CBSE Class 10 English (Language & Literature) 2026 Question Paper

Read the following text : (1) Pancakes, a beloved breakfast dish across the world, has a surprisingly long and diverse history. Archaeological evidence shows that people were cooking pancake as food as far back as 30,000 years ago on hot stones and primitive griddles. (2) In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were often served as a sweet treat during festivals or special occasions. In medieval Europe, pancakes became a popular dish during Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent began. In France, thin crepes became a national delicacy, often filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. In Russia, blinis were made using buckwheat flour and served with sour cream or caviar. In Ethiopia, the spongy injera became a staple food, made from teff flour and used as both a plate and utensil. Similarly, in China, pancakes are often savoury while in Japan, fluffy "souffle pancakes" have become a modern favourite. (3) The American version of pancakes, thick and soft, gained popularity in the 18th century. The use of baking powder made them light and airy, and they were often served with butter and maple syrup - a symbol of hearty comfort food. Over time, pancakes became a universal dish, symbolizing community and celebration. Whether sweet or savoury, thick or thin, every culture has found a way to adapt this simple food to its own taste and traditions. (4) India has its own rich tradition of similar dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Across the country, almost every region has a version of a pancake - whether sweet or savoury - made from grains, pulses, or rice. These Indian pancakes not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the diversity of India's culinary culture. In South India, dosas and adai are the most famous forms of pancakes. Made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, dosas are crisp and light, while adai is thicker and more filling. The fermentation process adds a unique sour flavor and makes them nutritious and easy to digest. In Kerala, the appam, made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is soft in the center and crispy at the edges. Moving north, we find the western style cheela, a simple and wholesome Indian pancake made from gram flour, spiced with onions, chillies and coriander. In Maharashtra, the thalipeeth is a multigrain pancake that uses flours like jowar, bajra and rice mixed with spices and vegetables. It is both flavorful and filling, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins. (5) In the eastern parts of India, pitha is a traditional pancake made during festivals and special occasions. Varieties like patishapta in Bengal are sweet, filled with coconut and jaggery. In Assam and Odisha, pithas can be steamed, fried, or roasted, depending on the custom and region. In the western deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, people prepare chilla and handvo, which are savoury western pancake-like dishes baked in traditional ovens. These pancakes are a blank canvas for toppings, waiting for a splash of fruit or a scattering of condiments. (6) Today, pancakes continue to evolve with new recipes, from vegan and gluten-free varieties to those infused with fruits, oats, or even protein powder. Despite their many forms, they remain a timeless reminder of how food connects mankind through shared history and creativity. Each pancake tells a story of regional identity, food traditions and a deep love for food that brings people together. Pancakes are warm, edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day.

In paragraph 1, what does the phrase 'has a surprisingly long and diverse history' mean ?

Complete the following with the correct option from the two given : The uniqueness of the spongy injera, is that ________ . (Paragraph 2) (A) it is both a savoury and a sweet (B) it can be used for cooking and also for eating

How are American pancakes made light and fluffy ? When did the American-style pancakes gain popularity ? (Paragraph 3)

State whether the following statement is True or False : Every culture has adopted the pancake and tempered it with its own ingredients, flavour and taste. (Paragraph 3)

The writer mentions 'fermentation process'. Based on the information given in the passage, which of the following pancakes are made from the fermentation process ? (A) Dosa and appam (B) Chilla and thalipeeth (C) Blinis and souffle (D) Pitha and patishapta

Select the option that best explains the phrase about pancakes being, 'a blank canvas' (Paragraph 5) : (A) Like a painter starts with a blank canvas, a diner can get creative. (B) Pancakes reflect the 30,000 old lineage of being the first food.

List any two points from the passage that support the statement, 'pancakes are a timeless reminder of how food connects people.' (Paragraph 6)

Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given : In the line 'warm, edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day' the phrase 'warm, edible hugs' refers to ________. (Paragraph 6) (A) comfort food that provides a sense of emotional security (B) the pancake that represents the history of the region (C) the choice of eating hot steaming pancakes (D) the food that gives you energy

Read the following text : (1) Rate of Internet Reach in India : 2014-2024. The rate of internet reach in India rose over 52% in 2024 from about 14% in 2014. Although these figures seem relatively low, it meant that more than half of the population of 1.4 billion people had internet access that year. This also ranked the country second in the world in terms of active internet users.

OR (B) 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. (How to tell Wild Animals)

What is the most likely reason the poet uses the word 'nonplus' instead of confused ?

Explain the irony in the last two lines of the stanza.

Fill in the blank with one word : The word 'novice' signifies a/an ________ person.

Select the option with same rhyme scheme as lines in Stanza 1 : (A) They are all gone away, The House is shut and still, There is nothing more to say. (B) Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers. (C) The dog chased the ball down the lane, He ran with such incredible speed, His tail was a blur, a joyful glee. (D) The Sun is high, The clouds drift past, In the blue sky which is so vast.

What kind of atmosphere is created through these lines ? Select the correct option : 1. humorous 2. mysterious 3. aggressive 4. confusing 5. fearful Options : (A) 1 and 4 (B) Only 5 (C) 1, 2 and 3 (D) 4 and 5

What does the use of the term “active internet users” convey ? (A) Active people who use internet (B) Active people who use active internet (C) People who use active internet (D) People who use internet actively

Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below : Assertion : India is home to one of the largest bases of netizens in the world. Reason : Lack of awareness and a tangible gender gap lie at the heart of the matter. (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.

Identify the word that indicates that internet reach is 'comparatively' low. (Paragraph 1)

Based on the table which of the following time period illustrates the maximum internet usage ? (A) 2017 to 2020 (B) 2023 to 2025 (C) 2020 to 2023 (D) 2019 to 2022

In the context of the last paragraph how does the author justify the statement, 'Indians have welcomed digital living with open arms'.

From the passage identify one reason why there are less internet users among women ?

Fill in the blank with a suitable word given in brackets : Infrastructure limitations ___________ (impedes/spurs) digital adoption.

Complete the following with a suitable reason : An increase in the number of connections in urban areas is because of __________.

Which are the two ways to bridge the gap of digital unawareness ?

Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed : $10 \times 1 = 10$

Fill in the blank with correct option to complete a message from Yogita to her friend Shobit : Dear Shobit, Let's meet at 5 p.m. for the rehearsal but I need to go home first as I __________ anything since morning. (A) did not eat (B) had not eaten (C) have not eaten (D) am not eating

Read the given sentence from a self-help book. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format : To identifying your goal is the biggest step in your success story. [Table with columns: Error | Correction, both cells blank for student to fill]

Yamini asked her friend Shifa, “ Would you like to come for my birthday party tomorrow ?” Report Yamini's question correctly.

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a newspaper clipping : The verdict is yet to come since the members of the jury __________ (is/are) divided in their opinion.

Report the dialogue between a flight attendant and a passenger by filling in the blank : Attendant : Did you have your dinner, sir ? Passenger : Yes, thank you! The flight attendant asked the passenger __________. The passenger replied in affirmation and thanked him.

Read Somil's request to his mother : “Can you teach me to swim ?” Report Somil's request by completing the following sentence correctly : Somil asked his mother __________.

Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from a critical review of a recently staged play : 'As an actor, Ravi Raj, is superior then any other contemporary actor.' Options table: (A) Error: an, Correction: the (B) Error: is, Correction: were (C) Error: then, Correction: to (D) Error: other, Correction: another

Complete the given line from 'Rules and Regulations' section of a school diary : Minimum 75% attendance is __________ to appear for the final examinations. (A) recorded (B) mandatory (C) secured (D) obtained

Detect the error and supply the correction for the given newspaper report on a proposal by a Member of Advisory Board : After the meeting it was obvious that most stakeholders would not support __________ proposals. (A) this (B) that (C) the (D) these

Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose. (A) You are Divya/Divij Kumar, Director, Nurturing India, an organization providing skill education to youth. You believe that today's youth needs vocational and skill education that will encourage an independent and entrepreneurial lifestyle. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your views on the need and importance of skill education in creating employability and a self-employed independent generation.

OR (B) You are Nirmala / Nirmal, a resident of Jhunjhunu Colony. Recently there have been a series of accidents and petty crimes in your colony. One of the reasons is poor street lighting. Write a letter to the Commissioner of the Works department, drawing attention to the urgent need to install street lights to avoid further crimes and accidents.

Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below : (A) Improvements in sports infrastructure with a focus on multi-purpose sustainable facilities as well as the integration of technology along with a grassroot centric approach is the key to bring Indian athletes on the world stage. Write an analytical paragraph on the above statement in about 120 words, expressing your views on how improved infrastructure can help Indian athletes win accolades for the nation.

OR (B) Read the following details about the characteristics of the Indian start-up ecosystem : 1. one of the most vibrant and largest in the world. 2. drives innovation across various fields. 3. brings unique solutions to major challenges both domestic and international. 4. has entered various fields - healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture. 5. supported by funding and government initiatives. In about 120 words analyse the future of startups in India considering factors that have supported its growth in the country. Focus on aspects of the need, benefits, and support needed for these startups.

Select the correct option to complete the given sentence from the memoir of your grandparent : 'When I was the team Captain, I ______ often organise get-togethers to develop bonding among the team mates.' (A) could (B) will (C) shall (D) would

Complete the given sentence about the reaction of a tourist to another, by selecting the correct option : Yesterday you loved the spicy Indian curry, ______ you ? (A) hasn't (B) weren't (C) did (D) didn't

Read the conversation between a professional writer and a school student : Student : What prompted you to become a professional writer ? Writer : My childhood library housed books of all kinds. I was fascinated with the compelling stories and wanted to create my own. Report the student's question.

Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given : (A) We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech ? (A) inspirational (B) assertive (C) conflicted (D) direct

According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate.

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket : Mandela's speech swings between references to the past and a ________ (bleak/promising) future.

With reference to the extract explain the sentence, "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement."

OR (B) OOP : I haven't a clue. I've been to seven galaxies, but I've never seen anything like this. Maybe they're hats. (He opens a book and puts it on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery! OMEGA : (bowing low) Perhaps the Great and Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his thought on the matter. THINK-TANK : Elementary, my dear Omega. Hold one of the items up so that I may view it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of her hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand. OMEGA : (to Iota and Oop) He says we're in a refreshment stand. OOP : Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet. (The Book that Saved the Earth)

"Elementary, my dear Omega." What is Think-Tank's tone in the sentence ? (A) patronising (B) admonishing (C) ironic (D) sarcastic

Why does Omega call Think–Tank great and mighty ?

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket : After viewing the book closely, Think-Tank concludes that Earth creatures ________ (enjoy/dislike) eating food.

Why does Oop open the book and put it on his head ?

Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given : (A) Some say the world will end in fire some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favour fire. (Stanza 1) But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. (Fire and Ice)

Complete the following suitably : According to Robert Frost, fire refers to ________.

Why does the poet believe both fire and ice can destroy the world equally ?

Fill the blank with one word : In the line "But if it has to perish twice", 'it' refers to the ________.

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each : $4 \times 3 = 12$

Lencho's last letter to God depicts astute faith on one level and irony on the other. Bring about the element of faith and irony in the situation. (A Letter to God)

"Mijbil the Otter" sensitises human beings especially city people to wildlife. What emotions are conveyed through the association of Mijbil and Maxwell ?

What is the contribution of the extended metaphor in the poem "Fog" ?

How does "Madam Rides the Bus" bring alive Valli's attributes and experiences through its narrative style ?

Explain why time is probably one of the most valuable possessions that one intensely regrets losing. (The Ball Poem)

Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each : $2 \times 3 = 6$

Working through his project of collecting and tagging butterflies, Ebright developed a scientific temperament. Elaborate. (Making of a Scientist)

Mention how Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. (The Midnight Visitor)

Mention any two reasons that substantiate that Bholi's mother was a negative presence in her life. (Bholi)

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :

Examine the similarities and differences between the tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" and the dragon in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon".

"The Sermon at Benaras" and "For Anne Gregory", deal with the themes of 'love' and 'life'. Discuss.

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :

Evaluate how "A Triumph of Surgery" is a lesson in thoughtful parenting.

Evaluate how "The Necklace" critiques the obsession with appearances and social status.