Introduction
Set-7 is designed as a very hard English exam paper, based closely on patterns seen in real CBSE Class 10 past papers. It includes two unseen passages—one factual and one literary—followed by advanced grammar, high-level writing tasks, and challenging literature questions. Answers are concise, accurate, and written in an exam-friendly manner. The set maintains a simple educational tone to help students practice effectively.
SECTION A – READING
Passage 1 (Factual Unseen)
Read the passage and answer:
Passage:
Urban parks are essential spaces in modern cities. They provide healthy recreational areas, reduce air pollution, and promote social interactions. Experts believe that parks significantly improve mental well-being by offering natural surroundings in crowded urban environments. Yet many cities face challenges such as poor maintenance, overcrowding, and shrinking green areas due to rapid construction. Improving park facilities and protecting green spaces has become an important urban priority.
Q1. Why are urban parks important?
Answer: They provide recreation, reduce pollution, and support social interaction.
Q2. How do parks improve mental well-being?
Answer: By offering natural surroundings in crowded cities.
Q3. Mention one challenge faced by cities regarding parks.
Answer: Poor maintenance.
Q4. What has become an important urban priority?
Answer: Protecting green spaces and improving facilities.
Passage 2 (Literary Unseen)
Passage:
The old clock in the hallway had stopped working years ago. Yet Rohan never allowed anyone to remove it. For him, the clock was a memory of his grandfather, who used to wind it every night. One day, during a power cut, Rohan heard a faint ticking. Surprised, he walked closer and watched the hands move slowly. It felt as if the clock had awakened to remind him that memories, like time, never truly stop.
Q5. Why did Rohan keep the old clock?
Answer: It reminded him of his grandfather.
Q6. When did the clock begin ticking again?
Answer: During a power cut.
Q7. What message does the passage suggest?
Answer: Memories continue like the passage of time.
SECTION B – GRAMMAR
Q8. Gap Filling (Advanced)
a) The students ___ (wait) for the results since morning.
Answer: have been waiting
b) The problem ___ (solve) by experts soon.
Answer: will be solved
c) If he ___ (know) the truth, he would behave differently.
Answer: knew
Q9. Editing Task
Incorrect paragraph:
“The children was excited because the exhibition were opening soon. Every students want to participate.”
Answer:
The children were excited because the exhibition was opening soon. Every student wanted to participate.
Q10. Omission
Sentence: “The teacher advised us follow rules school.”
Missing words: to, at
Answer: The teacher advised us to follow rules at school.
Q11. Transformation
a) Change into passive:
“They have painted the walls.”
Answer: The walls have been painted.
b) Change into reported speech:
He said, “I am unhappy with the decision.”
Answer: He said that he was unhappy with the decision.
c) Rewrite using “unless”:
You must study, otherwise you will fail.
Answer: You will fail unless you study.
SECTION C – WRITING
Q12. Letter to the Principal (Hard-Level)
Write a letter requesting permission to organise a student cleanliness drive.
Answer:
To
The Principal
Sir/Madam,
I request permission to organise a student cleanliness drive in our school. The aim is to spread awareness about hygiene and environmental responsibility. Students will clean corridors, classrooms, and the playground under supervision. This activity will promote discipline and teamwork. Kindly grant approval for the event.
Yours faithfully,
Student
Q13. Analytical Paragraph
Data: Water usage in a household (litres/day)
- Drinking: 20
- Cooking: 30
- Cleaning: 70
- Bathing: 100
Answer:
The data shows that bathing consumes the highest water usage at 100 litres per day, followed by cleaning at 70 litres. Cooking and drinking account for 30 litres and 20 litres respectively. The household uses more water for hygiene than food-related activities. The chart highlights the need for water conservation, especially in bathing and cleaning.
Q14. Story Writing
Begin with:
“The sound came again, louder this time, and Arjun knew he couldn’t ignore it…”
Answer:
The sound came again, louder this time, and Arjun knew he couldn’t ignore it. He stepped outside into the dimly lit backyard. A strange glow flickered behind the old shed. As he approached, he found a small injured bird trapped in a wire. Carefully freeing it, he wrapped it in a cloth and brought it inside. The bird slowly opened its eyes, calming Arjun’s fears. What began as a frightening noise turned into an unexpected moment of kindness.
SECTION D – LITERATURE
Q15. From “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
How did Mandela’s childhood experiences shape his idea of freedom?
Answer: He first understood freedom as personal independence, later realising its social and political meaning.
Q16. From “Two Stories About Flying”
Why was the instructor’s behaviour important for the pilot trainee?
Answer: It gave confidence and helped in overcoming fear.
Q17. Poem – “A Tiger in the Zoo”
What does the tiger’s movement in the cage show?
Answer: His helplessness and suppressed anger.
Q18. Poem – “Fog”
What do the actions of the fog resemble?
Answer: A cat sitting quietly and moving silently.
Q19. “The Thief’s Story”
Why did the thief decide not to run away with Anil’s money?
Answer: He valued trust and wanted to become a better person.
Q20. “The Necklace”
What was the main reason for Mme. Loisel’s suffering?
Answer: Her desire for luxury and social approval.
Q21. “Footprints Without Feet”
How did Griffin misuse his scientific discovery?
Answer: For theft, escaping, and causing trouble.
Q22. Extract (Poetry)
“And the trees put out their arms.”
What does this image suggest?
Answer: The trees’ struggle for freedom.
Q23. Extract (Prose)
“He seemed more cheerful than usual.”
Who is “he” and why was he cheerful?
Answer: Tricki; he recovered due to proper treatment.
Q24. Long Answer (Hard Level)
How does the character of Bholi represent courage and self-respect?
Answer: She overcomes fear, learns confidently, and refuses to marry a greedy man, showing self-respect.
Q25. Long Answer
What moral does “The Midnight Visitor” give about intelligence?
Answer: Calmness and smart thinking can solve danger better than strength.