CBSE Class 10 Question Paper 2025 English Language and Literature

Series : HF1EG Set – 1

Q.P. Code 2/1/1
Roll No.
Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
on the title page of the answer-book.

ENGLISH
(Language and Literature)
Time allowed : 3 hours *ENGLISH-LAN. AND LIT.* Maximum Marks : 80

• Please check that this question paper contains 19 printed pages.
• Q.P. Code given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on
the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer-book
at the given place before attempting it.
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper
will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the candidates
will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the
answer-book during this period. #

General Instructions :
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
(i) This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
(ii) The question paper contains three sections :
Section A – Reading Skills
Section B – Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section C – Literature
(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

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SECTION A
Reading Skills 20 marks

1. Read the following passage carefully : 10

(1) Saffron is a spice that’s long been revered across the globe,
captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex
flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this
planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world,
saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as ‘kesar’
in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice.
Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals
and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.

(2) Originating from the delicate stigma of the saffron crocus flower, it
transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing dishes with
a subtle, earthy sweetness that adds a special taste to the palate.
Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and a unique flavour and is used to
colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes,
particularly rice, fish and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.

(3) Saffron forms the backbone of several iconic dishes from around the
world, such as the Spanish rice, seafood dish Paella, the French stew
Bouillabaisse, Italian rice dish Risotto Milanese, the Indian ice cream
Kesar Kulfi, Pakistani rice dish Biryani, and baked Iranian rice
Tachin. Saffron’s rich red colour is attributed to crocin; its bitter
taste, to picrocrocin; and its distinctive aroma, to safranal.

(4) Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran but is also grown in Spain,
France, Italy, and parts of India. A labour-intensive crop, the three
stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried
over charcoal fires for use as a food flavouring and colouring agent.

(5) Most historians speculate it was first domesticated in Iran, but
south-western Greek islands remain strong contenders. Traders,
conquerors, and world explorers introduced it to China, India and the
Middle East. From there, it travelled to Mediterranean Europe.

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(6) The high retail value of saffron is maintained in world markets
because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some
444,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram — equivalently,
150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. Forty hours of labour are needed
to pick 150,000 flowers. Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain
in the west to India in the east. Iran is responsible for around 88% of
global production. Afghanistan comes second, and Spain is the third
largest producer, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the Indian
subcontinent and Morocco are among minor producers.

(7) Given its high price, adulteration is quite common, unfortunately.
Adulterants like beetroot or pomegranate are used to enhance red
colour; silk fibres, oil, or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered
saffron can be adulterated with turmeric and paprika.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

(i) What is the tone of the writer in the given lines ? 1
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
‘‘Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the
royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.’’
Paragraph (1)

(ii) Which of the following statements best describes the comparison
made in the sentence ? 1

‘‘Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world,
saffron means the same in the world of spices.’’
(A) Gold and saffron have similar physical properties.
(B) Gold and saffron have equal monetary value.
(C) Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how
gold is valued among metals.
(D) Gold and saffron are both rare commodities in the global
market. Paragraph (1)
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(iii) List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe.
Paragraphs (2) and (3) 2

(iv) Fill in the blank from the given options : 1

In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’
refers to ___________.

(A) delicately cooked

(B) widely recognized

(C) peculiar and rare

(D) strange and infamous Paragraph (3)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately : 2

Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves
____________. Paragraph (4)

(vi) State whether the following statement is True or False : 1

According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in
Iran. Paragraph (5)

(vii) Which of the following statements best describes the reason for
saffron’s high retail value ? 1

(A) Due to its magical or mystical properties.

(B) Because it can only be grown in specific regions.

(C) Due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and its
relatively low yield per plant.

(D) Because traders, conquerors, and world explorers hoard it.
Paragraph (6)

(viii) Support the writer’s view with evidence from the text that saffron
is often adulterated. Paragraph (7) 1

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2. Read the following passage carefully : 10

(1) Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into
textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in
eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India.
India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China.

(2) Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and
smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique
qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body
temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry.

(3) Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its
strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor: if elongated
even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if
exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects,
especially if left dirty.

(4) The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is
produced by several insects; but, generally, only the silk of moth
caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg
of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms.

(5) So what makes silk so costly ? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a
labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived
from the larva of the silkworms which spin silk threads around
themselves to make cocoons from natural sources. This makes the
production limited due to factors like — climate, availability of

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quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete
their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out
with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans and
craftsmanship. Lastly, superior quality silk fabrics are made from
long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous
appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the
cost.

In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483
metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes
with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of
the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland
(230 metric tonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

(i) What does the phrase ‘luxurious qualities’ in paragraph (2) tell
you about the silk fabric ? Write in 40 words with evidence from
the text. 2

(ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given
below. 1
Assertion : Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason : Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy
appearance.
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason
is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

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(iii) Justify the following statement :

Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the
value of the meticulous process behind its creation. 1

(iv) According to the passage, mention the top two countries that
produce silk. 1

(v) ‘‘Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves
and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are
important factors for the production of silk.’’

State any one inference that can be drawn from this. 1

(vi) Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text :

Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is
_________. 1

(vii) Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the
most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021. 1

(viii) Complete the sentence suitably.
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results
in ___________. 1

(ix) With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk
production is considered labour-intensive. 1

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SECTION B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20 marks
Grammar

3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed. 101=10

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the
brackets, for the given portion of a letter. 1
‘Thank you for _________ (consider) my application. I look forward
to working in your organization.
(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the
correction in the sentence.
Ninety-seven percent of the Earth’s water is salty ocean water
and another two percent is trapping in the Earth’s ice caps and
glaciers. 1
Error Correction

(iii) Yukti and Sanjay had a conversation about going to a restaurant.
Report Yukti’s question. 1
‘‘Does this restaurant serve good South Indian food ?’’

(iv) Read the dialogue between Amit and his sister Ananya, regarding
her travel to the railway station. 1
Amit : Are you sure you can manage to go to the railway
station on your own ?
Ananya : Oh yes! I have already booked a cab.
Select the correct option to report the above dialogue.
Amit asked Ananya ______________ to go to the railway station on
her own. Ananya replied in the affirmative and said that she had
already booked a cab.
(A) if she is sure she can manage
(B) if she was sure she could manage
(C) if she surely can manage
(D) if she was sure to managing
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(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the
sentence taken from a book about ‘Birds’. 1
Each year, thousands of birds __________
(migrate/immigrate/emigrate) southwards to avoid the harsh
winter, embarking on an incredible journey that spans thousands
of miles.

(vi) Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from an
agency’s advertisement. 1
Tell us much about your project and we’ll select suitable
candidates for you to hire.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the
correction for the following line taken from an article about
growing obesity.
Obesity in teenage children is a major concern between parents
today. 1
Option No. Error Correction
(A) teenage teenagers
(B) concern concerns
(C) between among
(D) today now

(viii) Complete the given narrative with the correct option to fill in the
blank. 1
Yesterday, Tanu walked to the park and __________ a breezy
evening.
(A) to enjoying
(B) will enjoy
(C) enjoyed
(D) did enjoyed
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(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the
sentence. 1
Bhawna : I finished the project yesterday.
Sohail : That’s great ! Are you going to present it tomorrow ?
Bhawna told Sohail that ____________. Sohail responded that it
was great and asked if she were going to present it the next day.

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the
notice on a school notice board. 1
We are pleased to announce that our Annual Sports Day
_________ on 30th April, 2025 at the school playground from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m.
(A) is held
(B) will be held
(C) had been held
(D) to be held

(xi) Complete the slogan on ‘‘Save Earth’’, by filling in the blank with
the correct option.
Lets join hands, cultivate conservation, and _________ a greener
tomorrow for generations to come. 1
(A) ensuring
(B) ensure
(C) ensures
(D) ensured

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note
in an air purifier’s instruction manual. 1
The plug should fit upto the outlet. If it doesn’t fit, do not force it
in.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

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Writing

Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary

and created for assessment purpose.

4. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : 5

(a) You are Soumya Hansal / Sumit Hansal living at F-32, Shanti

Nagar, Vayugarh. Seeing the inadequate healthcare infrastructure

in your town, write a letter to the MLA of your area, in about 120

words, suggesting the need for improving existing healthcare

facilities and creating more ‘‘Wellness Centres’’ including a

specialized hospital for children and women.

OR

(b) You are Risha Khan / Zuhaan Khan, the sports captain of Highrise

Public School, New Line, Rai Nagar. You believe that games and

sports are an integral part of a student’s life. Write a letter to the

editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, sharing your views

on the importance of physical education and suggesting the need to

establish a dedicated sports university, so that students can

pursue and focus on their favourite sport.

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5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : 5

(a) In the past few years, the teaching-learning process has taken a
leap and gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Today, it has
become possible to learn not just by sitting in a physical classroom,
but from anywhere. Given below is a chart depicting the
differences between E-learning and Classroom learning. Write an
analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the benefits
and drawbacks of both, by selecting features that support your
analysis.

E-learning vs. Classroom learning

 accessible anytime anywhere  same place, same time

 at your own pace  caters to the needs of the class

 transportation cost and time
 no travel costs, saves time
consuming

OR
(b) Read the given details of a computer.

* electronic device that can store and process information

* makes life easy and simple

* physical description — monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse

* computer technology used in all fields — education,
medicine, commerce, entertainment

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about
120 words about the description and role of computers in today’s
world.

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SECTION C
Literature 40 marks

6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
given two, (a) or (b) : 5

(a) Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally
destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho’s soul was
filled with sadness. When the storm had passed, he stood in the
middle of the field and said to his sons, ‘‘A plague of locusts would
have left more than this. The hail has left nothing. This year we will
have no corn.’’
That night was a sorrowful one.
‘‘All our work, for nothing.’’
‘‘There’s no one who can help us.’’
‘‘We’ll all go hungry this year.’’
(A Letter to God)

(i) Why were there no leaves left on the trees ? 1
(A) The locusts ate them up.
(B) An earthquake had occurred.
(C) There was a hailstorm.
(D) The animals grazed on them.

(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets.
Lencho felt __________ (jubilant/devastated) when he saw his
destroyed corn fields. 1

(iii) When Lencho says, ‘‘All our work, for nothing,’’ what does he
refer to ? Explain in about 40 words. 2

(iv) Why would Lencho have preferred a plague of locusts to a
hailstorm ? 1

OR
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(b) Later, he patted me on the head and said never mind, he’d
teach me to cook. He also taught me to write my name and said he
would soon teach me to write whole sentences and to add numbers. I
was grateful. I knew that once I could write like an educated man
there would be no limit to what I could achieve.
It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the
morning and then would take my time buying the day’s supplies,
usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew I
made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.
(The Thief’s Story)
(i) What does the following line tell us about the character of
Anil ?
“I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not
seem to mind.” 1
(ii) Which of the following best describes the realization Hari
Singh had while working for Anil ? 1
(A) that he would become a rich person one day
(B) that Anil was a very intelligent master but a miser
(C) that he would be able to accomplish a lot if he gets educated
(D) that Anil made a lot of money from his job
(iii) What did Anil promise to teach Hari Singh, and how did
Hari Singh feel about the opportunity to learn ? Answer in
about 40 words. 2
(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. 1
The narrator earned extra money by making a/an _________
(profit/investment) of about a rupee a day.

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
given two, (a) or (b) : 5

(a) ‘‘I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair.’’ (For Anne Gregory)
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(i) Complete the sentence appropriately : 1
The speaker addresses the person he is speaking to as ‘‘my
dear’’ because ___________.

(ii) The poet mentions ‘‘yellow hair’’. What is its significance in the
context of the statement ? Answer in about 40 words. 2

(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. 1
The poet suggests that God’s love in comparison to that of a
human being is ____________ (selfish/selfless).

(iv) As per the above extract, what attributes does God not love a
person for ? Select the correct option. 1
1. Wealth 2. Physical appearance
3. Intelligence 4. Inner qualities
5. Youth

(A) 1 and 4
(B) 3, 4, and 5
(C) 2 and 4
(D) Only 4

OR

(b) He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass

(A Tiger in the Zoo)

(i) Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract. 2

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(ii) Fill in the blank with one word. 1
The tiger’s stalking on ‘pads of velvet’ suggests a movement
that is ___________.

(iii) Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would
best describe the feelings of the tiger ? 1

(A) Calm and content

(B) Both subdued and angry

(C) Both frustrated and happy

(D) Both angry and famished

(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the
first four lines of the given extract. 1

(A) The people along the sand
All turn and look one way
They turn their back on the land
They look at the sea all day

(B) Along the sand, the people
All turn and look one way
They turn back on the sand
They look at the sea all day

(C) The people along the sand
Look one way and all turn
Their backs on the land
They look at the sea all day

(D) The people along the sand
They turn their back on the land
They look one way
At the sea all day.
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8. Answer any four of the following five questions in 40 – 50 words
each : 43=12

(i) Mandela in his speech says, ‘‘The policy of apartheid created a deep
and lasting wound in my country and my people.’’ Explain the
significance of the word ‘‘wound’’ as used by Mandela.

(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

(ii) ‘Dust of Snow’, by Robert Frost is a poem about nature and
simplicity. Elaborate.

(iii) Explain the reasons for Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the plantation
and Pranjol’s lack of enthusiasm.
(Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam)

(iv) Analyze how Wells employs humour, rhyme, and exaggerated traits
to not only entertain, but also educate readers about various wild
animals. Explain.

(How to Tell Wild Animals)

(v) Mijbil’s transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for
the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson.
(Mijbil the Otter)

9. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40 – 50 words each : 23=6

(i) Analyze how Herriot uses Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s relationship
to comment on societal attitudes towards pets and the
responsibilities associated with their care.
(A Triumph of Surgery)

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(ii) Today reading books is on the decline because of the prevalence of

electronic media. Contrarily, earth is saved by a ‘Book’ in the

chapter ‘‘The Book That Saved the Earth’’. Elaborate.

(iii) Discuss the character development of Griffin, as he grapples with

the repercussions of his actions and attempts to navigate a world,

where his once extraordinary abilities have become a burden.

(Footprints without Feet)

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100 – 120 words : 6

(a) Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine

the above observation with reference to the two texts.

(Amanda and Madam Rides the Bus)

OR

(b) In ‘The Ball Poem’’, Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing

up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom

and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years

on the basis of his race and colour.

Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts.

(The Ball Poem and Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

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11. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100 – 120 words : 6

(a) Horace ends up in prison only to regret that a man should not trust

anyone blindly without finding out the truth. Do you think his own

foolishness was responsible for his arrest ? Give a reasoned answer.

(A Question of Trust)

OR

(b) Matilda’s character embodies the journey of change or progression

throughout the story, encapsulating the transformations she

endured as a consequence of her experiences, trials, and

engagements with other characters.

In the light of the above information, trace the transformation seen

in Matilda’s character in the story.

(The Necklace)

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