Class X – English Sample Paper – 2

Sample paper 2

English language and literature (184)

Class-X Exam 2025-26

Time allowed: 3 hrs.                                                                                             Maximum marks: 80

General instructions:

Read the instructions carefully and follow them:

1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.

2 The Question Paper contains THREE sections

Section A: Reading Skills

Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

Section C: Literature Textbook

3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A – READING SKILLS                                                                20

1. Read the following text.                                                                                                              10

1. The fascinating history of chocolate, from a bitter ancient beverage to a beloved global confection, tells a compelling story of cultural exchange, innovation, and changing tastes. Originating in Mesoamerica thousands of years ago, the cacao bean has undergone a remarkable transformation. Understanding its journey offers a delicious insight into human ingenuity and the evolving role of food in society.

2. Ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs revered cacao, considering it a divine gift. They primarily consumed it as a bitter, frothy drink, often mixed with chili peppers, vanilla, or other spices, and used it in rituals and as currency. This early form of chocolate was far removed from the sweet bars we know today, highlighting its initial medicinal and ceremonial significance rather than purely culinary.

3. Cacao made its way to Europe in the 16th century, brought by Spanish conquistadors. Initially, Europeans found the bitter drink unappealing, but soon adapted it by adding sugar and honey, transforming it into a luxurious sweet beverage favored by the aristocracy. Chocolate houses emerged in major cities, becoming social hubs where the elite enjoyed this exotic new delicacy, marking its shift towards a more recreational role.

4. The Industrial Revolution spurred the next major transformation for chocolate. New technologies, such as the cocoa press invented by Coenraad Johannes van Houten in 1828, allowed for the extraction of cocoa butter, leading to powdered cocoa and solid chocolate. This innovation made chocolate cheaper and easier to produce, moving it from an exclusive luxury to a more widely accessible treat for the middle classes.

5. Further innovations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries refined chocolate into the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bars we recognize today. Swiss chocolatiers like Daniel Peter (who invented milk chocolate) and Rodolphe Lindt (who developed the conching process) played crucial roles in creating modern chocolate. Their advancements improved texture and flavor, establishing the global chocolate industry as we know it.

6. Ultimately, chocolate’s journey from sacred bitter drink to mass-produced sweet reflects a continuous evolution driven by cultural adaptation, technological progress, and entrepreneurial spirit. Its enduring popularity across continents and demographics underscores its unique position as both a comfort food and a symbol of indulgence. The story of chocolate is, truly, a taste of human history itself.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Why does the history of chocolate tell a ‘compelling story’ in paragraph 1?                                            1

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ii. According to paragraph 1, understanding chocolate’s journey offers insight into all of the following EXCEPT:                                                                                                                                                               1

(A) human ingenuity

(B) unchanging food tastes

(C) evolving role of food in society

(D) cultural exchange

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iii. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.     1

Ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs primarily consumed cacao as a ______ (sweet bar/bitter drink). (Paragraph 2)

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iv. Select the option that is True from (A)-(C) given for what the phrase, ‘exotic new delicacy’ suggests in paragraph 3.

(A) Chocolate was a familiar and common food in Europe.

(B) Chocolate was a strange, exciting, and rare highly prized food in Europe.

(C) Chocolate was a cheap and widely available food item.

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v. Complete the analogy by selecting one of the two correct options (A), (B)

cocoa press : solid chocolate :: ______ : ______ (Paragraph 4)

(A) chili peppers: sweet taste

(B) conching process: smooth texture

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vi. What were the key characteristics and uses of early forms of chocolate by ancient civilizations, as described in paragraph 2?

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vii. What are the main ideas of paragraph 4 and paragraph 5?

(i) The Industrial Revolution transformed chocolate production.

(ii) New technologies made chocolate more expensive.

(iii) Further innovations refined modern chocolate bars.

(iv) Swiss chocolatiers hindered chocolate development.

(v) Milk chocolate was invented in ancient times.

Select the correct option

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viii. How does chocolate’s journey reflect a continuous evolution, as explained in paragraph 6?

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2. Read the following text.                                                                                                                             10

1. The study of sleep and its effects on the human body has advanced significantly in recent years. Research indicates that adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. However, global surveys reveal that 35% of adults consistently sleep less than 7 hours, with 50 to 70 million people suffering from sleep disorders. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a 45% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, along with obesity and impaired cognitive function.

2. One of the most significant findings in sleep research is the role of sleep in memory consolidation. Studies show that during sleep, particularly deep sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information from the day. Individuals who sleep for fewer than 6 hours are 30% less likely to retain new information compared to those who sleep for at least 7 hours.

3. The economic impact of sleep deprivation is considerable. A study conducted in 2016 estimated that insufficient sleep costs the global economy over $680 billion annually in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses. In countries where sleep disorders are prevalent, the productivity loss accounts for 2-3% of GDP.

4. Researchers are exploring ways to improve sleep quality, such as establishing regular sleep patterns, reducing screen time before bed, and creating environments conducive to sleep. In addition, recent innovations such as wearable sleep trackers have helped millions of individuals monitor and improve their sleep patterns.

5. Experts predict that as awareness of the importance of sleep grows, more emphasis will be placed on sleep hygiene and the development of treatments for sleep disorders, leading to improved health outcomes and economic benefits globally

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What does the phrase “chronic sleep deprivation” in paragraph 1 indicate about sleeprelated health risks?                                                                                                                                                              1

(A) It suggests minor health issues.

(B) It refers to a long-term lack of sleep causing serious health risks.

(C) It only affects mental performance.

(D) It results in no significant health issues.

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ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below :                                            1

Assertion : Sleep deprivation negatively impacts memory.

Reason : Studies have shown that people who sleep fewer than 6 hours are 30% less likely to retain new information.

(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.

(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true

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iii. Identify the global economic cost of sleep deprivation as mentioned in the passage.                            1

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iv. According to the passage, what are two major health issues linked to chronic sleep deprivation? 1

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v. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank:           1

Sleep deprivation has been associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and impaired cognitive function.

Chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to an increased risk of (obesity / insomnia / fatigue).

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vi. What are some strategies mentioned in the passage to improve sleep quality?                             1

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vii. Complete the sentence suitably. 1 1 Sleep deprivation costs the global economy over $680 billion annually, primarily due to _____ and _____.                                                                                       1

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viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason:                                                                                  1

Researchers believe sleep quality can improve through _____.

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ix. The context of paragraph 5, why is growing awareness of the importance of sleep critical for future health and economic outcomes?                                                                                                     2

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SECTION B – WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR                                                      20

GRAMMAR                                                                                               10

3. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence given below. Time and again, I have seen men and women _____and give their lives for an idea.

(A) risk

(B) have risked

(C) are risking

(D) risking

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ii. Read the conversation given below between a teacher and her student. Complete the sentence by reporting the dialogue.

Teacher : Why have you not finished your assignment?

Student : Because it put me off to sleep.

The teacher asked _____ to which the student replied that it had put him off to sleep.

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iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given piece of advice.

He _____ give that money he found in the street to charity.

(A) has to

(B) need not

(D) could

(C) ought to

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iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a speech by a popular leader. It is from these comrades in the struggle for I learned the meaning of courage.

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v. Choose the option which shows the correct change of voice from active to passive in this statement. The thief threw the dog a piece of meat.

1. The thief was thrown a piece of meat by the dog.

2. A piece of meat was thrown by the thief at the dog.

3. The dog was thrown a piece of meat by the thief.

4. The dog threw a piece of meat at the thief.

(A) 1 and 4

(B) 2 and 3

(C) only 2

(D) only 3

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vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a recommendation letter.

This candidate belongs to a nearby village, has good technical skills and exposure, also has the required cut-off percentage, and _____ (look) for a complete or partial scholarship.

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vii. Report the dialogue between a grandson and his grandfather, by completing the sentence: Harry said to his friend, “Where have you been all this while?”

His friend said, “I was at my uncle’s place yesterday for a function.”

When Harry asked his friend where _____ while, he replied that _____ for a function.

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viii. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply the correction.

Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, on Sunday tweeted that all schools in Delhi to remain shut till October 31 due to poor air quality. Use the given format for your response.

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Ix. Report and convert the following instruction that a parent gave to their children. Don’t go now for getting some ice cream and cake.

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xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between a Guru and his disciple:

Disciple: Is courage the absence of fear?

Guru: A brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. A disciple asked his Guru if courage was the absence of fear to which the teacher replied that a brave man _____.

(A) is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

(B) was not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

(C) is not he who did not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

(D) is not he who did not feel afraid, but he who conquered that fear.

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xii. Identify the error issued by the traffic police department and supply the correction, for the following instruction :

Be Wish, Obey Traffic Rules

Use the given format for your response.

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WRITING                                                                                    10

Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

4A. You are Reema/Rohan, living in 36/2, J-Block, Sargam Vihar, New Delhi. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Editor of a local daily about water shortage in your locality.

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OR

4B. You are Mansi/Mayank, living in 4/11, S-Block, Vikrant Vihar, New Delhi. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Area incharge BSES about regular power cuts in your locality.

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5A. Write an analytical paragraph on ‘an event in my life that I clearly remember…’ in about about 120 words. Use the suggestions given below:

•            It could be your first stage performance, cousin’s wedding, sibling’s graduation ceremony, parents/grandparents anniversary or visit to a beach.

•            Why do you remember it till now?

•            Write distinctive details of the event.

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Or

5B. Write an analytical paragraph on a recent opportunity you got, to be part of a TV show, where you interviewed different sports persons. Write an account, sharing your experience in about 120 words. Use the suggestions given below:

•            It could be your first TV show, describe your feelings

•            Why was it so special?

•            What preparations you made to interview the sports persons?

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SECTION C – LITERATURE TEXTBOOK                                                                                40

6. Read the given extracts and answer anY One of the two questions given below                  5

A. OOP: I haven’t a clue. I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats. (He opens a book and puts it on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery! OMEGA: (bowing low) Perhaps the Great and Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his thought on the matter.

THINK-TANK: Elementary, my dear Omega. Hold one of the items up so that I may view it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of her hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand. OMEGA: (to Iota and Oop) He says we’re in a refreshment stand.

OOP: Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet.

(The Book that Saved the Earth)

i. State any one inference about Oop and his crewmates from the given context. I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats.

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ii. What effect does Think-Tank’s conclusion, as described in the lines below, have on the perception of the Earthlings?

“Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand.”

Choose the most suitable option:

(A) amazes

(B) amuses

(C) confuses

(D) reassures

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iii. Oop says, “Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet.” What was wrong with the diet of human beings according to the aliens? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.

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iv. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. The word ‘refreshment’ in the line “He says we’re in a refreshment stand” indicates that Think-Tank believed the place was a _____ (restaurant/library).

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B. On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white skinned peoples of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.

(Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)

i. The system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people was called as _____.

(A) the policy of apartheid

(B) racial discrimination

(C) inhumane system

(D) harshest system

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ii. Why did the speaker call that structure ‘one of the harshest and the most inhumane’? Answer in about 40 words.

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iii. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only.

Mandela is filled with _____ in the given extract.

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iv. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.

The word ‘overwhelmed’ in the line “I was overwhelmed with a sense of history” indicates that Mandela felt _____ (deeply moved/indifferent) about the significance of the event.

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7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the two, given.                  5

A. The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

(Dust of Snow)

i. Complete the following suitably.

The poet was out on the cold snowy day when the dust of snow fell on him and _____.

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ii. What is ‘dust of snow’?

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iii. The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative references in literature. How is this different in this poem? Answer in about 40 words.

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iv. How does the use of ‘a crow’ and ‘a hemlock tree’ impact this extract?

(A) If forces the beauty of nature

(B) Represents prosperity

(C) Sets a gloomy atmosphere

(D) Tells about happy times

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B. Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice

(Fire and Ice)

i. Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire? Answer in about 40 words.

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ii. What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines?

Select the correct option:

1. Ominous

2. Detached

3. Passionate

4. Philosophical

5. Hopeful

(A) 1 and 4

(C) 3 and 5

(B) 2 and 5

(D) 1 and 3

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iii. Complete the following suitably.

Tone of the poet’s tone in the lines- ‘To say that for destruction ice/Is also great’ is _____.

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iv. What message does the poet want to convey through this poem?

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Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words.                                 4 x 3 = 12

i. What does show that the ball was valuable for the boy? (The Ball Poem)

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ii. What would the tiger have been doing if he were in the jungle? (A Tiger in the Zoo)

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iii. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne and what extra homework did he give to her after several warnings? (From the Diary of Anne Frank)

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iv. Name the South African personalities who took swear-in ceremony on that day. (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

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v. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal evening dress when Lomov comes to meet him? (The Proposal)

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9. Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words.

i. Why did Viceroy Butterflies copy the Monarchs? (The Making of a Scientist)

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ii. What was Tricki’s only fault? (A Triumph of Surgery)

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iii. From where did Griffin steal money? (Footprints without Feet)

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Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.                                            6

i. Lencho had faith in God but that was conditional, he did not believe in human kindness on the other hand the pilot had faith in God as well as humanity. Prepare a set of dialogues that happened between Lencho and the pilot of the Black Aeroplane based on Letter to God and Black Aeroplane. You may begin like this :

Lencho : Humans on earth are not to be trusted. They cheated me.

Pilot : I have different opinion, _____.

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ii. “Every creature on this Earth is identified with their distinct trait and if they are kept away from it they tend to languish…’.

If you had to use the message of the given quote based on A Tiger in the Zoo to understand the state of the Otter, as it enjoys being close to water (Mijbil, the Otter), how will you elaborate it? Also, how it is agonizing for the Tiger in the cage to accept its condition.

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11. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.                                            6

i. “Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.” Analyse in detail with reference to the character of Anil in the story ‘The Thief’s Story’.

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ii. “There is no greater evil than the pampering of some one.” Analyze this quote with reference to ‘The Triumph of Surgery’

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