Introduction

This English paper is designed for Class 10 students preparing for high-difficulty board-level questions. The set includes challenging comprehension, advanced grammar, complex writing tasks, and literature-style questions that reflect the type of difficulty seen in actual CBSE examinations. Each question tests a key skill: reading accuracy, grammatical correctness, creativity in writing, and understanding of literary concepts. The answers provided at the end are brief and precise to maintain exam-style format and help you compare your work easily. This set is useful for students aiming for top scores and wanting to practice with tougher, exam-focused material.

Reading Section

Q1. Read the passage and answer the questions.

The rapid introduction of smart technologies has transformed human life significantly. While these advancements improve convenience, they also raise concerns about privacy and digital dependency. Many people now rely heavily on digital assistants to complete everyday tasks. Although this reduces physical effort, it may also weaken certain life skills. Experts argue that technology should enhance human ability, not replace it. Thus, users must maintain a balanced approach while adopting new innovations.

(a) What major concern is highlighted regarding technology?
(b) What advantage of digital assistants is mentioned?
(c) What risk do experts warn about?
(d) Find a word from the passage that means “introduced very quickly.”

Grammar Section

Q2. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

(a) The students ____ (prepare) for the annual debate for two weeks.
(b) The teacher said that she ____ (check) the papers by evening.

Q3. Do as directed.

(a) Change to passive voice:
“People use digital tools every day.”

(b) Rewrite using “although”:
“Technology is useful. It can sometimes be distracting.”

Q4. Choose the correct option.

(a) Neither of the answers ___ correct.
(i) are (ii) is (iii) were

(b) I prefer reading books ___ watching movies.
(i) than (ii) to (iii) instead

Writing Section

Q5. Analytical Paragraph (120–150 words)

Write an analytical paragraph based on the chart description below:
“A school conducted a survey on how students spend their after-school hours. The data shows: 40% spend time on homework, 30% on sports, 20% on mobile phones, and 10% on hobbies.”

Q6. Story Writing (120–150 words)

Begin the story with the following line:
“As the train slowed down at the deserted station, Rishi realised something was terribly wrong…”

Literature Section

Q7. From the poem “The Trees”

(a) What does the poet say the trees are trying to escape from?
(b) Why do the trees move toward the forest?

Q8. From the lesson “The Necklace”

(a) Why did Mathilde feel dissatisfied with her life?
(b) What costly mistake changed her future completely?

Q9. Long Answer Question (120–150 words)

“How does the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ show the importance of responsible pet ownership? Discuss with reference to Tricki’s condition and Mrs. Pumphrey’s behaviour.”

ANSWER KEY – SET 8

Reading Answers

Q1.

(a) Concern: loss of privacy and digital dependency.
(b) Advantage: they help complete everyday tasks.
(c) Risk: technology may replace important human abilities.
(d) Word: “rapid.”

Grammar Answers

Q2.

(a) have been preparing
(b) would check

Q3.

(a) Digital tools are used every day.
(b) Although technology is useful, it can sometimes be distracting.

Q4.

(a) (ii) is
(b) (ii) to

Writing Answers

Q5. Analytical Paragraph

The survey reveals how students spend their after-school hours through four major activities: homework, sports, mobile use, and hobbies. The majority of students, 40%, dedicate their after-school time to completing homework, showing strong academic focus. Sports is the second most preferred activity with 30%, highlighting the importance of physical fitness among students. Meanwhile, 20% spend their time on mobile phones, which may indicate entertainment or social engagement. Finally, only 10% participate in hobbies, suggesting limited involvement in creative or skill-building activities. Overall, the data shows a balanced pattern, but it also suggests that students could benefit from increasing time on hobbies to develop broader personal interests.

Q6. Story

As the train slowed down at the deserted station, Rishi realised something was terribly wrong. The lights inside the compartment flickered, and the platform outside was completely empty. He stepped out cautiously, hearing only the wind whistling through the broken signboard. Suddenly, he noticed a small bag lying near the bench. Curious, he opened it and found a diary filled with strange sketches and messages warning about a coming danger. Before he could understand anything, he heard footsteps. A shadowy figure approached, signalling him to stay quiet. The stranger whispered that the diary belonged to a missing researcher and that Rishi had to keep it safe. The train doors closed behind him, forcing him into a mysterious journey he never expected.

Literature Answers

Q7.

(a) The trees are trying to escape from the closed indoor environment.
(b) They move toward the forest because it is their natural home.

Q8.

(a) Mathilde felt dissatisfied because she believed she deserved a luxurious life.
(b) Her mistake was losing the borrowed necklace.

Q9. Long Answer

“A Triumph of Surgery” highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership through Tricki’s condition and Mrs. Pumphrey’s mistakes. Tricki becomes extremely overweight due to overfeeding, lack of exercise, and excessive pampering, all caused by Mrs. Pumphrey’s emotional weakness. Her inability to say no to Tricki leads to serious health issues for the dog. When Tricki is taken to the surgery, he improves only because of a controlled diet, simple food, and regular activity. This shows that true care means meeting the pet’s physical needs rather than treating it like a human child. The story teaches that responsible pet owners must focus on discipline, health, and balanced care instead of overindulgence.