Scoring high in the CBSE Class 10 English board exam requires not only strong language skills but also a strategic approach to answering questions. In this post, we provide a complete question paper, topper’s answer sheet screenshots, and a detailed breakdown of how top scorers structure their answers.
By analyzing the topper’s response, you can learn:
✔️ How to frame answers effectively
✔️ Proper formatting for maximum marks
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid
CBSE Class 10 English 2024 Board Exam Question Paper
Series DDCC3/1 SET-2
Q.P. Code: 2/1/2
NOTE
(I) Please check that this question paper contains 15 printed pages.
(II) Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.
(III) Q.P. Code given on the right-hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.
(IV) Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer-book before attempting it.
(V) 15-minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the candidates will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period.
ENGLISH
(Language and Literature)
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
- (i) This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- (ii) The question paper contains THREE sections –
- Section – A: Reading Skills
- Section – B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
- Section – C: Literature Text Book
- (iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
SECTION – A: READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
1. Read the text given below: (10 Marks)
(1) Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
(2) A recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource, or personal well-being in times of crisis. It has also underscored the sector’s potential to generate economic growth, something which is too often underestimated.
(3) With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative potential of the world’s diverse cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.
(4) Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability, and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual life. This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.
(5) At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity—in particular through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs)—are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect, and mutual understanding.
(6) In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Next, in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development, affirming culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the world, and recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
(7) The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to achieve the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage:
(i) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 points to describe the purpose of UNESCO leading the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
- (a) _____
- (b) _____
(ii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence from para (2):
"The recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource, or personal well-being in times of crisis."
(A) the real worth of the cultural sector at generating social cohesion during pandemics
(B) the real worth of the creative sector at undermining social cohesion during an international emergency
(C) questioning the real worth of the creative sector at generating education resource during an international emergency
(D) highlighting the real worth of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion and educational resource during an international emergency
(iii) Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved.
(iv) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph (4)? Rationalize your response in about 40 words: "Cultural diversity is an asset."
(v) The phrase 'bridging the gap' in paragraph (4) refers to:
(A) widening the differences
(B) connecting two desperate ideas
(C) supporting the bridging
(D) filling in the space between two connected things
(vi) In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms.
a. richness and poverty
b. intellectual and moral
c. reduction and promotion
d. essential and intrinsic
e. urgent and crucial
Options:
(A) a and c
(B) b and e
(C) d and e
(D) b and d
(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 2015 adopted ______.
(viii) Complete the following sentence:
_______ is urgent and necessary for peace, stability, and development.
Ans.
2. Read the extract given below: (10 Marks)
(1) The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of education, including the educational structure, regulations, and governance, to create a new system that is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st-century students. According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education, for which a clear action plan with targets and timelines is to be developed.
(2) The policy aims to overcome the social status hierarchy associated with skill education and integrate skill education into mainstream education in all educational institutions in a phased manner. Beginning with skill exposure at early ages in middle and secondary school, quality skill education will be integrated smoothly into school and higher education.
(3) Every child will learn at least one skill and is exposed to several more. This would lead to emphasizing the dignity of labour and the importance of various vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
(4) The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of ‘academic’ or other capacities. To achieve this objective, secondary schools will have to collaborate with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnics, Local Industry, etc. Skill labs will also be set up and created in the schools in a Hub and Spoke model, which will allow other schools to use the facility. Higher education institutions will offer skill education either on their own or in partnership with industry and other institutions.
Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions given below:
(i) Based on the reading of the extract, list 2 objectives of NEP 2020.
(ii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from those given in the brackets, based on the understanding of paragraph (4):
The statement:
“The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of academic or other capacities” is a / an _____ (fact / opinion) because it is a / an _____ (subjective judgement / objective detail).
(iii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the statement given below:
“According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education.”
(A) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(B) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(C) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
(D) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
(iv) Based on the understanding of the passage, complete the following statement appropriately:
The benefit of the hub and spoke model will be _______.
(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase from paragraph (3):
Racism : condemn :: _______ : respect
(vi) As per the Global Scenario, which country has the maximum percentage of students in Skill Education, and what can be the possible reason?
(vii) Fill in the following blank choosing the most appropriate option from the ones given below:
As per NEP 2020, skill exposure will begin at _______.
(A) middle and secondary school
(B) primary school
(C) higher school
(D) senior secondary school
(viii) Justify the statement – ‘The NEP will create an awareness and appreciation of Indian arts and artisanship.’
Ans.
Section A: Reading Comprehension
| Question | Topper’s Strategy |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Unseen Passage) | Highlighted key points, wrote answers concisely |
| Q2 (Unseen Passage) | Used synonyms, maintained clarity |
🔍 Takeaway: Write answers in short, precise sentences and underline keywords to help the examiner.
SECTION – B: GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (20 Marks)
GRAMMAR
3. Complete ANY TEN of the following twelve tasks, as directed: (10×1=10)
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:
Dear Sir,
It was agreed that the teacher would ______ (organise) the science fair for the students of grade 8.
(ii) Read the given sentence from a recipe review article. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence:
"The soup recipe didn’t turned out as expected, it was lacking in flavour."
Use the given format for your response:
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
(iii) Read the conversation given below between a receptionist and a guest. Complete the sentence by filling in the blank:
Receptionist: Good to see you again, sir!
Guest: Indeed, it’s always nice to be back here.
The guest replied that _______.
(iv) Read the dialogue between Raashi and Ratul regarding volunteer work:
Raashi: What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
Ratul: Seeing the positive impact we can make in people’s lives is the most rewarding part.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Raashi asked Ratul about the most rewarding part of volunteering. Ratul expressed that seeing the __ is the most rewarding part.
(A) positive impact we can make in people’s lives
(B) positive impact they can make in people’s lives
(C) positive impact they could make in people’s lives
(D) positive impact we could make in people’s lives
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from the bracket, to complete the sentence:
The quarterly performance report is attached and ______ (these / that / it) requires immediate attention from the management team.
(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence taken from a case study:
“We specializes in arranging bespoke tours to exotic locations around the world.”
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction in the given sentence:
"She wants to learns how to play the piano."
| Option | Error | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | want | wanted |
| (B) | learns | learn |
| (C) | play | played |
| (D) | play | plays |
(viii) The management felt that the company _______ include corporate social responsibility as part of its mission statement and work for the betterment of society.
(A) must
(B) ought
(C) need
(D) might
(ix) Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence:
Vendor: Have you been busy lately?
Customer: Yes, I have been very occupied with work this week.
The vendor asked his customer if he had been busy of late. The customer confirmed this, stating that _______.
(x) The residents _______ eagerly for the young ones to visit them every Sunday and bring cheer to their lonely lives:
(A) has waited
(B) has been waiting
(C) were waiting
(D) waited
(xi) Complete the line from a self-awareness song, by filling in the blank with the correct option:
"The autumn breeze cradles your thoughts,
The falling leaves _____ your melancholy,
The Sunset paints your mood,
As the evening ushers in the night."
(A) share
(B) shares
(C) shared
(D) shall share
(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for this line from a health study:
"The research explores the correlation of physical activity and mental health."
Use the given format for your response:
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
Ans.
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below: (5 Marks)
(A) You are Soumya/Soham, living at 43-B, Blue Apartments, Prashant Lok. You wish to take up a three-week summer course in baking after finishing your class X board exams. Write a letter in about 120 words, to the Principal of Excellent Cooking, Block-D, Mahesh Enclave, seeking information about the course structure, course duration, fees, class timings, on-job training, etc.
OR
(B) You are Punit/Punita of Eric India Pvt. Ltd., Saman Chowk. You have received the reply to your letter of inquiry from Lifeway India Company. You feel confident about the company’s terms and conditions. Write a letter placing an order for the furniture for your office, that you had mentioned in the previous communication. Include a reference to your previous letter. Remember to mention quantity, quality, mode of payment, delivery date, and discount.
Ans.
5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below: (5 Marks)
(A) The chart given below displays data about the number of gyms and the number of members in your city over the past decade. Write a paragraph analyzing the given data:
OR
(B) You are a teacher in New City Global School. The given bar graph shows a comparative analysis of students’ performance in different subjects in the terminal exam. Write an analytical paragraph on the variation in the performances of students in about 120 words:
Ans.
Note: Do not change paragraphs (as topper has done by mistake) in Analytical Paragraph writing. It should be written in a single paragraph.
Section B: Writing & Grammar
| Question | Topper’s Approach | Mistakes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | Used formal tone, proper format, and bullet points | Avoid informal language |
| Analytical Paragraph | Included data, structured arguments, and conclusion | Don't exceed word limit |
| Grammar (Gap Filling) | Wrote grammatically correct sentences | Avoid unnecessary word additions |
✅ Pro Tip: Always proofread your writing section to avoid grammatical errors.
SECTION – C: LITERATURE TEXT BOOK (40 Marks)
6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two: (5 Marks)
(A) On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognized the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.
(i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; “I was overwhelmed with a sense of history.”
(ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that:
(A) confirms the education of the Blacks.
(B) recognizes the rights and freedoms of all people.
(C) recollects the bitter experiences.
(D) focuses on personality development.
(iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘patched up’ in the given sentence from the extract:
“…the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences…”
OR
(B) I started right away at the Montessori Nursery School. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form, my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year, we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.
(i) “In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.” State any one inference about Anne from the above context.
(ii) The first education of Anne started at __.
(A) some Kindergarten School
(B) a Nursery School
(C) Montessori Nursery School
(D) Elementary School
(iii) Who was Mrs. Kuperus? What kind of relationship did Anne share with her?
(iv) Substitute the word ‘heartbreaking’ with a word similar in meaning in the following sentence:
“At the end of the year, we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell.”
Ans.
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two: (5 Marks)
(A) He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
(i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat.
(ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be “Snarling around houses at the jungle’s edge,” what does he insinuate about the tiger’s natural behaviour and habitat?
(iii) The poet’s skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘quiet rage’ in the given sentence from the extract?
“The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his ‘quiet rage.’”
OR
(B) No use to say ‘O there are other balls
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where his ball went.
I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
He is learning…..
(i) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude towards the boy’s reaction to losing his ball?
(A) Indifferent as the ball is inexpensive
(B) Sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy’s loss
(C) Mocking, finding the boy’s reaction exaggerated and unnecessary
(D) Panicked, sharing the boy’s distress over the lost ball
(ii) Comment on the use of metaphor in the above extract.
(iii) Explain the phrase ‘all his young days into the harbour’ with reference to the extract.
(iv) Briefly state in about 40 words the boy’s journey from ‘shaking grief’ to ‘he is learning’ in the above extract.
Ans.
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in 40-50 words each: (4×3=12 Marks)
(i) What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ initially? What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect? Comment.
(ii) How far would you agree that one’s positivity can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse circumstances?
(iii) What makes Custard, the dragon, look fearsome? Explain.
(iv) Explain why the speaker mentions God in the poem “For Anne Gregory.”
(v) What message might the Buddha’s story hold for those who are in positions of power and privilege?
Ans.
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: (2×3=6 Marks)
(i) Scientists contribute to making the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify. (Footprints Without Feet)
(ii) Why did Bholi’s teacher feel like an artist admiring her masterpiece? (Bholi)
(iii) Why was Madam Loisel shocked at the end of the story? (The Necklace)
Ans.
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words: (6 Marks)
(i) In the chapter ‘A Baker from Goa,’ the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words, write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in ‘A Baker from Goa’ to that of Nelson Mandela.
You may begin this way:
"Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by….."
Reference: A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
OR
(ii) Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda’ is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world, whereas Anne is a chatterbox. What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words.
Ans.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words: (6 Marks)
(i) How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and outmaneuver the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint? (A Question of Trust)
OR
(ii) Hari Singh says – “He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at all. Elaborate based on your reading of The Thief’s Story.
Ans.
Section C: Literature
| Question | Topper’s Answer Style | Examiner’s Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Character Sketch | Provided textual evidence with quotes | Well-structured & to the point |
| Extract-Based Qs | Linked answers to context & theme | Answered exactly what was asked |
| Value-Based Qs | Justified points with real-life examples | Logical & well-reasoned |
🔹 Key Learning: Avoid storytelling in literature answers; focus on analysis & textual references.
Topper’s Tips to Score 90+ in English
✔ Stick to the word limit – Don’t overwrite.
✔ Underline important phrases in literature answers.
✔ Use formal tone in writing section responses.
✔ Follow proper letter format – salutation, body, conclusion.
✔ Practice time management – allocate time to each section.
Download Topper’s Answer Sheet PDF
Final Words: By following the topper’s answer style, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can maximize your marks in the CBSE Class 10 English board exam.
Have any questions or need more sample answers? Drop them in the comments below!
End of Question Paper