CBSE Class 10 Question Paper 2026 English Communicative

FOR CBSE CLASS 10 EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 10
2026
Question Paper ·
English
EXAM YEAR TYPE SUBJECT

CBSE Class 10 2026 Question Paper English
DETAILS

communicative

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

Series : MNL2K SET~4

Q.P. Code 1
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Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
Roll No.
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on the title page of the answer-book.
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*112F4*
ENGLISH
(Communicative)
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80

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NOTE :
Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages.
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(I)
(II)
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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.
(III) Please check that this question a g
paper contains 12 questions.
(IV) Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer-book at the given
place before attempting it.
(V) 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 :
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Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
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(i) The question paper is divided into four sections  A, B, C and D.

m .co Section A — Reading Skills 22 marks
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Section B — Writing Skills 22 marks
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Section C — Grammar
Section D — Literature Textbook
10 marks
26 marks
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(ii) There are 12 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Answers should be brief and to the point.
(iv) You may attempt any section at a time.
(v) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
(vi) Instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.

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SECTION A – (Reading Skills) (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully : 12
(1) Playing sports is a fun and effective way to boost your health and
fitness. Instead of the grind of treadmills or weight machines, sports
offer excitement and motivation, especially when invited by friends
or teammates. Engaging in sports enhances heart health, lowers the
risk of diabetes, improves blood sugar control and reduces tension
and stress. Physical activity also builds muscle mass, refines
coordination, and strengthens muscle memory.
(2) Life brings emotional ups and downs, and it can be tempting to cope
through binge-watching or overeating. However, regular sports
participation triggers positive changes in the brain. It increases
serotonin and improves cardiovascular health — key for reducing
anxiety and depression while the release of endorphins improves
mood and provides natural pain relief. Any sport you enjoy can help
you combat stress and boost overall happiness.
(3) Modern lifestyles entail long hours at desks, fatigue and convenience
food which often lead to weight gain, hypertension and heart
disease. Playing sports is an efficient and enjoyable way to burn
calories, reduce body fat and manage weight. Combined with a
healthy diet, it can outperform traditional gym workouts, which can
feel exhausting or monotonous.
(4) Sports elevate heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain,
stimulating growth-promoting hormones for brain cells. Physical
exertion depletes energy and elevates body temperature, which
improves sleep quality by making the body work harder to cool down
at night. Studies show that exercising at least 150 minutes per week
can enhance sleep quality by up to 65 percent.
(5) Sports activities like basketball, soccer, football, tennis and baseball
engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Unlike routine gym
sessions, they help to build lean muscle while burning fat. These
sports are driven by fun and competition and don’t feel like a chore
in isolated gym training. They challenge the balance, reduce fall risk
and test the limits of endurance, whether in victory or defeat.
(6) Sport isn’t just physical — it is also emotional. It offers
opportunities to face challenges, learn from failure, and celebrate
victory. These experiences foster self-confidence, adaptability, and
resilience, making you feel more capable and positive about life.

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(7) Beyond the personal gains, playing sports fosters social bonds and
community living. Joining a team or club brings you into a
supportive network of teammates, coaches and friends. Shared
goals, team camaraderie and cheering each other help strengthen
relationships and build a sense of belonging. This social engagement

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not only enhances enjoyment but also encourages you to stay

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committed, making regular physical activity a sustainable part of

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your life.
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s e the following questions, based on the passage above : g l a
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Answer

ag(i)
in sports, as stated in paragraph 1 ? 1
(A) promotes more screen time
(B) reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes
(C) improves hearing abilities
(D) worsens sleeping patterns.
(ii) What underlying mechanism makes sports more effective
than binge-watching or overeating for coping with emotional
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stress ? 1
(A) activation of social bonding neuropeptides
(B)
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enhanced serotonin and natural chemical release in the
brain
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(C)
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increased caloric expenditure leading to mental clarity
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(D) diversion of attention through physical exhaution
Paragraph (2)
(iii) Complete the following suitably : 1
Modern lifestyles lead to weight gain because ___________ .
(iv) Rectify the given false statement. 1
Playing a sport and consuming a lot of convenience food
balances weight gain and reduces body fat.
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(v) How does physical exertion affect body temperature and sleep
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quality ? Paragraph (4) 1
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(vi) In what way are gym sessions different from sports
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1
s (vii) Mention one way in which playing a sportaghelps in emotional
development. Paragraph (6) 2
(viii) List one way in which playing a sport reduces the risk of
falling. 2
(ix) How does belonging to a team or community act as a positive
feedback loop for continued engagement in physical activity ? 2
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2. Read the following passage carefully : 10
(1) Eco-tourism is a mindful and responsible way of travelling that
emphasizes conserving natural environments, appreciating local
cultures, and benefitting communities rather than exploiting them. It
goes beyond simply visiting nature — it strives to protect fragile
ecosystems, educate visitors, and uplift local people, both socially and
economically.
(2) A vital part of eco-tourism is environmental conservation. Places like
Costa Rica have used eco-tourism as a tool to preserve vast protected
areas — over 21% of the nation’s lands are now national parks and
reserves, all thanks to eco-tourism-driven support. These efforts not
only shield wildlife, but also inspire visitors with education about
biodiversity and conservation.
(3) Eco-tourism also brings substantial economic and socio-cultural
benefits to local communities. It not only offers visitors a chance to
explore nature but also empowers local people to protect their own
heritage. Tourists often spend on lodges, guides, food, and souvenirs,
yielding jobs and income for locals in rural and otherwise
underdeveloped areas. By hiring local guides, staying in
community-run lodges, and buying handmade crafts, tourists directly
support regional economies and preserve cultural traditions.
Community-based models place locals at the centre, helping them
manage and run tourism activities. This builds strong ownership and
ensures that the benefits stay with the people.
(4) This approach has led to better income and infrastructure in rural
areas. Moreover, involving the community in conservation efforts
encourages responsible stewardship and strengthens the bond
between people and their environment.
(5) However, eco-tourism is not without challenges. Not all operators
practice what they preach. Some misuse the label to appear green
without ethical conduct. It is a problem known as greenwashing.
Moreover, too many tourists can strain ecosystems causing erosion,
habitat disruption, and pollution even in the most well-meaning
eco-tourism sites.
(6) To be truly effective, eco-tourism must abide by strict codes of
conduct, control its environmental footprint, and ensure genuine
benefit-sharing with local communities. With well-managed practices
and respect for nature, eco-tourism can offer young learners a
powerful lesson: it is possible to enjoy the beauty of our world while
caring for it and the people who call it home.
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Answer the following questions based on the passage above :
(i) Complete with a suitable reason. 1
Eco-tourism is considered a responsible way of travelling because
___________.
(ii)
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Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase.
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Costa Rica has __________ large expanses of land into national parks
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to preserve the areas.
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(iii) Eco-tourism an opportunity to the local people to preservea
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(A) converting parks into national reserves.
(B) selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs.
(C) using modern technology to present their culture.
(D) improving their infrastructure.
(iv) Which of the following is/are economic benefit(s) of eco-tourism for

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local communities ? (Paragraph 3)
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It increases government tax revenues only.
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2.
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It creates jobs through spending on lodges, guides and food.
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3.
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It primarily supports large international corporations.
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4.
5.
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It reduces the need for community involvement.
It increases income and infrastructure.
6. Locals adopt unethical methods to attract tourists.
Select the correct option. 1
(A) Only 1 (B) 2 and 6
(C) 3 and 5 (D) 2 and 5
(v) List any two challenges faced by eco-tourism. 2
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(vi) How can eco-tourism be truly effective ?
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(vii) What ecological issues can result from too many tourists visiting

se eco-tourism sites ?
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(A) reduced carbon emissions and habitat restoration ag
(B) innovation and improved infrastructure
(C) erosion, habitat disruption and pollution
(D) cultural revival and increased bio-diversity
(viii) What, according to the passage, are some of the well-managed
practices that can lead to effective eco-tourism ? Paragraph (6) 2
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SECTION B – (Writing Skills) (22 marks)

3. Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to
use a school resource – computer lab, to prepare for a presentation on
benefits of social media. You are Lakshita/Lakshit Pandey, Class X-C,
Head of Science Club. 3

4. Write a factual description in not more than 100 words of your favourite
place where you would like to relax, highlighting its atmosphere, location,
and what makes it special for you. 4

5. Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 words : 7

(a) The rising cost of healthcare and the lack of access to essential
medical services in rural and underprivileged areas remain a critical
issue in India. Many people suffer due to inadequate infrastructure,
shortage of qualified doctors, and unaffordable treatments.

As Anita/Aman Verma, Regional Park, Hawapur, write a letter to
the editor of a national daily expressing your concern about this
issue. Highlight its impact on peoples’ well-being and suggest
practical solutions to improve access to healthcare and make
medical services more affordable for all.

OR

(b) Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues today, with
rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental
degradation affecting life across the planet. While governments and
organisations take action, it is equally important for the youth to
understand their role and act responsibly toward a sustainable
future.
As Anu/Aarav Mehta, Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar, write a letter
to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern about
climate change, emphasizing the role of younger people in combating
it, and suggesting practical steps the youth can take to make a
positive impact.

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6. (a) Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 150 words : 8

Write an article, as Sharvi/Sarvodaya Gautam, Class X-B,
advocating for accelerated investment in space travel and
exploration. Focus on the benefits for scientific advancement,
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inspiration to youth, and global collaboration. Share specific
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advantages and discuss the importance of nurturing a space-minded
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generation. Additionally, propose one recommendation for
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policymakers and educators to integrate space-learning into school
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Use the given cues, along with your own ideas and those you may
have gathered from the Unit : Science, to create this article.

• Scientific discovery
• STEM inspiration
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Technological, economic/geopolitical benefits

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(b)
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You are Tanu/Tariq, a student
school magazine on the topic “Empowering Futures : The Case of
Girl Child Education”. Highlight the importance of educating girls
exploring how education benefits not just individuals, but families
and society. Additionally, propose how schools and students can
contribute by raising awareness, supporting peers, or advocating
change to ensure every girl has access to quality education.
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Use the given cues, along with your own ideas and those you may

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have gathered from the Unit-2 : Education, to create this article.
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• Barriers – economic constraints, societal norms,
safety concerns
• Government initiatives

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SECTION C – (Grammar) (10 marks)

7. Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those given in
the brackets. 31=3

Renewable energy is essential to the world’s efforts to (i) ___________
(reduce/reducing/reduced) dependence on fossil fuels. Solar and wind
power (ii) ___________ (has emerged/emerge/are emerging) as the most
promising alternatives. Many countries (iii) ___________ (are invest/is
investing/are investing) heavily in renewable infrastructure to ensure a
sustainable future for the next generation.

8. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In
your answer sheets, remember to write the missing word along with the
word that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been
done as an example. 41=4

S.No. Text Word Omission Word
before after
e.g. Greenhouse gases trap heat the heat in the
earth’s

i. atmosphere. They released mainly
from
ii. burning fossil. An increase in
greenhouse

iii. gases leads global warming and
climate change.
iv. Melting glaciers and rising sea levels
effects of climate change

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9. Do as directed : 1+2

(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given
dialogue to create a meaningful sentence. 1
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Patient : Doctor, I’ve been having a severe headache for
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the past three days, what should I do ?

s and avoid stress / don’t worry / I’ll prescribe you /
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g la also advise you / it seems like / some medicine a
a and / a case of migraine / to take proper rest

(ii) Report the conversation given below by filling in the blanks to
complete the following paragraph : 1+1
Teacher : Why didn’t you submit your homework yesterday ?
Student : I am sorry ma’am. I wasn’t feeling well.
The teacher asked the student ___________. The student
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replied that he was ___________.

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SECTION D –la
a g (Literature Textbook) (26 marks)

10. Read the given extracts and answer the questions briefly, for any two
extracts, of the given three, (a), (b), (c). 4+4=8

(a) The great night duly arrived, moonlit and cloudless. A platform had
been constructed in a comfortable and conveniently placed tree, and
thereon crouched Mrs. Packletide and her paid companion, Miss
Mebbin. A goat, gifted with a particularly persistent bleat, such as
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sighted rifle and a thumbnail pack of patience cards the
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sportswoman awaited the coming of the quarry.
(Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger)
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(i) On what kind of night did the event take place ? 1
(ii) What does the writer mean when he says “such as even a
partially deaf tiger might be reasonably expected to hear on a
still night” ? 1
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(iii) Where was the platform constructed ? 1
(iv) Which word in the passage is closest in meaning to the
following phrase ?
A person or animal being hunted or looked for. 1

(b) You would take a stick and break him now, and finish him off.
But must I confess how I liked him,
How glad I was he had come like a guest in quiet, to drink at my
water-trough
And depart peaceful, pacified, and thankless,
Into the burning bowels of this earth ?
(Snake)
(i) How did the poet feel about the snake’s visit ? 1
(ii) Where did the snake depart after drinking at the
water-trough ? 1
(iii) What action is suggested to the narrator on how to deal with
the snake ? 1
(iv) What did the poet compare the snake’s visit to ? 1

(c) Mrs. Slater : Henry, why shouldn’t we bring that bureau down here
now ? We could do it before they come.
Henry (stupefied) : I wouldn’t care to.
Mrs. Slater : Don’t look so daft. Why not ?
Henry : It doesn’t seem delicate, somehow.
Mrs. Slater : We could put that shabby old chest of drawers upstairs
where the bureau is now. Elizabeth could have that and welcome.
I’ve always wanted to get rid of it. (She points to the drawers.)
(The Dear Departed)
(i) Why does Mrs. Slater want to bring the bureau down ? 1
(ii) How does Henry react to Mrs. Slater’s suggestion ? 1
(iii) What piece of furniture does Mrs. Slater want to move
upstairs ? 1
(iv) To whom does Mrs. Slater think the old chest of drawers can
be given ? 1
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11. Answer any five of the following six questions in 30 – 40 words each : 5×2=10

(i) Why did the narrator feel deeply moved by the boy’s devotion ?
(Two Gentlemen of Verona) 2

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(ii) What role did the Ouija board play in the story ?
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(A Shady Plot) 2
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(iii) Why
(The Frog and the Nightingale) 2

(iv) How did Patol Babu’s attitude change after rehearsing his scene ?
(Patol Babu, Film Star) 2

(v) How does the poem highlight the theme of transience of glory and
power ?
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(vi)
a
Why was Sebastian Shultz in a coma and how was it connected to
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the computer games ? (Virtually True) 2

12. Answer any one of the following two questions, (a) or (b), in about
150 words : 8

(a) Analyze how the two texts : ‘Julius Caesar’ and ‘Patol Babu, Film
Star’ explore the idea of personal ambition. m
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Compare the role of patience and endurance ing“The
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(b)
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”.

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