Class 11 Sample Paper 2026 English

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Practice Paper (2025-26)
Class – XI

SUBJECT: ENGLISH CORE (Code: 301)

Time Allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. The paper is divided into three sections:

Section A: Reading Comprehension, Section-B: Writing Skills and
Grammar and Section C: Literature. All the sections are compulsory.

2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION -A

READINGCOMPREHENSION

Q1. Read the following passage carefully: (10)

India’s Women’s World Cup Victory: A Triumph of Spirit and Determination

India’s recent Women’s World Cup victory marks a defining moment in the nation’s sporting
history. This achievement goes far beyond winning a title — it embodies resilience ,discipline,
and the extraordinary power of a unified dream. The Indian women’s team stepped onto the
global stage with one singular mission: to win for India.Their success is a tribute to
unwavering focus, collective strength, and a belief that refused to shake, even under
immense pressure.

Their journey was not without struggle. Every player carried personal challenges — some
fought injuries, others battled limited resources or societal expectations. Yet, these obstacles
only sharpened their determination. What makes this victory extraordinary is not just how
they played, but how they endured. The team transformed adversity into motivation, turning
every setback into a driving force.

Throughout the tournament, India displayed remarkable consistency and composure. Their
group-stage dominance showcased tactical precision, while the knockout matches
highlighted extraordinary grit. The semifinal, in particular, became a symbol of their mental

toughness — a game where they fought with every ounce of strength, proving that
champions are defined by courage as much as skill.

At the heart of this triumph were players whose brilliance illuminated the tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the steady captain, led with composure and strategic clarity. Her
leadership held the team together in demanding moments, reflecting maturity and
unbreakable spirit. Smriti Mandhana, with her fluent, fearless performances, emerged as one
of the most influential players of the competition. Her consistency and calm confidence
became a source of hope each time she walked onto the field.

Beyond individual achievements, this win represents the rise of a powerful new narrative in
Indian sports — one where women lead from the front, break barriers, and inspire an entire
generation. Their victory sends a strong message to all the youngsters: dreams are
achievable when matched with dedication, courage, and quiet persistence.

As the Indian team lifted the World Cup, they lifted the aspirations of a nation with them.
Their triumph is not only a moment of celebration but a reminder that India’s daughters,
when fuelled by purpose and perseverance, can conquer the world.

(SOURCE: Google)

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(Answer any 10 Questions )

1. What is the true significance of India’s Women’s World Cup victory?
(1)

a) It improved India’s ranking in world cricket

b) It showcased their dominance in all matches

c) It symbolised resilience, unity, and the power of a shared dream

d) It proved India had better facilities than other nations

2. The players’ personal struggles contributed to the victory by____ (1)

a) weakening the team’s confidence

b) motivating them to perform with greater determination

c) making them dependent on external support

d) distracting them during the tournament

3. The passage pays rich tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur because____________
(1)

a) She was the highest scorer in the tournament

b) She displayed strong leadership and clarity under pressure

c) She played in every match without rest

d) She was the youngest member of the team

4. What message does the victory convey to the youngsters ? (1)

a) Winning is more important than participating

b) Sports ensure academic success

c) Dreams can be achieved with courage and dedication

d) Only physical strength matters in sports

5. Which word best describes the Indian team’s performance in the knockout matches? (1)

a) Casual

b) Gritty

c) Predictable

d) Disappointed

6. Identify one instance from the passage that reflects mental toughness of the team

(1)

7. The passage implies that the team’s victory was not merely a sporting achievement but a social
milestone.Which idea best explains this deeper impact? (1)

a) It increased sponsorship opportunities for women’s cricket.

b) It challenged long-standing stereotypes and redefined what young girls can aspire to
achieve.

c) It inspired more schools to add new sports facilities.

d) It encouraged families to watch more women’s matches on television.

8. Find the synonym for “unbreakable spirit ” (1)

9. “The team transformed adversity into motivation.” Explain this line in the context of the passage.(1)

10. How does Smriti Mandhana contribute to the overall narrative of the victory? (1)

11. What conclusion do you draw about the leadership approach of the senior players? (1)

Q 2. Read the following passage carefully: (8)

Mental Health Trends Among Adolescents – A Global Study

A recent global survey conducted by the International Health Observatory (IHO) highlights
alarming trends in adolescent mental health. The study, conducted across 42 countries,
shows that mental health challenges among individuals aged 13–19 have increased steadily
over the past decade. The report identifies anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders
as the three most common conditions affecting teenagers today.

According to the study, one in every six adolescents worldwide experiences a diagnosable
mental health condition. The prevalence varies across regions: High-income countries report
a rate of 22%, while low- and middle-income nations report 14%. Researchers attribute this
difference to better reporting systems, increased academic pressure, overuse of digital
devices, and reduced social interaction.

The study also assessed the availability of mental health professionals. There is a severe
shortage globally, with an average of only 9 mental health professionals per 100,000
adolescents. High-income countries have significantly better ratios (27 per 100,000),
whereas low-income regions struggle with just 2 professionals per 100,000 adolescents.
This disparity limits effective intervention and early diagnosis.

A major highlight of the report is the 2024 School Well-Being Survey, which examined stress
levels among students. Out of 50,000 participants, 61% reported experiencing high
academic stress, while 44% admitted to poor sleep quality due to excessive screen time and
competitive exams. Nearly 35% felt socially isolated, especially after shifting to digital
learning models post-pandemic.

The report emphasized that early intervention, school-based counselling, and parent
involvement can significantly reduce long-term risks.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.

(Answer any 8 Questions )

1. What were the three most common mental health conditions among adolescents? (1)

A. OCD, bipolar disorder, stress

B. Anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders

C. PTSD, depression, addiction

D. Anxiety, OCD, behavioural disorders

2. What is the most likely reason for higher reported mental health prevalence in high-
income countries? (1)

A. Better eating habits

B. Higher birth rates

C. Stronger reporting and diagnosis systems

D. Lower digital device use

3. Which of the following BEST reflects the imbalance in global mental health resources? (1)

A. Equal distribution of school counsellors

B. High-income nations having 27 professionals vs only 2 in low-income nations

C. More adolescents in rural areas

D. More teachers trained in digital methods

4. Why do adolescents in many countries experience high academic stress . (1)

5. How does the shortage of mental health professionals affect the adolescents .(2)

6.What factors contribute to an increase in social isolation among teenagers. ? (2)

Q 3.Read the following passage carefully: (8)

The health of our planet is deteriorating rapidly due to rising pollution, overuse of resources,
and climate change. In such a situation, adopting sustainable habits is no longer optional; it
is essential for the long-term survival of all life forms. Sustainable living focuses on using
resources responsibly so that future generations can enjoy the same natural wealth that we
do today.

One of the most effective sustainable habits is reducing waste. A major portion of household
waste consists of plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Simple actions—
such as refusing single-use plastics, carrying reusable bags, and choosing recyclable
products—can significantly cut down the amount of waste entering landfills and oceans.
Composting organic waste also reduces pollution while improving soil fertility.

Energy conservation is another vital aspect of sustainable living. Using energy-efficient
appliances, switching off lights and fans when not needed, and adopting renewable energy
sources can help reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, water conservation is crucial, as many

regions are facing severe water scarcity. Small steps like fixing leaks, using water judiciously,
and harvesting rainwater can make a measurable difference.

Sustainable transportation—such as cycling, walking, carpooling, or using public transport—
not only reduces pollution but also promotes better health. Additionally, mindful consumption
plays a key role: buying only what we need, preferring locally produced goods, and
supporting eco-friendly brands help reduce the strain on natural resources.

Developing sustainable habits requires awareness, discipline, and a sense of responsibility
toward the Earth. When individuals, communities, and governments work together,
meaningful environmental change becomes possible. Ultimately, sustainable living is a
commitment to protect our planet and create a healthier, safer future for generations to come.

A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and
subheading. Also use recognizable abbreviations, whenever necessary (minimum 4-5).Give an
appropriate title to your notes .(5)

B. Write a summary of the above passage in about 50 words. (3)

SECTION B

GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

GRAMMAR- Attempt any 7 out of 8 questions given in Question 4 and Question 5. (1x7=7)

Q 4.Complete the following sentences by filling in the gaps with the appropriate forms of the verbs
given in brackets.

i. When we reached the station, the train _______ (leave).

ii. She _______ (study) English literature for three years before joining the college magazine
team.

iii. While she ______ (walk) home, it suddenly started to rain.

Q.5 Do as Directed:

Rearrange the following to form meaningful sentences.

(iv) sustainability / essential / future generations / for / protecting / is / environment / the

(v) not only / won / but also / she / her / hearts / of / classmates / the admiration

(vi) message / an / human unity / powerful / gives / festival / this / of

Choose the correct passive form of the following sentence:

(vii) “The committee will announce the results tomorrow.”

A. The results are announced by the committee tomorrow.

B. The results were announced by the committee tomorrow.

C. The results will be announced by the committee tomorrow.

D. The results have been announced by the committee tomorrow.

Choose the correct active form of the following sentence:

(viii) “The new education policy has been approved by the cabinet.”

A. The cabinet approves the new education policy.

B. The cabinet has approved the new education policy.

C. The cabinet approved the new education policy.

D. The new education policy is approved by the cabinet.

Q.6 Attempt any one of the two :(50 words) ( 3)

A. You are Vandana / Vineet , a resident of C-105, Green Valley Apartments, Bengaluru.
You are relocating to another city and wish to rent out your fully furnished 2BHK apartment.
Draft an advertisement in about 50 words to be published in the To-Let column of a national
daily, giving all necessary details such as location, amenities, rent, and contact information.

OR

B. You are Riya Sharma, recently returned to India from Canada after eight years of work
experience as a Senior Manager in Digital Marketing with a reputed global firm. You are
relocating in India and seeking a suitable position in a renowned organization in Delhi-NCR
to take care of your elderly parents. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the
classified column of a national daily.

Q.7 Attempt any one of the two :(50 words) ( 3)

A. Design a poster for a ‘Startup Business Fair’ in Delhi organized by Skill India Mission,
encouraging youth to participate and explore career/Business opportunities.

OR

B. The Department of Tourism,Himachal Pradesh wants to promote eco-friendly travel in the
Himalayas. Create a poster with a catchy slogan and visuals to attract responsible tourists.

Q.8 Attempt any one of the two : 125-150 words (5)

A. You are Vani, a student of Class XI. You have to deliver a speech in the school morning
assembly on the topic:

“The charm of the reading is faded in the glow of screens”

Write a speech in about 125–150 words, presenting your views on the impact of digital
media on reading habits. Highlight the importance of books, the changing reading trends
among youth, and suggest ways to revive the love for reading.

OR

B. You are Kavya / Karan, a student of Class XI. You have been asked to deliver a
motivational speech in the morning assembly on the topic:

“Dream Big, Stay Consistent: The Power of Everyday Effort.”

Write a speech in about 125–150 words, highlighting the importance of setting goals, staying
disciplined, and working hard consistently to achieve success in life.

Q.9 Attempt any one of the two :125-150words (5)

“Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Boon to Human Creativity”

Write a debate in about 150–200 words, expressing your views either for or against the
motion.

Reference Points for Students

In Favour of the Motion (AI is a Boon):

1. Personalized Learning
2. Instant Feedback and Assessment
3. Global Accessibility
4. Innovative Learning Methods
5. Support for Teachers

Against the Motion (AI is a Threat):

1. Loss of Human Touch
2. Dependence on Technology

3. Data Privacy
4. Widening Digital Divide
5. Creativity at Risk

OR

You are Aarav / Ananya, a student of Class XI. You are going to participate in an Inter-
School Debate Competition on the topic:

“Influencers vs. Educators: Who Shapes Young Minds More Effectively?”

Write a debate in about 150–200 words, presenting your views either for or against the
motion.

Reference Points for Students

In Favour of the Motion :

1. Massive Reach
2. Relatability
3. Impact on Choices:
4. Digital Presence
5. Emotional Appeal

Against the Motion :

1. Foundation of Values and Knowledge:
2. Authenticity and Credibility
3. Personal Mentorship
4. Sustainable Impact
5. Responsible Role Models

10. Read the stanza and answer any one set of questions that follow: 1x3=3

The seed I spent or sown it where
The land is his and none of mine?
We speak like strangers, there’s no sign
Of understanding in the air.
This child is built to my design
Yet what he loves I cannot share.

(1) What does the expression “The seed I spent or sown it where” symbolically refer to?

(a) The father’s agricultural efforts

(b) The father’s contribution in raising his son

(c) The growth of nature and crops

(d) The child’s independent choices

2) The line “The land is his and none of mine” suggests—

(a) The son has acquired his own property

(b) The father has lost all authority

(c) The emotional distance between father and son

(d) The son has moved to another country

(3) The line “This child is built to my design, yet what he loves I cannot share” conveys—

(a) The father regrets the child’s lack of interest in art

(b) The father’s failure to understand his son’s interests despite similarities

(c) The father’s pride in his son’s independence

(d) The son’s rebellion against his father’s ideals

OR

B. Some twenty—thirty—years later

She’d laugh at the snapshot. “See Betty

And Dolly,” she’d say, “and look how

They dressed us for the beach.”

The sea holiday

Was her past, mine is her laughter.

Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.

1.What does the phrase “The sea holiday was her past, mine is her laughter” signify?

A. The poet and her mother had the same memories of the holiday

B. The poet values her mother’s laughter more than the photograph

C. The mother remembered the sea holiday, while the poet cherishes her mother’s reactions
to it

D. The poet disliked going to the sea

2. What does the expression “wry with the laboured ease of loss” suggest about the poet’s
emotions?

A. The poet feels no connection to the photograph

B. The poet finds comfort in remembering joyful moments despite the pain of loss

C. The poet is angry about the past

D. The poet regrets going to the beach

3. Identify the literary device used in the line “she would laugh at the snapshots”?

A. Personification

B. Imagery

C. Irony

D. Hyperbole

11. Read the extract and answer any one out of A and B. 1x3=3

A . “It appeared perfectly vertical and almost twice the height of the other waves, with a
frightful breaking crest.The roar increased to a thunder as the stern moved up the face of the
wave, and for a moment I thought we might ride over it. But then a tremendous explosion
shook the deck. A torrent of green and white water broke over the ship, my head smashed
into the wheel and I was aware of flying overboard and sinking below the waves. I accepted
my approaching death, and as I was losing consciousness, I felt quite peaceful.”

(i) What caused the narrator to be thrown overboard?

A. The ship collided with another vessel

B. A tremendous explosion and a massive wave hit the ship

C. The captain lost control of the wheel

D. The narrator slipped on the wet deck

(ii) The phrase “the roar increased to a thunder” suggests the _______ of the storm.

(iii) As the narrator began to lose consciousness, he felt _______.

OR

B “As for my grandmother being young and pretty, the thought was almost revolting. She
often told us of the games she used to play as a child. That seemed quite absurd and
undignified on her part and we treated it like the fables of the Prophets she used to tell us.”

(a) The expression “the thought was almost revolting” means—

(i) the idea was disgusting

(ii) it was difficult to accept or imagine

(iii) it made the narrator angry

(iv) it filled him with fear

(b) The author found the idea of his grandmother playing games as a child “absurd and
undignified” because______________

(c) The expression “we treated it like the fables of the Prophets” means ____________.

12. Read the extract and answer any one out of A and B. 1x4=4

”‘How did this happen?’, they say,

Well, on account of customary choice.

If His Majesty rejoice

In being a melon, that’s OK

With us, for who are we to say

What he should be as long as he

Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’

The principles of laissez faire

Seem to be well-established there.”

1..The people accepted a melon as their king because—

(i) they were forced to do so by the ministers

(ii) it was a long-standing custom

(iii) they feared punishment

(iv) they believed melons had magical powers

2.The phrase “leaves us in Peace and Liberty” shows that the people—

(i) preferred freedom and peace over logic

(ii) wanted a strong and powerful ruler

(iii) were unaware of their rights

(iv) disliked their king

3. The poet uses the term “laissez faire” to suggest—

(i) people’s interference in governance

(ii) a policy of non-interference and freedom

(iii) the king’s strict rule

(iv) the people’s ignorance

4.The phrase “customary choice” refers to the people’s practice of _______.

OR

‘As I walked slowly back to the station, I thought about my mother, who had given me the
address years ago. It had been in the first half of the war. I was home for a few days and it
struck me immediately that something or other about the rooms had changed. I missed
various things. My mother was surprised I should have noticed so quickly. Then she told me
about Mrs. Dorling. I had never heard of her but apparently she was an old acquaintance of
my mother whom she had not seen for years. She had suddenly turned up and renewed
their contact since then she had come regularly.’

1. What made the narrator feel that “something or other about the rooms had changed”?

A. The rooms were newly painted

B. She noticed that several familiar things were missing

C. Her mother had rearranged the furniture

D. Mrs. Dorling was living with them

2. What can be inferred about Mrs. Dorling from the extract?

A. She was a distant relative who often helped the narrator’s mother

B. She was a trusted friend of the narrator

C. She reappeared after years and began visiting regularly

D. She came to borrow household items from the narrator’s mother

3. How does the narrator’s reaction to the missing objects reveal her bond with her home
and family?

4. Why do you think the mother readily trusted Mrs. Dorling after so many years, and what
does this suggest about the circumstances during the war?

13. Answer any two (One from prose One from Poetry) out of the following four questions in
40 to 50 words (2x3=6)

A. What startling facts came to light when Tutankhamun’s mummy was CT-scanned in 2005?

OR

B. What difficulties did the narrator face while crossing the high mountain pass during his
journey to Mount Kailash?

C. What conflict does the poem ‘Father to Son’ highlight ?

OR

D. How does the arrival of the goldfinch change the mood of the laburnum tree?

14. Answer any one out of the following four questions in 40 to 50 words (3x1=3)

A. Which unique traits of the Garoghlanian tribe are highlighted in the story ‘ The
Summer of the Beautiful White Horse’?

OR
B. What deeper meaning does the author convey through the narrator’s search for her
mother’s belongings in i the chapter ‘The Address’?

15. Answer any one of the following questions in 125 to 150 words 1x6=6

A. While studying “The Portrait of a Lady” from your textbook, you realize that the
chapter reflects the loneliness and insecurity experienced in old age and the
struggles of the elderly to stay connected with changing times. Thinking about the
lives of many elderly men and women in India who spend their later years in solitude,
write an article in about 120–150 words on the topic:

“The Life of Old People in India”

OR

B. Both poems, “The Voice of the Rain” and “Childhood”, depict a natural cycle central
to life and human growth. What is it ? How the poets of these poems presented it
through their imagery and ideas?

16. Answer any one of the following questions in 125 to 150 words 1x6=6

A. Mrs. Pearson’s transformation in Mother’s Day challenges the traditional family
dynamics of her household. Based on your understanding of the play, imagine
yourself as an awakened and a motivated student, prepare a speech for your fellow
students of Classes XI–XII, conveying the message of self-respect and equality
within family relationships in modern times.

OR

B. After reading the chapter “Birth” by A.J. Cronin, you were deeply inspired by the
doctor’s sincerity and dedication to his profession. Write a letter to your friend sharing
how the story taught you the value of commitment, perseverance, and honesty in
professional life. (Word limit: 120–150 words)