SOLUTIONS

2026 BOARD EXAM

CBSE Class 10 English Board Paper 2026 — Set 2 Solutions

2026

English

Class 10

CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2026

ENGLISH

(Solved)

Time allowed : 3 hours

Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions :

Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :

  1. This question paper contains 34 questions. All questions are compulsory.
  2. This question paper is divided into 7 sections.
  3. Section A – questions number 1 to 4 are case based questions
  4. Section B – questions number 5 to 6 are unseen passage
  5. Section C – questions number 7 to 18 are grammar short
  6. Section D – questions number 19 to 26 are short answer
  7. Section E – questions number 27 to 28 are letter
  8. Section F – questions number 29 to 30 are paragraph
  9. Section G – questions number 31 to 34 are long answer
  10. There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
  11. Use of calculator is NOT allowed.

Section A

Question 1.

Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

(Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)

(1) Complete the sentence appropriately: Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because ____________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because they came to share in the victorious moment with the people of his country, celebrating justice, peace, and human dignity together as one common achievement, as mentioned in the passage.
Key Points: Mandela thanked the guests for their presence - Guests shared in the victory with the people - Victory was for justice, peace, and human dignity

(2)

Which of the following options justifies the statement made by Mandela, “We, who were outlaws ...” ?

(A) The international leaders who came to attend the ceremony

(B) Due to Apartheid, many countries broke diplomatic relations with South Africa

(C) The Commonwealth countries and their people

(D) The people who fought in the Anglo-Boer War

[1 Mark]
Answer: Mandela says "We, who were outlaws" because during apartheid, South Africa was isolated and many countries had broken diplomatic relations with them, making its people considered outlaws by the world. This is supported by the passage where he mentions the common victory for justice and peace.
Key Points: Apartheid policy led to isolation - Many countries broke relations with South Africa - Mandela referred to South Africans as outlaws due to this

(3) In the above lines, Mandela mentions ‘extraordinary human disaster’. What is the significance of this phrase in his speech?

[2 Marks]
Answer: Answer: Mandela calls apartheid an extraordinary human disaster because it was a long period of severe racial injustice and suffering. He highlights that this disaster lasted too long but now, after overcoming it, South Africa can build a society that all humanity will admire. This phrase signifies the painful past and the hope for a better future as mentioned in the case passage.
Key Points: 'Extraordinary human disaster' refers to apartheid - Lasted too long - Signifies past suffering and hope for a proud new society

(4)

The tone of Mandela in the above excerpt is:

1. unifying 2. determined 3. aggressive 4. pessimistic 5. hopeless

Select the correct option :

(A) 1, 2 and 4

(B) 2 and 4

(C) 1 and 2

(D) 4 and 5

[1 Mark]
Answer: The tone of Mandela in the excerpt is unifying and determined as he speaks about building a society that all humanity will be proud of after a disaster. He is hopeful and positive, not aggressive or pessimistic. Hence, the correct options are 1 and 2.
Key Points: unifying tone - determined attitude - hopeful and positive tone
Question 2.

Though to distinguish beasts of prey

A novice might nonplus,

The Crocodile you always may

Tell from the Hyena thus:

Hyenas come with merry smiles;

But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard sort of thing;

He hasn’t any ears at all,

And not a single wing.

If there is nothing on the tree,

’Tis the chameleon you see.

(How to Tell Wild Animals)

(1) Mention any two characteristics of a chameleon on the basis of the given extract.

[2 Marks]
Answer: According to the given extract, a chameleon is described as a small creature, similar to a lizard. It has no ears and no wings. These two characteristics help us identify a chameleon easily. So, the chameleon is small and has no ears or wings, as mentioned in the passage.
Key Points: Chameleon is small - Chameleon is like a lizard - Chameleon has no ears and no wings

(2)

How does the poet describe the crocodile’s tears? Choose the correct option:

(A) genuine and heartfelt

(B) joyful and sincere

(C) false and deceptive

(D) cold and indifferent

[1 Mark]
Answer: The poet describes the crocodile’s tears as false and deceptive. The line 'But if they weep they’re Crocodiles' means crocodiles pretend to weep. This shows that crocodile tears are not genuine but are fake, used to deceive others.
Key Points: Crocodile tears are false - Crocodiles pretend to weep - Tears are deceptive and not sincere

(3)

Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in the brackets :

The tone of the poet in the above lines is __________ (playful and humorous/serious and confused).

[1 Mark]
Answer: The tone of the poet in the given lines is playful and humorous. The poem uses funny descriptions like "Hyenas come with merry smiles; but if they weep they’re Crocodiles" to make the idea of distinguishing animals amusing. This shows the poet's light-hearted approach as seen in the passage.
Key Points: playful and humorous tone - funny descriptions in the poem - light-hearted approach of the poet

(4) What confusion will a newcomer face while distinguishing between a hyena and a crocodile, as described humorously by the poet?

[1 Mark]
Answer: A newcomer might be confused because hyenas usually have merry smiles, but if they appear to weep, they might be mistaken for crocodiles. The poet humorously says to tell them apart by their expressions, highlighting that crocodiles cry fake tears unlike merry hyenas.
Reference: "Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they’re Crocodiles."
Key Points: Newcomer confusion due to similar appearance - Hyenas smile but crocodiles seem to weep - Poet uses humor to explain difference
Question 3.

Did you finish your homework, Amanda?

Did you tidy your room, Amanda?

I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Amanda!

(I am an orphan, roaming the street.

I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.

The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)

(Amanda!)

(1)

Complete the sentence appropriately:

Amanda wants to be an orphan because ___________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Amanda wants to be an orphan because she envies the freedom and silence of an orphan roaming the streets without restrictions. This is shown in the lines where Amanda says, (I am an orphan, roaming the street. The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet). She wants to be free from constant instructions and control, as seen in the earlier lines where she is repeatedly asked if she finished homework and tidied her room.
Key Points: Amanda envies freedom - Amanda feels controlled at home - Amanda believes orphans have peace and silence

(2) What does the image of Amanda “roaming barefoot in the dusty street” signify?

[2 Marks]
Answer: The image of Amanda roaming barefoot in the dusty street signifies her loneliness and freedom as an orphan. It shows that she is free from the usual rules like cleaning shoes or doing homework. Bare feet touching the soft dust reflect her innocence and a sense of peace in her solitude, as mentioned in the lines 'The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.'
Key Points: Amanda is an orphan - bare feet represent freedom - roaming signifies loneliness and innocence

(3)

Amanda’s tone while imagining herself as an orphan is:

(A) excited

(B) fearful

(C) angry

(D) peaceful

[1 Mark]
Answer: Amanda's tone while imagining herself as an orphan is peaceful. The lines 'The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet' show she feels calm and free in her imagination, contrasting with the commands given to her. This reflects a peaceful mood.
Key Points: Amanda imagines being free and silent - The silence is golden - The freedom is sweet - Tone is peaceful

(4) What does the speaker do on the dust?

[1 Mark]
Answer: The speaker patterns soft dust with his hushed, bare feet as he roams the street. This act shows his freedom and the silence around him, as mentioned in the lines 'I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet' and 'The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.'
Key Points: The speaker patterns soft dust with bare feet - It shows freedom and silence - Speaker is an orphan roaming the street
Question 4.

“Richard was competitive,” Mr. Weiherer continued, “but not in a bad sense.” He explained, “Richard wasn’t interested in winning for winning’s sake or winning to get a prize. Rather, he was winning because he wanted to do the best job he could. For the right reasons, he wants to be the best.” And that is one of the ingredients in the making of a scientist. Start with a first-rate mind, add curiosity, and mix in the will to win for the right reasons. Ebright has these qualities.

(The Making of a Scientist)

(1) In light of the excerpt, what can we infer about Richard from Mr. Weiherer’s statement, “Richard was competitive, but not in a bad sense” ?

[1 Mark]
Answer: From Mr. Weiherer’s statement, we infer that Richard’s competitiveness was positive because he aimed to do his best work, not just to win prizes. He competed for the right reasons, showing dedication and a strong will to be the best, which are important traits for a scientist.
Key Points: Richard was competitively driven for good reasons - He wanted to do his best work, not just win prizes - His attitude reflects dedication and positive motivation

(2) Mention the ‘ingredients’ which are necessarily required in the making of a scientist.

[2 Marks]
Answer: The making of a scientist requires three important ingredients as explained in the passage. First, a first-rate mind that is capable of understanding complex information. Second, curiosity which drives the scientist to explore and learn new things. Third, the will to win for the right reasons, meaning the desire to do the best job, not just to win prizes. Richard Ebright possesses all these qualities which help him in becoming a successful scientist.
Key Points: first-rate mind - curiosity - will to win for the right reasons

(3)

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets :

Mr. Weiherer suggests that Richard was _____________. (lethargic/persistent)

[1 Mark]
Answer: Mr. Weiherer suggests that Richard was persistent because he was competitive for the right reasons and wanted to do the best job he could. He was not lethargic, as the passage says he always gave extra effort and wanted to win by doing real experiments and working hard.
Key Points: Richard was persistent - He gave extra effort - Wanted to do the best job

(4)

As per the above excerpt, what is not true about Ebright ?

Select the correct option.

(A) strongly curious

(B) bright minded

(C) competitive spirit

(D) irrational

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: Option (D) irrational is not true about Ebright. According to the passage, Ebright is bright minded, strongly curious, and has a healthy competitive spirit. He competes for the right reasons and wants to do his best, not irrationally. This shows he is rational and focused on doing quality work, as mentioned in the excerpt.
Key Points: Ebright has curiosity - Ebright is bright minded - Ebright has a healthy competitive spirit - Ebright is not irrational

Section B

Question 5.

Read the following passage carefully :

(1) In the fast-evolving landscape of the present age, digital saturation and algorithmically curated lives, the phenomenon of FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — has progressed from a fleeting psychological discomfort into a pervasive cultural condition. Initially, the term was coined to describe the anxiety provoked by the perception that others are participating in rewarding experiences from which one is absent. FOMO now pervades virtually in every dimension of contemporary existence, fuelled largely by the continuous updates of edited content on social media platforms. Significantly, it is the anxiety that others are experiencing something more fulfilling, exciting, or meaningful.

(2) The roots of FOMO lie in the interplay between the evolutionary instincts of an individual and modern technology. It may be traced as a fundamental human trait — the innate desire to belong. Man — being a social creature naturally, always tries to seek inclusion and belonging as a means of survival. Albeit, nowadays social media has escalated this instinct by bothering individuals with real-time updates of others’ lives — carefully edited vacations, career milestones or even temporal joys framed as extraordinary. Each notification becomes a reminder of what we are not doing, a mirror reflecting our perceived inadequacies.

(3) FOMO is not solely a personal affliction; it is a cultural artifact also, shaped by the values of a society that equates busyness with worth and novelty with happiness. Moreover, consumerism fuels this fire with brands exploiting FOMO through limited time offers, exclusive events, and influencer-driven trends that promise belonging or status. The rise of the ‘experience economy’, where memories and moments are commodified, intensifies the pressure to participate in everything from music festivals to viral food craze.

(4) Furthermore, FOMO has created profound shifts in behaviour also. Due to this, the decision-making process has become increasingly worrisome, with people hesitating to commit to plans for fear of a better alternative emerging later. It often leads to impulsive choices, such as overspending on unnecessary products, overcommitting to events or making hasty life decisions to avoid feeling excluded. People, due to FOMO, struggle to focus on their priorities because they are distracted by what others are doing. Even highlighted reels of professional journeys shared online by others breed discontent and cause anxiety and dissatisfaction, where no experience feels complete.

(5) The gloomy side of FOMO manifests in lowered self-esteem, impaired concentration and in severe cases, depression. Ironically, the more one tries to engage with multiple activities to ‘keep up’, the greater it leads to emotional exhaustion. The illusion of missing out on something ‘better’ elsewhere robs individuals of their ability to engage themselves fully in their present experiences.

(6) To overcome the Fear of Missing Out we require intentional strategies. To avoid constant comparison, specific timings for checking the apps and social media should be set. One can also engage oneself in mindful breathing or meditation to stay grounded to the present. By prioritizing self-awareness and authentic experiences, one can take the edge off FOMO’s grip and cultivate a richer, more satisfying life without chasing external validation. Finally, we need to recognize that carefully selected online portrayals, which are essentially selective, generate emotional resilience.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

(1)

What is the primary psychological trigger behind FOMO in the context of social media usage?

(A) physical fatigue

(B) fear of rejection from loved ones

(C) need of privacy to keep oneself safe

(D) fear of being left out of rewarding experiences

[1 Mark]
Answer: The primary psychological trigger behind FOMO in social media usage is the innate desire to belong and the anxiety caused by seeing others participate in rewarding experiences from which one is absent. Social media intensifies this feeling by showing carefully edited updates of others’ lives, making individuals feel left out or inadequate, as explained in paragraph 2 of the passage.
Key Points: Innate desire to belong - Anxiety of missing rewarding experiences - Social media updates intensify feelings

(2)

Complete the following with the correct option from the two given below: FOMO has entered every dimension of a person’s existence because _____________.

(A) more exciting events are taking place nowadays

(B) of constant edits and updates on the social media platforms

Paragraph (1)

[1 Mark]
Answer: FOMO has entered every dimension of a person’s existence because of constant edits and updates on the social media platforms. According to the passage, these continuous updates show edited, exciting moments of others’ lives, causing anxiety that one is missing out. Therefore, option (B) is correct.
Key Points: FOMO causes anxiety due to social media updates - Social media shows edited content of others lives - Continuous updates fuel FOMO spreading throughout existence

(3)

How does FOMO affect an individual’s decision-making ability?

Paragraph (4)

[2 Marks]
Answer: FOMO affects decision-making by making people hesitant to commit to plans as they fear a better option might appear later. This leads to worry and impulsive decisions like overspending or overcommitting to events. People get distracted from their priorities because they compare themselves with others online, which causes anxiety and dissatisfaction, as explained in paragraph 4 of the passage.
Key Points: Hesitation to commit - Impulsive choices like overspending - Distraction from priorities due to comparison

(4)

What is the impact of the ‘experience economy’ on individuals?

Paragraph (3)

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: The ‘experience economy’ makes individuals feel pressured to participate in many events, like music festivals or viral trends, to feel included or happy. It causes stress because memories and moments become commodities, making people chase experiences rather than enjoy them, as explained in paragraph 3 of the passage.
Key Points: The experience economy increases pressure to join events - Memories and moments become commodities - Leads to stress and chasing experiences rather than enjoying them

(5)

Support the writer’s viewpoint that FOMO leads to emotional consequences.

Paragraph (4)

[1 Mark]
Answer: FOMO leads to emotional consequences as it causes anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion. The passage explains that constantly fearing missing out makes people anxious and unhappy with their own lives.
It can even lead to depression and impaired concentration. This happens because the illusion of something better elsewhere stops people from enjoying their current experiences fully.
Thus, FOMO negatively affects emotional well-being, as described in paragraph 5.
Key Points: FOMO causes anxiety - FOMO leads to lowered self-esteem and emotional exhaustion - FOMO reduces ability to enjoy present moments

(6)

State whether the following statement is True or False: People need to make an effort to come out of their FOMO state of mind .

Paragraph (6)

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: True. People do need to make an effort to overcome FOMO by setting specific times to check social media, practicing mindful breathing or meditation, and focusing on authentic experiences as explained in paragraph 6 of the passage.
Key Points: People need to make an effort to overcome FOMO - Setting specific times to check social media - Practicing mindfulness and focusing on authentic experiences

(7)

List two effective ways to deal with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).Paragraph (6)

[2 Marks]
Answer: Two effective ways to deal with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) are: Firstly, setting specific times to check social media apps helps avoid constant comparison and reduces anxiety caused by real-time updates. Secondly, practicing mindful breathing or meditation helps one stay grounded in the present moment, promoting self-awareness and reducing the grip of FOMO. These methods, as explained in the passage, can help cultivate a more satisfying life by focusing on authentic experiences rather than chasing external validation.
Key Points: setting specific times to check social media - practicing mindful breathing or meditation - focusing on authentic experiences

(8)

In the phrase ‘generate emotional resilience’, the word ‘resilience’ refers to the ability to

(A) support and create more social content.

(B) withstand emotional anxiety of FOMO.

(C) accelerate the notifications on social media.

(D) give in to digital social pressure. Paragraph (6)

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: The word 'resilience' in 'generate emotional resilience' means the ability to withstand emotional anxiety caused by FOMO. This ability helps individuals cope with the stress and negative feelings arising from social media and prevents them from being overwhelmed by the fear of missing out, as explained in the passage, especially in paragraph six.
Explanation: Emotional resilience is about staying strong and maintaining mental balance despite challenges like FOMO.
Key Points: Resilience means the ability to cope with emotional anxiety - It helps withstand FOMO's negative effects - It supports mental strength and balance
Question 6.

Read the following passage carefully :

(1) The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising ‘disposable incomes’, increased urbanization, and changing lifestyles. In contemporary times, people are more aware about their personal grooming.

(2) In the year 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore and is projected to reach around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028. This robust performance is driven as a result of strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings due to increasing awareness of personal grooming, skin care routines among consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, who are the dominant demographic in cosmetics purchase, as they seek trendy and innovative solutions.

(3) The cosmetics industry is broadly divided into various segments such as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. Skincare leads the segments, accounting for nearly 35% of the market, followed by hair care at 25%. Colour cosmetics — including make-up products have seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic, due to the rise of e-commerce and social media. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding access to cosmetics especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. In fact, online sales contribute to around 25% of total cosmetics sales in India.

(4) Over and above that, men’s grooming has emerged as a significant segment, valued at around ₹ 25,000 crore in the year 2024 with increasing demand for beard care, skin care and fragrances customized to men. This growth is fuelled by social media influencers, coupled with the increase of gender-neutral cosmetic formulations. This shows an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance augments confidence, dismantling archaic stereotypes associated with male cosmetics consumption.

(5) Though the cosmetics industry plays a vital role in the Indian economy, it faces several challenges including managing intense competition, complying with regulations, ensuring product quality, and addressing ethical sourcing concerns. In addition, the industry struggles with copied products, adapting to changing consumer preferences and navigating the complexities of the supply chain.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

(1) What does the phrase ‘thrives on innovation’ tell us about the cosmetic industry? (A) The industry is slow-growing. (B) The industry is growing and evolving by the day. (C) The industry is becoming popular in rural areas. (D) The industry is gradually becoming more expensive.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: The phrase 'thrives on innovation' means that the cosmetic industry is continuously growing and changing by developing new and creative products to meet different skin types and preferences, as mentioned in the passage.
This shows that the industry is dynamic and evolving by the day, so option (B) is correct.
Key Points: Cosmetic industry grows by innovation - Offers new products for varied skin types - Industry is dynamic and evolving

(2) Complete the sentence with a reason: The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of ____________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of evolving beauty standards and the strong influence of social media, which encourage people worldwide to pay more attention to personal grooming and appearance as mentioned in paragraph 1 of the passage.
Key Points: evolving beauty standards - influence of social media - increased personal grooming awareness

(3) Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. Assertion: The Indian cosmetics market generated a profit of approximately ₹1,34,000 crore in 2024. Reason: It became possible due to strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings. (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. (B) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. (D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: Option A is correct. According to the passage, in 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore. This strong performance was driven by factors including strong e-commerce growth and increasing demand for organic and premium products, which supports the reason given. Hence, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion well.

Key Points: Indian cosmetics market revenue 2024 around ₹ 1,34,000 crore - Growth driven by strong e-commerce and demand for organic/premium products - Both assertion and reason true; reason explains assertion

(4) Given that teenagers and young adults form the primary group for cosmetics purchases, what are the key factors that shape their buying decisions?

[1 Mark]
Answer: Teenagers and young adults mainly choose cosmetics based on trendy and innovative products influenced by social media and e-commerce. They also prefer organic and premium products due to their awareness of personal grooming and skin care routines, as mentioned in paragraph 2 of the passage.
Key Points: trendiness and innovation-social media influence-awareness of personal grooming and skin care-preferring organic and premium products

(5) How has the rise of e-commerce platforms impacted the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry? Explain in 30–40 words.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: E-commerce platforms have significantly increased the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry by making products easily accessible, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. Online sales now contribute about 25% of total cosmetics sales, boosting market growth rapidly.
This growth is highlighted in the passage that credits e-commerce with expanding access and increasing sales.
Key Points: E-commerce expands access to cosmetics - Online sales contribute 25% of total sales - Significant revenue growth from online platforms

(6) Based on your understanding of Paragraph (3), fill in the blank with the suitable option: The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is _________ (20%, 25%, 35%) approximately.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Answer: According to paragraph (3) of the passage, the skincare segment leads the Indian cosmetics industry with a market share of approximately 35%. This means skincare products have the largest share compared to other segments like hair care and colour cosmetics.
Key Points: Skincare segment leads Indian cosmetics industry - Skincare accounts for about 35% market share - Information taken from paragraph (3)

(7) Complete the sentence suitably: That men’s grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes ____________________________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: That men’s grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes a progressive change in society where traditional gender roles and stereotypes related to cosmetics are breaking down, as mentioned in paragraph 4 of the passage.
It reflects how appearance and personal grooming are becoming important for everyone regardless of gender, showing acceptance and confidence in using such products.
Key Points: Increasing demand for gender-neutral products - Breaking of archaic stereotypes - Progressive change in societal attitudes towards personal grooming

(8) Identify the word that indicates that the cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow.

[1 Mark]
Answer: The word "projected" in paragraph 2 shows that the cosmetics industry is expected to grow. It means the Indian cosmetics market is forecasted to increase its revenue from ₹ 1,34,000 crore in 2024 to around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028, indicating growth.
Key Points: "projected" - growth forecast - increase in market revenue from 2024 to 2028

(9) Mention any two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present.

[2 Marks]
Answer: Two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present are intense competition among brands and the need to comply with various regulations. These challenges make it difficult for companies to maintain quality and originality in their products. The industry also struggles with the problem of copied products and has to constantly adapt to changing consumer preferences while managing a complex supply chain, as explained in the passage.
Key Points: Intense competition among brands - Compliance with regulations - Problem of copied products

Section C

Question 7.

Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets:

The group __________ (walk) for hours through forests and hills in Mexico before it reached the barbed wire fence, marking the boundary of the forest.

[1 Mark]
Answer: The correct form of the verb "walk" to fill in the blank is "had been walking". The sentence should read: The group had been walking for hours through forests and hills in Mexico before it reached the barbed wire fence, marking the boundary of the forest.

Explanation:
- We use "had been walking" to show an action that started in the past and continued for some time before another action in the past (reaching the fence).
- This is called the past perfect continuous tense.
- It emphasizes the duration of the walking before reaching the boundary.
Thus, the group had been walking for hours before the event of reaching the fence took place.
Key Points: use past perfect continuous tense - had been walking shows ongoing past action - connects two past events clearly
Question 8.

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option given in the brackets:

____________ (Several/Both/All) people attended the convention because the entry was open to all at a very nominal fee.

[1 Mark]
Answer: (a) Both people attended the convention because it refers to two groups or persons; however, since "people" is plural and general here, the correct answer is All because the phrase says 'open to all'. So, ''All people attended the convention because the entry was open to all at a very nominal fee.'' (i) He has two brothers. Both are lawyers because 'both' is used when talking about two things or persons. (ii) More than ten persons called. All of them wanted to see you since 'all' refers to every one of more than two. (b) All the friends wish to go. (a) Everyone decides to, is correct because 'everyone' refers to every individual of a group. (i) Even the chief guest came later than he did. Explanation: 'Later' is used here to compare time after someone, so it fits better than 'early'. In summary: Use both for two persons or things and all for more than two or when referring to entire groups.
Key Points: Use 'both' for two persons or things - Use 'all' for more than two persons or things - 'Everyone' refers to every individual in a group
Question 9.

Read the given sentence from a story, identify the error and supply the correction:

The farmer told his sons that he had hidden a treasure in the fields but he had forget the actual place. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction

[1 Mark] Diagram 1 – CBSE Class 10 English 2026 Set 2 Solutions
Answer: Answer:
Error: forget
Correction: forgotten

Explanation: The sentence narrates a past event, so the past perfect tense "had forgotten" should be used instead of "had forget" because 'forget' is the base form of the verb. Using 'forgotten' which is the past participle, fits correctly with the auxiliary verb 'had'. Therefore, the correct sentence is "The farmer told his sons that he had hidden a treasure in the fields but he had forgotten the actual place.".
Key Points: Identify the incorrect verb form - Use past participle with 'had' for past perfect tense - Correct verb form: forgotten
Question 10.

Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence:

Harry: Good morning Bobby, how do you do?

Bobby: Quite well, thank you; but these are hard times. Harry wished Bobby good morning and enquired about his well-being. Bobby thanked him and said that he was quite well, but remarked ___________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Harry wished Bobby good morning and enquired about his well-being. Bobby thanked him and said that he was quite well, but remarked that these are hard times.
Key Points: Harry wished Bobby good morning - Enquired about Bobby's well-being - Bobby replied politely and mentioned hard times
Question 11.

Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the line given below:

I don’t know what it is. It feel like an incredibly lucky day for me.

[1 Mark] Diagram 2 – CBSE Class 10 English 2026 Set 2 Solutions
Answer: The error is in the second sentence: "It feel like an incredibly lucky day for me." The verb "feel" is incorrect here because the subject "It" is singular and requires a singular verb. The correct verb form is "feels". Hence, the corrected sentence should be: "It feels like an incredibly lucky day for me."
Explanation: In the present simple tense, with a singular subject like "It", we add an "s" or "es" to the verb. Therefore, "feel" changes to "feels". This makes the sentence grammatically correct and clear.
Key Points: Subject-verb agreement - Singular subject requires singular verb form - "feel" changes to "feels"
Question 12.

Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the dialogue:

Sahil said to Shekhar, “Which are your books?”

(A) Sahil asked Shekhar which his books were.

(B) Sahil asked Shekhar which books are yours.

(C) Sahil asked Shekhar which has been his books.

(D) Sahil asked Shekhar which are his books.

[1 Mark]
Answer: The correct option is (A) Sahil asked Shekhar which his books were.
Explanation:
When changing direct speech to reported speech for questions, we follow these steps:
1. Change the question format into a statement.
2. Change the pronouns accordingly.
3. Use appropriate verb tense - here, "are" changes to "were" because of past reporting.
Option (A) correctly follows the rules: "Which are your books?" becomes "which his books were."
Other options are incorrect because:
- (B) uses direct question form "which books are yours" which is not correct in reported speech.
- (C) "which has been his books" is grammatically wrong.
- (D) "which are his books" keeps the question form, which is incorrect.
Hence, (A) is the right choice.
Key Points: Change question into statement - Adjust pronouns - Use past tense for verbs in reported speech
Question 13.

Complete the given sentence with the correct form of the verb by selecting the correct option:

A case ___________ against the unidentified truck driver for causing damage to the street poles due to negligence and rash driving.

(A) was registered

(B) is register

(C) have been registered

(D) may registered

[1 Mark]
Answer: The correct option is (A) was registered.
Explanation: The sentence is in the passive voice and refers to a past action, so the past tense form of the verb should be used. "Case" is singular, so the singular past form "was registered" is correct.
Option (B) "is register" is grammatically incorrect because "register" should be in the past participle form "registered" to form the passive voice.
Option (C) "have been registered" is incorrect because "case" is singular, so "have" should not be used; it would be "has been registered" if used.
Option (D) "may registered" is incorrect because it should be "may be registered" to be grammatically correct, but it does not fit the context here.
Final sentence: A case was registered against the unidentified truck driver for causing damage to the street poles due to negligence and rash driving.
Key Points: Identify the subject as singular - Use past tense passive voice - Choose correct auxiliary verb "was" with past participle "registered"
Question 14.

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from the brackets:

Anita __________ (ought to/would/have to) likely complete the project on time as her team is collaborating effectively.

[1 Mark]
Answer: The correct option to fill in the blank is "ought to". The sentence becomes: Anita ought to likely complete the project on time as her team is collaborating effectively.
Explanation: "Ought to" is used to express a strong probability or expectation about a situation that is likely to happen. Here, it shows that Anita is expected to complete the project on time because her team is working well together. "Would" is used for hypothetical or future situations depending on conditions, and "have to" means obligation or necessity, which does not fit well here because the sentence describes a likely situation, not an obligation.
Key Points: Use of "ought to" for probability - Difference between "ought to", "would", and "have to" - Contextual meaning of verbs in sentences
Question 15.

Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in a hair salon’s instruction manual:

All tools and frequently touched surfaces must be disinfect after each client’s treatment.

Use the given format for your response.

[1 Mark] Diagram 3 – CBSE Class 10 English 2026 Set 2 Solutions
Answer: (1) Error: The word "disinfect" is used incorrectly as a verb here.
(2) Correction: It should be "disinfected" because the past participle is needed to describe the state of the tools and surfaces after treatment.
(3) Correct sentence: "All tools and frequently touched surfaces must be disinfected after each client’s treatment."
Key Points: Identify error in verb form - Use correct past participle "disinfected" - Correct sentence with proper grammar
Question 16.

Suhani and Sneha decided to purchase books to focus on ‘Reading Skills’ in their summer vacations. Report the question asked by Suhani to Sneha.

Which books are we going to purchase today from the Book Fest?

Suhani asked Sneha ____________.

[1 Mark]
Answer: Suhani asked Sneha, "Which books are we going to purchase today from the Book Fest?"

Explanation:
Suhani's original question is in the form of a direct question. When reporting this question, it should be changed into an indirect question.
So, the sentence starts with "Suhani asked Sneha" followed by the question word "which" and the rest of the sentence is stated in reported speech without question marks and with appropriate verb form.
Hence, the reported speech is: Suhani asked Sneha which books they were going to purchase that day from the Book Fest.
Key Points: Use of reported speech - Changing direct question to indirect question - Proper use of question word and verb tense in reported speech
Question 17.

Replace the underlined word used in the sentence with the best option given below:

Since Sheenam study diligently for months, she will clear the competitive exam.

(A) studying

(B) was studied

(C) has been studying

(D) have been studied

[1 Mark]
Answer: The correct option to replace the underlined word "study" in the sentence is (C) has been studying. Explanation:
1. The word "since" is used to show that the action started in the past and is still continuing up to now.
2. For actions continuing from the past until now, the present perfect continuous tense is used.
3. The present perfect continuous tense is formed with "has been" or "have been" + verb-ing.
4. Since Sheenam is a singular subject, we use "has been studying".
Therefore, the sentence becomes: "Since Sheenam has been studying diligently for months, she will clear the competitive exam."
This clearly shows Sheenam started studying months ago and is still studying now, which justifies the use of present perfect continuous tense.
Key Points: Use of since to indicate action continuing from past to present - Present perfect continuous tense usage - Subject-verb agreement with singular subject and has been
Question 18.

Identify the error and supply the correction for the following sentence:

True tradition is not in celebrations, but in the culture we carries forward.

Use the given format for your response.

[1 Mark] Diagram 4 – CBSE Class 10 English 2026 Set 2 Solutions
Answer: Sentence: True tradition is not in celebrations, but in the culture we carries forward.
Error: The verb 'carries' is incorrect because the subject 'we' needs a base form verb without 's' or 'es'.
Correction: True tradition is not in celebrations, but in the culture we carry forward.
Explanation: 'We' is a plural subject, so the verb should be in plural form without 's'. Hence, 'carries' is changed to 'carry'.
Key Points: Subject-verb agreement - Use of base verb form with plural subjects - Correction of 'carries' to 'carry'

Section D

Question 19. In the poem ‘Fire and Ice’, how does the intense human emotion symbolised by fire lead to the destruction of the world?
[3 Marks]
Answer: In the poem 'Fire and Ice' by Robert Frost, fire symbolizes intense human emotions like desire, greed, lust, and fury. These strong emotions can consume people just like a fire consumes everything in its path. The poet suggests that if the world ends in fire, it will be because of these destructive emotions that cause conflict and hatred among humans. Such emotions can lead to violence and hatred, which ultimately can destroy the world. Thus, fire represents the destructive power of uncontrolled passions capable of ending the world in chaos and devastation.
Key Points: Fire symbolizes intense human emotions - Emotions like desire, greed, and fury are destructive - Such emotions can lead to the world's destruction
Question 20.

Mention the details that Anne provides about her family in her diary. (From the Diary of Anne Frank)

[3 Marks]
Answer: Anne Frank's description of her family in her diary:
Anne Frank describes her family as a close-knit and loving group. She talks about her father, Otto Frank, as a kind and wise man, who cares deeply for his family. Anne has a sister named Margot, who is older than her, quiet and studious. She often compares herself to Margot, feeling she is more lively and outgoing. Her mother, Edith Frank, is gentle and caring, but Anne sometimes feels they do not always understand each other well. Anne's family is Jewish, and they had to go into hiding together during the Nazi occupation to stay safe. The diary shows the struggles and emotions Anne experiences while living secretly with her family in the Secret Annex.
Key Points: close-knit family - Otto Frank is kind and caring - Margot is older and studious - Edith is gentle and caring - family is Jewish - they hide together during Nazi occupation
Question 21.

Bread plays a pivotal role in Goan culture and tradition. Support the statement with evidences from the text. (Glimpses of India : A Baker from Goa)

[3 Marks]
Answer: Bread has an important place in Goan culture and tradition as shown in the text from "A Baker from Goa".
(a) The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the traditional bread that was an integral part of Goan life in the old days.
(b) The paders, or traditional bakers, still continue to make bread using old baking methods, showing the survival of these cultural practices.
(c) Bread and cakes have remained important for social functions and daily life, reflecting the cultural significance of baking in Goan society.
(d) The paders wearing the single-piece long frock also symbolize a cultural tradition that is preserved along with bread-making.
Thus, bread is not just food but a cultural symbol in Goa, linking the past to the present through traditional baking and social customs.
Key Points: Traditional bread integral to Goan life - Elders feel nostalgic about old baking methods - Paders continue traditional bread-making - Bread important in social and cultural functions - Paders wear traditional clothing
Question 22.

What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? (Mijbil the Otter)

[3 Marks]
Answer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, the playful otter became very lively and started splashing water everywhere. Mijbil was fascinated by the running water from the tap and even tried to catch it with his paws. Two days after this, Mijbil grew more comfortable and showed signs of adapting well to his new environment, becoming more active and curious. This showed that Mijbil was getting used to human surroundings and was playful and intelligent.
Key Points: Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom - Mijbil played with water from tap - Mijbil became active and curious after two days
Question 23.

Despite her young age, how does Valli manage to gather subtle details about the bus journey? (Madam Rides the Bus)

[3 Marks]
Answer: Answer: Valli is a curious and observant girl who listens carefully to the conversations of the passengers around her on the bus. She eavesdrops on what the well-dressed men say about the fare and journey time. She notices how long the journey takes and how far the town is from her village. By paying close attention to these small details during her ride, she is able to gather important information about the bus journey despite her young age.
Key Points: Valli is observant - Listens to passengers' talks - Notices fare and journey details
Question 24.

Why does Hari Singh find it pleasant to work for Anil, though he was a thief? (The Thief’s Story)

[3 Marks]
Answer: Hari Singh finds it pleasant to work for Anil because Anil treats him with kindness and respect, unlike other employers who might scold or punish him.
Though Hari Singh was a thief, Anil never judged or shouted at him; instead, he showed trust and gave him opportunities to prove himself.
This made Hari Singh feel valued and motivated, which was a new experience for him.
Therefore, the friendly and encouraging environment created by Anil made Hari Singh enjoy working for him despite his past as a thief.
Key Points: Anil’s kindness and respect - Trust and encouragement by Anil - Pleasant working environment for Hari Singh
Question 25.

How does Matilda face ‘the horrible life of necessity’? (The Necklace)

[3 Marks]
Answer: Matilda faces the horrible life of necessity with courage and determination. After losing the necklace, she and her husband decide to replace it with an expensive one, which forces them to live a life of hard work and poverty. Matilda sacrifices her beauty, comfort, and social life. She does all the heavy housework, manages the household chores, and endures hardship without complaint. Despite the difficulties, she never regrets her decision and accepts her fate bravely, showing great strength and selflessness in paying off the debt.
Key Points: Matilda accepts hard work and poverty - Sacrifices comfort and beauty - Shows courage and determination to repay debt
Question 26.

The teacher built up Bholi’s confidence on her first day at school. Discuss. (Bholi)

[3 Marks]
Answer: (a) Bholi was nervous and had many apprehensions about going to school because she was shy and had a speech problem. She was worried about leaving her home and meeting new people.
(b) Bholi’s teacher played an important role by encouraging and motivating her. The teacher treated Bholi kindly and welcomed her warmly which made her feel safe and confident. The teacher understood Bholi’s difficulties and helped her participate in class, boosting her self-confidence.
(c) The teacher took a special interest in Bholi because she saw her potential to learn and grow despite the social barriers. Yes, Bholi met her teacher’s expectations by becoming more confident and actively participating in class. The teacher’s support helped Bholi overcome her fears and social stigma associated with her voice and background.
Key Points: Bholi’s nervousness about school - Teacher’s encouragement and kindness - Bholi’s increased confidence and active participation

Section E

Question 27.

You are Sanjana/Sanjit of Avenue Apartments, XYZ Colony, Sakshamgarh. Recently, you read in the newspaper about adulteration in food and dairy products consumed daily. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on food adulteration. Highlight the health risks of eating such foods and suggest measures to tackle the issue.

[5 Marks]
Answer: Avenue Apartments, XYZ Colony, Sakshamgarh.
10 April 2024
To
The Editor,
National Daily,
New Delhi.
Subject: Concern Regarding Food Adulteration
Sir,
I am Sanjana/Sanjit, a resident of Avenue Apartments, XYZ Colony. I am writing this letter to express my deep concern over the increasing cases of food adulteration in our daily food and dairy products. It is alarming that harmful substances are being mixed with our food items to increase quantity or reduce costs.
Consumption of adulterated food poses serious health risks such as food poisoning, digestive disorders, poisoning from harmful chemicals, and even long-term diseases like cancer and kidney failure. Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable to these dangers.
To tackle this menace, the government should enforce stricter laws and carry out regular inspections of food markets. Public awareness campaigns should be organized to educate consumers on identifying adulterated food. Also, strict penalties must be imposed on those found guilty of adulteration to deter others.
I appeal to all citizens to be cautious and report any suspicious food products to the authorities. Together, we can stop this harmful practice and ensure safe and healthy food for all.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Sanjana/Sanjit
Key Points: Increasing food adulteration - Health risks including food poisoning and long-term diseases - Need for stricter laws and public awareness
Question 28.

Going for a walk in your residential colony offers a convenient way to integrate physical activity into your daily routine. Write a letter to the Director, Municipal Board, requesting maintenance of the colony parks, installation of lighting poles, and repair of walking tracks to facilitate walkers and create a safe community space. You are Rita/Raghav Mishra, President RWA, Senatown.

[5 Marks]
Answer: Senatown
15 April 2024
To
The Director,
Municipal Board,
Senatown.

Subject: Request for maintenance of parks, installation of lighting poles, and repair of walking tracks in our colony

Respected Sir,

I, Raghav Mishra, President of Residents Welfare Association of Senatown, would like to bring to your kind notice some important issues faced by the residents. Our colony parks are not being maintained properly and the walking tracks have damaged sections which make walking difficult and unsafe. Additionally, absence of proper lighting poles in the parks and along the tracks raises safety concerns during early morning and evening hours.

Regular maintenance of the parks and repair of walking tracks will encourage more residents to adopt walking as a healthy habit. Installation of sufficient lighting poles will create a safe and secure environment for the walkers and other users of the parks.

We request you to kindly take prompt measures for timely maintenance and repairs along with the installation of lighting poles at the earliest possible. This will promote physical activity and help build a healthier and safer community.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,
Raghav Mishra
President, RWA
Senatown
Key Points: Request maintenance of parks - Repair damaged walking tracks - Install lighting poles for safety

Section F

Question 29.

Read the given details of the school activities that help children in their personality development.

● student councils, clubs

● activities in the Morning Assembly

● celebration of important days

● organization of various competitions

● sports and academic activities

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph about the impact of school activities on students. Focus on factors like fosters leadership, responsibility, communication skills, discipline, daily motivation, and team building.

[5 Marks]
Answer: School activities such as student councils and clubs play a vital role in the overall personality development of students. These activities foster leadership skills by giving students opportunities to take charge and make decisions. Participation in Morning Assembly and celebration of important days teach students discipline and responsibility. Organizing and taking part in competitions enhance communication skills and motivation as students prepare and present their best work. Sports and academic activities promote team building and cooperation among peers. Together, these activities help students grow into confident, responsible, and socially skilled individuals who are motivated to perform well in all areas of life.
Key Points: fosters leadership-responsibility-communication skills-discipline-daily motivation-team building
Question 30.

Read the following details about fashion trends.

In today’s world, fashion is not just about clothes, it is driven by images and impressions. Fashion trends provide a powerful reflection of society’s evolution, and creativity. Write an analytical paragraph about how the factors mentioned below have shaped the fashion trends in recent years with key causes, effects and future implications.

● creative expression

● social media influence

● celebrity endorsements

● blend of traditional and modern styles

● commercialization of festivals

● customized fashion choices

● rising e-commerce

[5 Marks]
Answer: Fashion Trends in Recent Years: Fashion today goes beyond clothing to reflect society’s creativity and values. Creative expression allows individuals to showcase their personality, encouraging unique and bold styles. The rise of social media influence has accelerated trend dissemination worldwide, making fashion more accessible and varied. Celebrity endorsements strongly impact consumer choices, as idols set popular styles that fans eagerly follow. A notable trend is the blend of traditional and modern styles, preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary designs. The commercialization of festivals has turned celebrations into fashion opportunities, driving demand for special attire. Customized fashion choices cater to individual preferences, enhancing personal style and exclusivity. Lastly, the growth of e-commerce has revolutionized shopping, offering convenience and wider options. These factors together shape dynamic fashion trends, indicating a future where innovation and personalization continue to thrive, reflecting societal changes and technological advances.
Key Points: Creative expression encourages unique styles - Social media spreads trends rapidly - Celebrity endorsements influence fashion choices - Blend of traditional and modern preserves culture - Commercialization of festivals boosts fashion demand - Customized fashion enhances individuality - Rising e-commerce expands accessibility

Section G

Question 31. How do Lencho in ‘A Letter to God’ and Kisa Gotami in ‘The Sermon at Benares’ respond to their experiences of suffering and loss? How did they overcome their respective losses?
[6 Marks]
Answer: (a) Lencho in ‘A Letter to God’ responds to his suffering caused by the destruction of his crops with strong faith in God. Despite his loss, he writes a letter asking God for one hundred pesos to help his family. His response shows hope and trust in divine help, which helps him overcome his loss emotionally. (b) Kisa Gotami in ‘The Sermon at Benares’ responds to the loss of her only son with deep grief and desperation. She asks neighbours for medicine to cure her dead child but learns from the Buddha that death is universal and unavoidable. She overcomes her suffering by understanding the nature of life and death and accepting the reality of loss. (c) While Lencho’s response is based on faith and hope for a miracle, Kisa Gotami’s journey leads her to wisdom and acceptance of suffering as a universal truth. Both characters find ways to cope with their pain, one through faith and the other through enlightenment and acceptance.
Key Points: Lencho shows faith and hope in God to overcome loss - Kisa Gotami learns the universality of death and accepts it - Lencho’s coping is through belief, Kisa Gotami’s through wisdom and acceptance
Question 32. How does the contrast between the pilot’s fear in ‘The Black Aeroplane’ and Custard’s initial cowardice in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ highlight that courage can be found in the most unexpected characters when circumstances demand it? Discuss with reference to the two.
[6 Marks]
Answer: In ‘The Black Aeroplane’, the pilot feels intense fear as he faces danger flying in difficult conditions. His fear is understandable because he is in a life-threatening situation. However, despite this fear, he manages to control the plane and survive. On the other hand, Custard in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is initially portrayed as a coward who always cries for a safe cage. His friends Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard are brave and tease Custard for his cowardice. But when a real danger arrives in the story, Custard surprisingly shows great courage and fights the pirate, saving everyone. This contrast between the pilot’s fear and Custard’s transformation shows that courage is not about never being afraid but about acting bravely when it really matters. It highlights that courage can come from unexpected people and that even those who seem weak or scared can be heroes when circumstances demand it. Thus, both stories teach us an important lesson that courage is a quality inside all of us, waiting to emerge in critical moments.
Key Points: Pilot feels fear but acts courageously - Custard seems cowardly initially - Custard shows unexpected courage in danger - Courage can be found in unexpected characters - Courage is action despite fear - Both stories teach courage arises when needed
Question 33. Compare and contrast Tricki’s condition before and after his stay at the surgery. How does this contrast help in understanding the role of proper care, discipline and environment in ensuring Tricki’s well-being? (A Triumph of Surgery)
[6 Marks]
Answer: Before his stay at the surgery, Tricki was overfed and spoiled by Mrs Pumphrey which made him very ill. He was lazy, fat and suffered from indigestion due to excess feeding. His health was worsening because of improper care and lack of discipline. After staying at the surgery, Tricki was on a strict regimen given by the vet. He was given proper food, regular exercise and a disciplined routine. As a result, Tricki became active, healthy and happy. This contrast shows that proper care, discipline and a suitable environment are essential for well-being. Mere love and pampering are not enough; health depends on balanced diet, exercise and discipline just like for humans.
Key Points: Tricki was overfed and sick before surgery - Tricki was healthy and disciplined after surgery - Proper care, discipline, and environment are vital for well-being
Question 34.

How does Think-Tank’s arrogance and ignorance contribute to the theme of wit over power in ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’ ?

[6 Marks]
Answer: In 'The Book that Saved the Earth', Think-Tank's arrogance and ignorance play a crucial role in highlighting the theme of wit over power.
(a) Think-Tank is an alien commander who is very proud of his intelligence and power, but he is quick to misinterpret harmless nursery rhymes as dangerous secrets meant to harm the Martians. His arrogance blinds him to the true meaning of the words, showing his ignorance.
(b) This misinterpretation leads to comic situations where the supposed 'threat' is actually innocent and playful. It shows that Think-Tank's power and intelligence are not as great as he believes.
(c) The story uses this contrast to emphasize that cleverness and understanding (wit) are more important than brute strength or ego (power). The humans solve the crisis with their wit, while Think-Tank’s arrogance causes confusion.
Thus, the author teaches us that true intelligence involves humility and careful understanding, not just power and pride.
Key Points: Think-Tank's arrogance leads to misinterpretation - Ignorance causes him to see threats in nursery rhymes - Theme shows wit and understanding are superior to brute power

Paper Details

CBSE Board Exam 2026

Class

Class 10

Subject

English

Year

2026

Set

Set 2

Other Years — English

2022 Set-1

2022 Set-2

2022 Set-3

2022 Set-4

2023 Set-1

2023 Set-2

2023 Set-3

2023 Set-4

2024 Set-1

2024 Set-2

2024 Set-3

2024 Set-4

2024 Set-5

2025 Set-1

2025 Set-2

2025 Set-3

2025 Set-4

2025 Set-5

2025 Set-6

2026 Set-2

2026 Set-3

2026 Set-4

2026 Set-5