Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions Set 9 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 9 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. A large majority of the elderly in India do not get long-term and palliative care, according to a study conducted for the United Nations. The survey of more than 10,000 respondents across Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, and Central India during May-June 2018 showed that 62.1% of the elderly did not get such care. More than half of these people, 52.4%, said they primarily need traditional family support, says a study by Age Well Research and Advocacy Centre.
2. Older people in India often face problems such as disability, restricted mobility, loneliness, poverty, and lack of awareness about accessing long-term care. With a fast-growing population of older people, the ever-increasing gap between generations, and the fast and demanding lifestyle of young people, for the majority of older people, life is still a struggle for independence.
3. “According to 64% of elderly respondents, loneliness, marginalisation and isolation are the most critical issues faced by bedridden, elderly patients as they cannot visit, meet or interact with their relatives, friends and neighbours,” said Himanshu Rath, founder of Agewell Foundation.
4. The elderly have to compromise and make adjustments in their lifestyle according to the wishes of the younger members of their families to ensure they are cared for, the study revealed. It highlighted that 67.6% of the elderly being taken care of by their family members have to look after the children of their families. They have to perform tasks such as babysitting in return for proper care and support.
5. “Around 73.7% said they have to take care of the house and other properties of their younger family members to ensure long-term and palliative care in old age,” the study report said. “Over 75% of respondents have to limit their personal social interactions as their family members direct them to do so; otherwise, their family members can avoid providing their basic needs of food and medicines.” Most elderly respondents (68.5%) said the breakup of the joint family system is one of the biggest factors for the challenges they face in getting long-term, palliative care.
6. Healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs, relief material such as adult diapers, and care-giving services should be provided regularly to destitute older people, who are bedridden and suffering from acute mobility issues, the report said. “Though providing long-term and palliative care to older persons comes in the purview of family responsibilities in India, it is observed that older persons, who are financially independent, have a high net worth or hold property entitlements, are treated comparatively well by their family members,” said Rath.
7. “Managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge as multiple service providers-nursing agencies, physiotherapists and medical suppliers-are small-scale and unorganised and, therefore, provide incomplete care,” he said. “In India, health insurance coverage is essentially limited to hospitalisation. The concept of geriatric care has remained a neglected area of medicine so far in the country.”
Answer the following questions based on the passage.
(i) Why do a large majority of the elderly in India not receive long-term and palliative care? (Paragraph 1)
(a) Because there are no elderly in need of such services.
(b) Due to insufficient availability and lack of traditional family support.
(c) Because most elderly people prefer to live independently.
(d) Because healthcare facilities are only available in rural areas.
Answer:
(b) Due to insufficient availability and lack of traditional family support.
(ii) In the line ‘life is still a struggle for independence’, the word ‘struggle’ suggests _______________
(a continuous fight/a temporary setback/an easy effort/a pleasant journey). (Paragraph 2)
Answer:
a continuous fight
(iii) List problems faced by older people in India according to the passage. Answer in 30-40 words. (Paragraph 2)
Answer:
Older people in India face difficulties such as disabilities, restricted mobility, loneliness, poverty, and a lack of awareness about accessing long-term care. The growing gap between generations and fast-paced lifestyles also makes life a constant struggle for independence.
(iv) What does Himanshu Rath mean by ‘most critical issues’ in the phrase ‘loneliness, marginalisation and isolation are the most critical issues’? (Paragraph 3)
(a) The issues are minor concerns for the elderly.
(b) The issues are insignificant drawbacks of old age.
(c) The issues are the most serious challenges faced by bedridden elderly patients.
(d) The issues are caused only by physical illness.
Answer:
(c) The issues are the most serious challenges faced by bedridden elderly patients.
(v) The phrase ‘have to compromise and make adjustments’ brings up the imagery of _______________ (Paragraph 4)
(a) a negotiation table, highlighting discussion
(b) a roadblock, showing frustration
(c) a balancing act, showcasing careful management of needs
(d) a celebration, representing happiness
Answer:
(c) a balancing act, showcasing careful management of needs
(vi) Which is the most suitable title for paragraph 5?
(a) Why Elderly People Give Up Social Life
(b) The Cost of Receiving Elderly Care in Families
(c) The Role of Healthcare Equipment for the Elderly
(d) Challenges in the Healthcare System for the Elderly
Answer:
(b) The Cost of Receiving Elderly Care in Families
(vii) Which phrase from paragraph 6 supports the claim that financial security affects the care elderly people receive from families?
Answer:
Though providing long-term and palliative care to older persons comes within the purview of family responsibilities in India, it is observed that older persons, who are financially independent, have a high net worth or hold property entitlements, are treated comparatively well by their family members.
(viii) Paragraph 3 includes a _______________ (warning/argument/prediction) by Himanshu Rath.
Answer:
argument
(ix) Why is managing home care for the elderly described as ‘a massive challenge’? Answer in 30-40 words.
Answer:
Managing home care for the elderly is extremely difficult because service providers like nursing agencies and medical suppliers are mostly small-scale and unorganised, leading to incomplete care. Additionally, health insurance mainly covers hospitalisation, making geriatric care a neglected area.
Question 2.
Read the following passage.
(i) Why is the tag ‘Science for Sustainable Living’ more appropriate for the National Science Awareness Week than ‘Restore, Reuse, Revive’?
Answer:
‘Science for Sustainable Living’ fits the Science Awareness Week as it highlights the role of science in solving environmental and social problems. ‘Restore, Reuse, Revive’ better suits the Earth Care Expo, which focuses on sustainable practices and eco-conscious behaviour.
(ii) Complete the following with the correct option.
The Earth Care Expo 2025 will be held in _______________
(a) Delhi
(b) Lucknow
(c) Jaipur
(d) Mumbai
Answer:
(c) Jaipur
(iii) State which of the following is True.
(a) Science Awareness Week is only for scientists and researchers.
(b) Earth Care Expo promotes single-use plastic.
(c) The Green Innovation Zone encourages eco-friendly entrepreneurship.
Answer:
(c) The Green Innovation Zone encourages eco-friendly entrepreneurship.
(iv) What does the writer wish to convey by stating that Science Week helps learners ‘see science as a problem-solving tool’?
Answer:
It means learners are being taught to apply scientific thinking to solve real-life issues like pollution, waste, and energy usage.
(v) What might be the most likely reason for including composting and vertical farming workshops at the Earth Care Expo?
(a) To train scientists in engineering
(b) To promote sustainable home practices
(c) To increase online learning
(d) To launch new fashion products
Answer:
(b) To promote sustainable home practices
(vi) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The eco-science exhibitions are likely intended for _______________ (students/tourists) to demonstrate scientific ideas that protect the environment.
Answer:
students
(vii) If the Earth Care Expo focuses on practical environmental habits, what does the Science Awareness Week most likely focus on?
(a) Exploring scientific history
(b) Scientific theories only
(c) Developing a science-based approach to daily life
(d) Promoting commerce and trade
Answer:
(c) Developing a science-based approach to daily life
(viii) What might be the most likely reason why Science Week lasts for seven days, while the Earth Care Expo ends in three?
Answer:
The Science Week likely spans seven days to include daily sessions, model displays, and in-depth discussions in schools and colleges. The Earth Care Expo is a shorter exhibition with hands-on stalls and community outreach activities that can be covered in three days.
Section B
Writing Skills (22 Marks)
Question 3.
Write an application in not more than 50 words to the Principal requesting permission to install a ‘Suggestion Box’ for students. You are Arjun Mehta, Class XII-D, School Cabinet Member.
Answer:
The Principal
XYZ School
New Delhi-112233
2nd August, 20XX
Subject: Permission to install the suggestion box
Sir/Ma’am
I am Arjun Mehta, School Cabinet Member from Class XII-D. I request permission to install a ‘Suggestion Box’ near the reception so that students can share ideas or concerns anonymously. Kindly consider this request.
Thanking you
Yours obediently
Arjun Mehta
XII-D
Question 4.
Describe a painting or work of art topic in not more than 100 words. Use the following clues.
Clues:
- When did you see this work of art?
- Where did you see it?
- What does it look like?
- And explain why you like it?
Answer:
One of the most popular paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa, was painted by an Italian artist, Leonardo DaVinci. The woman in the painting sits markedly upright in an armchair with her arms folded to depict Lisa as a virtuous woman and faithful wife. I saw it at the Louvre in Paris during my vacation. The painting has become famous partly because of the mystery attached to it. What attracts me the most about this painting is Mona Lisa’s charming smile. It’s one of the most mysterious features of the entire painting. Some people speculate that her smile changes from different angles. In my humble opinion, the painting is deservedly the most iconic painting of all time.
Question 5.
A. You are Yashita, a student of Class X, New Delhi. According to a survey, students are required to cope with a lot of pressure in today’s competitive environment. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily highlighting the increasing stress faced by students and suggesting ways to combat the same. Use ideas that you may have gathered from MCB Unit 2: Education.
Or
B. You are Rita/Rohan. Write a letter to the Editor, The Times of India, Lucknow, about your village, which does not have a Primary Health Centre, in not more than 120 words. The sick villagers have to travel a long distance for medical help. Many villagers have died due to a lack of timely medical care. You can use the following clues along with the ideas you may have gathered from MCB Unit 1: Health and Medicine.
Clues:
- No hospital in proximity
- Many have lost their lives
- Time-consuming journey
- Need to open primary health clinics
Answer:
A. Flat No. C-406, Sector 12
RK Puram
New Delhi-110022
7th July, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi-9900XX
Subject: Pressure on Students in Competitive Environment
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of educational institutes, parents, and students to the stress suffered by the young generation of the nation. The world is full of competition in every aspect of life, with school being one of them. Students are pressurised to work extremely hard to score top marks. The hectic and exhausting nature of studies, accompanied by a tense state of mind, results in a stressed life.
The pressure on students has led them to a lifestyle where there is no room for outdoor sporting activities or hobbies. This leads to frustration amongst children, which often manifests in anger and sometimes even violent behaviour.
We must persevere to create an environment of balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Focus more on suggestions that allow them to participate in non-academic activities, such as yoga, meditation, etc. Educationists and policymakers must revise the amount of burden on students to calm their nerves and refresh them.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Yashita
Or
B. Village Mukhonia
District Mainpuri – 205125
8th August, 20XX
The Editor
Times of India
Lucknow
Subject: Establishment of Primary Health Centre in Mukhonia, District Mainpuri
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to bring to the attention of the Health and Family Welfare officials of the State Government of Uttar Pradesh the lack of a Primary Health Centre in Mukhonia, a large village in the Western region of Mainpuri District.
Our village has a population of approximately 5000 people, and the nearest Health Centre, Mainpuri District Hospital, is very distant; over 30 kms away. Anyone who is suffering from any disease or complication has to go to the district hospital for treatment. The journey to the district hospital is very time-consuming due to no regular means of regular public transport being available. There is no other Health Centre in proximity to the village. Recently, one person died while travelling to the hospital after being bitten by a snake. Had there been a facility of immediate healthcare nearby, this person’s life could have been saved. Such incidents keep happening from time to time, especially during the monsoon season.
I, therefore, request the authorities to seriously consider this request on behalf of all the residents of Mukhonia village and open a Primary Health Centre in our village. Hoping for an early redressal.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Rohan/Rita
Question 6.
A. Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc., have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be a charitable and ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised, a money-spinning business. Write an article on ‘How to provide proper health care to the common man’ in about 150 words. Use the ideas that you may have gathered from MCB Unit 1: Health and Medicine.
Or
B. India is an emerging economy. We are rich in natural resources. Yet a significant proportion of our people is living below the poverty line. One cause of this poverty is our rising population. Write an article on ‘How to keep a check on population’ in about 150 words.
Answer:
A. How to Provide Proper Health Care to the Common Man by XYZ
‘Health is wealth’ is an old proverb. It means that the human population living on this Earth can enjoy life only when its health is perfect. However, rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc., have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care has become a commercialised, money-spinning business today. It is no longer a charitable and ethical activity. Though commercialisation of health care has benefited us greatly, the unfortunate part is that a great number of our population cannot afford these facilities. These health care facilities are so expensive that they are way beyond the reach of the common man.
The majority of the Indian population is economically weak and thus, cannot afford to pay the expenses of a private hospital. Medical care is a basic necessity; hence, stricter laws, rules, and regulations need to be implemented to standardise the health practices and services across government and private hospitals. To provide affordable health care to the common man, the government should set up more primary health centers. At all these centers, medical facilities must be made more accessible, reliable, and affordable. Further, people must be made aware of wealthy lifestyles, nutritional foods, etc. Healthcare is the right of every citizen. With efficient healthcare, there is a promise of a healthier tomorrow.
Or
B. How to Keep a Check on Population by XYZ
India, rich in natural resources and emerging as a global economic power, still struggles with a significant proportion of its population living below the poverty line. (A major cause of this persistent poverty is our rapidly rising population.) To address this, we must implement comprehensive population control measures.
First, increasing awareness about family planning and providing easy access to contraceptives can help. Government initiatives should focus on educating people about the benefits of smaller families and the economic strain of larger ones. Second, improving women’s education and empowerment is crucial. Educated women tend to have fewer children and contribute more significantly to the economy. Incentives for families who adhere to small family norms can also be effective.
Additionally, better healthcare facilities, including maternal and child health services, will reduce infant mortality rates, thereby lessening the perceived need for larger families. A multifaceted approach involving education, healthcare, and incentives is essential to control population growth and alleviate poverty in India.
Section C
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 7.
Fill the blank (i)-(iii) with the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
(i) _______________ (Anyone/Everyone/No one) can touch the pitch without being defiled.
Can any man, by just thinking about it, add a cubit (ii) _______________ (to/of/in) his stature?
Is that the way a gentleman (iii) _______________ (would/should/could) behave?
Answer:
(i) No one
(ii) to
(iii) should
Question 8.
In the following passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and the word after. The first one has been done as an example.
Answer:
| Before | Omission | After |
| (a) helps | To | Develop |
| (b) guide | And | Inspire |
| (c) books | With | Care |
| (d) access | To | All |
Question 9.
Do as directed.
(i) Rearrange the following word cluster to make a meaningful sentence.
installation/please consider my/of a new/application for/computer system
I am a resident of Trilok Apartments at Gandhi Nagar, New Delhi. I would be extremely grateful if you could kindly help me.
(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows.
Charlie: Dear Santa, here is a list of what I want.
Patty: How do you suppose Santa Claus can afford to give away all those toys?
Charlie: Promotion! Don’t kid yourself _______________ Everything these days is promotion!
I will bet if the truth were brought about, you will find that he’s being financed by some big Eastern chain!
While making the list of what Charlie wanted from Santa Claus, Patty asked him how (a) _______________ all those toys. She said that (b) _______________ and that it was possible as Santa was being financed by some big Eastern chain.
Answer:
(i) Please consider my application for the installation of a new computer system.
Don’t confuse sentence structure in the rearrangement of sentences and miss changes in tense/pronoun while changing into reported speech.
(ii) (a) he supposed Santa Claus could afford to give away.
(b) Everything those days was promotion.
Section D
Literature Textbook (26 Marks)
Question 10.
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions briefly for ANY TWO extracts of the three given.
A. “And looked around like a God, unseeing, into the air,
And slowly turned his head,
And slowly, very slowly, as if thrice a dream,
Proceeded to draw his slow length curving around. (Snake)
(i) Explain the meaning of the expression ‘unseeing, into the air’.
(ii) Where does ‘he’ move to?
(iii) Which literary device is used in line 1? ‘
(iv) What does ‘his slow length curving around’ mean here?
Answer:
(i) The expression ‘unseeing, into the air’ means ‘in a carefree, easy, and fearless manner’.
(ii) ‘He’ moves to a hole in the wall.
(iii) The literary device used in line 1 is a ‘simile’.
(iv) Here, ‘his slow length curving around’ describes the movement of the snake.
B. “I believe it’s ill”, said Louisa Mebbin, loudly in Hindustani, for the benefit of the village headman, who was in ambush in a neighbouring tree.
“Hush!” said Mrs. Packletide, and at that moment the tiger commenced ambling towards its victim.
“Now, now!” urged Miss Mebbin with some excitement; “if he doesn’t touch the goat, we needn’t pay for it.’ (Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger)
(i) Which word/phrase in the extract means the same as “waiting to attack by surprise”?
(ii) Why did Louisa talk loudly in Hindustani?
(iii) Why was the village headman lying in ambush?
(iv) Where was Louisa Mebbin at this time?
Answer:
(i) The phrase, which means the same as ‘waiting to attack by surprise’, is ‘in ambush’.
(ii) Louisa talked loudly in Hindustani so that the village headman could hear and understand that she and Mrs. Packletide knew that they had given more money for a sick tiger.
(iii) The village headman was lying in ambush so that he could help Mrs. Packletide in killing the tiger.
(iv) Louisa Mebbin was with Mrs. Packletide in the forest where she had accompanied her for tiger hunting.
C. You know not what you do: do not consent
That Antony spoke at his funeral.
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter! (Julius Caesar)
(i) Identify the speaker of the given lines.
(ii) Whose ‘funeral’ is being talked about?
(iii) Why did the speaker raise this objection?
(iv) Give the antonym of the word ‘consent’?
Answer:
(i) The given lines are spoken by Cassius, a senator and conspirator of Caesar’s assassination.
(ii) Caesar’s funeral is being talked about in the given lines.
(iii) The speaker, Cassius, raises this objection because he fears that Antony, a great friend of Caesar’s, could sway the masses against them for murdering Caesar.
(iv) The antonym of the word ‘consent’ is ‘dissent’.
Question 11.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each.
(i) “Ah, wretch! said they, the bird to slay,” Why did the sailors curse the Ancient Mariner for killing the albatross? (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner)
Answer:
The sailors cursed the ancient mariner for killing the albatross that had brought with it a respite to their sufferings, in the mid-ocean when they were enveloped by sheets of ice. They held him and his acts responsible for the problems that followed his ruthless act. They also had visions of the spirit of the albatross following them for revenge.
(ii) Describe your impression of both the sisters, Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan. (The Dear Departed)
Answer:
Both the sisters in the play ‘The Dear Departed’ were totally narcissistic and insensitive as they did not pay respect to their supposedly dead father. They were more worried about dividing his property among themselves. They were selfish and greedy and had no compassion or sympathy.
(iii) In the story ‘Virtually True’, Michael said, “That’s what I like about computers. The more futuristic they get, the better you can understand the past.” Explain what he meant.
Answer:
Michael is expressing his enthusiasm for the capabilities of modern technology, such as computers, to help him experience and understand historical events and settings in a better way. He is suggesting that as technology advances and becomes more futuristic, it can allow people to have more vivid and realistic experiences that bring the past to life. This could include using virtual reality technology to explore historical sites or playing interactive games that simulate historical events.
(iv) What idea did Patol Babu have while rehearsing? Did the director approve of the idea? (Patol Babu, Film Star)
Answer:
While rehearsing his dialogue and the scene, Patol Babu thought that if he had a newspaper in his hand, then the collision would look much more realistic. The director, Baren Mullick, was quite impressed with the thought, and he readily agreed.
(v) Explain why the narrator was not in a position to contradict Jenkins? (The Shady Plot)
Answer:
Jenkins was the editor of the magazine for which Hallock wrote. Jenkins kept asking Hallock to write ghost stories. Even though Hallock wanted to write other stuff, he had no choice. Jenkins’ magazine was the only one that printed his stories.
(vi) What is your impression of the postman and the postmaster in the story, (The Letter)?
Answer:
The postman as well as the postmaster were very rude towards Ali. The postman used to ridicule him and call him mad. They were insensitive and cruel. The postmaster was haughty, arrogant, and emotionless. He was ill-tempered and called Ali ‘a pest’.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words.
A. There is an old Latin proverb, ‘A jealous woman will set a whole house on fire.’ Discuss the evils of jealousy that can be learnt from Saki’s story ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’ and Stanley Houghton’s drama ‘The Dear Departed’ in about 150 words.
Or
B. In ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and ‘Snake’, how do the narrators’ expressions of guilt and subsequent reflections on their actions reveal their evolving perceptions of innocence and the natural world, and what does this suggest about their journeys towards redemption and self-awareness?
Answer:
A. In Saki’s ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’, jealousy drives Mrs. Packletide to orchestrate a tiger hunt solely to outshine her rival, Loona Bimberton. This jealousy leads to a contrived and farcical event, exposing her vanity and pettiness. Similarly, in Stanley Houghton’s ‘The Dear Departed’, jealousy and greed between the sisters Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Slater over their father Abel Merryweather’s possessions reveal their moral decay. Their competitive desire for inheritance results in deceit and conflict, further eroding familial bonds. Both stories illustrate how jealousy incites destructive behaviour, undermining relationships and integrity.
The proverb ‘A jealous woman will set a whole house on fire’ aptly encapsulates the chaos and moral disintegration caused by envy as portrayed in these narratives. Through satire and drama, Saki and Houghton expose the evils of jealousy, urging readers to recognise and combat this vice to preserve personal and familial harmony.
Jealousy in Mrs. Packletide leads to vanity, pride, and hollow competition.
In ‘The Dear Departed’, greed over inheritance breaks trust and family values.
Or
B. In ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’, the mariner’s overwhelming guilt for killing the albatross manifests as physical and spiritual suffering, symbolising a profound moral transgression against nature. His journey towards redemption begins with his recognition of the natural world’s beauty and interconnectedness, culminating in his spontaneous blessing of the sea creatures.
Similarly, in ‘Snake’, the narrator’s guilt for throwing a log at the snake stems from his realisation of having acted against his initial instinct to admire the creature. This act of violence against an innocent being reveals his internal conflict between societal conditioning and innate reverence for nature. Both the narrators’ guilt and reflections indicate a deepening understanding of innocence and the intrinsic value of the natural world. Their paths to self-awareness and redemption are marked by this newfound respect for nature, emphasising the moral imperative to harmonise with rather than dominate the natural order.
Students tend to retell instead of analysing texts, focus on theme, textual evidence, and clarity.