CBSE Class 10 Question Paper 2026 Solution English (Language and Literature)

FOR CBSE CLASS 10 EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 10 2026
Question Paper
Solution · English
(Language Literature)
EXAM YEAR TYPE

CBSE Class 10 2026 Question Paper Solution
SUBJECT

English (Language Literature)

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

.
.co Marking Scheme
s e m

em
Strictly Confidential
s l a
ag
(For Internal and Restricted use only)
a Secondary School Examination, 2026 (X)
SUBJECT NAME-ENGLISH (Q.P. CODE -184, Set No-2/1/1)

General Instructions: -
1 You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious
problems which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and
m
teaching profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting
om . co
c
evaluation, you must read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.
. em
2
m
“Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality
e l as
l as
of the examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its
ag
agleakage to public in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination
system and affect the life and future of millions of candidates. Sharing this
policy/document to anyone, publishing in any magazine and printing in
Newspaper/Website, etc. may invite action under various rules of the Board
and IPC.”
3 Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It
should not be done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration.
Marking Scheme should be strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However,
while evaluating, answers which are based on latest information or knowledge
m
.co
and/or are innovative, they may be assessed for their correctness otherwise and

m
due marks be awarded to them. In Class-X, while evaluating two competency-
e
l as
based questions, please try to understand given answer and even if reply is not
from marking scheme but correct competency is enumerated by the candidate,

4
due marks should be awarded. ag
The Marking scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers.
These are in the nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete
answer. The students can have their own expression and if the expression is correct,
the due marks should be awarded accordingly.
5 The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each
evaluator on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the
instructions given in the Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should
m
.co
be zero after deliberation and discussion. The remaining answer books meant for
m
.co
evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant variation in
e m
e m
the marking of individual evaluators.
las
las 6 Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer CROSS
ag
‘X’ be marked. Evaluators will not put right (✓) while evaluating which gives an
ag impression that answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is most common
mistake which evaluators are committing.
7 If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part.
Marks awarded for different parts of the question should then be totaled up and
written in the left-hand margin and encircled. This may be followed strictly.
8 If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin
and encircled. This may also be followed strictly.

m . c
c. o
3

e m
em as
s
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl
Page 1 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

9 If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more
marks should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra
Question”.
10 No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized
only once.
11 A full scale of marks __________ (example 0 to 80/70/60/50/40/30 marks as given
in Question Paper) has to be used. Please do not hesitate to award full marks if the
answer deserves it.
12 Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e., 8
\ hours every day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25
answer books per day in other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).This is
in view of the reduced syllabus and number of questions in question paper.
13 Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by
the Examiner in the past :-
● Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
● Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
● Wrong totaling of marks awarded on an answer.
● Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title
page.
● Wrong question wise totaling on the title page.
● Wrong totaling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
● Wrong grand total.
● Marks in words and figures not tallying/not same.
● Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
● Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick
mark is correctly and clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with
the X for incorrect answer.)
● Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks
awarded.
14 While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it
should be marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks.
15 Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totaling
error detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel
engaged in the evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the
prestige of all concerned, it is again reiterated that the instructions be followed
meticulously and judiciously.
16 The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the
“Guidelines for Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
17 Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried
over to the title page, correctly totaled and written in figures and words.
18 The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on
payment of the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners/Additional Head
Examiners/Head Examiners are once again reminded that they must ensure that
evaluation is carried out strictly as per value points for each answer as given in the
Marking Scheme.

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 2 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a MARKING SCHEME
ag (184)
ENGLISH- LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

SECTION – A
READING SKILLS (20 MARKS)
Passage-1 10 marks

Q.No.1
I. One never expected that people were cooking pancake-like food 1
m
as far back as 30,000 years ago / existed for so very long / in several
om . co
c
places and several ways.
. e m
II. em
(B) it can be used for cooking and also for eating
l as1
III. la s ag
g
 aThe use of baking powder makes it light and fluffy 1+1
 The American version of pancakes-thick and soft-gained
popularity in the 18th century.

IV. True 1
V. (A) Dosa and appam 1
VI. (A) like a painter starts with a blank canvas, a diner can get creative 1
VII. (any two points)
o m
. c
m
 food connects humanity through shared history-creativity 2
eidentity, food traditions and a deep love for food that
as
 each pancake tells a story of regional
l
brings people together.
a g
 Pancakes are warm edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day
VIII. (A) comfort food that provides a sense of emotional security. 1

Passage-2 10 marks

2. I. (D) People who use internet actively 1

m
.co
II. (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true but the reason is not the 1

. c om
correct explanation of the assertion.
e m
e m las
las III. relatively
ag 1

ag IV. (B) 2023-2025 OR (C) 2020 to 2023 1

V. (Any one) 1

 Lack of awareness
 Infrastructural limitations
 digital divide
 a lack of perceived need for the internet.

m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl aPage 3 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

VI. Impedes 1

VII. Higher density/population 1

VIII.
 Targeted awareness campaigns 2
 Digital literacy programs

IX. (Any one) 1
 India is abuzz with internet activities being carried out every moment of every day.
 Every aspect of daily life-research /information/shopping /entertainment /smart homes
- needs internet

SECTION – B
GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
GRAMMAR

3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. 10x1=10

Full credit 1, for correct answers.
No partial credit of ½ , for any question in this section.

I. (C) have not eaten 1
II. 1
Error Correction
identifying identify

III. Yamini asked her friend Shifa if/whether she would like to come for her 1
birthday party the next day/following day/day after.
IV. are 1
V. if/whether she could teach him to swim OR if/whether she could teach him 1
how to swim

VI. (C ) Then-to 1
VII. (B) mandatory 1
VIII. (C) the OR (D) these 1
IX. Whether / if he had had his dinner 1
X. (D) would 1
XI. (D) didn’t 1
XII. The student asked (the writer/him/her) what had prompted 1
(him/her/the writer) to become a professional writer

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 4 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1
ag
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (10 MARKS)

4. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 1x5=5
Content- 2 marks
Format- 1 mark
 No mark for format alone if content is irrelevant or missing
m
 Full credit of 1 mark if all aspects are mentioned
om
 Partial credit of ½ mark if one or two aspects are missing . co
. c e m
 No credit if more than two aspects are missing
m a
eof ideas-1 mark (Effective style, orderly sequence, paragraphed structure and formal
l s
a s
lvocabulary)
Organisation
a g
a g
tone and

Accuracy- 1 mark (Spelling, punctuation and grammar)
 ½ a mark will be deducted if there are three or more spelling errors, along with errors in
punctuation and grammar

(A) (At least four points, two from each aspect)

Value points:
m
Highlighting the issue/situation:
m .co
s e
l a
 Youth lacks vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

aghave degrees, but no jobs.
 Wide gap between education and employment
 Youth lacks practical knowledge – they
(Any other relevant points)

Benefits:

 Bridges the gap between education and employment
 Promotes a sense of responsibility
 Increases confidence and problem solving skills
m
.co
 Promotes entrepreneurship and employability
m
.co
(Any other relevant points)
e m
e m OR
las
las ag
ag (B) (At least four points, two from each aspect)

Value points

Highlighting the issue/situation:

 Frequent accidents at night due to poor visibility on streets
 Rise in petty crimes - chain snatching/ theft/ harassment because of darker streets.
 Safety concerns for women, children and elderly
 Non-functional streetlights
m . c
(Any other relevant points)
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 5 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

Solution
 Immediate installation of street lights
 Regular maintenance and repair of street lights
 Regular patrolling by the local guards
(Any other relevant points)

5. ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 1x5 marks

Analytical paragraph writing should NOT be confused with writing a description of given elements
or writing a summary.

Content-2 marks
 Full credit of 2 marks will be awarded if a minimum of 4 trends/points are duly analysed and
synthesised.
 Partial credit of 1 mark will be awarded if a minimum of 2 trends/points are duly analysed and
synthesised.

Organisation of ideas-2 marks
 Effective style, orderly sequence, single paragraph structure, formal tone and functional vocabulary
 Linking words and phrases like: however, in addition to, in contrast to, therefore etc should be included

Accuracy-1 mark [spelling, punctuation and grammar]

(A) Value points (Implications of the following points)
 Improvement in sports infrastructure
 Focus on multipurpose sustainable facilities
 Integration of technology
 Grassroot centric approach

OR
(B) Value points (Implications of the following points)
 Indian startup ecosystem is one of the most vibrant and largest in the world
 Drives innovation across various fields
 Brings unique solutions to major challenges- both domestic and international
 Has entered various fields- healthcare, e- commerce and agriculture
 Supported by funding and government initiatives

SECTION-C
LITERATURE TEXTBOOK 40 marks

6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given: 5marks

(A)
I. (C) conflicted 1
II. (Any two points) 2

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 6 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1
ag
 emancipation from poverty
 emancipation from deprivation
 freedom from suffering
 freedom from gender and other discriminations
III. Promising 1
IV. (Any one) 1

m
co
 South Africa shall never experience oppression again


. c om
democracy shall forever prevail
installation of non-racial democratic regime
e m .
e m
(Any other similar explanation)
l as
ORl as ag
ag
(B) 5marks
I. (A) Patronising 1
II. (Any two) 2
 as a mark of respect
 recognition of his supremacy
 acceptance of his knowledge or wisdom that are his strength
 Flattery (Any other relevant word) m
III. enjoy
m .co 1
IV. he mistakes a book for a hat
s e 1

g l a
7. Read the given extracts and answer theaquestions for ANY ONE of the two given: 5marks
(A)
I. (Any one)
Violent desires/passions/jealousy/cruelty/greed/lust/conflict/fury(Any other relevant word) 1
II.
Fire: 1+1
m
.co
 Fire represents desire, avarice and passion- can turn destructive if unchecked
m
c. oIce: s e m
e m l a
 Ice represents hatred and indifference (cold-heartedness) –can damage personal bonds/families/

las friendships/ societies(Any other relevant word) ag
ag III. World 1
IV. (D) The sun is high,
The clouds dript past,
In the blue sky which is so vast. 1

OR
m . c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl aPage 7 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

(B)
I. The word nonplus rhymes with ‘thus’ and conveys a deeper meaning of confusion/the poet uses 1
Poetic licence
II. 1+1
 The attributes of the animals don’t match their personalities
 Hyena and crocodile seem to smile and weep, however, in reality, they are deadly
(Any other relevant point)
III. Inexperienced (any other synonym) 1
IV. (A) 1and 4 1

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4x3=12
Content-2 marks (at least 2 value points with relevant textual evidence),
Expression-1 mark (Effective style, coherence and cohesion)

I. (Any two points-one from each heading) 2+1
Lencho’s astute faith:
 He sought help from God when the hailstorm destroyed his crops
 He didn’t doubt that he will be provided by God
 Wrote a letter to God asking for 100 pesos
 Didn’t question the money received-asked for more money

Irony:
 Called the post office employees-who really helped him- “a bunch of crooks”

II. (Any two) 2+1
Mijbil and Maxwell’s association conveyed:
 Warmth of friendship
 Thrill of wildlife exploration
 Evoking a sense of joy and connection with nature
(Any other relevant point)

III. (Any two) 2+1
The extended metaphor:
 Compared fog to a cat-making it mysterious and alive
 Humanises fog- making it more relatable-“comes and sits” ”looking over the city”,etc

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 8 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1
ag
 Symbolises how nature is omnipresent/pervasive
(Any other relevant point)

IV. (Any two) 2+1
Narrative style:
anecdotal style brings out the perspectives and experiences of young Valli- her bus journey and her m
co


. c om
interaction with the passengers
e m .

m
the use of descriptive language/vivid images explores her varied emotions/joy/awe
a s
ehighlights her growth from an innocent girl to a matured individual- the deadglcow
l as
 irony/contrasts
a
a g
incident
(Any other relevant point)

V. (Any two) 2+1
Time- a precious commodity
 time symbolises memories/childhood/ball

m
.co
 time once lost cannot be recovered
 one must take responsibility
e m
 accepting loss is a part of growing up
l as
(Any other relevant point)
ag
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each: (2x3=6)
Content-2 marks ( at least 2 value points with relevant textual example),
Expression-1 mark (Effective style, coherence and cohesion)
I. (Any two) 2+1
 butterfly tagging taught him patience, observation and systematic data recording
m
m
c. o shift from hobby to a deep engagement-hallmark of scientific temperamentsem
 his curiosity evolved from collecting and questioning .co
s em  came in contact with doctor Dr. Urquhart- he fuelled his imagination gla
la a
ag (Any other relevant points)

II. (Any two) 2+1
 Ausable was spontaneous and witty
 As a spy, he was always on his toes- fabricates a convincing story about the balcony
 Tackled Max with a calm and composed mind

m . c
c. o
 displayed presence of mind – uses the police trick to trap Max
e m
em as
s
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
glPage 9 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

(Any other relevant points)

III. (Any two) 2+1
Bholi’s mother
 she never took care of Bholi
 did not bother about her education
 labelled her as a ‘dumb cow’/ugly/senseless
 saw her as a burden-sent her to school to get rid of her
 acted cruel by trying to marry her off to a greedy aged man
(Any other relevant points)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following questions, in about 100-120 words: 1x6=6
Content-3 marks (any three points duly supported by relevant textual evidence)
Expression- 2 marks (effective style, coherence and cohesion using a balanced comparison and the
synthesis of two aspects/ texts)
Accuracy- 1 mark (Spelling, punctuation, grammar)

I. (Any three points, at least one from each) 3+2+1
Similarities:
 Both are powerful wild creatures
 Both evoke fear through their appearance
 Both are confined to spaces that aren’t their habitats
 Both are emotionally isolated- evoking the sympathy of the readers
(Any other relevant points)

Differences:
 Tiger is forcibly confined but Custard chooses a safe cage for himself
 Tiger never gets a chance to prove his strength, Custard does
 Tiger’s situation is tragic whereas Custard’s situation is comic/ironic
 Tiger brings out the theme – human control over wildlife and Custard brings out the theme –
Appearances are deceptive
(Any other relevant points)

OR

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 10 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1
ag
II. (Any three points, at least one from each)

The Sermon at Benaras: (Any one) 3+2+1
 Kisa Gotami’s love for her son was selfish
Buddha enlightened her by showing that excessive attachment leads to suffering m
co

 One must accept life andm .
. c o death to achieve peace e m
em
(Any other relevant points)
l as
la s ag
a g
For Anne Gregory: (Any one)
 Explores the dual nature of love
 Physical love – short lived, spiritual love transcends material world
 Youth and beauty are temporary aspects of life
(Any other relevant points)
m
Synthesis of the two texts: (Any one)
m .co
s e

l a
Both texts show true peace and love come from spiritual realization.

ag
 Clinging to beauty/youth/life leads to suffering
 Accepting reality brings peace
(Any other relevant points)

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words: 1x6=6

Content-3 marks (any three points duly supported by relevant textual evidence)
m
o m
Expression- 2 marks (effective style, coherence and cohesion using a balanced comparison and the
c m.co
m . of two aspects/ texts)
synthesis
s e
as e Accuracy- 1 mark (Spelling, punctuation, grammar) g la
l a
ag I. (Any three points) 3+2+1
 Pumphrey’s excessive love nearly kills Tricki
 She mistakes indulgence for care- Tricki becomes ‘a bloated sausage’ with ‘rheumy eyes’
 At surgery too, she continued to send eggs, brandy, and other treats
 She ignores Dr. Herriot’s advice of giving him exercise and cutting down on chocolates
 m
Love without discipline is harmful
. c
c. o s e m
s em
For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit
gl a
Page 11 of 13

Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1

 Real care means setting clear boundaries- importance of saying NO
 Spoiling children with excess damages them
(Any other relevant points)

OR

II. (Any three points) 3+2+1
 Matilda borrows a diamond necklace to look rich-loses it
 Spends ten years in poverty repaying the debt for its replacement
 Final twist- the original necklace was fake
 Matilda sacrificed her youth and health for one night of pretending
 She equated worth with wealth/ physical appearance and social status
 Irony – the very thing she desired(the necklace) was fake
 The chapter critiques how chasing social status leads to ruin
 Pride and superficiality leads to misery
 True worth lies in contentment
(Any other relevant points)

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 12 of 13

.
.co s e m

s em l a
a Q.P. CODE/SET No-2/1/1
ag

m
om . co
. c em
em l as
l as ag
ag

m
m .co
s e
l a
ag

m
m .co
m .co s e m
s e g la
g la a
a

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