The CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2026 (Set-1) is available for download here of CBSE Board Exam 2026. This CBSE 10th English solved question paper includes detailed solutions, answer key, and the latest CBSE marking scheme to help students understand the exam pattern and important topics.

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CBSE Class 10 2026 English Question Paper with Solution PDF – Set 1

 CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2026 (Set 1) Download PDF Check Solutions


Passage:
(1) Pancakes, a beloved breakfast dish across the world, has a surprisingly long and diverse
history. Archaeological evidence shows that people were cooking pancakes 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 “souffl´e 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 jag-
gery. 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 va-
rieties 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.

Question 1:

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


Question 2:

Complete the following with the correct option from the two given:

The uniqueness of the spongy injera, is that ___________.

  • (A) it is both a savoury and a sweet
  • (B) it can be used for cooking and also for eating

Question 3:

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


Question 4:

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)


Question 5:

The word ‘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 soufflé
  • (D) Pitha and patishapta

Question 6:

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 dinner can get creative.
  • (B) Pancakes reflect the 30,000 old lineage of being the first food.

Question 7:

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


Question 8:

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

In the line “warm, edible hugs that are perfect comfort on a bleak day” the phrase ‘warm, edible hugs’ refers to ___________. (Paragraph 6)

  • (A) comfort food provides a sense of emotional security
  • (B) the pancake that represents the history of the region
  • (C) the choice of eating out steaming pancakes
  • (D) the food that gives you energy
Correct Answer: (A)
View Solution

Concept:
Interpretation questions test emotional meaning and tone.

Explanation:
The phrase “warm, edible hugs” suggests emotional comfort and warmth, similar to how comforting food makes a person feel safe and happy. This matches option (A).

Therefore, the correct answer is (A). Quick Tip: When interpreting emotional phrases, focus on tone words like “warm,” “comfort,” or “bleak day” to find the implied feeling.


Passage:
(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.
(2) Internet availability and accessibility By 2021 the number of internet connections
across the country tripled in urban areas because of a higher density of population leading
to an increase in the number of connections. However, despite of incredibly low internet
prices, internet usage in India has yet to reach its full potential. Lack of awareness about the
internet in India persists, especially in rural areas and among women, driven by digital divide,
infrastructure limitations, and a lack of perceived need for the internet. This hinders digital
adoption, with many not knowing how to use the internet or even being aware of its existence.
Targeted awareness campaigns and digital literacy programs are crucial to bridge this gap and
ensure people understand and can benefit from the digital ecosystem.
(3) Digital living Home to one of the largest bases of netizens in the world, India is abuzz
with internet activities being carried out every moment of every day. From information and
research to shopping and entertainment to living in smart homes, Indians have welcomed
digital living with open arms.
Rate of Internet Reach in India

Question 9:

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

Question 10:

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.


Question 11:

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


Question 12:

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

Question 13:

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


Question 14:

Fill in the blank with a suitable word given in brackets:

Infrastructure limitations ___________ digital adoption. (impedes/spurs)


Question 15:

Complete the following with a suitable reason:

An increase in the number of connections in urban areas is because of ___________.


Question 16:

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


Question 17:

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


Question 18:

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 since morning I ___________ anything since morning.

(A) did not eaten
(B) had not eaten
(C) have not eaten
(D) am not eating


Question 19:

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.


Question 20:

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


Question 21:

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 ___________ divided in their opinion. (is/are)


Question 22:

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 _______________

Correct Answer:
View Solution

Concept:
Requests in reported speech use “asked + object + to + verb.”

Answer:
Somil asked his mother to teach him to swim. Quick Tip: Convert requests using: asked + person + to + verb (e.g., asked me to help, asked her to wait).


Question 23:

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.


Question 24:

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
Correct Answer: (B)
View Solution

Concept:
Contextual vocabulary requires selecting the word that best fits meaning and tone.

Explanation:
The sentence refers to a rule. The word “mandatory” means compulsory, which fits best.

Hence, the correct answer is (B). Quick Tip: Look for context clues — rules and regulations usually require words like “mandatory” or “compulsory.”


Question 25:

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

Question 26:

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.


Question 27:

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

Question 28:

Complete the given sentence about the reaction of a tourist by selecting the correct option:

Yesterday you loved the spicy Indian curry, ___________ you?

  • (A) hasn’t
  • (B) weren’t
  • (C) did
  • (D) didn’t

Question 29:

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.


Question 30:

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.


Question 31:

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.


Question 32:

“Improvements in sports infrastructure with a focus on multi-purpose sustainable facilities as well as the integration of technology along with a grassroots centric approach is the key to bring Indian athletes on the world stage.”

Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, expressing your views on how improved infrastructure can help Indian athletes win accolades for the nation.


Question 33:

Read the following details about the characteristics of the Indian start-up ecosystem:

One of the most vibrant and largest in the world
Drives innovation across various fields
Brings unique solutions to major challenges both domestic and international
Has entered various fields – healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture
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 required for these startups.


Extract: “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)

Question 34:

What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech?

  • (A) inspirational
  • (B) assertive
  • (C) conflicted
  • (D) direct

Question 35:

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


Question 36:

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.


Question 37:

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


Extract:

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)

Question 38:

“Elementary, my dear Omega.” What is Think-Tank’s tone in the sentence?

  • (A) patronising
  • (B) admonishing
  • (C) ironic
  • (D) sarcastic

Question 39:

Why does Omega call Think-Tank great and mighty?


Question 40:

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.


Question 41:

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


Extract:

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.
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 – Robert Frost)

Question 42:

Complete the following suitably:

According to Robert Frost, fire refers to ___________.


Question 43:

Fill in the blank with one word:

In the line “But if it has to perish twice,” ‘it’ refers to the ___________.


Question 44:

Select the option with same rhyme scheme as lines in Stanza 1.


Extract: 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)

Question 45:

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

Correct Answer:
View Solution

Concept:
Poets choose words for rhyme, rhythm, and tone, not just meaning.

Answer:
The poet uses the word “nonplus” to maintain rhyme and rhythm in the poem. It also adds a humorous and poetic effect while conveying the idea of confusion. Quick Tip: In poetry, unusual words are often chosen to preserve rhyme and musical flow.


Question 46:

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


Question 47:

Fill in the blank with one word:

The word ‘novice’ signifies a/an ___________ person.

Correct Answer: inexperienced
View Solution

Concept:
Vocabulary questions test understanding of contextual meanings.

Explanation:
A novice is someone new to something and lacking experience. Quick Tip: Use context clues — a novice struggles, so it implies inexperience.


Question 48:

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


Question 49:

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


Question 50:

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


Question 51:

What is the contribution of the extended metaphor in the poem “Fog”?


Question 52:

How does “Madam Rides the Bus” bring out Valli’s attributes and experiences through its narrative style?


Question 53:

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


Question 54:

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


Question 55:

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


Question 56:

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


Question 57:

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


Question 58:

“The Sermon at Benares” and “For Anne Gregory”, deal with the themes of ‘love’ and ‘life’. Discuss.


Question 59:

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


Question 60:

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

CBSE Class 10 2026 English Question Paper and Answer Key (All Sets)