ENGLISH LANGUAGE &
Class: 10 (CBSE) Marks: 80
LITERATURE (184)
Date: 25.12.2025 Comprehensive Test 1 Time: 180 Min.
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly 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.
1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (10)
1. Social media has become an integral part of modern life, especially for teenagers. Its influence
on their lives is profound and multifaceted, leading to both positive and negative consequences.
On one hand, social media provides teenagers with a platform to express themselves, connect
with friends, and access a vast array of information and resources. It fosters creativity and allows
for the sharing of ideas, art, and opinions on a global scale. For introverted teenagers, social media
can be a valued tool to communicate and form connections that might be difficult in facetoface
interactions. It also offers educational opportunities, with various online communities and groups
dedicated to learning and skill development. In emergency situations, social media can be a vital
communication channel, enabling quick spreading of information and mobilization of support.
2. However, the negative impact of social media on teenagers cannot be overlooked. One of the
most pressing concerns is the potential for cyberbullying, which can lead to severe psychological
distress, anxiety, and depression. The anonymity provided by social media platforms often
emboldens individuals to engage in hurtful behavior without facing immediate consequences.
Additionally, the constant exposure to curated and idealized images of others' lives can foster
unrealistic expectations and lead to feelings of inadequacy and low selfesteem. Teenagers may
find themselves constantly comparing their lives to those depicted on social media, forgetting that
these portrayals are often highly selective and edited. This can contribute to a distorted selfimage
and a decrease in overall mental wellbeing.
3. Another significant issue is the impact of social media on attention span and academic
performance. The allure of social media can be distracting, pulling teenagers away from their
studies and leading to procrastination. The frequent use of social media has been associated with
a decline in the ability to focus and concentrate on tasks for extended periods. This can negatively
affect their academic performance and hinder their ability to succeed in school. Furthermore,
excessive use of social media can disrupt sleep patterns, as teenagers might spend late nights
scrolling through their feeds, leading to sleep deprivation and its associated health problems.
4. Social media also poses risks to privacy and personal data security. Teenagers, often unaware of
the long-term implications, might share sensitive information that can be misused. The algorithms
used by social media platforms can track and analyse user behaviour, leading to targeted
advertising and potential exploitation of personal data. Additionally, the prevalence of
misinformation and fake news on social media can shape teenagers' perceptions and beliefs in
harmful ways. They may be exposed to biased or false information, which can influence their
opinions and decision-making processes.
5. Despite these concerns, it is important to acknowledge that social media is not inherently bad. It
can be a powerful tool for positive change, raising awareness about important issues and
mobilizing support for various causes. The key lies in finding a balance and promoting
responsible use of social media among teenagers. Educating them about the potential risks and
encouraging healthy online habits can help mitigate the negative effects. Parents and educators
play a crucial role in guiding teenagers towards a mindful and balanced approach to social media,
ensuring that they harness its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
1. What is one of the main benefits of social media for introverted teenagers? (Paragraph 1) (1)
Answer: Social media can be a valuable tool for introverted teenagers to communicate and form
connections that might be difficult in face-to-face interactions.
2. How does cyberbullying affect teenagers according to the passage? (Paragraph 2) (1)
Answer: Cyberbullying can lead to severe psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Complete the following sentences. (2)
a) The allure of social media can be distracting, pulling teenagers away from their studies and
leading to ________.
i) procrastination ii) increased focus
b) Teenagers might share sensitive information on social media that can be ________.
i) misused ii) secured
4. State whether the following statements are true or false. (2)
a) The passage states that social media can help in quick dissemination of information in
emergencies. (Paragraph 1) TRUE
b) According to the passage, excessive use of social media does not affect sleep patterns.
(Paragraph 3) FALSE
5. Answer in 20 Words (2 marks each):
a) Describe one way in which social media poses risks to privacy and personal data security.
Answer: Social media platforms track and analyze user behavior, leading to targeted
advertising and potential exploitation of personal data.
b) How can the negative effects of social media be mitigated according to the passage?
Answer: By promoting responsible use, educating teenagers about potential risks, and
encouraging healthy online habits.
2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions: (10)
1. Technology has revolutionized the field of education, bringing about significant changes in how
students learn and how teachers instruct. The introduction of digital tools and platforms has
enhanced the accessibility and efficiency of education. With the advent of online learning
platforms, students can access a wealth of information and resources from anywhere in the world.
This has democratized education, making it more inclusive and providing opportunities for
learners who may not have access to traditional educational institutions. Additionally, technology
has enabled personalized learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to
their own learning styles. Interactive tools, such as educational apps and games, have made
learning more engaging and fun, helping students to retain information better.
2. Furthermore, technology has transformed the role of teachers, making them facilitators of learning
rather than just providers of information. Teachers can now use multimedia presentations, virtual
classrooms, and other digital tools to make their lessons more dynamic and interactive. This not
only enhances student engagement but also helps teachers to better assess and address the
individual needs of their students. Moreover, technology has enabled better communication and
collaboration among students and teachers, with tools like emails, discussion forums, and video
conferencing. This has fostered a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.
3. However, the integration of technology in education also comes with its challenges. One of the
major concerns is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to
technology and those who do not. This can lead to disparities in educational opportunities and
outcomes. Additionally, excessive use of technology can lead to distractions and reduce the time
students spend on physical activities and facetoface interactions. There are also concerns about
data privacy and security, as well as the potential for cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate
content.
4. In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on education, bringing about numerous
benefits and opportunities, but also posing certain challenges. It is essential for educators,
policymakers, and parents to work together to ensure that technology is used effectively and
responsibly in education, to maximize its benefits and minimize its drawbacks.
1. What is one of the primary benefits of technology in education?
a) It increases the digital divide.
b) It enhances accessibility and efficiency of education.
c) It makes learning less interactive.
d) It reduces the role of teachers.
2. How has technology democratized education?
a) By limiting access to information
b) By making education more inclusive and providing opportunities for all learners
c) By increasing the cost of education
d) By reducing the quality of education
3. What has technology enabled in terms of personalized learning?
a) Standardized learning for all students
b) Personalized learning at their own pace and styles
c) Less interaction between students and teachers
d) Limited access to learning resources
4. How has technology transformed the role of teachers?
a) Teachers have become mere providers of information.
b) Teachers have become facilitators of learning.
c) Teachers have limited use of multimedia tools.
d) Teachers have less interaction with students.
5. What is one major concern associated with the integration of technology in education?
a) Enhanced student engagement
b) The digital divide
c) Increased physical activities
d) Improved communication
6. What negative effect can excessive use of technology have on students?
a) Increased facetoface interactions
b) Enhanced physical activities
c) Reduced time on physical activities and face to face interactions
d) Improved data privacy and security
7. What concerns are associated with data privacy and security in educational technology?
a) There are no concerns.
b) Potential for cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content
c) Reduced accessibility to resources
d) Limited collaboration among students
8. What tools have facilitated better communication and alliance among students and teachers?
a) Only traditional classroom tools
b) Emails, discussion forums, and video conferencing
c) Printed textbooks only
d) Face to face meetings only
9. How can technology be used effectively in education?
a) By ignoring the challenges and focusing only on the benefits
b) By ensuring responsible and effective use in education
c) By limiting its use to only privileged students
d) By excluding multimedia tools
10. Who should work together to maximize the benefits of technology in education?
a) Only educators
b) Only students
c) Educators, policymakers, and parents
d) Only technology developers
GRAMMAR
3 A) Edit the error. Do not rewrite the sentence. Just spot the error and correct it. (04)
1. Error Correction
Countries near Equator are much warmer then countries Then Than
farthest to the North and South To In
as all knows that Kerala is Knows Know
warm than Punjab during winter. Warm Warmer
3 B) Answer the following MCQs. [6 x 1 = 6 marks]
1. Choose the correct voice transformation: The teacher is teaching the students.
a) The students are taught by the teacher. b) The students are being taught by the teacher.
c) The students have been taught by the teacher. d) The students were taught by the teacher.
2. Identify the correct form of the verb: She _____ (go) to school every day.
a) goes b) is going c) went d) has gone
3. Choose the correct preposition: The book is _____ the table.
a) on b) in c) at d) of
4. Choose the correct narration: He said, "I am reading a book."
a) He said that he is reading a book. b) He said that he was reading a book.
c) He said that I am reading a book. d) He said that I was reading a book.
5. Choose the correct modal verb: You _____ wear a helmet while riding a bike.
a) must b) can c) might d) could
6. Identify the correct determiner: She has _____ friends in the city.
a) many b) much c) some d) few
WRITING
NOTE: All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and created for
assessment purpose.
4 A) You are Nirmal Pillai, a concerned citizen from Aluva, Kochi. Compose a letter in about 120
words, to the Project Head of the E-Waste Management Cell at Electronics Vatika, New Delhi,
highlighting the adverse effects of e-waste pollution. Suggest measures for addressing its
management through community engagement and government initiatives: Discarded electronic
devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions, which are no longer in use or have reached
the end of their lifecycle. (5)
Nirmal Pillai
Aluva, Kochi
To,
The Project Head,
E-Waste Management Cell,
Electronics Vatika,
New Delhi
Date: 24 July, 2024
Subject: Adverse Effects of E-Waste Pollution and Suggested Measures for Management
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to highlight the adverse effects of e-waste pollution due to discarded electronic
devices like smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste contains hazardous materials
that can lead to environmental degradation and health risks when improperly disposed of.
To address this, I suggest implementing community engagement programs to educate the public
about proper e-waste disposal and recycling methods. Additionally, government initiatives
should focus on establishing more e-waste collection centers and incentivizing recycling efforts.
Collaborating with tech companies to design eco-friendly products and promoting responsible
disposal practices can further mitigate the harmful impacts of e-waste pollution.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Yours sincerely,
Nirmal Pillai
OR
4 B) You are Sanjay Pathak of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Write a letter in about 120 words addressing
the Secretary of the City Municipal Authority. Detail the problem of overgrown trees and shrubs in
the neighborhood and request the delegation of personnel for regular pruning. (5)
Sanjay Pathak
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
To,
The Secretary,
City Municipal Authority,
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Date: 13 November, 2023
Subject: Request for Regular Pruning of Overgrown Trees and Shrubs
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the issue of overgrown trees and shrubs in our
neighborhood. The excessive growth is obstructing pathways, reducing visibility on the roads,
and posing a potential hazard during storms. It also affects the overall aesthetic of our
community.
I kindly request the delegation of personnel for regular pruning and maintenance of these
overgrown plants. Regular trimming will ensure the safety and cleanliness of our surroundings
and enhance the beauty of our area.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Sanjay Pathak
5 A) Read the product details on a label for a school bag:
ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOL BAG
[Link] from recycled materials
2. Ergonomic design with padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel
3. Spacious main compartment with multiple pockets and organizers
[Link] strips for visibility and safety
[Link]-resistant fabric
6. Available in various vibrant colours and patterns
Now, analyse why this school bag would be a beneficial purchase. Write the analytical paragraph in
120 words, considering factors such as its eco-friendliness, comfort features, functionality, safety
aspects, and design options.
The eco-friendly school bag is a smart purchase for several reasons. Firstly, it is made from
recycled materials, making it an environmentally responsible choice. The ergonomic design,
featuring padded shoulder straps and a breathable mesh back panel, ensures comfort and
reduces strain during use. The spacious main compartment, multiple pockets, and organizers
provide ample space for books, stationery, and other essentials, enhancing functionality.
Reflective strips improve visibility and safety, particularly when children are traveling in low-
light conditions. Additionally, the water-resistant fabric protects belongings from getting wet.
Lastly, the bag is available in various vibrant colors and patterns, catering to different tastes
and preferences. Overall, this school bag combines eco-friendliness, comfort, functionality,
safety, and appealing design, making it an excellent choice for students.
OR
5 B) Read the given details of a playground intended for your resident area.
• A central climbing structure inspired by traditional Indian architecture, such as a miniature fort, with
multiple levels and slides.
• Swings adorned with colorful Indian patterns, along with monkey bars and a zip line.
• A water play feature inspired by Indian fountains or rivers
• Shaded seating areas with benches and swings, resembling traditional chaupals or gazebos.
• Trees, shrubs, and flower beds
• Ample open space
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the suitability of this
playground. Focus on factors such as safety, inclusivity, fun features, suitability for different age
groups, and overall experience.
The proposed playground for the residential area is highly suitable for a variety of reasons. The
central climbing structure inspired by traditional Indian architecture offers a unique and
culturally enriching experience, while multiple levels and slides ensure fun and engagement for
children. Swings with colorful patterns, monkey bars, and a zip line add to the excitement,
catering to different age groups and promoting physical activity. The water play feature
provides a refreshing element, ideal for hot days. Shaded seating areas resembling traditional
chaupals enhance the overall aesthetic and provide comfort for parents and guardians. The
inclusion of trees, shrubs, and flower beds creates a pleasant environment, and the ample open
space allows for free play and community events. Overall, the playground promises a safe,
inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Section C – Literature (40 marks)
1. Read the extract given below and complete the sentences that follow. Write your answers
against the correct question number in your answer sheet. (1x5 = 5 marks)
Coorg or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and
coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of this district. During the monsoons,
it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and
continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The
air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree
canopies in prime corners.
1. What do you understand by the term colonial bungalow?
a. The bungalows built in a colony
b. A large detached house with more than one storey
c. The residential unit for members of the British Colonial Community
d. A low house having only one storey
2. Choose the word from the extract to complete the following.
Take out: Tuck :: Tiring: ________________
a. Prime b. Invigorating c. Under d. Perfect
3. What can be inferred from the given line?
During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away.
a. Many visitors visit Coorg during monsoons
b. No one visits Coorg during monsoons
c. Coorg becomes unreachable during monsoons
d. Very few people visit Coorg during monsoons
4. Fill in the blank appropriately – Coorg is also known as the land of rolling hills.
5. Which is the best time to visit Coorg? September to March
2. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most
appropriate options from those given below. (1x5 = 5 marks)
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.
1. What is the poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words given in the extract?
a. It is to emphasize on the might and boldness of Custard.
b. It is to introduce the character of Custard to the readers.
c. It is to impress upon the readers that Custard was ready.
d. It is to make Custard bold enough to face the situation.
2. Why is Custard, the Dragon, compared to a robin?
Custard, the Dragon is compared to a robin because he attacked the pirate very swiftly with
determination just as a robin attacks a worm.
3. What does Custard do to the pirate?
Custard attacks the pirate with great force and determination and ultimately defeats him.
4. What is the rhyming scheme of the given stanza?
The rhyming scheme of the given stanza is AABB.
5. Custard’s comparison to an engine shows a literary device of Simile.
1. Answer any four questions in 40-50 words each. (4x3=12)
1. How would you evaluate Lomov and Chubukov’s relationship as neighours?
The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always had the most friendly and affectionate
regard for each other may seem true at first. However, as one moves ahead, the
relationship may not be as affectionate as it seems. They constantly quarrel with each
other over trivial issues and do not trust each other even a bit. They insult each other
but still maintain a disguise of a happy relationship.
2. The advice given by elders is crucial to young lives. Explain in the context of the poem ‘For
Anne Gregory’.
The advice given by elders is crucial to young lives holds true for the poem ‘For Anne
Gregory’. Anne had decided change her hair colour so that somebody would love her
for herself alone. However, the speaker informs her of elder’s advice that only God will
love her for herself. This advice of an elder is crucial for the younger generation makes
them understand life.
3. Why did Valli not get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?
When the nearest town had reached, everyone got off the bus except Valli because she
wanted to return home in the same bus. She only wanted to take a ride on a bus. So, she
gave the conductor the fare to return home in same bus.
4. Maxwell was justified in thinking very highly of the airhostess. Justify.
Maxwell was justified in thinking very highly of the airhostess because of her courtesy
and a great concern towards the passengers. She made sure that even Mijbil was
comfortable during the flight and thus, Maxwell calls her the very queen of her kind’.
5. Why does the poet compare the trees to newly discharged patients?
The poet compares the trees with newly discharged patients who look hall-dazed (half-
slept) while going towards the door of the clinic because the trees are weak. They have
been struggling since long to get freedom from the four walls of the house. They could
not grow fully there as they did not get proper nutrition.
2. Answer any two questions in 40-50 words each. (2x3=06)
1. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace
Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realize this and how?
Yes, I began to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person
Horace Danby took her to be. She was unusually calm on seeing Horace. This seemed
strange. When she did not call the police and instead asked Horace to take out all the
jewels from the safe, seems suspicious. Moreover, it seemed highly unlikely that she
would forget the number to open the safe. Therefore, it was evident, before the story
ended, that the lady was not the person per thought of Horace.
2. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What
does this tell us about her?
Bholi agreed to the unequal match at first to fulfil her parents’ wishes. Later, she
rejected the marriage when the bridegroom asked for a dowry. This tells us that Bholi
was not a timid and dumb girl. She was aware of her rights. She also knew how to fight
for her own dignity and feared no one.
3. Describe Think-Tank in your own words.
Think-Tank was the ruler of the planet Mars. His head is huge and egg-shaped. He wears
a robe decorated with stars and circles He considered himself very mighty and was very
proud of his intelligence but actually he was a coward and pompous personality.
3. Answer any one of the following in 100-120 words. (1x6=06)
1. What do you think of Anne’s talent for writing essays which she wrote convincingly when
punished by the teacher?
When Anne was given extra homework to write an essay on A Chatterbox, she thought
that she had to write convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. This fact
tells us that Anne was an Intelligent and sensible girl with a good sense of humour. She
thought about the essay and her arguments for a long time to get an idea. When she got
it, she presented her essay in her essay, Anne argued that taking was a student’s trait.
The only thing that she could do was try to control it. She even justified that she could
not cure it completely as she had inherited it from her mother. In her third essay, she
wrote a funny poem to express her trait of taking Her poem consisted of a humorous
story of how a father swan bit its ducklings to death because they quacked too much.
Her poetry was received in the right way by Mr. Keesing and he never punished her
after that.
2. How does Amanda tackle the nagging (irritating) nature of her mother? Explain with examples
from the poem ‘Amanda!’.
In the poem, ‘Amanda’, the little girl named Amanda often escapes into her own world.
Her world of dreams gives her the freedom and peace that she seeks in reality where she
is constantly nagged by her elders. Her mother continuously instructs and scolds her for
her ill-manners and laziness. She is asked not to bite her nails, not to eat chocolates, to
clean her room and so on. As Amanda’s mother is giving her instructions, she is lost in
her daydreams. The persistence of Amanda’s mother leaves a harmful impression in her
mind Her retreat, then, is her way of tackling her mother. It is her shield and defense
against the harsh realities.
4. Answer any one of the following in 100-120 words. (1x6=06)
1. Do you think parents like Mrs. Pumphrey exist? If yes, is it good thing to pamper children?
Why or why not? Answer with reference to ‘The Triumph of Surgery’.
Yes, parents like Mrs Pumphrey definitely exist. Such people spoil their children by
making sure that all their demands are met. They not only feed them junk but also spoil
their social habits in the name of giving them love and care This kind of behaviour is
very harmful for children. Such overprotective parental behaviour also hinders their
growth as adults. In fact, it develops greed and dependency in them. They become
stubborn and do not learn to value anything for them. Hard work is a myth as they get
everything easily. Over pampered children often fail to face the hardships of life later,
as for them life has been simple. So. Pampering children in moderation is healthy, but
excess of it is harmful.
2. Discuss the role of Ebright’s mother in making him a scientist.
Richard’s mother played a huge role in making him a great scientist. She would take
him on trips to encourage learning. He was a single child. After his father died, his
mother made him the focus of her life. She would buy him all kinds of microscopes,
telescopes and other equipments. After dinner, she gave him problems to solve. This
helped Richard to learn a lot She was his only companion for a long time. She always
tried to give him work that required no physical labour but those which enhanced his
learning skill. It was his mother who got him the book The Travels of Monarch X. This
book opened the world of science for Richard. She also wrote to Dr Urquhart to guide
her son. The scientist helped Richard and guided him. Thus, his mother shaped him into
an extraordinary scientist.
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