CBSE BOARD EXAM 2025-26 COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH (CODE 101) ANSWER KEY
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CBSE BOARD EXAM 2025-26
COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH (CODE 101)
Time Allowed: 3 Hours | Maximum Marks: 80
ANSWERS
Date: 21.02.25
SECTION A – READING SKILLS (22 Marks)
1. Read the following passage carefully: (12 Marks)
(1) Playing sports is a fun and effective way to boost your health and fitness. Instead of the grind of treadmills or weight machines, sports offer excitement and motivation, especially when invited by friends or teammates. Engaging in sports enhances heart health, lowers the risk of diabetes, improves blood sugar control and reduces tension and stress. Physical activity also builds muscle mass, refines coordination, and strengthens muscle memory.
(2) Life brings emotional ups and downs, and it can be tempting to cope through binge-watching or overeating. However, regular sports participation triggers positive changes in the brain. It increases serotonin and improves cardiovascular health — key for reducing anxiety and depression while the release of endorphins improves mood and provides natural pain relief. Any sport you enjoy can help you combat stress and boost overall happiness.
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(3) Modern lifestyles entail long hours at desks, fatigue and convenience food which often lead to weight gain, hypertension and heart disease. Playing sports is an efficient and enjoyable way to burn calories, reduce body fat and manage weight. Combined with a healthy diet, it can outperform traditional gym workouts, which can feel exhausting or monotonous.
(4) Sports elevate heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain, stimulating growth-promoting hormones for brain cells. Physical exertion depletes energy and elevates body temperature, which improves sleep quality by making the body work harder to cool down at night. Studies show that exercising at least 150 minutes per week can enhance sleep quality by up to 65 percent.
(5) Sports activities like basketball, soccer, football, tennis and baseball engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Unlike routine gym sessions, they help to build lean muscle while burning fat. These sports are driven by fun and competition and don't feel like a chore in isolated gym training. They challenge the balance, reduce fall risk and test the limits of endurance, whether in victory or defeat.
(6) Sport isn't just physical — it is also emotional. It offers opportunities to face challenges, learn from failure, and celebrate victory. These experiences foster self-confidence, adaptability, and resilience, making you feel more capable and positive about life.
(7) Beyond the personal gains, playing sports fosters social bonds and community living. Joining a team or club brings you into a supportive network of teammates, coaches and friends. Shared goals, team camaraderie and cheering each other help strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging. This social engagement not only enhances enjoyment but also encourages you to stay committed, making regular physical activity a sustainable part of your life.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
Q. No | Question | Marks |
(i) | Which one of the following is a health benefit of participating in sports, as stated in paragraph 1? (A) promotes more screen time (B) reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes (C) improves hearing abilities (D) worsens sleeping patterns. | 1 |
(ii) | What underlying mechanism makes sports more effective than binge-watching or overeating for coping with emotional stress? (A) activation of social bonding neuropeptides (B) enhanced serotonin and natural chemical release in the brain (C) increased caloric expenditure leading to mental clarity (D) diversion of attention through physical exhaustion | 1 |
(iii) | Complete the following suitably: Modern lifestyles lead to weight gain because ________________. | 1 |
(iv) | Rectify the given false statement: Playing a sport and consuming a lot of convenience food balances weight gain and reduces body fat. | 1 |
(v) | How does physical exertion affect body temperature and sleep quality? (Ref: Para 4) | 1 |
(vi) | In what way are gym sessions different from sports activities? (Ref: Para 5) | 1 |
(vii) | Mention one way in which playing a sport helps in emotional development. (Ref: Para 6) | 2 |
(viii) | List one way in which playing a sport reduces the risk of falling. | 2 |
(ix) | How does belonging to a team or community act as a positive feedback loop for continued engagement in physical activity? | 2 |
2. Read the following passage carefully: (10 Marks)
(1) Eco-tourism is a mindful and responsible way of travelling that emphasizes conserving natural environments, appreciating local cultures, and benefitting communities rather than exploiting them. It goes beyond simply visiting nature — it strives to protect fragile ecosystems, educate visitors, and uplift local people, both socially and economically.
(2) A vital part of eco-tourism is environmental conservation. Places like Costa Rica have used eco-tourism as a tool to preserve vast protected areas — over 21% of the nation's lands are now national parks and reserves, all thanks to eco-tourism-driven support. These efforts not only shield wildlife, but also inspire visitors with education about biodiversity and conservation.
(3) Eco-tourism also brings substantial economic and socio-cultural benefits to local communities. It not only offers visitors a chance to explore nature but also empowers local people to protect their own heritage. Tourists often spend on lodges, guides, food, and souvenirs, yielding jobs and income for locals in rural and otherwise underdeveloped areas. By hiring local guides, staying in community-run lodges, and buying handmade crafts, tourists directly support regional economies and preserve cultural traditions. Community-based models place locals at the centre, helping them manage and run tourism activities. This builds strong ownership and ensures that the benefits stay with the people.
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(4) This approach has led to better income and infrastructure in rural areas. Moreover, involving the community in conservation efforts encourages responsible stewardship and strengthens the bond between people and their environment.
(5) However, eco-tourism is not without challenges. Not all operators practice what they preach. Some misuse the label to appear green without ethical conduct. It is a problem known as greenwashing. Moreover, too many tourists can strain ecosystems causing erosion, habitat disruption, and pollution even in the most well-meaning eco-tourism sites.
(6) To be truly effective, eco-tourism must abide by strict codes of conduct, control its environmental footprint, and ensure genuine benefit-sharing with local communities. With well-managed practices and respect for nature, eco-tourism can offer young learners a powerful lesson: it is possible to enjoy the beauty of our world while caring for it and the people who call it home.
Answer the following questions based on the passage above:
Q. No | Question | Marks | |
(i) | Complete with a suitable reason: Eco-tourism is considered a responsible way of travelling because _____________________ | 1 | |
(ii) | Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase: Costa Rica has ____________ large expanses of land into national parks to preserve the areas. | 1 | |
(iii) | Eco-tourism offers an opportunity to the local people to preserve their heritage by: (A) converting parks into national reserves. (B) selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs. (C) using modern technology to present their culture. (D) improving their infrastructure. | 1 | |
(iv) | Which of the following is/are economic benefit(s) of eco-tourism for local communities? (Para 3) 1. It increases government tax revenues only. 2. It creates jobs through spending on lodges, guides and food. 3. It primarily supports large international corporations. 4. It reduces the need for community involvement. 5. It increases income and infrastructure. 6. Locals adopt unethical methods to attract tourists. Options: (A) Only 1 | (B) 2 and 6 | |
(v) | List any two challenges faced by eco-tourism. | 2 | |
(vi) | How can eco-tourism be truly effective? | 1 | |
(vii) | What ecological issues can result from too many tourists visiting eco-tourism sites? (A) reduced carbon emissions and habitat restoration (B) innovation and improved infrastructure (C) erosion, habitat disruption and pollution (D) cultural revival and increased bio-diversity | 1 | |
(viii) | What, according to the passage, are some of the well-managed practices that can lead to effective eco-tourism? (Ref: Para 6) | 2 |
SECTION B – WRITING SKILLS (22 Marks)
3. Short Writing Task: Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to use a school resource – computer lab, to prepare for a presentation on benefits of social media. You are Lakshita/Lakshit Pandey, Class X-C, Head of Science Club. (3 Marks)
4. Factual Description: Write a factual description in not more than 100 words of your favourite place where you would like to relax, highlighting its atmosphere, location, and what makes it special for you. (4 Marks)
5. Long Writing Task (Letter): Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 words: (7 Marks)
(a) The rising cost of healthcare and the lack of access to essential medical services in rural and underprivileged areas remain a critical issue in India. As Anita/Aman Verma, Regional Park, Hawapur, write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern. Suggest practical solutions to improve access and affordability.
OR
(b) Climate change is a pressing global issue. As Anu/Aarav Mehta, Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar, write a letter to the editor of a national daily emphasizing the role of younger people in combating it and suggesting practical steps for the youth.
6. Article Writing: Answer any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 150 words: (8 Marks)
(a) Write an article as Sharvi/Sarvodaya Gautam, Class X-B, advocating for accelerated investment in space travel. Focus on scientific discovery, STEM inspiration, and technological benefits. Propose one recommendation for school curricula.
OR
(b) Write an article for your school magazine as Tanu/Tariq on "Empowering Futures: The Case of Girl Child Education". Highlight benefits, barriers (economic/societal), and government initiatives.
SECTION C – GRAMMAR (10 Marks)
7. Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option: (3 Marks) Renewable energy is essential to the world's efforts to (i) ____________ (reduce/reducing/reduced) dependence on fossil fuels. Solar and wind power (ii) ____________ (has emerged/emerge/are emerging) as the most promising alternatives. Many countries (iii) ____________ (are invest/is investing/are investing) heavily in renewable infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.
8. Omission: In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it. (4 Marks)
S.No. | Text | Word Before | Omission | Word After |
e.g. | Greenhouse gases trap heat the earth's | heat | in | the |
i. | atmosphere. They released mainly from | |||
ii. | burning fossil. An increase in greenhouse | |||
iii. | gases leads global warming and climate change. | |||
iv. | Melting glaciers and rising sea levels effects of climate change |
9. Do as Directed: (3 Marks)
(i) Rearrange: Create a meaningful sentence: (1 Mark) Doctor: and avoid stress / don't worry / I'll prescribe you / also advise you / it seems like / some medicine and / a case of migraine / to take proper rest
(ii) Report the Conversation: (2 Marks) Teacher: Why didn't you submit your homework yesterday?
Student: I am sorry ma'am. I wasn't feeling well.
The teacher asked the student ___________. The student replied that he was ___________.
SECTION D – LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 Marks)
10. Read the extracts and answer briefly (Any Two of Three): (4+4=8 Marks)
(a) Mrs. Packletide's Tiger: "The great night duly arrived... A goat, gifted with a particularly persistent bleat... was tethered at the correct distance."
1. On what kind of night did the event take place?
2. What is meant by "even a partially deaf tiger might be reasonably expected to hear"?
3. Where was the platform constructed?
4. Find a word meaning: A person or animal being hunted.
(b) Snake: "You would take a stick and break him now... How glad I was he had come like a guest..."
1. How did the poet feel about the snake's visit?
2. Where did the snake depart?
3. What action is suggested to the narrator?
4. What did the poet compare the snake's visit to?
(c) The Dear Departed: "Mrs. Slater: Henry, why shouldn't we bring that bureau down here now?..."
1. Why does Mrs. Slater want the bureau?
2. How does Henry react?
3. What furniture does she move upstairs?
4. Who should get the old chest of drawers?
11. Answer any five of the following six in 30 – 40 words each: (5x2=10 Marks)
1. Why was the narrator moved by the boy's devotion? (Two Gentlemen of Verona)
2. Role of the Ouija board? (A Shady Plot)
3. Why did the nightingale lose her charm? (The Frog and the Nightingale)
4. How did Patol Babu's attitude change after rehearsal? (Patol Babu, Film Star)
5. Theme of transience in Ozymandias?
6. Why was Sebastian Shultz in a coma? (Virtually True)
12. Answer any one of the following two in about 150 words: (8 Marks)
(a) Analyze how Julius Caesar and Patol Babu, Film Star explore personal ambition.
OR
(b) Compare the role of patience and endurance in The Letter and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
END OF QUESTION PAPER
Here is the Model Answer Key and Marking Scheme for the CBSE Class 10 Communicative English (Code 101) paper:
MARKING SCHEME & MODEL ANSWERS
COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH (101)
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 Marks)
Q1. Discursive Passage (Sports and Health)
(i) (B) reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes (1)
(ii) (B) enhanced serotonin and natural chemical release in the brain (1)
(iii) ...they entail long hours at desks, fatigue, and the consumption of convenience food. (1)
(iv) Corrected: Playing a sport combined with a healthy diet (instead of convenience food) balances weight gain and reduces body fat. (1)
(v) Physical exertion elevates body temperature; the body’s effort to cool down at night subsequently improves sleep quality. (1)
(vi) Gym sessions are often routine, isolated, and can feel like a monotonous chore, whereas sports are driven by fun, competition, and engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. (1)
(vii) (Any one) Helps individuals face challenges, learn from failure, celebrate victory, or fosters self-confidence and resilience. (2)
(viii) Sports activities challenge balance and coordination, which strengthens muscle memory and physical stability. (2)
(ix) It creates a supportive network and shared goals; the encouragement from teammates/coaches builds a sense of belonging that keeps an individual committed to the activity. (2)
Q2. Case-based Passage (Eco-tourism)
(i) ...it emphasizes conserving natural environments, appreciating local cultures, and benefitting communities without exploiting them. (1)
(ii) converted/transformed (1)
(iii) (B) selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs. (1)
(iv) (D) 2 and 5 (1)
(v) 1. Greenwashing (operators misusing the label). 2. Over-tourism leading to ecosystem strain (erosion/pollution). (2)
(vi) By abiding by strict codes of conduct and ensuring genuine benefit-sharing with local communities. (1)
(vii) (C) erosion, habitat disruption and pollution (1)
(viii) Well-managed practices include controlling the environmental footprint and respecting nature to ensure sustainability. (2)
SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 Marks)
Q3. School Application (3 Marks)
Format: (1) Date, Receiver, Subject, Salutation, Closing.
Content: (1) Requesting lab access for Science Club presentation.
Expression: (1) Grammatical accuracy/Clarity.
Q4. Factual Description (4 Marks)
Content: (2) Description of location, atmosphere, and personal significance.
Expression: (2) Vocabulary, flow, and coherence.
Q5. Letter to the Editor (7 Marks)
Format: (1) Sender’s address, Date, Receiver, Subject, Salutation, Closing.
Content: (3) Problem (Healthcare cost/Rural access) + Impact + Solutions (Govt clinics, insurance, telemedicine).
Expression: (3) Spellings, grammar, and formal tone.
Q6. Article Writing (8 Marks)
Format: (1) Title and Byline.
Content: (4) Space exploration benefits + Global collaboration + Curricula recommendation.
Expression: (3) Coherence, relevant vocabulary, and persuasive style.
SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 Marks)
Q7. Gap Filling (3 Marks)
(i) reduce
(ii) are emerging
(iii) are investing
Q8. Omission (4 Marks)
(i) They are released
(ii) burning of fossil / fossil fuels
(iii) leads to global
(iv) levels are effects
Q9. Integrated Grammar (3 Marks)
(i) Rearrange: It seems like a case of migraine; I’ll prescribe you some medicine and also advise you to take proper rest and avoid stress / don't worry. (1)
(ii) Reporting: * ...asked the student why he hadn't submitted his homework the previous day. (1)
...replied that he wasn't feeling well. (1)
SECTION D: LITERATURE (26 Marks)
Q10. Extracts (8 Marks - 4 per extract)
(a) Mrs. Packletide:
(i) Moonlit and cloudless.
(ii) The goat's bleat was very loud/persistent.
(iii) In a comfortable tree.
(iv) Quarry.
(b) Snake:
(i) He felt honoured/glad (like a guest).
(ii) Into the "burning bowels of the earth" (a crack/hole).
(iii) To take a stick and break/kill him.
(iv) A guest.
(c) Dear Departed:
(i) She wants to steal it before the other sister arrives.
(ii) He is stupefied and thinks it isn't "delicate."
(iii) The shabby old chest of drawers.
(iv) Elizabeth (her sister).
Q11. Short Answers (10 Marks - 2 each)
(i) Verona: Their selfless hard work to pay for their sister’s tuberculosis treatment.
(ii) Shady Plot: It causes a misunderstanding between John and Lavinia and acts as a medium for Helen the ghost.
(iii) Frog/Nightingale: Due to the frog’s constant criticism and the stress of performing for money/applause.
(iv) Patol Babu: He realized that even a small role deserves perfection and felt the "satisfaction of a job well done."
(v) Ozymandias: The broken statue in the desert proves that time destroys even the greatest kings.
(vi) Virtually True: He was in a car accident; his memory was saved in the computer games he was playing during the crash.
Q12. Long Answers (8 Marks)
Marking: Content (4), Expression (4).
Key Points (Julius Caesar/Patol Babu): Contrast Caesar’s political ambition with Patol Babu’s artistic integrity. Both strive for "greatness" but in different spheres (power vs. art).
Here are the complete, detailed answers and writing models for the CBSE Class 10 Communicative English (Code 101) Question Paper. Every section and choice (including "OR" options) has been fully answered.
SECTION A – READING SKILLS (22 Marks)
Q1. Discursive Passage (Sports and Health)
(i) (B) reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes
(ii) (B) enhanced serotonin and natural chemical release in the brain
(iii) Modern lifestyles lead to weight gain because they entail long hours of sitting at desks, resulting in physical fatigue, and a high reliance on consuming convenience food rather than maintaining a healthy diet.
(iv) Rectified statement: Playing a sport combined with a healthy diet (instead of convenience food) balances weight gain and reduces body fat.
(v) Physical exertion depletes energy and elevates the body's core temperature. This improves sleep quality because the body has to work harder to cool itself down at night, which naturally induces a deeper and more restful sleep.
(vi) Gym sessions are often described as routine, isolated, and can feel like an exhausting or monotonous chore. In contrast, sports activities are driven by fun and competition, and they engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously without feeling like forced labor.
(vii) Playing a sport helps in emotional development by offering regular opportunities to face challenges, learn how to handle failure with grace, and celebrate victories. These shared experiences foster self-confidence, adaptability, and emotional resilience.
(viii) Playing a sport reduces the risk of falling because activities like basketball or tennis constantly challenge the body's balance, refine physical coordination, and strengthen muscle memory.
(ix) Belonging to a team acts as a positive feedback loop because it brings individuals into a supportive network of teammates and coaches. The shared goals, camaraderie, and mutual cheering create a strong sense of belonging, which enhances enjoyment and encourages the individual to stay committed to regular physical activity.
Q2. Case-based Passage (Eco-tourism)
(i) Eco-tourism is considered a responsible way of travelling because it emphasizes conserving natural environments, appreciating local cultures, and providing socio-economic benefits to communities rather than exploiting them.
(ii) Costa Rica has converted / transformed large expanses of land into national parks to preserve the areas.
(iii) (B) selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs.
(iv) (D) 2 and 5
(v) 1. Greenwashing: Some tour operators misuse the eco-friendly label to appear green without following actual ethical or sustainable conduct.
2. Over-tourism: Too many tourists visiting an area can strain fragile ecosystems, causing soil erosion, habitat disruption, and pollution.
(vi) Eco-tourism can be truly effective if it abides by strict codes of conduct, carefully controls its environmental footprint, and ensures genuine benefit-sharing with local communities.
(vii) (C) erosion, habitat disruption and pollution
(viii) According to the passage, well-managed practices include abiding by strict codes of conduct, controlling the environmental footprint of tourists, ensuring genuine benefit-sharing with local communities, and operating with a profound respect for nature.
SECTION B – WRITING SKILLS (22 Marks)
Q3. Application for School Resource
The Principal,
XYZ School,
New Delhi.
Date: 21 February 2026
Subject: Permission to use the computer lab.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Lakshita Pandey, Head of the Science Club and a student of Class X-C. We are preparing a presentation on the "Benefits of Social Media" for the upcoming school symposium. I humbly request you to grant us permission to use the school computer lab during the zero period for the next three days. We will ensure the equipment is handled responsibly.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Lakshita Pandey (X-C)
Q4. Factual Description of a Favourite Place
My absolute favorite place to relax is the cozy reading corner situated on my bedroom balcony. Nestled against the wall, it features a comfortable wicker chair draped with a thick, woolen throw blanket. The balcony overlooks a quiet, tree-lined avenue, isolating me from the loud noise of the city. The atmosphere is consistently serene, especially in the late afternoons when the golden sunlight filters through the leaves of the nearby oak tree. The air always carries the faint, soothing scent of my potted jasmine plants. What makes this place truly special is the uninterrupted peace it provides; it is my personal sanctuary where I can disconnect from digital screens, dive into a good book, and completely rejuvenate my mind.
Q5. Letter to the Editor (Answered BOTH for completeness)
(a) Option A: Healthcare Issues
Anita Verma
Regional Park, Hawapur
Date: 21 February 2026
The Editor
The National Daily
New Delhi
Subject: Urgent need to address the rising cost and lack of access to healthcare in rural areas.
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the deteriorating state of medical services in rural and underprivileged areas of India.
Millions of citizens suffer daily due to a severe shortage of qualified doctors and crumbling medical infrastructure. Life-saving treatments have become entirely unaffordable for the common man. Consequently, easily curable illnesses frequently turn fatal simply because marginalized families cannot pay exorbitant private hospital bills or travel long distances to urban centers.
To resolve this crisis, the government must establish more well-equipped primary health centers and ensure the availability of subsidized generic medicines. Mandating rural postings for fresh medical graduates and expanding telemedicine networks can bridge the doctor shortage. Furthermore, increasing the coverage of health insurance schemes is vital. I urge the authorities to take immediate action to make healthcare an accessible right, not a luxury.
Yours sincerely,
Anita Verma
(b) Option B: Climate Change and Youth
Aarav Mehta
Sunrise Apartment, Paninagar
Date: 21 February 2026
The Editor
The National Daily
New Delhi
Subject: The crucial role of the youth in combating the climate change crisis.
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my deep concern regarding the escalating crisis of climate change. With global temperatures rising and extreme weather events devastating communities worldwide, environmental degradation threatens our very existence.
While governments and international organizations are drafting policies, it is critical for the youth to understand their role and step forward. Young people possess the energy, innovation, and digital connectivity to drive massive environmental campaigns.
To make a positive impact, the youth must adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Simple steps like minimizing single-use plastics, participating in local tree-plantation drives, and opting for public transport or carpooling can drastically reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, students can leverage social media to educate their peers about carbon footprints and sustainable consumption. It is time we realize that we have borrowed this planet from our future generations, and it is our duty to protect it.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Mehta
Q6. Article Writing (Answered BOTH for completeness)
(a) Option A: Space Travel
Accelerating Investment in Space Exploration
By Sharvi Gautam, Class X-B
Space exploration has historically been the pinnacle of human curiosity and scientific achievement. Today, advocating for accelerated investment in space travel is not merely about reaching new planets; it is about solving critical problems right here on Earth and inspiring the next generation.
Investing in space missions drives unparalleled scientific discovery and technological innovation. Technologies originally developed for space travel—such as advanced water purification systems, satellite imaging, and global GPS—have immense economic and geopolitical benefits that improve our daily lives. Furthermore, space exploration acts as a massive catalyst for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Watching rovers land on Mars or seeing telescopes capture distant galaxies naturally ignites the imagination of the youth, encouraging them to pursue scientific careers. It also fosters global collaboration, as nations pool resources for shared cosmic goals.
To nurture a space-minded generation, policymakers and educators must integrate space-learning into school curricula. I highly recommend introducing an interactive 'Planetary Sciences' module that includes virtual observatory visits and model rocketry, enabling students to engage directly with the wonders of the cosmos.
(b) Option B: Girl Child Education
Empowering Futures: The Case of Girl Child Education
By Tanu, Class X
Education is the most powerful tool to change the world, yet millions of girls continue to be denied this fundamental human right. Empowering our future through girl child education is not just a moral obligation; it is a vital economic imperative that uplifts individuals, families, and society as a whole.
When a girl is educated, she is empowered to make informed choices, secure better employment, and break the cycle of poverty. Educated mothers naturally raise healthier, better-educated children, creating a positive ripple effect across generations. Unfortunately, severe barriers remain. Economic constraints force many underprivileged families to prioritize boys' education. Deep-rooted societal norms and safety concerns further restrict girls from attending schools safely.
While government initiatives like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' are making significant strides, grassroots change is essential. Schools and students can actively contribute by organizing awareness campaigns in their local communities to dismantle patriarchal mindsets. Peer support groups within schools can help tutor and encourage girls facing academic hurdles. By advocating for equal access, we can ensure every girl steps into the classroom and claims her rightful future.
SECTION C – GRAMMAR (10 Marks)
Q7. Gap Filling
Renewable energy is essential to the world's efforts to (i) reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Solar and wind power (ii) are emerging as the most promising alternatives. Many countries (iii) are investing heavily in renewable infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.
Q8. Omission
i. atmosphere. They are released
ii. burning of fossil (or: fossil fuels. An)
iii. gases leads to global
iv. levels are effects
Q9. Integrated Grammar
(i) Rearranged Sentence:
It seems like a case of migraine; don't worry, I'll prescribe you some medicine and also advise you to take proper rest and avoid stress.
(Alternative acceptable order: It seems like a case of migraine; I'll prescribe you some medicine and also advise you to take proper rest and avoid stress, don't worry.)
(ii) Reported Speech:
The teacher asked the student why he had not submitted his homework the previous day. The student replied that he was sorry and explained that he had not been feeling well.
SECTION D – LITERATURE (26 Marks)
Q10. Extracts
(a) Mrs. Packletide's Tiger:
(i) The event took place on a moonlit and cloudless night.
(ii) The writer is using sarcasm to highlight that the goat's bleat was so exceptionally loud and persistent that even an old, partially deaf tiger would easily hear it.
(iii) The platform was constructed in a comfortable and conveniently placed tree.
(iv) The word from the passage is quarry.
(b) Snake:
(i) The poet felt honoured, glad, and peaceful, treating the snake as a dignified guest who had come quietly to drink.
(ii) The snake departed into a hole in the earth, which the poet describes as "the burning bowels of this earth."
(iii) The voice of human education (societal conditioning) suggests to the narrator that he should take a stick and break the snake to finish him off.
(iv) The poet compared the snake's visit to a guest arriving in quietness to drink at a water-trough.
(c) The Dear Departed:
(i) Mrs. Slater wants to bring the bureau downstairs so she can steal it and claim it as her own before her sister Elizabeth and her husband arrive for the mourning.
(ii) Henry is stupefied and hesitant; he feels uncomfortable with the idea and states that it "doesn't seem delicate" to steal furniture from a dead man's room.
(iii) Mrs. Slater wants to move the shabby old chest of drawers upstairs to replace the stolen bureau.
(iv) Mrs. Slater thinks the old chest of drawers can be given to her sister, Elizabeth.
Q11. Short Answer Questions (30-40 words)
(i) The narrator was deeply moved by the boys' devotion because, despite their young age and impoverished condition, they displayed immense maturity, dignity, and selflessness. They worked tirelessly at odd jobs to pay for their sister's expensive tuberculosis treatment without ever complaining or asking for sympathy.
(ii) The Ouija board acted as a catalyst for conflict and comedy in the story. It facilitated the miscommunication between John and the ghost Helen, which led to John's wife, Lavinia, suspecting him of an affair and threatening divorce, thereby driving the central plot.
(iii) The nightingale lost her natural charm because she fell under the manipulative influence of the frog. Forced to sing for hours to paying crowds, she became mechanically trained, lost her joy and spontaneity, and eventually succumbed to physical and mental exhaustion.
(iv) Initially disappointed by having just a monosyllabic dialogue ("Oh!"), Patol Babu's attitude changed after recalling his mentor's advice that no role is beneath an actor's dignity. He rehearsed the single word with various emotional inflections, realizing he could extract true art from it.
(v) "Ozymandias" highlights the transience of glory by portraying the ruined, forgotten statue of a once-mighty king in a barren desert. The contrast between his boastful inscription on the pedestal and the surrounding empty sand emphasizes that human power inevitably crumbles against the ravages of time.
(vi) Sebastian Shultz was in a coma because he had met with a severe car accident. He was deeply connected to the computer games because, at the exact time of the crash, he was playing a psycho-drive game on his laptop, causing his consciousness to get trapped inside the game's virtual reality.
Q12. Long Answer Questions (Answered BOTH for completeness)
(a) Analyzing Personal Ambition in 'Julius Caesar' and 'Patol Babu, Film Star'
In both William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Satyajit Ray’s Patol Babu, Film Star, the theme of personal ambition plays a central role, though it is explored in vastly different spheres.
In Julius Caesar, ambition is portrayed as a dangerous, corrupting, and public force in the political realm. Caesar's perceived ambition for absolute power threatens the democratic ideals of the Roman Republic, ultimately leading to his bloody assassination by his peers. The play suggests that unchecked, power-hungry ambition inevitably leads to tyranny and tragic downfall.
Conversely, Patol Babu, Film Star explores ambition in a private, artistic context. Patol Babu, a struggling middle-aged man, does not seek fame, wealth, or power. His singular ambition is artistic integrity—to perform his tiny, one-word role with absolute perfection. When given the dialogue "Oh!", he channels his passion to deliver a flawless performance. He walks away without even collecting his payment because his true reward was the intrinsic creative satisfaction of a job well done. While Caesar’s ambition is destructive and worldly, Patol Babu’s ambition is fulfilling, deeply noble, and purely artistic.
(b) Comparing Patience and Endurance in "The Letter" and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
Both "The Letter" by Dhumaketu and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by S.T. Coleridge profoundly explore the themes of patience and endurance through suffering, leading to eventual spiritual elevation.
In "The Letter," Ali endures five years of agonizing patience. He walks daily to the post office through harsh weather, enduring the cruel mockery and apathy of the postmaster and clerks. His endurance stems from the deep, unconditional love of a father waiting for a single piece of correspondence from his daughter, Miriam. His patience is a quiet, tragic endurance against human callousness, which ultimately elevates him spiritually before his death.
In contrast, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" portrays a forced, agonizing endurance as a direct punishment for a senseless crime against nature (killing the innocent Albatross). The Mariner must endure unbearable physical thirst, terrifying supernatural horrors, and the immense guilt of watching his entire crew die. His patience is tested through sheer psychological torment until he unconsciously blesses the water snakes, sparking his redemption. While Ali’s endurance is rooted in steadfast familial love, the Mariner’s endurance is a harrowing journey of penance leading to spiritual awakening.
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