Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions Set 7 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 7 with Solutions
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions
- This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- This question paper contains three sections.
- Section A – Reading Skills
- Section B – Writing Skills
- Section C – Grammar
- Section D – Literature
- Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
- Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
- Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
Section A
Reading Skills (22 Marks)
Question 1.
Read the following passage carefully.
1. In an age dominated by rapid communication and constant digital noise, the art of listening has quietly faded into the background. Ironically, while we are more connected than ever, genuine communication is often lost in the barrage of notifications, messages, and self-expression. Many people believe that speaking up, voicing opinions, and being heard is what empowers them-but few realise that listening is just as powerful, if not more.
2. Active listening goes beyond simply hearing the words someone says. It requires focus, empathy, and an open mind. A good listener observes tone, body language’and pauses; they understand not only the content but also the intent behind the words. This makes the listener a powerful participant in any conversation. In workplaces, for instance, leaders who actively listen to their teams build trust, foster innovation, and make informed decisions. Employees, when heard and understood, are more motivated and loyal.
3. Research shows that people remember only about 25 to 50 percent of what they hear. This implies that even during critical conversations, we often retain less than half of what is being communicated. This is particularly concerning in educational settings, where students may misinterpret instructions or miss out on valuable insights due to poor listening skills.
4. Listening also plays a crucial role in conflict resolution. Most arguments escalate not because of differences in opinion but because one or both parties feel unheard. When someone listens without interrupting or judging, it diffuses tension and creates a safe space for dialogue. This is especially vital in relationships, whether between friends, family members, or romantic partners.
5. Despite its importance, listening is not commonly taught. Schools emphasize reading, writing, and speaking skills, but rarely focus on the power of silent attention. Ironically, in a world full of people waiting for their turn to speak, the one who listens attentively often understands the most and wields the quietest influence.
6. Fortunately, listening is a skill that can be developed with practice. Techniques such as maintaining eye contact, avoiding distractions, summarising what the speaker has said, and asking thoughtful questions all enhance listening ability. Moreover, mindful practices like meditation can increase one’s ability to stay present and attentive in conversations.
7. In a society obsessed with broadcasting, perhaps the greatest gift we can offer is not more noise but the calm space of being truly heard. Listening does not make one passive. On the contrary, it is a quiet strength-one that nurtures connection, understanding, and progress.
(i) Why is listening described as a ‘quiet strength’ in the last paragraph? (Paragraph 7)
(a) It allows people to avoid arguments altogether.
(b) It lets individuals manipulate conversations silently.
(c) It builds a deeper connection and understanding without being loud.
(d) It is only effective when combined with assertive speech.
Answer:
(c) It builds a deeper connection and understanding without being loud.
(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in brackets.
In the line ‘the one who listens attentively often understands the most and wields the quietest influence’, the word ‘wields’ indicates ___________ (exerts/acquires/replaces) power silently. (Paragraph 5)
Answer:
exerts
(iii) Give two reasons why listening is essential in workplaces. Answer in 30-40 words. (Paragraph 2)
Answer:
Listening helps leaders build trust and make better decisions. It also ensures employees feel valued and understood, which increases motivation and loyalty.
(iv) What does the phrase ‘Research shows that people remember only about 25 to 50 percent of what they hear’ imply? (Paragraph 3)
It implies that ___________
(a) Most people exaggerate how much they listen.
(b) Listening is difficult to master.
(c) Much of what is heard is not actually understood or retained.
(d) People intentionally ignore information during conversations.
Answer:
(c) Much of what is heard is not actually understood or retained.
(v) Complete the following with the correct option.
The phrase ‘waiting for their turn to speak’ (Paragraph 5) symbolises ___________
(a) eagerness to dominate
(b) lack of genuine attention
(c) cooperative communication
(d) public speaking fear
Answer:
(b) lack of genuine attention
(vi) What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 4?
(a) Conflict: A Breakdown of Communication
(b) Why We Avoid Listening in Relationships
(c) Listening as the Foundation of Resolution
(d) How to Win Arguments Using Silence
Answer:
(c) Listening as the Foundation of Resolution
(vii) Which phrase from paragraph 1 highlights the irony of our hyper-connected world?
Answer:
The phrase highlights the irony of our hyper-connected world is, “while we are more connected than ever, genuine communication is often lost.”
(viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
Paragraph 6 includes a ___________ (warning/viewpoint/suggestion) about how listening can be
improved.
Answer:
suggestion
(ix) Why does the author refer to the schools’ focus as ‘ironic’ in Paragraph 5?
Answer:
The author finds it ironic that schools emphasise reading, writing, and speaking but neglect listening, even though listening is essential for learning and building meaningful connections in life.
Question 2.
Answer in 30-40 words.
Read the following passage carefully.
Answer the following questions based on the passage.
(i) Why is the tag ‘Automation for a Better Tomorrow’ suitable for the National Robotics Expo instead of ‘Technical Entertainment for All’?
Answer:
The tag ‘Automation for a Better Tomorrow’ is suitable because the Expo emphasises future-oriented technology, robotics in essential fields, and promotes AI innovations-unlike ‘Technical Entertainment’ which sounds less focused and more playful.
(ii) Complete the following with the correct option.
The Green Future Summit is scheduled to be held ___________
(a) monthly
(b) in January
(c) in New Delhi
(d) in Bengaluru
Answer:
(c) in New Delhi
(iii) State which of the following is True.
(a) The National Robotics Expo is held at the India Habitat Centre.
(b) The National Robotics Expo offers coding challenges and drone racing.
(c) The Green Future Summit features over 300 robotics exhibits.
Answer:
(b) The National Robotics Expo offers coding challenges and drone racing.
(iv) What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Green Future Summit ‘aims to inspire climate action’?
Answer:
The writer conveys that the Summit wants to motivate people, especially the youth, to take action towards protecting the environment and adopting sustainable practices.
(v) What might be the most likely reason for including an ‘Eco-Art Gallery’ at the Green Future Summit?
(a) To provide entertainment for visitors.
(b) To display scientific diagrams.
(c) To promote creative use of recycled materials.
(d) To teach students how to code.
Answer:
(c) To promote creative use of recycled materials.
(vi) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The Build-a-Bot zone is most likely designed for ___________ (students/scientists) to engage in interactive learning experiences with robotics.
Answer:
Students
(vii) If the Green Future Summit focuses on climate awareness, what does the National Robotics Expo most likely focus on?
(a) Exploring ancient tools
(b) Discussing political policies
(c) Encouraging technology-based problem solving
(d) Celebrating art and tradition
Answer:
(c) Encouraging technology-based problem solving
(viii) What might be the most likely reason why the National Robotics Expo spans three days while the Green Future Summit ends in two days?
Answer:
The National Robotics Expo likely spans three days due to the larger number of interactive exhibits, tech challenges, and public engagement activities. In contrast, the Green Future Summit may be shorter as it’s more focused on awareness and discussion-based sessions.
Section B
Writing Skills (22 Marks)
Question 3.
Write an application in not more than 50 words to the Principal requesting permission to organise a seminar on ‘Cyber Safety and Responsible Internet Use’ in your school auditorium. You are Kiran Sharma, Class XII-A, Head Girl of your school.
Answer:
The Principal
ABC Public School
New Delhi-201002
2nd August, 20XX
Subject: Permission to organise a seminar on Cyber Safety
Sir/Ma’am
I am Kiran Sharma, Head Girl of Class XII-A. I seek your permission to organise a seminar on ‘Cyber Safety and Responsible Internet Use’ in the school auditorium next week. The session will help students use the internet safely. Kindly approve.
Thanking you
Yours obediently
Kiran Sharma
Class XII-A
Head Girl
Question 4.
Write a descriptive paragraph on Saina Nehwal in not more than 100 words based on the clues given below.
Clues:
- Introduction
- Early life
- Her achievements
- Awards and honours
Answer:
Saina Nehwal, bom on 17th March, 1990, in Haryana, India, is an iconic Indian badminton player and a former World No. 1. She made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Super Series title in 2009 and secured an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. Known for her tenacity and aggressive playing style, Nehwal has won over 24 international titles, including the prestigious All England Open. Her achievements have significantly boosted the popularity of badminton in India. Beyond her on-court success, Nehwal’s dedication and resilience have made her a role model for aspiring athletes, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian sports history.
Don’t make the mistake of listing facts without using connectors or sentence flow-ensure the paragraph reads smoothly, covers all clues, and stays within 100 words.
Question 5.
A. India’s growing population has been accompanied by massive urbanisation. However, this rapid urbanisation has been accompanied by an alarming rate of environmental degradation and a growing scarcity of natural resources. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily drawing the attention of the public towards the development that is taking place at the cost of ecology and causing widespread environmental destruction and violation. Take clues from the MCB unit ‘Environment’. You are Riya Khurana.
Or
B. You bought a Samsung fully automatic washing machine from KBM Electronics, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi. After only a month, it developed a great noise, and its spin button is also not working. Write a letter of complaint to the sales manager of KBM Electronics. You are Medha/Manas, 226/B, Pandav Nagar, Delhi.
Answer:
A. C-111, Phase I, Ashok Vihar
New Delhi
12th October, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Delhi
Subject: Development at the Cost of Ecology
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the general public towards the development that is taking place at the cost of ecology and is causing widespread environmental destruction and violation. While we are building metros and roadways, we are also cutting trees incessantly. The concretisations of the city lead to air pollution.
Moreover, to cater to the needs of the increasing population, an increase in urbanisation has led to deterioration of our resources and the environment, threatening the existence of all living beings. This deterioration has also taken a toll on the people’s health and productivity.
I hope the concerned authorities and the government adopt stringent and positive measures to maintain the ecology.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Riya Khurana
Don’t focus only on population growth and development, but also highlight the environmental consequences and the urgency to balance progress with ecological preservation.
Or
B. 226/B, Pandav Nagar
East Delhi-1100XX
18th June, 20XX
The Sales Manager
KBM Electronics
Laxmi Nagar
Delhi-110093
Subject: Complaint regarding Faulty Washing Machine
Sir/Ma’am
This is with reference to the receipt no. EZ 2158. I bought a fully automatic Samsung Washing Machine from your showroom on 15th May, 2018.1 paid ₹ 21500/- in cash. It worked fine for a month, but suddenly it has developed many problems. It has started making too much noise while washing clothes. Moreover, its spin button is not functioning, so I am unable to dry spin the clothes. Sometimes, it stops working and does not start, even after many attempts. As the machine is under the warranty period, you are requested to get its defect rectified. If the problem persists, replace the machine. Please do the needful at the earliest.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Medha/Manas
Question 6.
A. TV and the internet have reduced the charm of reading for children. Write an article, in about 150 words, on the reasons for the lack of interest. Suggest measures to create a desire to read among children right from a very young age. Use the given clues, along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 2: Education.
Clues:
- Reading as a tool for lifelong learning
- Impact of technological development
- Role of parents
Or
B. You are Dikshit, a sportsman. You are worried about the decreasing interest of students in sports and games. Write an article, in about 150 words, to be published in a magazine on the need for sports and games. Use the hints given below.
Clues:
- Sitting most of the time
- Most don’t walk to school
- Excessive use of the internet
- More importance to examination results
Answer:
A. Lack of Interest In Reading by Rama
Reading is an essential tool for lifelong learning. It not only plays a vital role in the overall development of each and every individual but also enables us to extend our scope of knowledge and experience. We are all aware of these and many other innumerable benefits of reading. But, with the present technological development, the charm of reading has reduced. Children spend the majority of their time in front of the TV and mobile. Reading a book has now become an archaic idea for most children. This fast declining interest in reading among children is a cause of concern to all, and we need to take measures to make reading trending again.
The desire for reading needs to be inculcated in children from a very young age. Parents should read books to their kids from the time when they are incapable of reading. This way, children can learn that reading is a fun activity. This will also help to promote their attention and concentration. Thus, it can be concluded that reading is an activity that has only positives, which makes it one of the must-haves for every child.
Or
B. Need For Sport And Games by Dikshit
In today’s competitive times, wherein everyone wants to be one step ahead of others, there is no time for exercise or sports. Similarly, students, in an attempt to stay ahead academically, give more importance to their studies and examination results. Some students study fourteen hours a day, even on holidays. As a result, sports and games are no longer a priority. When not studying, students are found sitting or using their cell phones for the internet. Exercise, games, and sports are nowhere a part of their life. Even while coming to school, they prefer using a vehicle rather than walking. This decreasing interest of students in sports and games is worrying.
We all must understand the importance of and need for sports and games in our daily lives. Zero physical activity leads to a variety of health problems, such as obesity, brittle bones, underdeveloped muscles, etc. Sports and games not only improve physical and mental health, but they also inculcate discipline in students. They learn to work in teams, and their self-confidence gets a boost. Social, communication, and leadership skills can be easily developed through sports. Students have surplus energy; if this energy is put to good use in sports, the foundations of society are healthy and strong.
Section C
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 7.
Fill the blanks (i)-(iii) with the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
It is a hand-made cycle (i) ___________ (made/put/comprise) with bamboo (ii) ___________ (or/and/but) functional parts of (iii) ___________ (a/an/the) discarded bicycle.
Answer:
(i) made
(ii) and
(iii) a
Question 8.
In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing words in the lines of the given paragraph, along with the words that come before and after it in the space provided. The first one has been done as an example.
Answer:
| Before | Missing | After |
| (a) when | A | Thorn |
| (b) tube | The | Puncture |
| (c) to | Be | Repaired |
| (d) tube | Is | Taken |
Question 9.
Do as directed.
(i) Rearrange the following word clusters to make meaningful sentences.
My grandfather loved telling me stories.
that/used/he/said/in his childhood/to celebrate/his/birthday/differently
Instead of cutting a cake, they used to distribute sweets. We blow out candles, but they used to light a lamp.
(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows.
Himanshu: The landlord has come. Take out the money you have set aside.
Anu: But there are only three hundred rupees. If you give them to him, where is the blanket going to come from?
Himanshu: Don’t worry. I will figure out some other plan.
Himanshu told his wife that the landlord had come, she should take out (a) ___________ His wife, Anu said that (b) ___________ and asked him if he gave them to him where the blanket was going to come from.
Answer:
(i) He said that in his childhood, his birthday used to be celebrated differently.
(ii) (a) the money she had set aside
(b) that there were only three hundred rupees
Section D
Literature Textbook (26 Marks)
Question 10.
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions briefly for ANY TWO extracts of the three given.
He holds him with his skinny hand,
“There was a ship”, quoth he.
‘Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon’
Eftsoons, his hand dropped. (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner)
(i) Why does ‘He’ hold ‘him’ with his skinny hand?
(ii) Who is the ‘grey-beard loon’ here?
(iii) Whose hand do you think was held by ‘He’?
(iv) What is the response of ‘him’ when he holds his hand?
Answer:
(i) He holds him with his skinny hand to narrate to him his cursed story.
(ii) The ‘grey-beard loon’ is the Ancient Mariner.
(iii) The wedding guest’s hand was held by ‘he’.
(iv) ‘Him’ i.e., the guest found it very unusual and strange to hold off his hand and asked him to drop it.
B. I waited outside until the boys rejoined me, then drove them back to the city. They sat beside me, not speaking, for my part, I did not say a word…. I knew they would prefer to feel that they had safely kept their secret. Yet their devotion had touched me deeply. War had not broken their spirit. Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life, gave promise of a greater hope for human society. (Two Gentlemen of Verona)
(i) Whose devotion is the narrator talking about?
(ii) Select the phrase from the extract that refers to the hardwork done by them.
(iii) What do you think proves that they are true gentlemen?
(iv) What can be a synonym of the word ‘nobility’?
Answer:
(i) The narrator is talking about the devotion of Nicola and Jacopo.
(ii) The phrase is ‘their devotion’.
(iii) Nicola and Jacopo worked to get their sister cured. For this, they earned money through hard work without arousing pity in the hearts of their employers. This made them real gentlemen.
(iv) The synonym of the word ‘nobility’ is ‘magnanimity.’
C. “Well, I don’t call that delicate, stepping into a dead man’s shoes in such haste.” (The Dear Departed)
(i) Who makes this comment?
(ii) What do you think prompts the speaker to say this?
(iii) What does the speaker mean to indicate by the use of the word ‘delicate’?
(iv) Based on the story, what was done in haste?
Answer:
(i) The comment is made by Mrs. Jordan.
(ii) Mrs. Elizabeth Jordan makes this statement when Abel observes that Henry is wearing his slippers.
(iii) By the word ‘delicate’, the speaker means to indicate that it was a very inappropriate act.
(iv) Mrs. Jordan feels that Henry was too hasty in stepping into their father’s slippers.
Question 11.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each.
(i) How did Michael equip himself for the game experience at the ‘Powerbase’? (Virtually True)
Answer:
Michael had the latest Pentium 150 MHz computer with 256 MB RAM, 1.2 GB hard disk, and 16x speed CD-ROM. To add to his game experience, he had a virtual reality visor and glove with which he was able to experience the game very realistically. Besides, the computer was connected to the internet and a printer that printed messages from the characters in the game.
(ii) Describe the meeting between the frog and the nightingale. (The Frog and the Nightingale)
Answer:
The frog lived in Bingle bog. One day, a nightingale came there. The frog introduced himself as the owner of the sumac tree and a great musician, a music critic, and told her that he could train her how to sing.
(iii) What qualities of Nicola and Jacopo made the narrator call them? (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
Answer:
The two brothers, Nicola and Jacop,o had the qualities of sincerity, spirit of sacrifice, and the willingness to work. Apart from it, their sense of responsibility, dependability, and the dignity with which they conducted themselves made the narrator call them two gentlemen.
(iv) “John Hallock was an excellent ghost story writer.” Do you agree? (A Shady Plot)
Answer:
I do not agree that John Hallock was an excellent ghost story writer. John Hallock never considered himself a specialist, as every time he needed some inspiration for the stories, an idea would come to his mind. Actually, Helen, a ghost, was helping him write such stories.
(v) What does Mrs. Jordan describe as a ‘fatal mistake’? What is the irony in the comment she makes on Mrs. Slater’s defence? (The Dear Departed)
Answer:
Mrs. Jordan describes not calling another doctor when Dr. Pringle was out as a fatal mistake. The irony in the comment to Mrs. Slater’s reply is that she mentions that there are many cases of people remaining alive even after they were thought to be dead. Later on, in the drama, the grandfather is actually found to be alive.
(vi) Nishikanto’s offer stirred Patol Babu to the core. Comment. (Patol Babu: Film Star)
Answer:
Nishikanto’s offer indeed stirred Patol Babu to the core. Nishikanto Ghosh, a neighbour of Patol Babu, came to him to inform him that his brother-in-law was in search of some actor and that he had referred him for the role. This shocks Patol Babu as he had been an actor in his younger days and had almost given up acting. Now, he was going to get an opportunity to act again.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in about 150 words.
A. Analyse how the theme of nature’s supremacy is portrayed in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and DH Lawrence’s ‘Snake’. How do the poets illustrate nature’s power and the consequences of human actions against it?
Or
B. Discuss how the theme of art and legacy is explored in Shakespeare’s ‘Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments’ and Shelley’s ‘Ozymandias’. How do the poets use the contrast between physical structures and artistic expressions to convey the enduring power of art?
Answer:
A. In ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’, Coleridge portrays nature’s supremacy through the Mariner’s curse following his senseless killing of the albatross. The poem underscores nature’s power as supernatural forces punish the Mariner, emphasising the reverence and respect due to all creatures.
Similarly, in Lawrence’s ‘Snake’, nature’s dominance is evident in the majestic, dignified presence of the snake. The poet juxtaposes societal teachings with an innate respect for the snake, highlighting the conflict between human conditioning and instincts.
Both poems depict severe consequences for disrupting nature: the Mariner faces a haunting penance, and the poet in ‘Snake’ experiences regret and self-reproach. These works underscore nature’s inherent power and the folly of human arrogance in attempting to dominate or harm it, advocating for harmony and respect for the natural world.
Or
B. In ‘Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments’, Shakespeare asserts that poetry transcends the physical decay of monuments. The sonnet argues that while grand structures crumble, the words of a poet can immortalise an individual’s essence, preserving their legacy beyond temporal confines.
Conversely, Shelley’s ‘Ozymandias’ illustrates a ruined statue as a testament to the fleeting nature of earthly power and grandeur. The sculptor’s skill, however, endures through the lifelike depiction of the king’s visage and the inscribed words, which convey a timeless message about human hubris.
Both poets contrast the impermanence of physical monuments with the enduring nature of artistic expression, suggesting that art captures the true essence of human achievements and legacies. Shakespeare and Shelley highlight the supremacy of art in preserving and conveying powerful messages across generations, outlasting the inevitable decay of material constructs.
Shakespeare shows that poetry outlives monuments, proving art’s lasting legacy.
Shelley conveys that while power fades, art immortalises human emotions.