CBSE Class 10 Question Paper 2026 English Language & Literature

FOR CBSE CLASS 10 EXAM PREPARATION

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

CBSE Class 10 2026 Question Paper English Language Literature

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag

Series : KLNM4 SET~1

Q.P. Code 2/4/1
m
Roll No.
om
Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
. co
. c on the title page of the answer-book.
e m
em l as
l as ag
ag ENGLISH
(Language and Literature)
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80

NOTE :
m
(I) .co
Please check that this question paper contains 15 printed pages.
m
e
sside of the question paper should be written
g
(II) Q.P. Code given on the right handl a
a
on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

(III) Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.

(IV) Please write down the serial number of the question in the answer-
book at the given place before attempting it.
o m
m c
.The question
c. o 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper.
(V)
s
m
e 10.30 a.m., the
e m paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m.
l a to

las g
candidates will read the question paper only and willanot write any answer on
ag the answer-book during this period.

2/4/1 {} 1160-1 1 P.T.O.

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 1 of 16

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 Textbook
(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section – A (20 Marks)
Reading Skills
1. Read the following text : 10 M
(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.
2/4/1 2 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 2 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
(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
m
om
a memory-based instinct that helps them return to the same spot . co
. c e m
em
year after year with stunning accuracy.
l as
as
(4) Unfortunately,
l migration today is becoming more difficult. g
a
agExpanding 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.
m
.co
International cooperation is essential since migratory routes cross
m
s e
national borders. Protected wetland sites, bird sanctuaries, and
l a
g people to appreciate and safeguard
awareness programs encourage
a
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
m
.co
humanity of a powerful truth – the planet is shared, and the
m
m .co e
harmony of life depends on care, cooperation, and respect for
s
m
s e nature’s rhythms.
g la
g la a
a Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(i) In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘one of nature’s most remarkable
spectacles’ refer to ? 1

2/4/1 3 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 3 of 16

(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given :
Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons as ________.
(a) they move to colder areas to hibernate
(b) they move to warmer places for food (paragraph 2) 1
(iii) What is unique about the Bar-headed goose ? (paragraph 2) 2
(iv) Select the option that best explains the phrase ‘navigate such long
distances remains a fascinating mystery’. (paragraph 3) 1
(a) travelling to unknown destinations without getting lost is truly
amazing
(b) travelling plans are predictable and well marked out by the leader of
the pack
(v) 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)
(vi) 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
(A) creation of more wetland sites.
(B) making people aware about the eating habits of migratory birds.
(C) work in cooperation with other countries.
(D) create eating spots along the way.
(vii) 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
(viii) What message does the passage convey about life on Earth ? (paragraph 6) 1
(A) Man must provide cues to clear traffic routes for migratory birds.
(B) Deforestation is essential to stop uncontrolled growth.
(C) Harmony between man and nature is essential.
(D) Climate change can be controlled only by technological intervention.
2/4/1 4 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 4 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
2. Read the following text : 10 M
(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
m
om
developed by private tech companies, driven by innovation and . co
. c e m
market competition. About 20% stem from collaborations between
m
e institutions and industry leaders, fostering advancements gl as
l as
academic
a
agin 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,

o m
improving productivity and reducing operational cost. Around 30%
c
. in decision-making processes in
m
cater to predictive analytics, aiding
eweather forecasting. The remaining
domains such as finance and
l as
a g
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 30% are applied in industrial zones, enhancing
manufacturing and logistics. The remaining 10% serve rural and
m
m underserved regions, supporting initiatives like digital literacy,
.co
m .co healthcare access and agricultural support.
s em
s e (5) Comparisons across parameters such as ethical
g la concerns,
g la a
accessibility, industry-specific applications, and societal impact
a
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.
2/4/1 5 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 5 of 16

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(i) What does the use of the phrase “evolving landscape of artificial
intelligence” in paragraph 1 suggest ? 1
(A) disinterest
(B) progress and development
(C) frustration
(D) confusion
(ii) 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.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and 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.
(iii) Identify the word or phrase that indicates supervision as one of the areas
of AI applications. (paragraph 2) 1
(iv) How do AI applications contribute to societal development, especially in
rural and underserved regions ? 1
(v) 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%)
2/4/1 6 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 6 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
(vi) What does the high percentage of AI implementations in urban areas
suggest about the development and adoption of technology ? 1
(vii) Complete the sentence suitably : 1
The collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders in
m
om
developing AI applications demonstrates _______. . co
. c e m
m
(viii) Complete the following with a suitable reason :
elikely reason the passage mentions “interactive AI” as a key gl as 1
The most
l as a
ag
focus area is because it enhances _______.
(ix) 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

m
m .co
e Section – B
s Writing Skills
(20 Marks)

l a
Grammar and Creative
agGrammar 10 M

3. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed : 10  1 = 10
(i) Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete a corporate
communication letter from a company to its employee. 1
Dear Sumit
o m
m c
. the
This July, you _______ in Japan for three years. In six months

m .co s e m
company will transfer you to Bengaluru at a senior position.
s e g la
g la (A) will be have been living a
a (B) will have been living
(C) would have lived
(D) would have been living

2/4/1 7 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 7 of 16

(ii) Read the given sentence from a self help book. Identify the error and
supply the correction in the given format. 1
Each one of the candidates have submitted the documents before the
deadline.
Error Correction

(iii) Pratima asked the following question to her friend, Shifa – 1
Do you like the painting, I gifted you yesterday.
Report Pratima’s question correctly.
(iv) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the
concluding line from a school magazine report on a community
outreach programme. 1
_________ (Each / All) community member was given a different set
of equipment.
(v) 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 _________. 1
(vi) Identify and correct the error in the given line. 1
I prefer the chocolate pudding than the vanilla truffle anyday.
Option No. Error Correction
(A) prefer preferred
(B) the an
(C) than to
(D) anyday everyday
(vii) Rishaan’s parents asked him how he had fared in the speaking test
in school that day. 1
He excitedly told them that before the teacher could finish the
question, he _______ the correct answer.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
(A) gave (B) has given
(C) would have given (D) will give
2/4/1 8 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 8 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
(viii) Detect the error and supply the correction for an advice by a
grandparent. 1

You should respect your parent and elders.
m
Error
om
Correction
. co
. c e m
m
e l as
l as
(ix) Report the dialogue between a customer and a worker at a groceryag
g
a store. 1

Customer : Did you pack all the items ?

Worker : Yes sir, I did.

The customer asked the worker _______.

(x) Select the correct option to complete the given line. m 1
c. o
m
Earlier money _______ buy much more than it can today.
e
l as
ag
(A) could (B) will

(C) can (D) shall

(xi) Complete the given poster displayed on a banner. 1

Drinking and smoking _________ (is /are) injurious to health.

(xii) Read the conversation between a student and a school counsellor. 1
m
m Counsellor : How do you feel after sharing your fears with your
.co
m .co parents ?
s em
s e I believe they understand me better g
la
g la Student :
a as they now know
a all my fears.

Report the student’s response by completing the following :

The student replied that _________.
2/4/1 9 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 9 of 16

Creative Writing Skills 10 M

Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary
and created for assessment purpose.

4. (a) You are Toshani / Toshan Singh a resident of Bharatpura. 5
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.
OR
(b) 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. 5

5. (a) Read the given details of a fun zone designed for kids in a mall : 5
 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.
2/4/1 10 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 10 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
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.
OR
o m
m . c
. co coloured classrooms with themed decorations.
(b) Read the given
Brightly
details of a pre-school designed for young children : 5
s e m

 se
m
An outdoor grassy play area with slides, swings, and sand pits. gl
a
a
l A sensory activity zone with toys for touch, sound, and visual
g a
a 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.
o m
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120
. c
e m
words about the suitability of this pre-school for young children.

l as learning opportunities, comfort,
Focus on aspects such as safety,

ag
inclusivity and overall environment.

Section – C (40 Marks)
Literature

6. Read the given extract and answer any one of the following questions
given below : 5
(a) It was a new bus, its outside painted a gleaming white with some o m
m c
. like
m .co green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead barsm
s
shone
ethere was a
s e beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious. g
la
silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield,

g la a
a 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)

2/4/1 11 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 11 of 16

(i) The effect on Valli as she describes the bus reveals that she is
_________.
Choose the most suitable option. 1
(A) awed (B) scared
(C) disgusted (D) repulsed
(ii) How does the author’s use of descriptive language enhance the
narrative technique in the passage ? 2
(iii) 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.
(iv) Which action of Valli shows that she did not want to miss out
on any part of the experience ? 1
OR
(b) 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)
(i) How is “success” perceived by Matilda ? 1
(ii) 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.
(iii) Which of the following best describe Matilda’s state of mind in
the context ? 1
(A) overwhelmed (B) anxious
(C) confused (D) sad
(iv) Explain the phrase “this victory so complete and sweet to her
heart”. 1
2/4/1 12 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 12 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the two
given. 5
(a) I sit inside, doors open to the veranda
writing long letters
m
om
in which I scarcely mention the departure
. co
. c
of the forest from the house. e m
e m l as
as
The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
l a sky still open ag
gin
a the smell of leaves and lichen
still reaches like a voice into the rooms. (Trees)
(i) Comment on the portrayal of the narrator in the given extract. 2
(ii) Complete the following suitably : 1
The trees’ movement from the house to the forest, reflect the
broader theme of _______.
m
.co
(iii) What has the poet hardly mentioned in her letter ?
mcreated through the given extract ?
1
(iv) What kind of atmosphere s e
is 1
l a
ag :
Select the correct option(s)
1. nostalgia 2. serenity 3. detachment 4. loss 5. joy
(A) 1 and 4 (B) Only 2
(C) 1, 2 and 3 (D) 2 and 5
OR
(b) A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
m
m In a world of possessions. People will take .co
m .co Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. s e m
s e g la
la
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
g a
a 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. (The Ball Poem)
2/4/1 13 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 13 of 16

(i) Comment on the portrayal of the character of the boy in the
given extract. 2
(ii) Complete the following suitably : 1
“Money is external” implies that the boy _______
(A) values material possessions.
(B) learns the money cannot restore what is lost.
(C) believes money is the solution to all problems.
(D) is indifferent to material wealth.
(iii) What does the poet mean by the phrase, ‘epistemology of loss’ ? 1
(iv) What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines ? 1
Select the correct option.
1. reflection 2. intrigue
3. acceptance 4. anger
5. fear
(A) 1, 4 and 5 (B) Only 2
(C) 1 and 3 (D) 4 and 5

8. Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words :
4  3 = 12
(i) How are the cultural and social fabric of Goa closely knit together
with the traditional baker and his bread ? (Glimpses of India) 3
(ii) 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) 3
(iii) What lesson does “For Anne Gregory” present for youthful love ? 3
(iv) “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. 3
(v) What is the vision of freedom that comes through the speech of
Nelson Mandela ? 3
2/4/1 14 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 14 of 16

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a ag
9. Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words :
23=6
(i) Why was Fowler interested in meeting Ausable ?
(The Midnight Visitor) 3
m
(ii)
om
Based on your understanding of the story, how do you assess Bholi’s . co
father ?. c e m
m
evision did Ebright have in raising a flock of butterflies ? l as (Bholi) 3
(iii) What
l as g
a 3
a g (The Making of a Scientist)

10. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :
(a) 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. 6

o m OR
. c
e m
(b) Evaluate the similarities and differences between the tiger in “A
Tiger in the Zoo” and theasdragon in “The Tale of Custard the
g l
Dragon”. a 6

11. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :
(a) Evaluate the elements of humour and endearment in “A Triumph of
Surgery”. 6
OR
m
m (b) Discuss how the play “The Book that Saved the Earth” depicts how
.co
m .co e
misunderstanding of cultural differences and lack of awareness
s
m
s e about other races cause confusion and conflict.
g la 6

g la _____________ a
a

2/4/1 15 {}

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 15 of 16

2/4/1 1160-1 16 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 16 of 16