Class X – English Sample Paper – 4

Sample paper 4

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 photography, from its humble beginnings to its omnipresence today, reflects a continuous human desire to capture and preserve moments in time. What started as complex chemical processes has evolved into an instant, ubiquitous art form and communication tool. Understanding its journey reveals how this invention has profoundly impacted art, science, and our everyday perception of the world.

2. Early photographic experiments in the 19th century laid the groundwork for this revolution. Pioneers like Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre developed methods to fix images, albeit with long exposure times and fragile results. These early daguerreotypes and calotypes were groundbreaking, offering the first permanent visual records, which forever changed how historical events and personal memories could be documented and shared.

3. Over the decades, photography’s technical capabilities expanded dramatically. The introduction of flexible film by George Eastman’s Kodak company made cameras portable and accessible to the public, moving photography out of specialized studios. Later innovations, including color photography, instant cameras, and eventually digital sensors, democratized the medium further, allowing millions to become photographers in their own right.

4. Beyond its technical evolution, photography has wielded immense cultural and social influence. It became a powerful tool for journalism, bringing distant realities and social issues into vivid focus for mass audiences. In art, it challenged traditional painting, creating- new aesthetic possibilities and abstract forms. Family photographs became cherished keepsakes, shaping personal narratives and preserving lineages across generations.

5. The digital revolution of the late 20th and early 21st centuries transformed photography once more. Digital cameras eliminated the need for film, offering instant previews and easy sharing. The integration of cameras into smartphones made photography universally accessible, leading to an explosion of visual content on social media platforms. This shift redefined photography’s role, making it integral to daily communication and selfexpression.

6. Ultimately, photography is far more than a simple recording device; it is a language, a form of memory, and a powerful medium for understanding our world. Its continuous evolution reflects human ingenuity and our innate need to observe, interpret, and share. From scientific documentation to artistic expression and casual selfies, photography continues to shape how we see, remember, and connect, making every captured image a tiny piece of history.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Why does the history of photography reflect a ‘continuous human desire’ in paragraph 1? 1

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ii. According to paragraph 1, understanding photography’s journey reveals its impact on all of the following EXCEPT:                                                                                                1

(A) art

(B) science

(C) our everyday perception

(D) ancient chemical processes

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

Early daguerreotypes and calotypes were groundbreaking, offering the first ______

(temporary/permanent) visual records. (Paragraph 2)

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iv. Select the option that is True from (A)-(C) given for what the phrase, ‘democratized the medium’ suggests in paragraph 3.                                                                                          1

(A) Photography became more exclusive and less available to the general public.

(B) Photography became more widely accessible and usable by ordinary people.

(C) Photography became solely limited to professional artists and scientists.

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

journalism : social issues :: ______ : ______ (Paragraph 4)

(A) art: abstract forms

(B) family photographs: future planning

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vi. What were the key technical innovations that expanded photography’s capabilities beyond its early experiments, as mentioned in paragraph 3?                                                             2

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vii. What are the main ideas of paragraph 4 and paragraph 5?                                              1

(i) Photography had immense cultural and social influence.

(ii) Photography had no impact on journalism.

(iii) The digital revolution transformed photography.

(iv) Smartphone cameras made photography less accessible.

(v) Photography is irrelevant to self-expression.

Select the correct option.

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viii. How is photography described as more than a simple recording device, according to paragraph 6?                                                                                                                              2

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2. Read the following text. 10

1. Sports and energy drinks consumed by athletes and fitness enthusiasts are beverages rich in essential components like nutrients, vitamins, and carbohydrates. These drinks provide much-needed mental and physical stimulation, an instant energy boost, and help replenish electrolytes lost during workouts. Energy drinks keep the body hydrated, which is crucial for aintaining performance. In India, consumers drink 120 billion liters of beverages, of which 4% are ready-to-drink energy drinks, available in various flavors, including organic options.

2. Aggressive promotion and marketing by major brands have significantly contributed to their market growth. Celebrity endorsements, the development of consumer-oriented products such as sugar-free or customizable drinks, and the availability of products across various platforms have increased the market size. Sponsoring sporting events and teams is expected to further fuel growth.

3. The market size of Indian sports and energy drinks reached US$ 2.4 billion in 2022. At the current growth rate, projections estimate the market to reach US$ 5.0 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.27% during the 2022-2027 period.

4. Many athletes confuse energy drinks with sports drinks. Energy drinks, containing more than 10% sugar, create an insulin spike followed by an energy crash, leaving athletes fatigued and lethargic. This is not ideal for athletes who need to maintain energy and focus for peak performance.

5. The energy drinks market in India has seen steady revenue growth in convenience stores, as shown in the chart. From 2014 to 2022, the revenue increased from USD 34.09 million to USD 37.14 million.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What does the use of the phrase “much-needed mental and physical stimulation” by the writer, in paragraph 1, suggest about energy drinks?                                                             1

(A) The writer believes energy drinks have no impact on mental and physical health.

(B) The writer is emphasizing the benefits of energy drinks in enhancing mental and physical performance.

(C) The writer feels energy drinks only affect mental performance.

(D) The writer is indifferent to the effects of energy drinks on health.

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

Assertion : The energy drink market in India has grown significantly.

Reason : Aggressive marketing, celebrity endorsements, and product customization have driven the growth of the energy drink market.

(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.

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iii. Identify the market size of Indian sports and energy drinks in 2022, as mentioned in the passage.                                                                                                                                   1

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iv. Based on the figure, what was the revenue of the energy drinks market in Indian convenience stores in 2014?                                                                                                   1

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

Energy drinks containing more than 10% sugar cause a rapid insulin spike, followed by an energy crash.

Energy drinks, according to the passage, can leave athletes ______. (energetic/lethargic/hydrated)

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vi. What are some of the challenges associated with consuming energy drinks for athletes, as mentioned in the passage?

                                                                                                 1

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vii. Complete the sentence suitably.                                                                                       1

The Indian energy drink market is expected to reach US$ 5.0 billion by 2027, showing _____.

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viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason :                                                             1

Experts believe that the continued growth of the energy drinks market is due to _____.

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ix. In the context of paragraph 4, why is it problematic for athletes to consume energy drinks?                                                                                                                                    2

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.

Jasprit Bumrah _____ two wickets before rain _____ the play.

(A) took, interrupted

(B) had taken, spoiled

(C) was taking, interrupted

(D) will take, disrupts

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ii. Read the conversation between a mother and her son. Complete the sentence by reporting the dialogue.

Mother : Where did you go around noon?

Son : I was with Ajay at his house watching a movie.

Mother asked Rahul _____ around noon. Rahul replied that _____ with Ajay at his house watching a movie.

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

Rue herb benefits are varied and plentiful- it _____ with nutrients like antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial to humans.

(A) has many

(B) is full

(C) is encumbered

(D) is loaded

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iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from an academic report.

It is quite clear that those students who are research for a Ph.D. read more articles than either junior lecturers or other students.

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

The modern agricultural practices, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides _____ adversely _____ the soil.

(A) has affected

(B) have affected

(C) has effected

(D) have been effecting

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

It is high time that the concerned authorities should wake up to this social problem and try to rein in the rising prices so that the middle class _____ (do) suffer.

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vii. Report and complete the dialogue between two sisters, by filling up the blanks.

Manorama : Where are you going to?

Anu : I am going to the market. Do you want anything?

Manorama asked Anu _____ Anu replied that she was going to the market and further asked _____.

(A) where she was going, if/whether she wanted anything.

(B) where was she going, if/whether she wanted anything.

(C) where was she going? if/whether she had wanted anything.

(D) where was she going, if/whether she had wanted anything.

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

There have also been several films, television and theatrical productions, and even an opera, based over the novel.

Use the given format for your response.

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ix. Faiz shared some information with Tariq about his long holiday. Report Tariq’s question.

Tariq : _____?

Friend : I have been travelling for a month so, I am tired.

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x. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.

The company couldn’t be able to sell as many products if they don’t find the right marketing professionals quickly.

Use the given format for your response.

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xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between a teacher and her class.

Children : We all pledge to save our trees because they are the lungs of the city.

Teacher : Let us start today by planting a sapling each.

The children pledged to save trees as _____ Then the teacher said that _____.

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xii. Identify the error in an advertisement for a cosmetic item and supply the correction, for the following sales offer.

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. Your grandfather is very upset about the rising prices and keeps thinking of his olden times when things were very cheap.

You are convinced that inflation has made life difficult for common man. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Editor of a national daily describing the difficulties faced by poor families. You are Prabhat/Prerna of 679, Lajpat Nagar-I, New Delhi.

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OR

4B. Write a letter to a national daily, expressing your opinion and views on the increased human dependence on technology. Right from a small child to an adult, or even an old man, everyone wants gadgets only—cell phone, I-pod, laptop, etc. This also has a negative effect on social relationships. Using your own ideas write the letter in about 120 words. You are Sambhav/Sunayna of 230, Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi.

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5A. The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990’s. On the basis of the pie chart, write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on ‘Causes of Worldwide Land Degradation’.

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OR

5B. The pie charts below illustrate the number of journal articles read per week by all students, PhD students, and junior lecturers at an Australian university. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words that how these articles can help students?

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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. Our entire class is quaking in its boots. The reason, of course, is the forthcoming meeting in which the teachers decide who’ll move up to the next form and who’ll be kept back. Half the class is making bets. G.N. and I laugh ourselves silly at the two boys behind us, C.N. and Jacques, who have staked their entire holiday savings on their bet. From morning to night, it’s “You’re going to pass”, “No, I’m not”, “Yes, you are”, “No, I’m not”. Even G.’s pleading glances and my angry outbursts can’t calm them down. If you ask me, there are so many dummies that about a quarter of the class should be kept back, but teachers are the most unpredictable creatures on earth.

(From the Diary of Anne Frank)

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

The word ‘quaking’ in the line “Our entire class is quaking in its boots.” indicates that the class was feeling _____ (nervous/excited) about the forthcoming meeting.

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ii. Anne says that there were so many dummies in the class that about a quarter of them shouldn’t be promoted. Is she being rude or brutally honest? Evaluate in about 40 words.

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iii. What effect does the upcoming meeting, as described in the lines below, have on the class?

Our entire class is quaking in its boots. The reason, of course, is the forthcoming meeting in which the teachers decide who’ll move up to the next form and who’ll be kept back.

Choose the most suitable option.

(A) excites

(B) frightens

(C) amuses

(D) reassures

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iv. Which emotion is portrayed in the expression ‘quaking in their boots’?

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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

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ii. What did Matilda’s husband suggest her?

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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 _____ (ashamed/confident) about her appearance.

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

Ans. Mme Loisel was a pretty young lady but she belonged to a poor family. She was married to a clerk. She had great aspirations in life. Her poverty and lack of recognition made her angry and unhappy.

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5

A. “Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,

And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.

But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,

With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,

He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.”

(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

i. Fill the blank with ONE word.

The outcome of the clash between Custard and the pirate was that the _____ was gobbled up by Custard.

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ii. What is the significance of the use of the words – ‘trickled down’ and ‘mouseholed’ to describe the reactions of Belinda’s pets and how does this word choice contribute to the overall situation in the poem? Answer in about 40 words.

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iii. Match the figures of speech with their correct definitions (in the box given below) that have been used by the poet in the given extract.

(A) (A)-2, (B)-1, (C)-4, (D)-3

(B) (A)-1, (B)-2, (C)-4, (D)-3

(C) (A)-4, (B)-2, (C)-1, (D)-3

(D) (A)-3, (B)-1, (C)-4, (D)-2

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iv. How did Custard the dragon react to the pirate?

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B. In a world of possessions. People will take

Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.

And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.

He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,

The epistemology of loss, how to stand up

Knowing what every man must one day know

And most know many days, how to stand up

(The Ball Poem)

i. Complete the following suitably.

Money can bring just external happiness by buying us possessions but it cannot make the boy recover from his unhappiness _____.

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ii. What is the significance of the use of symbolism by the poet to describe loss, responsibility, and survival in the given extract and how does it contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 words.

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iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.

If one were to choose an option that best fits the essence of the given extract, it would be _____.

(A) Responsibility is self-taught.

(B) Out of sight, out of mind

(C) Time once lost, is forever.

(D) Better safe, than sorry.

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iv. What does the boy realize about possessions?

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

i. Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into the storm.

(Two Stories About Flying)

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ii. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?

(Madam Rides the Bus)

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iii. How did Custard prove ‘the cowardly dragon’ try to be untrue?

(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

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iv. Write the central idea of the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’

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v. How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov had come to propose for

her hand? (The Proposal)

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

i. How did Loisel and Matilda arrange the money to buy the necklace?

(The Necklace)

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ii. How was Tricki treated in the first two days of his visit to the surgery?

(A Triumph of Surgery)

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iii. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, why did he fail?

(Footprints Without Feet)

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

i. Coorg and Assam both are known for plantation of Coffee and Tea respectively. Though India is known for its tea plantation yet coffee is considered to be the drink of the elite. Prepare a set of dialogues between a Coorgi and an Assamese based on the parts of the chapter ‘Glimpses of India’. You may begin like this :

Coorgi : Hello, good morning! Are you from Assam, I am from Coorg.

Assamese : Good morning! Yes I am from Assam, _____.

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ii. “The message conveyed in the chapter ‘Mijbil The Otter’, We should be good, and polite to our pets so that they will feel good and comfortable to live, was not followed by Belinda in the case of her pet Custard, The Dragon. If you had to use the message with reference to both the chapters how will you elaborate it? Also, how it is relevant to both.

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

i. “Education can change a person’s perspective towards life and takes care of all the deficiencies? Comment with reference to the chapter ‘Bholi’.

(Bholi)

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ii. ‘Misunderstanding of Cultural differences between various races can cause confusion and conflict.’ Comment, based on the chapter ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.

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