CBSE Class 10 English Board Paper 2026 — Set 4

Read the given extract and answer the following questions given below :

It was a new bus, its outside painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield, there was a beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious. Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind. (Madam Rides a Bus)

Read the following text :

(1) Every year, countless flocks of birds take to the skies in one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles – migration. This incredible phenomenon involves the regular, long-distance movement of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Some species fly only a few hundred kilometers, while others travel across continents and oceans, covering tens of thousands of kilometers each year.

(2) Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons. When food becomes scarce during harsh winters, birds travel to warmer regions where they can find abundant insects, seeds, or fish. The Siberian crane, for instance, travels thousands of kilometers from the cold wetlands of Siberia to India’s warmer lakes such as Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur and Chilika Lake in Odisha. The Bar headed goose, another amazing traveler, is known to fly over the towering Himalayas at heights where oxygen levels are dangerously low – a feat that astonishes even scientists.

(3) How these small creatures navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery. Studies suggest that migratory birds use multiple cues : the position of the sun by day, the stars at night, and even the Earth’s magnetic field. Some, like homing pigeons, possess a memory-based instinct that helps them return to the same spot year after year with stunning accuracy.

(4) Unfortunately, migration today is becoming more difficult. Expanding cities, pollution, and deforestation have destroyed vital wetlands and resting areas. Climate change has disrupted the timing of migration, confusing birds about when to travel or breed. Many species arrive too early or too late, missing the right conditions for nesting or feeding.

(5) Conservationists worldwide are working to protect these travellers. International cooperation is essential since migratory routes cross national borders. Protected wetland sites, bird sanctuaries, and awareness programs encourage people to appreciate and safeguard these winged wanderers.

(6) Migratory birds are not just symbols of endurance and freedom; they are vital to nature’s balance. They help in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. The survival of these birds is linked to the survival of ecosystems everywhere. Watching them reminds humanity of a powerful truth – the planet is shared, and the harmony of life depends on care, cooperation, and respect for nature’s rhythms.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :

Read the following text :

(1) A detailed study conducted across various industries and research sectors has shed light on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). It revealed that nearly 70% of AI applications are developed by private tech companies, driven by innovation and market competition. About 20% stem from collaborations between academic institutions and industry leaders, fostering advancements in fields such as healthcare, finance, and transportation.

(2) Interestingly, around 10% of AI initiatives are spearheaded by governmental or non-governmental organisations, often focussing on social welfare. These projects aim to address issues like disaster prediction, agricultural efficiency, and public health monitoring.

(3) Among the AI applications, approximately 45% focus on automation, improving productivity and reducing operational cost. Around 30% cater to predictive analytics, aiding in decision-making processes in domains such as finance and weather forecasting. The remaining 25% revolve around interactive AI, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, enhancing user engagement and accessibility.

(4) Further analysis indicates that about 60% of AI implementations are found in urban areas, particularly in tech hubs and metropolitan cities. Around 30% are applied in industrial zones, enhancing manufacturing and logistics. The remaining 10% serve rural and underserved regions, supporting initiatives like digital literacy, healthcare access and agricultural support.

(5) Comparisons across parameters such as ethical concerns, accessibility, industry-specific applications, and societal impact reveal AI’s potential for transformative change. This analysis not only highlights the widespread adoption of AI but also underscores the need for inclusive and sustainable development in the field.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :

Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete a corporate communication letter from a company to its employee:

Dear Sumit,

This July, you _______ in Japan for three years. In six months the company will transfer you to Bengaluru at a senior position.

(A) will be have been living

(B) will have been living

(C) would have lived

(D) would have been living

Read the given sentence from a self help book. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format.

Each one of the candidates have submitted the documents before the deadline.

Pratima asked the following question to her friend, Shifa –

Do you like the painting, I gifted you yesterday?

Report Pratima’s question correctly.

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the concluding line from a school magazine report on a community outreach programme.

_________ (Each / All) community member was given a different set of equipment.

Read Robert’s reply to his swimming coach-

Thank you sir for the opportunity. I will make sure I do you proud. Robert thanked his coach for the opportunity and said _________.

Identify and correct the error in the given line:

I prefer the chocolate pudding than the vanilla truffle anyday.

Rishaan’s parents asked him how he had fared in the speaking test in school that day.

He excitedly told them that before the teacher could finish the question, he _______ the correct answer.

Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.

(A) gave

(B) has given

(C) would have given

(D) will give

Detect the error and supply the correction for an advice by a grandparent.

You should respect your parent and elders.

Report the dialogue between a customer and a worker at a grocery store:

Customer: Did you pack all the items?

Worker: Yes sir, I did.

The customer asked the worker _______.

Select the correct option: Earlier money _______ buy much more than it can today.

(A) could

(B) will

(C) can

(D) shall

Complete the given sentence:

Drinking and smoking _________ (is / are) injurious to health.

Read the conversation between a student and a school counsellor:

Counsellor: How do you feel after sharing your fears with your parents?

Student: I believe they understand me better as they now know all my fears.

Report the student’s response by completing the following:

The student replied that _________.

How are the cultural and social fabric of Goa closely knit together with the traditional baker and his bread? (Glimpses of India)

Bring out the literal and metaphorical meaning of the word “plunge” with reference to the young seagull who failed to muster up the courage to plunge. (Stories About Flying)

Why was Fowler interested in meeting Ausable? (The Midnight Visitor)

Based on your understanding of the story, how do you assess Bholi’s father? (Bholi)

What vision did Ebright have in raising a flock of butterflies? (The Making of a Scientist)

Read the given details of a fun zone designed for kids in a mall:

● A multi-level jungle themed play area with climbing walls, tunnels, and slides.

● A ball pit and trampoline section for younger kids.

● A gaming zone with arcade machines and interactive screens.

● Safety padding on all surfaces and trained staff for monitoring of activities.

● A dedicated toddler zone with soft toys, mini slides, and sensory play stations.

● A small cafeteria for parents with a view of the play area.

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on the suitability of this fun zone for kids in a mall. Focus on aspects such as safety, variety of activities, age – appropriateness, convenience for parents and overall experience.

Read the given details of a pre-school designed for young children:

● Brightly coloured classrooms with themed decorations.

● An outdoor grassy play area with slides, swings, and sand pits.

● A sensory activity zone with toys for touch, sound, and visual stimulation.

● Dedicated nap rooms with cozy beds and calming lights.

● A library with picture books, story-telling corners, and interactive learning tools.

● CCTV monitoring for safety and a nurse available for emergencies.

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the suitability of this pre-school for young children. Focus on aspects such as safety, learning opportunities, comfort, inclusivity and overall environment.

You are Toshani / Toshan Singh a resident of Bharatpura. You observed that on weekend afternoon a group of senior residents teach children free of cost. You are delighted to see their spirit of giving back to the community. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on the need of volunteerism and senior participation in community engagement. Mention the benefits of such activities and how it would even reduce loneliness.

You are Shereen / Shivaji. There has been a lot of construction going on in your colony since the past few months. However the contractors do not follow any protocols of timings, blocking pavements with building material and dumping the rubble in the back lanes and sewage pipes. Write a letter to the President of your RWA drawing attention to these issues. Suggest a set of protocols to be followed by the builders to reduce any inconvenience being caused to the neighbouring residents.

Evaluate the elements of humour and endearment in “A Triumph of Surgery”.

Discuss how the play “The Book that Saved the Earth” depicts how misunderstanding of cultural differences and lack of awareness about other races cause confusion and conflict.