the tone of the speaker?
Answer: (C) i, iii, v (frustration, authority, irritation)43.
(ii) What does the line “Will you please look at me…” suggest about the relationship dynamic?
Answer: It suggests a strained and disconnected relationship where the speaker feels ignored and is demanding attention/obedience, while Amanda is mentally withdrawing from the conversation44444444.
(iii) Which phrase reflects the speaker’s attempt to control Amanda’s personal choices?
Answer: “Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!”45.
(iv) Fill in the blank:
The repeated instructions highlight the speaker’s focus on outward behaviour/obedience rather than understanding Amanda’s perspective46.
OR
(Option B) The Tale of Custard the Dragon
(i) What does the poet imply by describing the dragon as a coward?
Answer: (A) The dragon lacked the courage usually associated with such creatures47.
(ii) Complete the following suitably:
The name “Mustard” for the little yellow dog refers to its sharpness (fierceness) and yellow colour48.
(iii) How does the poet use humour in the description of the characters in this stanza?
Answer: The poet uses irony and contrasting names; a “sharp” dog is named Mustard, while a “cowardly” dragon is named Custard (a soft, sweet dessert), creating a funny mismatch between expectations and reality49.
(iv) Identify the phrase in the stanza that reveals the dragon’s ironical trait.
Answer: “But the dragon was a coward”50.
Q.8 Answer ANY FOUR (Provided all 5 as requested):
(i) How does Anne Frank’s tone in her diary entries reflect her maturity and self-awareness?
Answer: Despite being only 13, Anne discusses deep concepts like the “patience of paper” and her feeling of isolation despite having a family. She analyzes her inability to get close to people, showing deep introspection and maturity beyond her years51.
(ii) Kisa Gotami’s journey conveys a deep message about life and death. Support this.
Answer: Kisa Gotami’s frantic search for a cure for her dead son leads her to realize that death is common to all. Her journey from personal grief to understanding the universal nature of mortality helps her find peace, teaching that acceptance is the only path to overcome sorrow52.
(iii) How does Valli’s bus journey mark a turning point in her understanding of the world?
Answer: Valli starts her journey with excitement, enjoying the landscape. However, seeing the dead cow on her return trip shocks her. She realizes that life is fragile and can end abruptly, transforming her from a carefree child into a more mature individual who understands the mystery of life and death53.
(iv) How does the boy’s reaction to the loss of his ball reflect a universal experience of growing up?
Answer: The boy’s grief over the lost ball symbolizes the first experience of loss in life. It teaches him the “epistemology of loss”—that things we love will be lost, and money cannot replace memories. Learning to stand up after loss is a crucial part of growing up54.
(v) How does the poet contrast the tiger’s majestic nature with its helplessness in captivity?
Answer: The poet contrasts the tiger “stalking in his vivid stripes” and “sliding through long grass” (his natural majestic state) with him being locked in a “concrete cell” where his strength is behind bars. This highlights the cruelty of captivity and evokes sympathy for the helpless animal55.
Q.9 Answer ANY TWO (Only one question is fully visible in the file):
(i) Briefly evaluate the statement, “Education is the most powerful tool for empowerment,” with reference to Bholi’s transformation.
Answer: Bholi was initially a stuttering, neglected child lacking confidence. Education gave her the voice to speak without fear and the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong. It empowered her to reject a greedy marriage proposal and stand up for her dignity, transforming her from a “dumb cow” into a confident, independent teacher56.
Here are the solutions for Questions 9 to 11 from the provided question paper. The answers are written according to the marks (Word limits: 40-50 words for 3 marks, 100-120 words for 6 marks).
Q.9 Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions
(i) Briefly evaluate the statement, “Education is the most powerful tool for empowerment,” with reference to Bholi’s transformation in the story. 1
Answer:
Education completely transformed Bholi from a frightened, stuttering child into a confident young woman. It gave her the wisdom to understand right from wrong and the courage to reject a greedy, disrespectful groom. Her teacher’s support helped her gain self-respect, proving that education empowers people to stand up against social evils and define their own identity.
(ii) How does Matilda’s obsession with appearances influence the course of her life? (The Necklace) 2
Answer:
Matilda was born into a middle-class family but was obsessed with living a luxurious life. Her vanity led her to borrow a necklace to look rich at a party. Losing it forced her into ten years of grinding poverty and hard labour to repay the debt. Her obsession with temporary appearance ultimately cost her her youth and happiness.
(iii) Griffin’s misuse of his scientific discovery ultimately leads to his downfall. Evaluate this statement with reference to his choices and their consequences. (Footprints without Feet) 3
Answer:
Griffin was a brilliant scientist, but he was lawless. Instead of using his invisibility for good, he used it to steal, set fire to his landlord’s house, and attack innocent people. These unethical choices turned him into a hunted fugitive, wandering without clothes or shelter in the cold, proving that science without conscience leads to destruction.
Q.10 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions (Long Answer Type):
(A) In ‘The Black Aeroplane’ and ‘His First Flight’, the characters persist despite fear and danger. How do these stories show that determination and effort are essential to overcome obstacles? 4
Answer:
Both stories highlight that fear is the biggest barrier to success, and only courage and effort can overcome it.
In ‘His First Flight’, the young seagull was terrified of flying and starving. However, maddened by hunger and provoked by his mother, he finally made the effort to dive. Once he flapped his wings, his fear vanished, and he soared triumphantly.
Similarly, in ‘The Black Aeroplane’, the pilot faced a deadly storm with limited fuel. Instead of turning back, his determination to reach home and have breakfast with his family pushed him to fly into the black clouds.
Both characters show that while fear is natural, taking that first risky step and persisting through danger is essential to survive and succeed.
OR
(B) Both the poems, ‘Fog’ and ‘The Trees’ reveal how nature can be both gentle and imposing. How do these poems show humans’ relationship with the natural world? 5
Answer:
These poems portray nature as an autonomous force that humans cannot fully control.
In ‘Fog’, nature is depicted as silent and gentle. The fog comes on “little cat feet,” sits looking over the harbor, and then moves on. It is indifferent to human activities and follows its own rhythm, showing a relationship where nature quietly exists alongside human life.
In contrast, ‘The Trees’ shows nature as a powerful, imposing force struggling to break free from human confinement. The trees inside the house work all night to move out into the forest, cracking the floors and stretching towards freedom. This suggests that humans try to contain nature (in pots or cities), but nature is resilient and will always reclaim its space. Together, they show that nature is independent, powerful, and cannot be suppressed by humans.
Q.11 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions (Long Answer Type):
(A) In ‘Footprints Without Feet’, Griffin’s actions after becoming invisible lead to his downfall. Analyze his character and the consequences of his misuse of invisibility. 6
Answer:
Griffin is a classic example of how intelligence without character can be dangerous. He was a brilliant scientist who discovered how to make the human body invisible, but he was also a lawless person with a quick temper.
Instead of using his discovery for the benefit of society, he used it for petty revenge and theft. He set fire to his landlord’s house, stole clothes and food from a London store, and robbed a clergyman.
His actions led to severe consequences. He was forced to wander the streets of London in mid-winter without clothes to remain invisible. He became a lonely, hunted man, always in fear of being caught. His misuse of science brought him physical suffering and social isolation, turning a great discovery into a personal curse.
OR
(B) In ‘The Midnight Visitor’, the protagonist’s unexpected actions lead to a surprising conclusion. How does the author build suspense through misdirection and what is the impact of the story’s ending? 7
Answer:
In ‘The Midnight Visitor’, the author builds suspense by playing with the reader’s expectations (misdirection). The protagonist, Ausable, is described as a fat, sloppy man who does not look like a secret agent at all. When his enemy, Max, enters with a gun, the reader expects a physical fight or a high-tech gadget.
Instead, Ausable uses his mind. He calmly cooks up a false story about a “balcony” under his window and complains about it to the waiter (who Max thinks is the police). This misdirection fools Max completely.
The suspense peaks when the door is knocked on. Max, panicked by the fear of police, jumps out of the window to hide in the non-existent balcony and falls to his death. The impact of the ending is shocking and humorous, proving that presence of mind and intelligence are more powerful weapons than guns or physical strength.
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