Class X – English Sample Paper – 1

Sample paper 1

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 escalating global concern regarding food waste presents a significant paradox in a world where millions still face hunger and malnutrition. Astonishingly, a substantial portion of all food produced globally is either lost or wasted along the supply chain, from farm to fork. This pervasive issue not only represents a tragic squandering of valuable resources but also contributes significantly to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency, demanding urgent intervention.

2. A primary contributor to food waste stems from inefficiencies in agricultural practices and post-harvest handling. In many developing regions, inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and insufficient processing technologies lead to considerable spoilage before products even reach markets. Pests, improper temperature control, and lack of immediate refrigeration are common culprits, causing edible food to be discarded prematurely. Addressing these infrastructural gaps is crucial for reduction.

3. Furthermore, retail and consumer behavior play a significant role in exacerbating the problem. Supermarkets often reject perfectly edible produce due to strict aesthetic standards, leading to ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables being discarded. At the household level, factors like over-purchasing, confusion over ‘best-before’ vs. ‘use-by’ dates, large portion sizes, and poor meal planning frequently result in perfectly good food being thrown away. Educating consumers on these aspects is vital for behavioral change.

4. The environmental repercussions of food waste are profound. When food is disposed of in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas significantly more damaging than carbon dioxide. This contributes directly to climate change. Moreover, the resources invested in producing wasted food—water, land, energy, and labor—are also squandered, further increasing the environmental footprint. Reducing food waste is a powerful climate action.

5. Tackling the issue of food waste requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. Governments can implement policies to standardize date labeling, encourage food donation, and invest in sustainable agricultural infrastructure. Businesses, including farms, retailers, and restaurants, must optimize their supply chains, adopt ‘no-waste’ menus, and explore innovative ways to repurpose surplus food. Individual consumers, meanwhile, have a critical role to play through conscious shopping, proper storage, and mindful consumption.

6. Ultimately, mitigating food waste is an ethical imperative that aligns with both environmental stewardship and social equity. By fostering greater awareness, promoting sustainable practices at every stage of the food system, and encouraging collaborative efforts, societies can move towards a future where food is valued and utilized to its fullest potential. This collective commitment is essential to ensure food security for all and preserve planetary health for generations to come.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Why is the escalating global concern regarding food waste described as a ‘significant paradox’ in paragraph 1?

                                                                                                                                      

View Answer

---

ii. According to paragraph 1, the pervasive issue of food waste contributes to all of the following EXCEPT: 1

(A) tragic squandering of resources

(B) environmental degradation

(C) economic efficiency

(D) demand for urgent intervention

View Answer

---

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

Inadequate storage facilities and poor transportation networks lead to considerable ______ (spoilage/enhancement) of food. (Paragraph 2)

View Answer

---

iv. Select the option that is True from (A)-(C) given for what the phrase, ‘common culprits’ suggests in paragraph 2.

(A) These are effective solutions to prevent food spoilage.

(B) These are the main causes or reasons for the problem of food being discarded.

(C) These are rarely seen factors in food waste management.

View Answer

---

v. Complete the analogy by selecting one of the two correct options (A), (B)                                            1

landfills : methane :: ______ : ______ (Paragraph 4)

(A) over-purchasing: proper storage

(B) wasted food: squandered resources

View Answer

---

vi. Why do retail and consumer behaviors significantly exacerbate the food waste problem? (Paragraph 3)                                                                                                                                                   1

View Answer

---

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

(i) Businesses have no role in reducing waste.

(ii) Reducing food waste has no climate benefits.

(iii) Food waste produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

(iv) Only governments can solve the food waste problem.

(v) A comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach is needed to tackle food waste.

Select the correct option

View Answer

---

viii. How does tackling food waste align with both environmental stewardship and social equity? (Paragraph 6)                                                                                                                                                2

View Answer

---

2. Read the following text.                                                                                                                            10

1. Celebrity endorsements have been a central part of advertising for decades. In the early 2000s, Britney Spears became synonymous with Pepsi advertisements, appearing in over 12 major campaigns. Beyoncé later continued this legacy with a rs.370 crore deal. However, her promotion of Pepsi sparked controversy, as health advocates questioned her support of a product linked to obesity. Despite the backlash, celebrity endorsements remain a powerful tool for brands.

2. Social media has transformed the nature of celebrity endorsements. By 2020, 72% of brands were using social media platforms to reach younger audiences. The global influencer marketing industry, closely tied to social media endorsements, was valued at Rs8,000 crore. Social media helps brands build trust and familiarity through celebrity connections, making endorsements more personal and impactful on purchasing decisions.

3. According to Nielson’s 2015 research, younger generations resonate more with celebrity endorsements. Generation Z (ages 15-20) has the highest connection at 16%, followed by Millennials (ages 21-34) at 14%. Gen X (ages 35-49), Boomers (ages 50-64), and the Silent Generation (ages 65+) show significantly lower trust in celebrity endorsements, with 8%, 7%, and 2% respectively.

4. While celebrity endorsements can draw attention to a brand, their direct influence on purchasing decisions is becoming less reliable. A 2019 survey found that 55% of consumers would abandon a product if it didn’t meet their expectations, despite celebrity promotion. Brands need to deliver quality beyond endorsements to ensure long-term success.

5. Brands must show how their product solves individual problems, instead of relying solely on celebrities for long-term value. If a product fails to meet expectations, no amount of celebrity backing will retain consumer loyalty.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What does the use of the phrase “synonymous with Pepsi advertisements” by the writer, in paragraph 1, suggest about Britney Spears?                                                                                              1

(A) Britney Spears had little influence on Pepsi’s advertising campaign.

(B) Britney Spears became closely associated with Pepsi during her time as its spokesperson.

(C) Britney Spears was briefly involved with Pepsi before moving to other endorsements.

(D) Britney Spears had no long-term involvement with Pepsi.

View Answer

---

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

Assertion : Social media has played a major role in the evolution of celebrity endorsements.

Reason : Social media platforms provide a direct way for consumers to interact with brands and celebrities.

(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.

(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion.

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

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

View Answer

---

iii. Identify the generation with the highest level of trust in celebrity endorsements, as mentioned in the passage.                                                                                                                                                      1

View Answer

---

iv. Based on the figure in the passage, which generation shows the lowest level of trust in celebrity endorsements?                                                                                                                                                        1

View Answer

---

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

Celebrity endorsements resonate most strongly with younger generations, as shown by their engagement on social media platforms.

In the Nielson research, the generation with the highest trust in celebrity endorsements was _____. (Gen Z / Millennials / Boomers)

View Answer

---

vi. What are some of the ways social media has changed the nature of celebrity endorsements, as mentioned in the passage?                                                                                                                      1

View Answer

---

vii. Complete the sentence suitably.                                                                                                             1

Celebrity endorsements can draw consumers to a brand, but _____.

View Answer

---

viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason :                                                                                 1 

Experts believe the long-term success of a product depends less on celebrity endorsements because _____.

View Answer

---

ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is it important for brands to focus on solving individual problems instead of relying solely on celebrity endorsements?                                                                         2

View Answer

---

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 a report on road accidents in India.

Today, road accidents _____ India a dubious distinction. She has the worst road traffic accident rate.

(A) are earning

(C) earn

(B) have earned

(D) might have earned

View Answer

---

ii. Read the conversation between a mother and her daughter. Complete the sentence by reporting the mother’s question correctly.

Mother : Why are you looking so worried?

Daughter : My exams are approaching.

The mother looking at her daughter’s anxious face asked _____ to which the daughter replied that her exams were approaching.

View Answer

---

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a health magazine.

As per the advisory issued by the government, proper distancing, regular service of the buses and their proper disinfection _____ be ensured.

(A) ought

(C) need to

(B) must

(D) have to

View Answer

---

iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a story. He would not be sad at the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.

View Answer

---

v. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option.

She felt that her pet _____ survive, if he did not see her daily.

(A) did not

(B) shall not

(C) cannot

(D) would not

View Answer

---

vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct word/s, for the given portion of a letter.

I would _____ your attention to the violation of advisory on getting the booster dose for Covid-19.

View Answer

---

vii. Report the dialogue between a mother and her sons, by completing the sentence.

The mother waved her hand and said sadly, “It looks like the Gods have abandoned us”.

The eldest son said, “Gods reside in you, mother. Until you are around, Gods are around”.

In response to their mother’s lament that the Gods had abandoned them, the eldest son assured her that _____.

View Answer

---

viii. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a story published in a popular magazine and supply the correction. The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling the rain over his body, and when he returned, he was thoroughly wet.

Use the given format for your response.

View Answer

---

ix. Anil shared some information with Tariq about a holiday on a cruise. Report Tariq’s question.

Did you enjoy sailing the sea on a cruise?

View Answer

---

x. Read the following last line from an article on the rights of women published in a national daily. Identify the error and supply the correction.

Stand up for your rights because nobody else would

Use the given format for your response

View Answer

---

xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Shelly and her friend Tanvi.

Shelly said to Tanvi, “Can you solve this particularly tough question in linear equations?” Tanvi, “It would be a shame if I can’t because I have been taking tuition all summer vacations.”

Shelly asked Tanvi if she could solve that particularly tough question in linear equations. Tanvi answered that it would be a shame if she _____ tuition all summer vacations.

(A) can’t because she had been taking

(B) can’t because she has been taking

(C) couldn’t because she had been taking

(D) couldn’t because she was taking

View Answer

---

xii. Identify the error on a shop’s hoarding and supply the correction, for the following sales offer.

Use the given format for your response.

View Answer

---

WRITING                                                             10

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

4A. You are Reena/Raju of 85, Ramesh Nagar, New Delhi. You have come across a poster promoting social distancing.

Write a letter in about 120 words to the General Manager, DTC, complaining about violation of advisory on social distancing in buses in your area and urging him to take urgent steps in this matter.

View Answer

---

Or

4B. You are Anshul/Anshika, a student of class X and resident of 56 D, Ring Road, ITO, New Delhi, and wants to be a choreographer. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Director, National Institute of Choreography, Noida, seeking information about their online course, admission procedure, eligibility criteria and other necessary details.

View Answer

---

5A. Colours play a very important role in our life. They have a healing power also. Read the pie chart given below and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on colour therapy.

View Answer

---

Or

5B. For a tourist, the ease of travelling to a country makes travel pleasurable and smooth. It makes a visitor go back to the destination again. In order to make the trip to India worth its while, the GOI has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for travellers from many countries and the list keeps getting longer every year. Analysing the data in the graph above, write an analytical paragraph. Give it a suitable heading.

View Answer

---

SECTION C – LITERATURE TEXTBOOK                                                   40

6. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below                  5

A. The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter for him. It was the postman himself who handed the letter to him while the postmaster, experiencing the contentment of a man who has performed a good deed, looked on from his office. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence – but he became angry when he counted the money. God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.

(A Letter to God)

i. What was the belief of Lencho?

View Answer

---

ii. Why did Lencho go a bit early to the post office the following Sunday? Answer in about 40 words.

View Answer

---

iii. What effect does Lencho’s reaction, as described in the lines below, have on his emotions? “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence – but he became angry when he counted the money.”

Choose the most suitable option:

(A) disappoints

(B) frustrates

(C) amuses

(D) encourages

View Answer

---

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

The word ‘confidence’ in the line “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence” indicates that Lencho was _____ (certain/unsure) about receiving the money.

View Answer

---

B. She was not convinced. ‘No’, she replied, “there is nothing more humiliating than to have a shabby air in the midst of rich women.”

Then her husband cried out, “How stupid we are! Go and find your friend Madame Forestier and ask her to lend you her jewels.”

She uttered a cry of joy. ‘It is true!’ she said. “I had not thought of that.”

(The Necklace)

i. Why did she need the jewels?

(A) To go to a party of rich people

(B) For a photoshoot

(C) To get a replica made

(D) For wearing them at home

View Answer

---

ii. What did Matilda’s husband suggest her?

View Answer

---

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

The word ‘humiliating’ in the line “there is nothing more humiliating than to have a shabby air in the midst of rich women” indicates that the woman felt _____ (embarrassed/proud) about her appearance.

View Answer

---

iv. What kind of a person is Mme Loisel and why is she always unhappy? Answer in about 40 words.

View Answer

---

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

A. My head is full of whispers

which tomorrow will be silent.

Listen. The glass is breaking.

The trees are stumbling forward

into the night. Winds rush to meet them.

The moon is broken like a mirror,

its pieces flash now in the crown

of the tallest oak.

(The Trees)

i. Why are tree stumbling forward?

View Answer

---

ii. Which word from the poem is similar in meaning to ‘slip’ or ‘loose one’s balance’?

(A) Muddle

(B) Rush

(C) Stumble

(D) Flash

View Answer

---

iii. Fill in the blank with ONE word.

The poetic device used in the line ‘The moon is broken like a mirror’ is _________.

View Answer

---

iv. What sounds have been referred to in the given lines? Answer in about 40 words.

View Answer

---

B. But I can get a hair-dye

And set such colour there,

Brown, or black, or carrot,

That young men in despair

May love me for myself alone

And not my yellow hair.

(For Anne Gregory)

i. What is the objective of the poet in using conjunction ‘but’ in the given extract?

View Answer

---

ii. What is the significance of the argument “But I can get a hair-dye/ And set such colour there, Brown, or black, or carrot”? What effect will it have on the young men? Answer in about 40 words.

View Answer

---

iii. Complete the following suitably.

Anne Gregory despite her young age seems to have clarity of thought because she wants _____.

View Answer

---

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

Select the correct option:

1. Defiant

2. Sarcastic

3. Humorous

4. Resigned

5. Hopeful

(A) 1 and 3

(C) 1 and 5

(B) 2 and 4

(D) 3 and 5

View Answer

---

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

i. What kind of suffering is reflected in the Sermon? (The Sermon at Benares)

View Answer

---

ii. Why was Pranjol not excited on seeing the tea garden? (Glimpses of India)

View Answer

---

iii. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so sad to lose it? (The Ball Poem)

View Answer

---

iv. What are the three things that can’t happen in a treeless forest? (The Trees)

View Answer

---

v. What was Lomov’s opinion about Squeezer? (The Proposal)

View Answer

---

9. Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words.                              2 x 3 = 6

i. What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin? (The Necklace)

View Answer

---

ii. Why did Bholi’s parents think her a dumb cow? (Bholi)

View Answer

---

iii. Why did Mrs Pumphrey suffer in the absence of Tricki? (A Triumph of Surgery)

View Answer

---

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

i. Valli and Amanda, two young girls who are brought up in different environment. Assume they both meet each other while Valli is riding the bus and Amanda is one of the passengers and they have a conversation about their lifestyle and feelings. Write this conversation as per your understanding of ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ and Amanda’. You may begin like this:

Amanda: You are so fortunate that you can do whatever you want to.

Valli: Oh? I think, I love to be adventurous and love to take risks. _____.

(Madam Rides the Bus)

View Answer

---

ii. “For most gulls it was not flying that mattered, but eating. For this gull, it was not eating that mattered but flight’. If you had to use the message of the given quote based on His First Flight to understand the motto of Mandela’s life it signifies his struggle for his men’s freedom, how will you elaborate it? Also, how it would have been tough for Mandela not to think only about his interests.

(Two Stories About Flying)

View Answer

---

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

i. Science can be a terrible master, it is good till the man does not become a slave to it and uses it for fulfilment of mean desires. Analyse this in detail, with reference to the character of Griffin of ‘Footprints Without Feet’.

View Answer

---

ii. “Scientists work to discover answers often times for years and with numerous failures.” Analyze this quote with reference to ‘Making of A Scientist’.

View Answer

---