CBSE Class 10 – English Language & Literature

Sample Question Paper (2025–26)

Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

The question paper contains 3 Sections – A, B, and C.
All questions are compulsory.
Read the questions carefully before answering.
Attempt questions in sequence.

Section A – Reading Skills (20 Marks)

Q1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (10 Marks)

Reading helps us grow intellectually and emotionally. It improves vocabulary, enhances imagination, and develops critical thinking. Students who read regularly perform better in academics and communication skills. Reading also reduces stress and increases concentration. In today’s digital age, cultivating a reading habit is essential for personal development.

Questions:

What are the benefits of reading? (2)
How does reading help students academically? (2)
Find a word from the passage meaning mental growth. (1)
Why is reading important in the digital age? (2)
Give a suitable title to the passage. (3)

Q2. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions. (10 Marks)

Discipline plays a vital role in shaping one’s character. It teaches punctuality, responsibility, and self-control. A disciplined student respects rules and manages time effectively. Discipline leads to success in academics and life.

Questions:
(Attempt all)

What qualities does discipline teach? (2)
How does discipline help students? (2)
Find a word meaning control over oneself. (1)
State whether discipline leads to success. (1)
Answer remaining questions. (4)

Section B – Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks)

Q3. Letter Writing (10 Marks)

Write a formal letter to the Municipal Corporation complaining about poor road conditions in your area.

Write a letter to your friend describing how you prepared for your board exams.

Q4. Grammar (10 Marks)

Attempt any ten:

Fill in the blanks with correct tense.
Rewrite in passive voice.
Change into indirect speech.
Choose the correct option.
Edit the given passage.

Section C – Literature (40 Marks)

Q5. MCQs from Literature (10 Marks)

Who wrote A Letter to God?
a) Ruskin Bond
b) G.L. Fuentes
c) Nelson Mandela
d) Robert Frost

Answer: b

The poem Fire and Ice is written by
a) Robert Frost
b) Walt Whitman
c) William Blake
d) John Keats

Answer: a

(8 more MCQs based on First Flight & Footprints Without Feet)

Q6. Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)

Answer any five in 40–50 words.

How did Lencho show faith in God?
Why was Mandela grateful to the freedom fighters?
What message does Dust of Snow convey?
Why did the pilot think the woman was harmless?
How did the postmaster help Lencho?

Q7. Long Answer Question (10 Marks)

Answer any one in 100–120 words.

How does The Ball Poem convey the idea of loss and responsibility?
OR
Describe the character of Griffin in Footprints Without Feet.

SOLUTION.

SECTION A – Reading Skills (20 Marks)

Q1. Passage 1 – Solutions

1. Benefits of reading:
Reading improves vocabulary, imagination, concentration, and critical thinking skills. (2)

2. Academic benefits:
It helps students perform better in studies and communication. (2)

3. Word meaning mental growth:
Intellectually (1)

4. Importance in digital age:
Reading helps personal development and reduces stress despite digital distractions. (2)

5. Suitable title:
Importance of Reading (3)

Q2. Passage 2 – Solutions

1. Qualities taught by discipline:
Punctuality, responsibility, and self-control. (2)

2. Help to students:
It helps them manage time and respect rules. (2)

3. Word meaning self-control:
Discipline (1)

4. Does discipline lead to success?
Yes, discipline leads to success in academics and life. (1)

5. Remaining answers:
Discipline shapes character and builds a successful future. (4)

SECTION B – Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks)

Q3. Formal Letter (10 Marks)

Sender’s Address
XYZ Colony
New Delhi

Date: 12 January 2026

To
The Municipal Commissioner
New Delhi

Subject: Complaint regarding poor road conditions

Sir/Madam,
I wish to draw your attention to the poor condition of roads in XYZ Colony. The roads are full of potholes causing traffic jams and accidents. During rains, water collects and worsens the situation.

I request the concerned authorities to repair the roads at the earliest.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,
ABC

Q4. Grammar – Answers (Any Ten)

She is reading a book.
The work was completed by him.
He said that he was tired.
She is more intelligent than her sister.
Errors corrected appropriately.
(Full marks given as per CBSE scheme)

SECTION C – Literature (40 Marks)

Q5. MCQs – Answers

A Letter to God – G.L. Fuentes
Fire and Ice – Robert Frost
Lencho was a farmer
Mandela became President in 1994
Griffin was a scientist
The ball symbolises loss
The poet of Dust of Snow – Robert Frost
The thief was Hari Singh
The pilot flew to Paris
Amanda wants freedom

(10/10)

Q6. Short Answer Questions (Any Five)

1. Lencho’s faith in God:
Lencho had deep faith in God. After his crops were destroyed, he wrote a letter to God asking for help, believing God would help him.

2. Mandela’s gratitude:
Mandela was grateful to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for South Africa’s independence.

3. Message of Dust of Snow:
The poem shows how small events can change our mood and bring positivity.

4. Pilot’s view of the woman:
The pilot thought the woman was harmless because she was calm and confident.

5. Postmaster’s help:
The postmaster collected money from his staff and sent it to Lencho.

Q7. Long Answer Question (10 Marks)

The Ball Poem – Theme of Loss and Responsibility

The poem The Ball Poem describes a boy who loses his ball and learns an important lesson about loss. The ball symbolises childhood possessions. The poet explains that loss is a part of life and teaches responsibility. The boy learns to accept reality and grow emotionally.

CBSE Class 10 – English Language & Literature Download