CBSE 10th QB English Comm Board Paper-2025
CBSE 10th QB English Comm Board Paper-2025
ENGLISH (Communicative)
Solved Paper
Class – 10th
Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
(i) The question paper is divided into four sections A, B, C and D.
Section A - Reading Skills 22 marks
Section B - Writing Skills 22 marks
Section C - Grammar 10 marks
Section D - Literature Textbook 26 marks
(ii) There are 10 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Answers should be brief and to the point.
(iv) You may attempt any section at a time.
(v) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
(vi) Instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
also brings people together through a shared love for
SECTION – A
food.
(Reading Skills) (22 marks)
(5) Cultural practices vary widely across regions.
1. Read the following passage carefully: 12 Traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam from
(1) India, often celebrated as a land of diversity, is a Tamil Nadu, Kathak from North India and Odissi
unique blend of various cultures, languages, religions from Odisha, along with classical music forms like
and traditions. Known for its rich historical heritage, Carnatic and Hindustani, illustrate the rich tapestry
India stands as a testament to the coexistence of a of regional art forms that together represent India’s
multitude of identities harmoniously under one cultural unity.
nation. (6) The principle of unity in diversity is perhaps best
(2) The Indian subcontinent is home to a multitude of reflected in the Indian democratic system, where
languages. The Constitution of India recognises 22 people from diverse backgrounds come together
official languages, with Hindi being the most widely to participate in the world’s largest democracy. The
spoken. Besides, there are over a thousand dialects Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights
spoken across the country. This linguistic diversity is and freedoms to all its citizens, ensuring equality and
reflective of India’s cultural richness and its people’s justice by transcending regional and cultural barriers.
adaptability and acceptance of varied means of (7) Challenges to this unity arise, such as regional
expression. conflicts and cultural misunderstandings, but the
(3) Religion plays a central role in the lives of many overarching narrative of mutual coexistence persists.
Indians, contributing significantly to the country’s India’s ability to embrace diversity as a strength
cultural diversity. India is the birthplace of major rather than a hindrance sets it apart globally as a
religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and symbol of unity.
Sikhism and also harbours significant populations Answer the following questions based on the above
of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and other passage:
communities. Religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, (i) The celebration of various festivals in India
Christmas and Vesak are celebrated with great demonstrates: 1
enthusiasm, showcasing this unity in diversity. (A) expertise (B) skills
(4) The Indian cuisine is another example of regional (C) regionalism (D) diversity
diversity turning into a national treasure. From the (ii) What role does language play in Indian diversity? 1
fiery dishes of the south to the rich curries of the (A) It is a unique blend of various religions.
north and from the sweets of Gujarat to the street (B) It stands as a testament to South-east Asia.
food of Mumbai, each region contributes to the (C) It reflects India’s cultural richness.
subcontinent’s eclectic palate. This culinary variety
(D) It ensures justice for all.
not only highlights India’s diverse geography but
10 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE, Class-X
(iii) Complete the following suitably. 1 (7) Business tourism (35%)—Many people have to travel
India stands as a testament to the coexistence of a in the course of their business life apart from making
multitude of identities harmoniously because ______. a regular journey to and from where they normally
(iv) Rectify the given false statement. 1 work. It may involve driving to a meeting or flying to
another country for conferences or corporate events.
The linguistic diversity is reflective of the people’s
Business tourism is very important to the travel and
intolerance of varied means of expression.
tourism industry as it takes place all through the
(v) List any one classical music form mentioned in the year and some travel and tourism businesses, such
passage. 1 as budget hotel chains, rely heavily on income from
(vi) What does the Indian Constitution guarantee to all business travellers.
its citizens? 1 Answer the following questions based on the above
(vii) How is Indian cuisine an example of regional passage:
diversity? 2 (i) Complete with a suitable reason. 1
(viii) E
xplain in about 30–40 words, how the various People go on holidays together to __________.
Indian art forms represent cultural unity. 2
(ii) Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase. 1
(ix) What is the overarching narrative of India’s existence
The phrase ‘driven by’ in paragraph (2) suggests that
as per the passage? 2
the choice of holiday destination __________ people’s
2. Read the following passage carefully: 10 experiences.
Why do people travel? (iii) Short holidays of 2-3 days are becoming popular: 1
(1) There are many reasons for travel. Most tourist trips (A) because people have limited holidays.
can be placed under the following categories. (B) because people have increased their holiday
(2) Leisure tourism trips make up 42% of travel. The budgets.
main purpose is relaxation, rest and enjoyment. Most (C) to take a break from the stress of daily life.
holidays are taken in family groups, couples or with (D) to visit historical places.
groups of friends. Sometimes, people may choose to
(iv) Why do tourists travel abroad for sports tourism? 1
go on holiday by themselves to be on their own, or
perhaps to meet new friends. Short breaks of less than I. It is more economical.
one week are also becoming increasingly popular as II. To watch family members play.
second holidays. People choose to spend 2 or 3 nights III. To be spectators at world events.
away from home on a short break over a weekend IV. It doubles up for both sports and leisure.
or mid-week to relax and destress. These holiday V. To train for sporting events.
choices are driven by what memorable experiences Select the correct option:
we hope to create and what we class as our definition
(A) Only I (B) II and V
of spending quality time together.
(C) II, III and IV (D) Only III
(3) Health and fitness tourism, such as a cycling tour,
(v) Why is India a popular destination for health
trekking, or a walking holiday (5%), is growing in
tourism? 1
popularity amongst the youth today. Also, sports
tourism (3%) wherein sports tours are taken as a (vi) Which is the most popular form of tourism
spectator, such as a visit to a major sporting event and why? 2
like the Olympics or a World Cup in another city or (vii) Explain why business tourism is important for the
country. travel industry. 2
(4) Health tourism (10%) implies going to a different (viii) A
ccording to the above statistics, which form of
country to have an operation or medical treatment tourism is the least popular at the present
not available or too expensive in the country where moment? 1
the person usually lives. This is making India a
popular destination because of the excellent medical SECTION – B
facilities it has to offer. (Writing Skills) (22 marks)
(5) Educational tourism (3%) covers school and college
visits and foreign language exchanges linked directly 3. You are Rishabh/Rishita, Class Prefect of Class IX A.
to study experiences and are short visits made by Write an email, in 50 words, to the Principal of your
high school students as they prepare for further school, requesting him/her to provide an interactive
studies. board in your classroom. 3
(6) Spiritual tourism (2%) is where people travel Include valid reasons for your request.
both inbound and outbound to places of worship You may copy the given template to write your email.
according to their beliefs.
Solved Paper - 2025 11
ANSWER
English Communicative Class- X
SECTION – A (vi) The most popular form of tourism is leisure tourism
(42%) because the main purpose is relaxation, rest
(Reading Skills) and enjoyment and it often involves family groups,
couples, or groups of friends.
1. (i) Option (D) is correct.
(vii) Business tourism is important for the travel industry
Explanation: The passage states that religious festivals
because it takes place throughout the year, offering
like Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Vesak are celebrated
stable income to travel and tourism companies.
with great enthusiasm, showcasing unity in diversity.
Budget hotels, in particular, depend on income from
(ii) Option (C) is correct. business travellers.
Explanation: The passage specifically mentions that (viii) T
he least popular form of tourism at present is
the multitude of languages in India reflects its cultural spiritual tourism, with only 2% of tourists visiting
richness and people’s adaptability and acceptance of such destinations.
varied means of expression.
(iii) Because India is a fusion of many cultures, languages, SECTION – B
religions and customs and is identified as a land of 3. (Writing Skills)
diversity.
(iv) The linguistic diversity is reflective of the people’s
From: ris@xyz.com
adaptability and acceptance of varied means of
expression. To: principal@xyzschool.com
(v) 1. Carnatic Cc: abc@xyzschool.com
2. Hindustani Date: April 16, 2025, 03:45 PM
(vi) The Indian Constitution guarantees to all its citizens Subject: Request for Interactive Board in
fundamental rights and freedoms. Classroom
(vii) From the rich curries of the north to the spicy cuisine Dear Sir
of the south and from the street food of Mumbai to the
I kindly request the provision of an interactive
sweets of Gujarat, Indian cuisine exemplifies regional
board in Class IX A to enhance learning through
diversity via its diverse array of foods. The distinct
engaging, interactive lessons, fostering better
culinary customs of each area add to the national
understanding and participation. An interactive
palate and unite people via a passion for food. board will allow our teachers to incorporate
(viii) T
raditional dance styles like Bharatanatyam, Kathak multimedia resources, conduct dynamic
and Odissi, as well as classical music styles like presentations and encourage collaborative learning
Carnatic and Hindustani, demonstrate the complex among students. This technology will significantly
tapestry of regional art forms that collectively improve our classroom experience by making
symbolise India’s cultural unity. complex concepts easier to grasp.
(ix) The overarching narrative of India’s existence is Thank you for your consideration.
one of mutual coexistence, embracing diversity as a
strength. Despite challenges like regional conflicts Yours sincerely
and cultural misunderstandings, India stands as a Rishabh/Rishita, IX-A
global symbol of unity in diversity.
4. Our “Save Your Earth” model exemplifies
2. (i) People go on holidays together to relax, rest, environmentally friendly, sustainable activities. With
enjoy themselves and spend quality time together. alternative energy sources including solar panels
(ii) The phrase ‘driven by’ in paragraph (2) suggests that and wind turbines, it showcases a small version of an
the choice of holiday destination is influenced by environmental friendly metropolis. A water recycling
people’s experiences. facility and a waste segregation system are included
(iii) Option (C) To take a break from the stress of daily life. in the model. In order to encourage biodiversity, it
(iv) Option (C) II, III and IV also emphasises urban green areas with gardens
and trees. The goal is to highlight doable strategies
(v) India is a popular destination for health tourism
that communities and people may use to lessen their
because of the excellent medical facilities it has to
carbon footprint and preserve natural resources. The
offer, which are also more affordable than those in
model aims to inspire individuals and communities
the person’s home country.
to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
14 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE, Class-X
(c) (i) The NEP is a more dynamic and wholesome 9. (i) Nicola and Jacopo worked hard to support
approach which will pave the way for a holistic their ailing sister, Lucia. Their commitment and
education experience. determination were driven by their love and
responsibility for her, as well as their desire to provide
(ii) Minister 2 told the King that the new education policy
for her medical treatment and a better future.
would provide for an interdisciplinary education
that had flexible study plans. (ii) The broken statue of the once-dominant king
Ozymandias resting in ruins in Percy Bysshe
SECTION – D Shelley’s “Ozymandias” represents the transience of
human grandeur and power. Nothing of his empire
(Literature Textbook) is left behind despite his great accomplishments,
highlighting how transient worldly success is.
8. (a) (i) The mirror is important to her because it (iii) The Ouija board in “A Shady Plot” symbolises a tool/
reflects her true self. It is a way for her to see her own medium between the living and the supernatural.
reality and face the passage of time. It serves as a tool to communicate with spirits and
(ii) The woman keeps coming back to the mirror every introduces the element of the supernatural into the
day with the hope of finding her lost youth and story, highlighting the theme of the unknown.
beauty. She yearns to see the young girl she once (iv) In “Virtually True”, Michael’s efforts in the virtual
was. reality games brought Sebastian back to everyday
(iii) The young girl who has been drowned is her younger life. Michael demonstrated the strength of friendship
self. She confronts her own ageing when she emerges and perseverance by helping Sebastian escape the
out of the water of the lake and accepts herself as ‘a virtual world and returned to reality by completing
terrible fish’. the game’s tasks.
(iv) Simile (v) In “Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments”,
(b) (i) Ali has forgotten his sport because he becomes Shakespeare argues that the written word is more
deeply absorbed in grieving for his daughter Miriam, enduring than physical monuments or the legacies of
for whom he has been waiting for years. powerful kings. Poetry and literature can immortalise
(ii) Ali is admiring nature that shows that he is a nature individuals and ideas, allowing them to withstand
lover. the effects of time and retain their core qualities for
generations to come.
(iii) His reflection of life makes him realise that the whole
universe is built through love and that sorrow of (vi) Because of his love of theatre and his wish to
separation is an inevitable part of human existence. rediscover the happiness and fulfilment he had
previously felt as a stage performer, Patol Babu
(iv) The ‘grief of separation’ refers to the inevitable
yearned to perform. Acting gave him a sense of
sorrow and pain that comes from being separated
purpose and fulfillment, rekindling his dreams and
from loved ones. Ali was yearning for communication
aspirations from his youth.
with his only daughter Miriam.
10. (a) In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel
(c) (i) Decius Brutus persuades César by telling him Taylor Coleridge, at first, the albatross represents
that the Senate has decided to give him the crown hope and good fortune for the mariners. However,
that day, suggesting that if Caesar does not go, the the Mariner’s senseless killing of the albatross
16 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE, Class-X
reveals a careless and destructive human attitude money. Under the guise of being her tutor, he
towards nature. This action has serious repercussions manipulates the nightingale until she is exhausted
symbolising how humanity’s disregard for other and dies. The frog’s exploitation serves as a warning
creatures disrupts the natural order and brings about about the perils of putting your blind faith in people
suffering. who try to take advantage of others for their own
The snake in D.H. Lawrence’s “The Snake” is a benefit.
majestic, serene creature that only wants to drink Similar to this, in “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger”, Mrs
water. However, the human character’s initial Packletide takes advantage of the opportunity to
admiration is overshadowed by preconceived hunt a tiger in order to fulfil her social competition
conceptions which highlights the conflicted and and conceit with Loona Bimberton. To boost her
often harmful human perspective towards animals. reputation, she sets up a fictitious hunt, but it fails
Both poems present a critical perspective on how since the tiger dies of old age. The story reveals the
people frequently fail to recognise and acknowledge ridiculousness and shallowness of social hypocrisy,
the inherent worth of other living things, which as well as the extent to which people will go in order
results in needless injury and a disturbance of the to fulfil their own ambitions.
natural order. These literary works highlight the moral and ethical
(b) In “The Frog and the Nightingale”, by Vikram hazards of exploiting and manipulating others for
Seth, the frog takes advantage of the nightingale’s one’s own gain.
innocence and skill to elevate himself and make