CBSE Class 10 Sample Paper 2026 for English Communicative

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SAMPLE
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2026

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ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
CLASS-X-(2025-26)
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions

Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:

i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii. This question paper contains three sections:
Section A: Reading Skills,
Section B: Writing Skills
Section C: Grammar
Section D: Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12

1 Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world,
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York
University climate scientist David Holland.

2 Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil,
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would
rise by 24 feet.

Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting
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489 billion tons a year in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy.

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4 Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that
influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s
called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down
because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A
shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could
plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current
system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether — as we know it has done in
the past — normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change
drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research
Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would
be a thing of the past.”

None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some
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of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said
Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of
ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the
ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just
breathtaking.”
515 words / Adapted from The Hindu (Environment -January 08, 2025 post)

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

I Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a 1
warming world’? (Paragraph 1)
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat.
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe.
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns.
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns.

II Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. 1
In the line 'Greenland plays an outsized role...', the word 'outsized' indicates ____
(an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or
norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size). (Paragraph 1)

III Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare 2
earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words. (Paragraph 2)

IV What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? 1
(Paragraph 2)
Select the correct option to complete the answer.
It means that the ice is ____.
a) unnecessary and excessive
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity.
c) beyond what scientists can measure.
d) challenging to fully comprehend.

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V Complete the following with the appropriate option. 1

The phrase 'Locked inside' brings up the imagery of a _____. (Paragraph 2)
a) vault, emphasising security and value
b) box, symbolising concealment and mystery.
c) room, highlighting stored abundance.
d) warehouse, showcasing accessibility and volume.

VI. What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 3? 1

a) Greenland’s Changing Climate and Ecosystem
b) The Rising Sea Levels and Climate Impact of Greenland
c) Greenland’s Ice Melt: A Threat to Global Energy Balance
d) Greenland’s Melting Ice: A Growing Concern for the 21st Century

VII. Which phrase from paragraph 4 bears evidence to the fact that Greenland plays a 1
critical role in controlling the AMOC?

VIII Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in the 2
brackets.
Paragraph 4 includes a _______ (viewpoint / warning / speculation) by Jennifer
Francis.

IX Why does Holland describe Greenland as ‘eye-watering’? Answer in 30-40 words. 2
(Paragraph 5)
2. Read the following. 10

Source: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in / 190 words approx. / MCB theme : Travel & Tourism

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Answer the following questions, based on your reading of the above information.

I. Why is the tag 'A Hub for Livestock Trading' suitable for the Nagaur fair instead of 2
‘Colourful Celebrations’?

II. Complete the following with the correct option. 1

The Nagaur Fair is held ____.
a) quarterly
b) once in two years
c) annually
d) twice in a year

III. State which of the following is True. 1

a) Chand Baori is referred to as ‘Abha Nagri’.
b) Chand Baori is a recent construction.
c) Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell.

IV. What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Abhaneri Festival ‘has 1
gained immense popularity among tourists’?

V. What might be the most likely reason for the lavish decorations of animals at the 1
Nagaur Fair?

a) To celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
b) To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading.
c) To compete for the best-decorated animal.
d) To honour the animals as part of a religious ritual.

VI. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets. 1
The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it
provides a platform for ____ (tourists and organisers / farmers and traders) to
display an essential spice.

VII. If the Nagaur Fair highlights trading as its primary focus, what does the Abhaneri 1
Festival most likely focus on?

a) Promoting local agriculture
b) Encouraging community interaction
c) Celebrating historical heritage
d) Showcasing regional culture

VIII What might be the most likely reason why the Nagaur Fair spans across four days 2
while the Abhaneri Festival ends in two days?

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SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely
coincidental.
3. Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to use the 1x3=3
school transport to attend a tree plantation volunteering event. You are Lakshit
Pandey, Class X-C, Vice-President, Ecology Club.

4. Write a factual description of your favourite gadget in not more than 100 words, 1x4=4
highlighting its key features and functionalities.

5. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 words 1x7=7

A. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology, such as
the internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This disparity has significantly
impacted education, especially for students from marginalised segments, by limiting their
ability to access online resources and virtual classes.
As Sakshi Tripathi, 120 Kailash Nagar, Batanpur, write a letter to the editor of a national
daily highlighting the issue, its effects on students and teachers, and suggesting practical
measures to bridge this gap.
Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 2: Education, to write this letter.
OR
B. India is home to a rich geological heritage, with unique landforms and rock formations like
the Lonar Crater, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters etc. that hold immense scientific, educational,
and cultural value. However, these sites often face neglect, vandalism, and lack of proper
conservation efforts.

As Tanush of 63, Lajpat Nagar, Agra, write a letter to the editor of a national daily
highlighting the importance of preserving India's geological heritage, the challenges it faces,
and suggesting measures to protect and promote these natural treasures.
Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 4 E: Environment – Geological
Heritage, to write this letter.

6. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 150 words 1x8=8

A Imagine you are Vitthal K of class X. Write an article for your school magazine on
the topic ‘Achieving Holistic Wellness: The Key to a Happy Life,’ emphasising the
role of physical health, mental well-being, and positive lifestyle habits and natural
remedies. Explain how these factors contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, and
suggest practical steps for incorporating them into daily routines.
You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of MCB
Unit 1: Health and Wellness

holistic wellness - key aspects - simple habits can improve overall wellness -
actionable ways needed to integrate wellness into everyday routines
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OR

B You are Kadambari Rao, class X. Write an article on the topic ‘Space Travel:
Accessible Tourism or a Risky Adventure?’ highlighting the potential benefits and
challenges of making space travel available to the general public. Discuss whether
space tourism should be pursued considering its environmental impact, safety
concerns, and accessibility. Conclude with your opinion on whether it is a step
forward or a risk not worth taking.
You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of the
MCB Unit 3: Science.

Potential Benefits - Challenges and Concerns: Environmental impact of frequent
rocket launches (carbon emissions, pollution); accessibility opportunities creating
inequalities; safety risks - Key Considerations: Should resources be focused on
improving conditions on Earth instead?

SECTION C
GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those in the 3x1=3
brackets.

Therapeutic gardens are a public health measure and key to Singapore’s aim of (i) _______
(become/ becoming/ will becoming) one of the world’s top wellness destinations. In a tourism
sense, wellness often (ii) _________ (had referred / refers / referring) merely to spa treatments but
Singapore’s approach is more scientific. Singapore now (iii) ________ (have view/ has viewed /
views) Therapeutic gardens as a forward-thinking tourism strategy.

8. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your 4x1=4
answer sheets, remember to write the missing word along with the word
that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been
done as an example

S No. Text Word Omission Word
Before After
e.g. The environment is most precious resource. is our most
i We reduce waste, conserve energy, and plant
ii more trees to combat pollution. This planet is only
iii home we have. Each action, big or small, make a
iv significant difference. We act now to safeguard
the environment and prevent it from further harm.

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9. Do as directed. 1 + 2 =3

I Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to 1
create a meaningful sentence.
RAVI: Priya! Tell me about Orissa. I've always been curious about your state's
culture and traditions.
PRIYA: (i) for our / in the eastern / is a beautiful / state / temple architecture/ rich
heritage, part of India / and we are known / vibrant festivals / Orissa / and
exquisite

II. Report the conversation given below by filling in the blanks to complete the 2
following paragraph.

Aanya: Hey, Rohan! Did you hear about the new discovery in space
announcement yesterday?

Rohan: I heard about finding a planet with water vapour in its atmosphere!

Anya asked Rohan (i) ___________. Rohan exclaimed (ii) __________ in its
atmosphere. Then, Aanya added that the new planet was in the ‘habitable zone’
with life-supporting conditions.

SECTION D: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 MARKS)

10. Read the given extract and answer the questions briefly, for any two extracts, 2X4=8
of the three, given.

A. "I thought you picked fruit for a living," I said.
"We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. "Often we
show visitors through the town ... to Juliet's tomb ... and other places of interest."
Alright, "I smiled. "You take us along."
As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. They
were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was as lively as a squirrel.
Nicola's smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a
seriousness which was far beyond their years.
(Two Gentlemen of Verona)
I What might have been the most likely tone of the statement in ‘I thought you picked 1
fruit for a living…’?

II Why did Nicola glance hopefully at the narrator? 1

III What does the boys' willingness to engage in multiple tasks reveal about their attitude 1
toward life?

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IV What does the narrator’s growing interest in the boys suggest about his perception of 1
them?

B. “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away. (Ozymandias)

I How does the phrase ‘king of kings’ reflect Ozymandias’ perception of himself? 1

II What does the line ‘Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ imply about 1
Ozymandias’ intentions for future rulers?

III How does the imagery of ‘boundless and bare’ and ‘lone and level sands’ challenge 1
Ozymandias’ boast?

IV What message does the phrase “Nothing beside remains” convey about human 1
ambition?

C. MRS. JORDAN: What bureau was that, Father?
ABEL: Why, my bureau the one I bought
MRS. JORDAN: (pointing to the bureau) Was it that one. Father?
ABEL: Ah, that's it. What's it doing here? Eh? (A pause. The clock on the
mantelpiece strikes six. Everyone looks at it.)
Drat me if that isn't my clock too! What the devil's been going on in
this house? (A slight pause.)
BEN: Well, I'll be hanged.
MRS. JORDAN: I'll tell you what's been going on in this house. Father. Nothing short of
robbery.
MRS. SLATER: Be quiet, Elizabeth.
MRS. JORDAN: (rising) I’ll not be quiet. Oh, I call it double-faced.
HENRY: Now now, Elizabeth.
MRS. JORDAN: And you, too. Are you such a poor creature that you must do every dirty
thing she tells you?
MRS. SLATER: (rising) Remember where you are, Elizabeth.
HENRY: (rising) Come, come. No quarrelling.
(The Dear Departed)

I What does the dialogue between Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Slater reveal about their 1
relationship?

II What is Mrs. Jordan implying about Henry when she says, "And you, too. Are you 1
such a poor creature that you must do every dirty thing she tells you?"

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III How does Mrs. Jordan's accusation of ‘robbery’ impact the atmosphere of the scene 1
in the extract?

IV What does Abel’s reaction to finding his possessions in the living room suggest about 1
his awareness of his daughters' intentions?

11. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each. 5x2=10

I Support the view that the villagers were active participants in supporting Mrs. 2
Packletide’s ambition in the story ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’?

II Explain briefly how the story ‘Patol Babu’ portrays the conflict between material 2
rewards and self-satisfaction.

III How does the mood shift throughout the story, ‘The Letter’? 2

IV How does the author use technology as a plot device in the story ‘Virtually True’? 2

V What role does the bog's audience play in the downfall of the nightingale in the poem 2
‘The Frog and the Nightingale’?

VI How does the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet enhance the impact of the poem, 2
‘Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments’?

12. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. 1x8=8

I Discuss how the supernatural is portrayed in the drama excerpt ‘Julius Caesar’ and ‘A
Shady Plot’ and examine how these portrayals serve to influence the characters'
actions and the progression of the plot in each work?

OR

II Both poems, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and ‘Snake’, depict the killing or harm
of an innocent creature. Compare how the poets use these actions to reflect on
human guilt and morality.

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Study Materials
Notes

Model Papers Class 6 Notes

Sample Papers Class 7 Notes
Half Yearly Sample Papers Class 8 Notes

Class 9 Notes
Important Resources
Class 10 Notes
Periodic Table
Class 11 Notes
Writing Skills / Formats

Maps of India / World Class 12 Notes

Books and Solutions

NCERT Books
NCERT Book Solutions
HC Verma Chapter Wise Solutions
RD Sharma Solutions
CGBSE Solutions