Class 11 Half Yearly Question Paper 2025-26 English (Commerce)

CBSE CLASS 11
Half Yearly Question Paper
Session 2025-26

ENGLISH
(COMMERCE)

Exam CBSE Class 11
Subject English (Commerce)
Session 2025-26
Document Type Half Yearly Question Paper

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

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Question Paper
HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION
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SESSION: 2025-2026
CLASS: XI Maximum Marks: 80
SUBJECT: ENGLISH CORE Time: 3 hours
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General Instructions:
• This question paper comprises 3 sections – Reading Comprehension, Grammar & Creative
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Writing Skills & Literature.

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• There are total 12 pages in this question paper.

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• All the answers must be correctly numbered as in the question paper and written in the

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answer sheet provided.

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• Ensure that questions of each section are answered together.

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• Strictly adhere to the word limit wherever prescribed.

Section-A Reading Skills 26
I. Read the following passage carefully. 10
When we talk about work-life balance, we often point to the European
work culture, with its short work weeks and lengthy vacations. But do we
also — at the same time — think “less productive”? To get a deeper look,

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Weinreb Group talked to Laura Clise, who leads the sustainable

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development department for Areva North America. A graduate of the

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Thunderbird School of Global Management, she’s a sustainability

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professional with copious international work experience.

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Areva is a French company, but Clise is based in the United States. That
puts her in a good position to observe the similarities and differences
between the two work cultures. During our conversation, she acknowledged
several myths about the famous European workweek, but also emphasized
that there are indeed some clear differences between U.S. and French work
cultures.
Clise sees a fundamental difference between U.S. and French decision-
making: Americans tend to focus on execution, whereas the French are

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more likely to emphasize the deliberative process, she says.

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While Americans can be frustrated by the amount of research required to

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inform an ultimate decision, the French frequently see the U.S. method as

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hurried and incomplete. For example, when she partnered with her French
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colleagues on a recent report, Clise remembered, her colleagues’ document

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was extremely thorough, consisting of more than 50 pages, while her
version was designed to communicate the minimum necessary information
for its intended audience.
Although it involves a lot of input, French decision-making often occurs at
the highest levels of an organization. French corporations typically have a
more hierarchical power structure than their U.S. counterparts, which—
while bureaucratic — tend to have a culture of execution throughout the

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ranks.

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As Clise put it: “Decisions usually cascade down the levels, which

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presented an initial challenge for our regional sustainability program, as it
hadn’t been contextualized for the North American market.”
A one-way governance system can create a gap between ranks that may
reflect class disparities. While this is also a challenge in the U.S., Clise said
it appears to be even more of one in France.
In France, employees’ upward mobility appears to be highly correlated with
the university they attended. And the GrandesEcoles tend to dominate
public- and private-sector leadership. The French higher-education system
is highly competitive, and the top GrandesEcoles accept relatively few
students even when compared to the most elite universities in U.S.
While the Ivy League functions similarly, those who don’t attend one still
have great career options. This, emphasizes Clise, reflects the American
ethos of opportunity and meritocracy, or “pulling yourself up by your own
bootstraps.”
Source: Green Biz Articles

I.A Based on your understanding of the passage answer the following 1x8
questions. Choose the correct options.
(i) Why is Clise in a good position to comment on both work cultures?
A. She studied French culture in college
B. She is based in France and works with Americans
C. She works for a French company but is based in the U.S.
D. She has worked in the U.S. government
(ii) The passage mentions:
“French corporations typically have a more hierarchical power structure
than their U.S. counterparts, which — while bureaucratic — tend to have a
culture of execution throughout the ranks.”
In the context of the passage, which sentence best conveys the opposite
meaning of “hierarchical”?
A. Decisions in French corporations are made only by senior executives.
B. American firms follow a flat structure where input is valued across all
levels.
C. The French corporate structure places heavy emphasis on ranks and
protocol.
D. There is strict top-down control in most French companies.
(iii) "Americans tend to focus on execution, whereas the French are more likely
to emphasize the deliberative process."
Which of the following examples does NOT reflect this contrast?
A. A French team spends weeks discussing a new marketing strategy
before finalizing a plan.
B. An American startup launches a product prototype quickly, adjusting it
based on user feedback.
C. A French company requires approvals from multiple senior managers
before any changes are made.
D. An American manager delays action until every possible scenario is
discussed at length.
(iv) What tone does the author maintain throughout the passage?
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A. Satirical
B. Critical
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D. Sarcastic and comparative
(v) Select the option that has the same literary type of expression as used in
“pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.”
A. He fought tooth and nail to win the competition.
B. She ran as fast as lightning to catch the bus.
C. The wind whispered through the trees.

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D. The sun smiled down on the earth.

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(vi) How is the French higher-education system portrayed?

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A. As open and inclusive
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B. As focused on vocational skills

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C. As elitist and competitive

(vii) aD. As similar to American community colleges
Why does Clise refer to “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps”?
A. To mock the American education system
B. To show how easy it is to get promoted in France
C. To highlight the American belief in individual effort
D. To describe her own career journey
(viii) Assertion (A): French organizations usually make decisions through

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collaborative brainstorming at all levels.

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Reason (R): French corporations follow a hierarchical power structure

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where decisions are made at the top.

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A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

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B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. Both A and R are false
D. A is false, but R is true.
I.B. Answer the following questions. 1x2
(i) Name two ways in which French and American decision-making differ, as
described by Laura Clise.
(ii) Americans prefer communicating only essential information and acting
quickly, unlike the French who prepare detailed, extensive reports.

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Pick up the line from the passage that supports the above statement.

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II. Read the following passage carefully. 8

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1. Wildlife tourism is widely promoted as a leading strategy for conservation.
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s e A jungle safari, often envisioned as a serene communion with nature,
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promises the thrill of witnessing iconic species like tigers in their native

a habitats. Yet, the reality on the ground is frequently a tiger encircled by a
fleet of safari vehicles, besieged by the relentless flashing of cameras.
2. A recent investigation led by Dr.GovindaswamyUmapathy, Principal
Scientist at LaCONES, CCMB, Hyderabad, examined the complex
relationship between tourism and stress levels in tigers at the Kanha and
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves in central India. As rapid urbanization and
agricultural expansion fragment natural ecosystems—a phenomenon

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termed parcelization— many species face extinction. Wildlife tourism,

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particularly when unmanaged, may be exacerbating this crisis by placing

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additional pressure on large, high-profile mammals like tigers and
elephants.
3. Although tourism generates considerable revenue that supports
conservation and local economies, concerns are mounting about its
detrimental ecological impacts. The study emphasizes that unchecked
tourism, along with other anthropogenic stressors, contradicts the core
mission of protected reserves.
4. To gauge stress, researchers used a non-invasive technique—measuring
faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM), a hormonal indicator of
physiological strain. Samples were gathered during peak tourist season
(January–March 2015) and the off-season (September) from zones both
accessible and off-limits to tourists. These forests, though protected, are
also home to dense cattle populations and human settlements in nearby
buffer zones.
5. Findings indicated elevated fGCM levels during the tourism season,
especially in areas with high vehicular activity and human presence.
Surprisingly, no significant variation was noted between male and female
tigers; however, researchers caution that chronic stress may impair
reproduction in females, jeopardizing population sustainability.
6. This case underscores the need for science-driven regulations—visitor caps,
better buffer zone control, and silent zones— to strike a balance between
tourism and true conservation.

Parameters Tourist Zone Non-Tourist Zone

fGCM Levels Elevated by ~30% Baseline levels

Tourist Vehicles (per 140–160 0
day)

Cattle Density High Low

Human Activity Frequent Minimal

Seasonal Variation in High during Lower
Stress Jan–March

(Source: Posted on Conservation Biology & Research by Rupshi Khurana)

II.A On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions 1x6
by choosing the best of the given options.

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(i) Which of the following best explains the paradox highlighted in the

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passage?
(a) Wildlife tourism improves local employment and does not affect
animals.
(b) Tourism helps conservation by attracting global attention.
(c) Tourism contributes to conservation funding yet induces physiological
stress in tigers.
(d) Tourism has no relation to wildlife protection.
(ii) Assertion (A): Unregulated tourism poses a significant threat to wildlife in
protected areas.

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Reason (R): The presence of large numbers of tourist vehicles correlates

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with increased stress hormone levels in tigers.

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(a)Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
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(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

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(c) A is true but R is false.
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(d) A is false but R is true.
(iii) Which of the following is NOT identified in the case study as a contributor
to increased stress in tigers?
(a) Human presence in buffer zones
(b) Tourist vehicle density
(c) Cattle movement inside the park
(d) Artificial feeding of wildlife
(iv) As per the passage, ‘parcelization’ refers to _________
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(a) dividing forests into zones for tourism and recreation.

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(b) converting continuous wild habitats into smaller, isolated areas.

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(c) expanding forest areas for wildlife conservation projects.

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(d) clearing forest land for agricultural and development use.
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Based on the data in the table, which conclusion is most accurate?
(a) Tiger stress remains stable even with increased tourist activity.
(b) Tiger stress rises when vehicle and human activity is minimal.
(c ) Lower human and vehicle activity correlates with reduced tiger stress.
(d) Tourist zones experience less stress due to high protection measures.
(vi) What does the phrase "jeopardizing population sustainability" most likely
mean in the context of the passage?

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(a) Protecting endangered species from extinction

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(b) Improving the genetic strength of tiger populations

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(c) Making tiger populations more diverse

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ag (i) Why is measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) considered an
effective method in wildlife research?
(ii) Find a word in para- 2 which is similar in meaning to ‘worsening‘.
III. Read the following passage carefully. 8
1. Mental health, a cornerstone of human well-being, encompasses emotional,
psychological, and social dimensions of functioning. It governs how
individuals perceive the world, handle stress, relate to others, and make
informed decisions. Unlike physical ailments, mental health disorders often

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remain invisible, yet their impact can be equally, if not more, debilitating.

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2. In contemporary society, mental health challenges have reached alarming
proportions. According to the World Health Organization, over 970 million
people globally suffer from mental disorders, with depression and anxiety
ranking highest. Adolescents and young adults are increasingly vulnerable
due to academic pressure, social media exposure, and disrupted
interpersonal relationships.
3. Despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma. Cultural
taboos, misinformation, and fear of judgment often prevent individuals
from seeking timely support. This invisibility leads to prolonged suffering,
social withdrawal, and in severe cases, self-harm or suicide. Globally,
nearly 800,000 people die by suicide annually—one every 40 seconds—
underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
4. Encouragingly, efforts to address the crisis have gained momentum.
Educational institutions are integrating mental health literacy into curricula
to foster early awareness. Governments are investing in helplines, school
counsellors, and digital therapy platforms to improve accessibility. Public
figures and influencers are also speaking openly about their struggles,
thereby normalising the discourse.
5. Workplaces are re-evaluating their practices, recognising that employee
productivity is closely linked to psychological well-being. Flexible
schedules, mental health days, and support groups are becoming more
common in progressive organisations.
6. However, mere awareness is insufficient without action. There remains a
need for systemic change—greater funding, professional training, and
community-based interventions. Additionally, family support, peer
understanding, and societal compassion play a pivotal role in recovery.
7. Mental health is not a luxury but a necessity. Its preservation is integral not
only to individual flourishing but also to the socio-economic health of a
nation. A world that values mental wellness fosters a more empathetic,
resilient, and productive population. (Based on the survey of World Health
Organisation)
III.A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes using 5
headings and sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations wherever
necessary. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.
III.B. Write a summary of the above passage in not more than 50 words using the 3
notes made by you.
Section-B (Grammar & Creative Writing Skill) 23
Grammar
IV. Fill in the blanks with the correct word given in the brackets. (Attempt any 1x4
four):
In recent years, the role of social media in shaping public opinion
(a)_______ (has increased/have increased/increases/increased)
significantly. It allows individuals (b) _______ (to
express/expressing/express/expressed) their views instantly and reach a
global audience. However, there are cases (c) _______
(which/where/who/when) misinformation spreads faster than verified facts.
Authorities (d) _______ (was taking/have taken/take/took) several
measures to regulate such content. Still, the responsibility also lies with

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users, (e) _______ (who/whom/which/whose) must verify the authenticity

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of information before sharing.
V. Reorder the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph: 1x3
A. It encourages innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration among
learners.
B. Project-based learning is becoming increasingly popular in modern
education.
C. Students actively engage with real-world problems and develop practical
solutions

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Creative Writing Skills

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VI. Attempt any one out of two. 1x3

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You are the Regional Manager, AgarwalSteels Limited, Pailan. You want a

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suitable accommodation on rent in South Kolkata to be used as a guest

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house for the factory. Draft a suitable advertisement in 50 words for the

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classified column ‘Accommodation Wanted’. Invent necessary details.
OR
You are HarjeetKaur/ Harjeet Singh of 23, Greater Kailash, South Delhi.
You are a certified athletic coach with the Sports Authority of India.You
are available for placement in any prestigious public school in Delhi. Draft
a suitable advertisement for the ‘Situation Wanted’ column of a national
daily in 50 words.
VII. Attempt any one out of two. 1x3

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As a part of digital awareness campaign, design a poster, in about 50
words, warning people about online threats and encouraging safe internet

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practices. Draft the poster as a member of Cyber Safety Organisation, West

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Bengal.

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You are Rashi/ Rajesh, a social worker much concerned about the reported
cases of dengue, a fever spread by the aedes mosquitoes that breed during
the rainy season. Draft a poster to create awareness among people in 50
words, indicating the need to maintain neat, dry and hygienic surroundings.
You work with an NGO, Smile.
VIII. Attempt any one out of two. 1x5

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A. There is a shift from content-based to skill-based education. In addition to

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foundational subjects, interesting courses such as design, digital

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competency and entrepreneurship are being offered to students. This

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breaking away from conformity has brought out the latent potential in

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students as they are now selecting courses based on choice, interest and

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talent. Write a speech to be delivered in school assembly in 120-150 words
expressing your views on 'Changing Trends in Education'.
You may use the following clues:
• Shift from content-based to skill-based learning
• Diverse and innovative subjects like design, digital skills,
entrepreneurship etc.
• Technology-based learning approach
• Discovery of students’ hidden potential

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B. You are Nikhil / Nikita of Class 11. Prepare a speech to be delivered in

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your school assembly on the topic: "Cycling as an Exercise – Good for
Students". Write your speech in about 120–150 words.
Hints: physical, mental, and environmental benefits of cycling.
• Keeps one physically fit, increases muscle strength, joint mobility,
reduces body fat
• decreases stress level
• environment friendly- no pollution
IX. Attempt any one out of two. 1x5
A. Your school is hosting a debate on the topic “Celebrities are positive role
models”. Prepare a debate in about 120-150 words either in favour of or
against the motion. Consider the following points:
Favour
Celebrities often inspire fans through hard work, determination, and
success stories - Many promote social causes — mental health, gender
equality, environment (e.g., Priyanka Chopra with UNICEF, Leonardo Di
Caprio for climate change) - Their discipline in fitness, time management,
and public speaking can motivate youth - Celebrities help bring attention to
taboo issues (e.g., cancer awareness, LGBTQ+ rights) - Positive impact
through philanthropy and charity work.
Against
unrealistic lifestyles, luxury, and materialism, which can lead to low self-
esteem in youth - Cases of substance abuse, legal issues, or inappropriate
behaviour in public/social media - Some endorse products harmful to many
(e.g., fairness creams, fast food, tobacco/alcohol indirectly) - Not all
celebrities use their platform responsibly — may spread misinformation -
Youth may blindly imitate them without understanding the consequences.
OR
B. With growing concerns over environmental pollution, rising fuel prices,
and the need for sustainable development, India is witnessing a major shift
in its transport sector. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are being promoted as an
eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based vehicles. While the
government is supporting EV adoption through subsidies and policies, there
are also concerns about cost, infrastructure, and practicality in a diverse
country like India. Write a debate in about 120-150 words either in favour
or against the topic "Electric Vehicles Are the Future of Sustainable
Transportation in India."
You may take help from the following inputs:
Favour
• Eco-friendly alternative reducing carbon emissions and air pollution
• Decrease in dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil
• Government incentives and increasing investment in EV
infrastructure
• Advancements in battery technology and affordable models
emerging
• Promise for growing infrastructure
Against
● High upfront cost and limited affordability for the common man

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● Inadequate charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas
● Limited driving range and long charging times
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● Electricity generation relies heavily on non-renewable sources
● Lack of skilled technicians
Section-C Literature-Text Book & Supplementary Reading Text 31
X. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below. 1x3
A. All three stood still to smile through their hair
At the uncle with the camera. A sweet face,
My mother’s, that was before I was born.

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And the sea, which appears to have changed less,

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Washed their terribly transient feet.
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How does the use of the phrase “that was before I was born” shape our
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understanding of the speaker’s connection with the photograph?

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(a) It shows the speaker dislikes the photograph

a(b) It distances the speaker from the moment in time
(c ) It shows the speaker was forgotten
(d) It highlights the speaker’s anger at missing out
(ii) Why is the phrase "terribly transient feet" an example of a transferred
epithet?
(a) Because the word “transient” refers to the temporary nature of the feet
only.

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(b) Because it highlights the movement of feet in a literal sense.

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(c ) Because the word “terribly” is used for exaggeration.

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(d) Because the adjective “transient” actually describes the people, not the
feet.
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(iii) What is the symbolic role of the sea in this stanza?
OR
B. . “ She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up
Of chitterings, and a tremor of wings, and trillings
The whole tree trembles and thrills.”
(i) The poetic device used in the last line of the given extract is-
(a)repetition (c) metaphor
(b) alliteration (d) onomatopoeia

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___________________

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(a) discordant (c) shrill

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(b) warbling (d) raucous

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The phrase ‘a machine starts up’ suggests___________________.

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XI. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below. 1x3
A. I rushed on deck and gazed with relief at the stark outline of Ile
Amsterdam. It was only a bleak piece of volcanic rock, with little
vegetation--- the most beautiful island in the world!
We anchored offshore for the night, and the next morning all 28
inhabitants of the island cheered as they helped us ashore.
(i) Statement A : The author’s emotional response to seeing Ile Amsterdam
reveals the human tendency to value safety over beauty

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Statement R : Harsh survival experiences can alter one’s perception of

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what is beautiful.

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(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) Both A and R are false
(d) A is false but R is true
(ii) Select the option which does not mean the same as ‘cheer’.
(a) encourage (c) despondent
(b) hail (d) applaud
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Ile Amsterdam has been described as ‘most beautiful island in the world’
because _________.
OR
B. In the evening a change came over her. She did not pray. She collected the
women of the neighbourhood, got an old drum and started to sing. For
several hours she thumped the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum and
sang of the home - coming of warriors.
(i) Statement A: The grandmother's change in behaviour suggests an
emotional transformation.
Statement R: She used drums to express her devotion instead of praying.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
(ii) Provide an antonym of the word ‘dilapidated’.
(a) tattered (c) scruffy
(b) maintained (d) desolate
(iii) The narrator finds the grandmother's final actions strange and unexpected
because______________________________________________________
XII. Read the given extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. 1x4
A. Consequently, even though I could see the horse, so magnificent; even
though I could smell it, so lovely; even though I could hear it breathing, so
exciting; I couldn’t believe the horse had anything to do with my cousin
Mourad or with me or with any of the other members of our family, asleep
or awake, because I knew my cousin Mourad couldn’t have bought the
horse, and if he couldn’t have bought it he must have stolen it, and I refused
to believe he had stolen it.
(i) The narrator’s repeated use of “even though” in the passage suggests:
(a) Disinterest in the horse
(b) Surprise mixed with disbelief
(c ) Pride in his cousin
(d ) Curiosity about horse care
(ii) What theme does the passage primarily explore?
(a) The consequences of theft
(b) The beauty of animals
(c ) Conflict between tradition and temptation
(d ) Moral dilemma and family values
(iii) What does the narrator's refusal to believe that Mourad stole the horse
reveal about his character?

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(iv) Statement: The narrator’s cousin could not afford to buy a horse.

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Question: Which part of the extract corresponds to the above remark?
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B. I had remembered it. But I had waited a long time to go there. Initially after
the Liberation I was absolutely not interested in all that stored stuff, and
naturally I was also rather afraid of it. Afraid of being confronted with
things that had belonged to a connection that no longer existed; which were
hidden away in cupboards and boxes and waiting in vain until they were
put back in their place again; which had endured all those years because
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they were ‘things.’
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(i) The narrator refers to the objects as “things” that had endured all those

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years. What does this reflect?

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(a) She still had hope to recover the past.

a(b) She believed objects can replace lost relationships.
(c) She viewed material possessions as lifeless and disconnected from the
present.
(d) She wanted to reclaim everything she had lost.

(ii) Assertion (A): The narrator was afraid of confronting the past through the
objects.

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Reason (R): The objects had physically deteriorated over time.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

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(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

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(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
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(iii) What does the expression "waiting in vain until they were put back in their
place again" suggest?
(iv) Why did the narrator delay visiting the address even though she
remembered it?
XIII. Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words each: 3x2

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A. What deeper message about grief and remembrance does the poem “A

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Photograph” offer through the poet’s reflection on her mother’s death?

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The poet has used the imagery of life and sustenance which is transported

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through the mother goldfinch to her nestlings. Justify the statement with

a reference to “The Laburnum Top’.

B. “When he finally reached the mummy, though, he ran into trouble.”
Howard Carter had to take a drastic decision regarding King Tut’s mummy
for his investigation in “Discovering Tut”. Substantiate with reference to
“Discovering Tut”.
OR
When people are pious and good even nature mourns their death. Justify

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the statement with reference to “The Portrait of A Lady.”
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XIV. Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-50 words. 1x3

A. ‘Every family has a crazy streak in it somewhere, and my cousin Mourad
was considered the natural descendant of the crazy streak in our tribe’. Why
was Mourad considered as the natural descendant of Uncle Khusrove?
OR
B. Memories of her pre-war life evoke warmth and longing. Explain briefly
with reference to “The Address”.
XV. Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words. 1x6

A. In what ways do the poems “The Voice of the Rain” and “A Photograph”
highlight the connection between nature, memory, and the cycle of life?
OR
B. How does the author use environmental imagery at the beginning and end
of the lesson “Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues” to reflect the
seriousness and mystery? What effect does this create in the mind of the
readers? Refer to specific details such as ‘angry wind’, ‘casket grey’, ‘the
winter air lay cold’ etc.
XVI. Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words. 1x6

A. ‘You only notice when something is missing.’ The story “The Address”
explores the idea of the value of material possessions and how it changes
over time. Explain with reference to “The Address”.
OR
B. How do both stories “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” and “The
Address” highlight the theme of lost innocence and emotional maturity
through the eyes of the young narrator?

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