CBSE Class 10 English Comm 101 Sample Question Paper 2026 with Solution

CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Sample Question Paper 2026 with Solution is a highly useful resource for both students and teachers aiming for excellent performance in the Pre-Board and CBSE Board Examinations.

For students, this sample paper provides a clear picture of the latest exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme as per CBSE guidelines for the current academic session. By practicing with it, students can improve their reading, writing, and grammar skills, understand the weightage of different sections, and learn to manage their time effectively during the exam. It also helps them develop confidence by attempting questions that closely mirror the board exam format. For teachers, the sample paper serves as an effective tool to guide students in targeted preparation. Teachers can use it to conduct mock tests, explain answer presentation techniques, and provide feedback based on the marking scheme. It also allows educators to analyse students’ performance, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and plan remedial strategies accordingly.

By integrating this sample paper into preparation plans, both teachers and students can ensure focused, structured, and exam-oriented learning that boosts final performance.

cbse-class-10-english-communicative-101-sqp-2026-with-solution

CBSE Class 10 English (Comm) – 101
Sample Question Paper 2025-26
with Marking Scheme / Solution – PDF Download

Time allowed : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions: Read the instructions carefully and follow them:
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii. This question paper contains three sections:
Section A: Reading Skills,
Section B: Writing Skills
Section C: Grammar
Section D: Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION – A
READING SKILLS (22 Marks)

Read the following passage carefully:

(1) Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York University climate scientist David Holland.

(2) Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would rise by 24 feet.

(3) Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 489 billion tons a year in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy.

(4) Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether – as we know it has done in the past – normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would be a thing of the past.”

(5) None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just breathtaking.”

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world’? (Paragraph 1)
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns

(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
In the line ‘Greenland plays an outsized role…’, the word ‘outsized’ indicates _______ (an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size). (Paragraph 1)

(iii) Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words. (Paragraph 2)
Ans: Because these resources are essential for industries like telecommunications and energy. Additionally, reliance o n a single major supplier (the Asian country), makes diversifying resource acquisition crucial for economic and geopolitical stability.

(iv) What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? (Paragraph 2)
Select the correct option to complete the answer.
It means that the ice is ______.
a) unnecessary and excessive
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity
c) beyond what scientists can measure
d) challenging to fully comprehend

(v) Complete the following with the appropriate option. The phrase ‘Locked inside’ brings up the imagery of a ______. (Paragraph 2)
a) vault, emphasising security and value
b) box, symbolising concealment and mystery
c) room, highlighting stored abundance
d) warehouse, showcasing accessibility and volume

(vi) What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 3?
a) Greenland’s Changing Climate and Ecosystem
b) The Rising Sea Levels and Climate Impact of Greenland
c) Greenland’s Ice Melt: A Threat to Global Energy Balance
d) Greenland’s Melting Ice: A Growing Concern for the 21st Century

(vii) Which phrase from paragraph 4 bears evidence to the fact that Greenland plays a critical role in controlling the AMOC?
Ans: engine and on/off switch

(viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in the brackets. Paragraph 4 includes a ______ (viewpoint / warning / speculation) by Jennifer Francis.

(ix) Why does Holland describe Greenland as ‘eye-watering’? Answer in 30-40 words. (Paragraph 5)
Ans: Holland uses eye watering metap horically to convey the overwhelming beauty and grandeur of Greenland. While it may not literally reduce him to tears, the phrase suggests the emotional intensity and awe inspiring nature of the experience. It highlights how Greenland’s landscapes and wild life leave a profound visual impact that is hard to fully capture.

2. Read the following passage carefully:

cbse-class-10-english-comm-101-sqp-2026-with-solution

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) Why is the tag ‘A Hub for Livestock Trading’ suitable for the Nagaur fair instead of ‘Colourful Celebrations’?
Ans: The tag ‘A Hub for Livestock Trading’ is suitable for the Nagaur Fair instead of ‘Colourful Celebrations’ because the f air primarily focuses on the large scale trade of livestock, with over 70,000 animals being traded annually, highlighting its economic significance over its festive aspects. It reinforc es its role as a center for commerce rather than just a celebration of culture.

(ii) Complete the following with the correct option.
The Nagaur Fair is held ______.
a) quarterly
b) once in two years
c) annually
d) twice in a year

(iii) State which of the following is True.
a) Chand Baori is referred to as ‘Abha Nagri’
b) Chand Baori is a recent construction
c) Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell

(iv) What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Abhaneri Festival ‘has gained immense popularity among tourists’?
Ans: It highlights the increasing recognition and appeal of the Abhaneri Festival, showcasing its success in drawing attention and admiration from visitors worldwide.

(v) What might be the most likely reason for the lavish decorations of animals at the Nagaur Fair?
a) To celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan
b) To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading
c) To compete for the best-decorated animal
d) To honour the animals as part of a religious ritual

(vi) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it provides a platform for ______ (tourists and organisers / farmers and traders) to display an essential spice.

(vii) If the Nagaur Fair highlights trading as its primary focus, what does the Abhaneri Festival most likely focus on?
a) Promoting local agriculture
b) Encouraging community interaction
c) Celebrating historical heritage
d) Showcasing regional culture

(viii) What might be the most likely reason why the Nagaur Fair spans across four days while the Abhaneri Festival ends in two days?
Ans: The Nagaur Fair spans four days because it involves extensive livestock trading, requiring ample time for transactions, negoti ations, and showcasing animals. In contrast, the Abhaneri Festival lasts two days as it focuses on cultural performances and celebration, which can be effectively showcased within a shorter timeframe.

SECTION – B
WRITING SKILLS (22 Marks)

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.

3. Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to use the school transport to attend a tree plantation volunteering event. You are Lakshit Pandey, Class X-C, Vice-President, Ecology Club.

4. Write a factual description of your favourite gadget in not more than 100 words, highlighting its key features and functionalities.

5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b), in 120 words:

(a) The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology, such as the internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This disparity has significantly impacted education, especially for students from marginalised segments, by limiting their ability to access online resources and virtual classes. As Sakshi Tripathi, 120 Kailash Nagar, Batanpur, write a letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the issue, its effects on students and teachers, and suggesting practical measures to bridge this gap. Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 2: Education, to write this letter.

(b) India is home to a rich geological heritage, with unique landforms and rock formations like the Lonar Crater, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters etc. that hold immense scientific, educational, and cultural value. However, these sites often face neglect, vandalism, and lack of proper conservation efforts. As Tanush of 63, Lajpat Nagar, Agra, write a letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the importance of preserving India’s geological heritage, the challenges it faces, and suggesting measures to protect and promote these natural treasures. Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 4 E: Environment – Geological Heritage, to write this letter.

6. Attempt any one from (a) and (b), in 150 words:

(a) Imagine you are Vitthal K of class X. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Achieving Holistic Wellness: The Key to a Happy Life,’ emphasising the role of physical health, mental well-being, and positive lifestyle habits and natural remedies. Explain how these factors contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, and suggest practical steps for incorporating them into daily routines. You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of MCB Unit 1: Health and Wellness

holistic wellness – key aspects – simple habits can improve overall wellness – actionable ways needed to integrate wellness into everyday routines

(b) You are Kadambari Rao, class X. Write an article on the topic ‘Space Travel: Accessible Tourism or a Risky Adventure?’ highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of making space travel available to the general public. Discuss whether space tourism should be pursued considering its environmental impact, safety concerns, and accessibility. Conclude with your opinion on whether it is a step forward or a risk not worth taking. You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of the MCB Unit 3: Science.

Potential Benefits – Challenges and Concerns: Environmental impact of frequent rocket launches (carbon emissions, pollution); accessibility opportunities creating inequalities; safety risks – Key Considerations: Should resources be focused on improving conditions on Earth instead?

SECTION-C
GRAMMAR (10 Marks)

7. Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets.:

Therapeutic gardens are a public health measure and key to Singapore’s aim of (i) _______ (become/ becoming/ will becoming) one of the world’s top wellness destinations. In a tourism sense, wellness often (ii) _______ (had referred/refers/referring) merely to spa treatments but Singapore’s approach is more scientific. Singapore now (iii) _______ (have view/has viewed/views) Therapeutic gardens as a forward-thinking tourism strategy.

8. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets, remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been done as an example:

S.No.	Text	Word Before	Omission	Word After
e.g.	The environment is most precious resource.	is	our	most
i	We reduce waste, conserve energy, and plant	we	should	reduce
ii	more trees to combat pollution. This planet is only	is	the	only
iii	home we have. Each action, big or small, make a	small	can	make
iv	significant difference. We act now to safeguard	we	must	act
	the environment and prevent it from further harm.

9. Do as directed.:

(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence.
RAVI: Priya! Tell me about Orissa. I’ve always been curious about your state’s culture and traditions.
PRIYA: (i) for our / in the eastern / is a beautiful / state / temple architecture/ rich heritage, part of India / and we are known / vibrant festivals / Orissa / and exquisite
Ans: Orissa is a beautiful state in the eastern part of India and we are known for our rich heritage, vibrant festivals and exquisite temple architecture.

(ii) Report the conversation given below by filling in the blanks to complete the following paragraph.
Aanya: Hey, Rohan! Did you hear about the new discovery in space announcement yesterday?
Rohan: I heard about finding a planet with water vapour in its atmosphere!
Anya asked Rohan (i) _______. Rohan exclaimed (ii) ______ in its atmosphere. Then, Aanya added that the new planet was in the ‘habitable zone’ with life-supporting conditions.
Ans: (i) if/ whether he had heard about the new discovery announcement the previous day
(ii) that he had heard about finding a planet with water vapour

SECTION-D
LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 Marks)

10. Read the given extract and answer the questions briefly, for any two extracts, of the three, given.

(a) “I thought you picked fruit for a living,” I said.
“We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. “Often we show visitors through the town … to Juliet’s tomb … and other places of interest.”
Alright, “I smiled. “You take us along.”
As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was as lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. (Two Gentlemen of Verona)

(i) What might have been the most likely tone of the statement in ‘I thought you picked fruit for a living…’?
Ans: The tone could be curious inquisitive or surprised. The narrator might have been genuinely in terested in learning more about the boys’ work or surprised to discover that they engaged in multiple tasks beyond picking and selling fruit.

(ii) Why did Nicola glance hopefully at the narrator?
Ans: Nicola glanced hopefully at the narrator because he might have been expecting his interest in hiring him and Jacopo as guides. He likely saw it as an opportunity to earn more money, which would contribute to supporting their sister’s treatment.

(iii) What does the boys’ willingness to engage in multiple tasks reveal about their attitude toward life?
Ans: Displays their adaptability, and determination to overcome their difficult circumstance.

(iv) What does the narrator’s growing interest in the boys suggest about his perception of them?
Ans: It suggests that he sees them as remarkable and intriguing, recognising a depth of character and maturity unusual for children of their age.

(b) “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away. (Ozymandias)

(i) How does the phrase ‘king of kings’ reflect Ozymandias’ perception of himself?
Ans: It suggests Ozymandias’ arrogance and belief in his unparalleled power and superiority over all rulers.

(ii) What does the line ‘Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ imply about Ozymandias’ intentions for future rulers?
Ans: It implies that Ozymandias wanted future rulers to feel insignificant and awed by his achievements, believing they could never surpass his greatness.

(iii) How does the imagery of ‘boundless and bare’ and ‘lone and level sands’ challenge Ozymandias’ boast?
Ans: The imagery emphasises the desolation and emptiness surrounding the ruins, contrasting sharply with Ozymandias’ boastful claim, highlighting the futility of his pride.

(iv) What message does the phrase “Nothing beside remains” convey about human ambition?
Ans: It conveys the message that human ambition and achievements are ultimately transient, as time reduces even the greatest works to insignificance.

(c) MRS. JORDAN: What bureau was that, Father?
ABEL: Why, my bureau the one I bought
MRS. JORDAN: (pointing to the bureau) Was it that one. Father?
ABEL: Ah, that’s it. What’s it doing here? Eh? (A pause. The clock on the mantelpiece strikes six. Everyone looks at it.)
Drat me if that isn’t my clock too! What the devil’s been going on in this house? (A slight pause.)
BEN: Well, I’ll be hanged.
MRS. JORDAN: I’ll tell you what’s been going on in this house. Father. Nothing short of robbery.
MRS. SLATER: Be quiet, Elizabeth.
MRS. JORDAN: (rising) I’ll not be quiet. Oh, I call it double-faced.
HENRY: Now now, Elizabeth.
MRS. JORDAN: And you, too. Are you such a poor creature that you must do every dirty thing she tells you?
MRS. SLATER: (rising) Remember where you are, Elizabeth.
HENRY: (rising) Come, come. No quarrelling. (The Dear Departed)

(i) What does the dialogue between Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Slater reveal about their relationship?
Ans: The dialogue reveals a deep-seated rivalry / animosity between Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Slater. Both women are quick to accuse and belittle each other, indicating underlying tensions and competition, especially regarding the inheritance.

(ii) What is Mrs. Jordan implying about Henry when she says, “And you, too. Are you such a poor creature that you must do every dirty thing she tells you?”
Ans: Mrs. Jordan is implying that Henry is weak willed a nd lacks independence, blindly following Mrs. Slater’s manipulative and self serving instructions. Her statement highlights her disdain for Henry’s submissiveness and reveals her perception of him as a spineless accomplice in Mrs. Slater’s schemes.

(iii) How does Mrs. Jordan’s accusation of ‘robbery’ impact the atmosphere of the scene in the extract?
Ans: It heightens the tension and drama in the scene. It exposes the selfishness and greed of the characters, creating a chaotic and morally charged atmosphere.

(iv) What does Abel’s reaction to finding his possessions in the living room suggest about his awareness of his daughters’ intentions?
Ans: Abel’s reaction, particularly his question about what the bureau and clock are doing downstairs, suggests that he quickly discerns his daughters’ opportunistic behaviour and recognizes their greed and lack of respect.

11. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each.

(i) Support the view that the villagers were active participants in supporting Mrs. Packletide’s ambition in the story ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’?
Ans: The villagers actively contribute to Mrs. P ackletide’s ambition by exaggerating her success in killing the tiger. They help create the illusion that she is a brave and heroic hunter by spreading the story and praising her. The villagers’ involvement in this deception reinforces Mrs. Packletide’s desire for social recognition and enhances her false sense of accomplishment.

(ii) Explain briefly how the story ‘Patol Babu’ portrays the conflict between material rewards and self-satisfaction.
Ans: Initially, Patol Babu is disappointed by the small payment for his acting role, feeling that it doesn’t compensate for his years of experience. However, when he immerses himself in his craft, he finds personal satisfaction in the perfect execution of his lines, despite the meagre financial reward. The story portrays how true contentment often arises from self-respect and the joy of doing something well, rather than external recognition or financial gain.

(iii) How does the mood shift throughout the story, ‘The Letter’?
Ans: The mood in the story shifts from melancholy to reflective, and ultimately, to a bittersweet sense of empathy and regret. It begins with a sombre tone as Ali, filled with loneliness and faith, endures the biting cold and mockery at the post office. The mood turns reflective when Ali’s story unfolds, and the postmaster, experiencing similar anxiety, gains empathy. The ending blends sadness with reali s ation, emphasising the human connection through shared suffering.

(iv) How does the author use technology as a plot device in the story ‘Virtually True’?
Ans: The author uses the concept of advanced virtual reality games to blur the lines between the real and virtual worlds. By integrating Sebastian’s consciousness into the psycho drive games, the author explores the potential and unintended consequences of futuristic technology, creating suspense and an engaging narrative.

(v) What role does the bog’s audience play in the downfall of the nightingale in the poem ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’?
Ans: The audience’s initial adulation creates a dependency in the nightingale for constant applause, fuelling her need to perform tirelessly to maintain their approval. This relentless pursuit of admiration pushes her to overexert herself under the frog’s guidance. Later, their loss of interest in her uninspired performances deepens her despair, as she equates her worth with their appreciation.

(vi) How does the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet enhance the impact of the poem, ‘Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments’?
Ans: The Shakespearean sonnet form divided into three quatrains and a concluding rhymed couplet, allows Shakespeare to build his argument progressively. In the quatrains, he contrasts the impermanence of physical monuments with the enduring nature of poetry, while the final couplet delivers a pow erful conclusion, highlighting the immortality of the loved one, through verse. The consistent metre and the rhyme scheme provide a rhythm that reinforces the theme of permanence amidst the passage of time.

12. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words.

(i) Discuss how the supernatural is portrayed in the drama excerpt ‘Julius Caesar’ and ‘A Shady Plot’ and examine how these portrayals serve to influence the characters’ actions and the progression of the plot in each work?

(ii) Both poems, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and ‘Snake’, depict the killing or harm of an innocent creature. Compare how the poets use these actions to reflect on human guilt and morality.

CBSE Class 10 English Comm 101 Sample Question Paper 2026 with Solution

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