Class 8 Sample Paper 2026 English

2026
SAMPLE / MODEL
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NCERT BASED
PRACTICE PAPERS
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FOR
CBSE BOARD
AND
STATE BOARDS

PRACTICE PAPER
ANNUAL EXAMINATION (2025-26)
CLASS: VIII
SUBJECT: ENGLISH
Time Allowed: 2.30 hours Maximum Marks: 60

General Instructions:

 This question paper is divided into four sections:
 Section A: Reading: 14 Marks
 Section B: Writing: 12 Marks
 Section C: Grammar: 14 Marks
 Section D: Literature: 20 Marks
 All the questions are compulsory.
 Marks are indicated against each question.
 Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
 Read the questions carefully before answering.

SECTION: A (READING) (14)

Q.1 Read the passage given below (7)

Plastic has become an inseparable part of modern life. From packaging materials and
household items to medical equipment and automobiles, plastics are used
everywhere because they are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to produce.
However, the very qualities that make plastic so useful also make it a serious
environmental threat.

Most plastics are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose naturally. As
a result, plastic waste accumulates in landfills and oceans, polluting soil and water
and endangering wildlife. Sea animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading
to severe harm or death. Moreover, the burning of plastic releases toxic gases that
contribute to air pollution and climate change.

To address this issue, many countries are promoting recycling and encouraging the
use of biodegradable alternatives such as cloth, paper, and jute. Individuals, too, can
make a difference by reducing single-use plastics, reusing containers, and choosing
eco-friendly products.

While plastic continues to serve many human needs, it is essential to use it
responsibly. A conscious shift toward sustainable practices can ensure that the
convenience of plastic does not come at the cost of our planet’s health.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below
(7)

i. Plastics are widely used because they are __________ 1
A. biodegradable and costly
B. lightweight, durable, and inexpensive
C. rare and difficult to produce
D. heavy and reusable

ii. The major environmental problem with plastics is that they _ 1
A. are too expensive to recycle
B. decompose very quickly
C. are non-biodegradable and cause pollution
D. are made from natural materials

iii. What happens when sea animals consume plastic waste? 1
A. It helps them digest food better
B. It often harms or kills them
C. It strengthens their shells
D. It makes the ocean cleaner

iv. According to the passage, which of the following is an eco-friendly alternative to
plastic? 1
A. Steel
B. Cloth
C. Glass
D. Rubber

v. Why is it important to use plastic responsibly? 2

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

Burning plastic is a safe and effective way to get rid of it.

Q.2 Read the passage given below : (7)

Energy is the driving force behind modern life. It powers our homes, schools, transport,
and industries. However, much of this energy still comes from non-renewable sources
such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels release carbon dioxide when burned,
contributing to air pollution and global warming. According to the International Energy
Agency (IEA), about 65% of the world’s electricity is still produced from fossil fuels.

To reduce environmental damage, countries are shifting towards renewable energy
sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. These resources are natural,
unlimited, and do not harm the planet. In 2023, renewable sources provided nearly 30%
of global electricity, and this number is steadily rising. India, for instance, ranks among
the top five nations in solar energy production.

Renewable energy not only helps fight climate change but also creates millions of green
jobs and ensures energy security. Students can contribute by conserving electricity,
supporting clean energy campaigns, and spreading awareness.

A world powered by renewable energy promises a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable
future for generations to come.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below (7)

i. What percentage of the world’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels? 1
A. 30%
B. 50%
C. 65%
D. 90%

ii. Which of the following is not a renewable energy source? 1
A. Solar
B. Wind
C. Coal
D. Hydro

iii. What is one major benefit of renewable energy? 1
A. It increases pollution
B. It creates green jobs and reduces carbon emissions
C. It is expensive and limited
D. It harms the environment

iv. In which year did renewable sources provide nearly 30% of global electricity? 1
A. 2020
B. 2023
C. 2025
D. 2019

v. Why are renewable energy sources considered better than fossil fuels? 2
vi. Fossil fuels are ________(limited/unlimited) and cause serious pollution and
climate change. 1

SECTION: B (WRITING) (12)

Q.3 Answer Any One from A and B (1x6=6)

A. Using the following hints, write a complete story in about 100 words. Give it a
suitable title.
Sunny afternoon – playing in the park – noticed a wallet under a bench – opened it –
found cash and an ID card – decided to find the owner – went to the nearby address –
returned the wallet – owner thanked and blessed – felt happy for doing the right thing.

OR

B. You recently went on a school trip to a science museum. Write a diary entry, in about
100 words, describing your visit, the exhibits you saw, what you learned and how the
experience inspired your interest in science.

Q.4 Answer Any One from A and B (1x6=6)

A. You are Rohan/Rohini of Green Valley Public School, Varanasi. The fans and lights in
several classrooms are not working properly, making it difficult for students to study
comfortably. Write a letter to the Principal, in about 100 words, requesting him/her to
get the electrical repairs done at the earliest.

Use the given format:
- Sender’s Address
- Date
- Name & Address of the school.
- Subject
- Sir/Madam
- Troubles caused
- Thank You
- Your name, class/ section.
OR

B. Write an analytical paragraph in about 100 words on the topic “Causes of Air Pollution
in Cities.” Use the data given below to support your analysis. Highlight which factor
contributes the most and suggest possible measures to control pollution. Conclude with
your viewpoint.
 45% due to vehicle emissions
 25% from industrial waste and smoke
 15% from construction dust
 10% from burning of garbage
 5% from other sources

SECTION- C (GRAMMAR) (14)

Q.5 Choose the correct conjunction to complete each sentence. (Any Four): (4x1=4)
i. I wanted to go out, ______ it started raining.
A. and
B. so
C. but
D. because

ii. You can have ice cream _____ cake after dinner.
A. and
B. or
C. because
D. although

iii. He didn’t come to school ______ he was ill.
A. so
B. but
C. although
D. because

iv. _______ he is young, he is very responsible.
A. Because
B. Although
C. And
D. So

v. The teacher praised him ______ he had worked hard.
A. so
B. because
C. as
D. and

Q6. Each of the following sentences has one error. Identify the incorrect word and write
the correct one. (Any Four) (4x1=4)

i. She do not like eating mangoes.

Error Correction

ii. The boys was playing in the park.

Error Correction

iii. I didn’t saw him at the bus stop.

Error Correction

iv. She is knowing the answer.

Error Correction

v. They has been working here for two years.

Error Correction

Q7. Read each sentence carefully and choose the correct option to change the sentence
from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech. (Any Three) (3x1=3)

i. The teacher said, “Don’t make noise.”
A. The teacher said not make noise.
B. The teacher told them not to make noise.
C. The teacher said them not to make noise.
D. The teacher asked don’t make noise.

ii. He said, “I am reading a book.”
A. He said that he was reading a book.
B. He says that he read a book.
C. He told that he is reading a book.
D. He said that he reads a book.

iii. Mother said to the child, “Why are you crying?”
A. Mother asked the child why he was crying.
B. Mother asked the child why was he crying.
C. Mother told the child why he was crying.
D. Mother said the child why he was crying.

iv. Rohan said, “I will help you.”
A. Rohan said that he would help me.
B. Rohan told that he will help me.
C. Rohan said that I will help him.
D. Rohan says that he would help me.

Q8. Fill in the blanks with the correct Modal Verb from the table given below (Any Three)
(3x1=3)

should must may can

i. You _______ finish your homework before playing.
ii. We _______ help the poor and the needy.
iii. I ---------- swim across the river easily.
iv. _________I borrow your notebook for a day?

SECTION- D (LITERATURE) 20 Marks

Q.9 Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow (Any Four) (4x1=4)
All these thoughts led me to question myself as to why people climb mountains. It is not easy
to answer the question. The simplest answer would be, as others have said, “Because it is there.”
It presents great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. The obstacles in
climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to a summit means endurance, persistence and will
power. The demonstration of these physical qualities is no doubt exhilarating, as it was for me
also.
(The Summit Within)
i. What question did the writer ask himself?
ii. What qualities does climbing a mountain demand?
iii. How did the writer feel after demonstrating these physical qualities?
iv. State True or False: The obstacles in climbing a mountain are mainly
mental
v. Climbing a mountain presents great ________(boundaries/difficulties)

Q.10 Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow (Any Two) (2x2=4)
I love to rise in a summer morn,
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me.
O! what sweet company.
(The School Boy)

i. How does the poet feel on a summer morning?
ii. What sounds does the poet hear in the morning?
iii. What mood is expressed in these lines?

Q.11 Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words. (Any four) (4x3=12)

i. Who finally made the last bargain with the speaker? (The Last Bargain)
ii. What qualities of Jody are revealed in the story? (This is Jody’s Fawn)
iii. Why was the author excited to meet Stephen Hawking? (A Visit to Cambridge)
iv. What changes occur in nature when the monsoon arrives? (A Short Monsoon
Diary)
v. What illusion does the cricket’s song create on a silent winter night? (On The
Grasshopper And Cricket)

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