Academic Year 2025 -2026

Model Examination
Subject: English Grade: X Max Marks :80

Date: /05/2025 Duration: 3 hours No. of Pages: 13

General instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

• The question paper comprises of 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.

• The Question paper contains THREE sections:
Section -A: Reading Skills 20 marks
Section -B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20 marks
Section -C: Literature 40 marks
• Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A 20
Reading Skills Marks
I. Read the following passage. 10
Marks
1. The average computer user has between 5 and 15 1x10
username/password combinations to log in to email accounts, social
networking sites, discussion boards, news and entertainment sites,
online stores, online banking accounts, or other websites. For people
who use email or other internet applications at work, the number of
required username/password combinations may surpass thirty. Some
of these accounts demand that you use a specific number of symbols
and digits, while others require you to change your password every 60
days. When you add to this list the code needed to access things like
ATMs, home alarm systems, padlocks, or voicemail, the number of
passwords becomes staggering. The feeling of frustration that results
from maintaining a memorized list of login credentials has grown so
prevalent that it has a name: password fatigue.
2. Having to remember so many different passwords is irritating, but it
can also be dangerous. Because it is virtually impossible to remember
a unique password for each of these accounts, many people leave
handwritten lists of usernames and passwords on or next to their
computers. Others solve this problem by using the same password for
every account or using extremely simple passwords. While these
practices make it easier to remember login information, they also
make it exponentially easier for thieves to hack into accounts.
3. Single sign-on (SSO) authentication and password management
software can help mitigate this problem, but there are drawbacks to
both approaches. SSO authentication can be used for related, but
independent software systems. With SSO, users log in once to access
a variety of different applications. Users only need to remember one

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 password to log in to the main system; the SSO software then
automatically logs the user into other accounts within the system.
SSO software is typically used by large companies, schools, or
libraries. Password management software, such as KeePass and
Password Safe, is most often used on personal computers. These
software programs—which have been built into many major web
browsers—store passwords in a remote database and automatically
“remember” users’ passwords for a variety of sites.
4. The problem with both SSO authentication and password
management software is that the features that make them useful is
also what makes them vulnerable. If a user loses or forgets the
password required to log in to SSO software, the user will then lose
access to all the applications linked to the SSO account. Furthermore,
if a hacker can crack the SSO password, he or she will then have
access to all the linked accounts. Users who rely on password
management software are susceptible to the same problems, but they
also incur the added threat of passwords being compromised because
of computer theft.
5. Although most websites or network systems allow users to recover or
change lost passwords by providing email addresses or answering a
prompt, this process can waste time and cause further frustration.
What is more, recovering a forgotten password is only a temporary
solution; it does not address the larger problem of password fatigue.
6. Some computer scientists have suggested that instead of passwords,
computers rely on biometrics. This is a method of recognizing human
users based on unique traits, such as fingerprints, voice, or DNA.
Biometric identification is currently used by some government
agencies and private companies, including the Department of Defense
and Disney World. While biometrics would certainly eliminate the need
for people to remember passwords, the use of biometrics raises ethical
questions concerning privacy and can also be expensive to implement.
7. The problems associated with SSO, password management software,
and biometrics continue to stimulate software engineers and computer
security experts to search for the cure for password fatigue. Until they
find the perfect solution, however, everyone will simply have to rely on
the flawed password system currently in place.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.

1) Which of the following best describes the organization of the 1
passage?
A. The passage organizes ideas in order of increasing importance.
B. The author presents an argument and then uses evidence to dismiss
opposing views.
C. The author explains a problem, explores solutions, and then
dismisses these solutions as inadequate.
D. The author explains a problem and then persuades readers to agree
with his or her solution to the problem.

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2) Identify if the statement is true or false.
Single sign-on (SSO) authentication allows users to log in to multiple
applications with different passwords. (paragraph 3) 1

3) Assertion: SSO authentication is primarily used by individual users

for personal accounts.
Reasoning: SSO software enables users to log in once to access
various applications without needing to remember multiple passwords.
(paragraph 3)

Options:
A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning correctly
explains the assertion.
B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning does not
correctly explain the assertion.
C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.
D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true. 1

4) As used in paragraph 3, which is the best synonym for mitigate?

A. predict
B. postpone
C. investigate
D. lessen 2

5) Complete the sentence meaningfully.

According to the passage, SSO authentication software may be
safer than password management software because …………. (para 4) 1

6) Which situation best illustrates the ethical questions concerning

privacy raised using biometrics, as noted in paragraph 6 of the
text?
A. A company uses biometrics to allow employees to log into their
computers without needing a password.
B. A theme park uses biometrics to verify tickets for faster entry into the
park.
C. A government agency collects biometric data from citizens, but there
are concerns that the data may be shared with third parties without
consent.
D. A smartphone company uses fingerprint recognition to unlock
devices for added security. 2

7) What are two advantages and two disadvantages of using

biometrics for authentication as mentioned in the passage?
(paragraph 6)
1
8) What does the term "password fatigue" refer to, as used by the
writer in paragraph 5?

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II. Read the passage given below. 10
marks

1. Cryptocurrency has transformed how people view money, banking,

and investments. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies
operate on decentralized networks using blockchain technology to
record transactions. This decentralized system means they are not
controlled by any government or bank. Bitcoin, created in 2009 by an
anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto, was the
first cryptocurrency.
2. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that serve as a medium of
exchange, relying on cryptography to secure transactions and control
the creation of new units. Blockchain technology, the pillar of
cryptocurrencies, is a distributed ledger that records every
transaction across a network of computers. This ensures security, as
altering transaction data without network consensus is impossible.
3. The appeal of cryptocurrencies lies in their ability to enable peer-to-
peer transactions without intermediaries, reducing costs and
speeding up transfers. This is especially useful for international
transactions. Additionally, cryptocurrency transactions offer privacy,
allowing users to trade without revealing their identity. However, this
anonymity has led to concerns about illegal activities, including
money laundering and dark web transactions.
4. Bitcoin, the most prominent cryptocurrency, reached a peak value of
nearly $69,000 in November 2021 before experiencing price volatility
in 2022. The cryptocurrency market is known for its dramatic
fluctuations, influenced by factors like speculation, regulations, and
technological developments. Despite this, the market continues to
grow, with thousands of alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) such
as Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), and Cardano gaining prominence.
5. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market
capitalization, has introduced smart contract functionality, allowing
developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on its
blockchain. Other altcoins, such as Binance Coin and Cardano, offer
unique features that distinguish them from Bitcoin.
6. Despite its growth, cryptocurrency faces challenges. A major concern
is the lack of regulation, which leaves investors vulnerable to fraud
and hacking. Additionally, the environmental impact of
cryptocurrency mining, especially Bitcoin, has raised alarm due to its
significant energy consumption.
7. Nevertheless, cryptocurrencies are becoming more mainstream.
Major companies like Tesla and PayPal have embraced them, and in
2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal
tender. As technology continues to evolve, cryptocurrency is
expanding beyond just a digital currency into decentralized finance
(DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

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Data: Top Cryptocurrencies by Market Capitalization (2024)
Cryptocurrency Market Cap (in USD) Price (per unit) 24h Volume (in USD)

Bitcoin (BTC) $680 billion $34,000 $25 billion

Ethereum (ETH) $250 billion $1,800 $15 billion

Binance Coin (BNB) $40 billion $260 $1.5 billion

XRP (Ripple) $35 billion $0.55 $2.5 billion

Cardano (ADA) $10 billion $0.28 $1 billion

1. Identify whether the statement given is true or false. 1

Bitcoin, created in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency and is controlled
by a central bank. (F) (para 1)

2. Explain how cryptocurrencies differ from traditional currencies 1

in terms of control and technology. (para 1)

3. What is the primary technology used as the backbone of 1

cryptocurrencies? (para 2)
A. Cloud Computing
B. Blockchain
C. Artificial Intelligence
D. Quantum Computing

4. List two problems that one can have while doing 2

cryptocurrency transactions. (para 3)

5. Complete the following with suitable reasons. 1

Despite its price volatility, the cryptocurrency market
continues to grow___________________ (para 4)

6. Find the synonym for ‘Autonomous’ in the 5th paragraph.

1
(decentralized)

7. Fill in the blanks.

People become vulnerable and cryptocurrency becomes a challenge
1
due to ______________ (para 6)

8. Compare the 24-hour trading volume of Bitcoin (BTC) and

1
Ethereum (ETH). Which one has a higher trading volume?

9. Non-fungible refers to something that is unique and cannot be

1
replaced or exchanged with something of equal value. A non-
fungible item has distinct characteristics that make it irreplaceable.

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 Find the correct example for ‘non-fungible’ from those given
below.
A. A painting by Michealangelo.
B. Shares of publicly traded companies
C. Gold and silver jewellery
D. Loyalty program points

SECTION B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Grammar
III. Complete ANY 10 of the following twelve tasks, as directed. 10
marks
1. Read the conversation between Samson and Wilson given below and 1
report Samson’s needs.
Samson: I am looking for a new employee who will be honest,
hardworking, and resolute.
Wilson: Well in that case you should hire me.
One day Samson and Wilson were in conversation. Samson remarked
that -------------------honest, hardworking, and dedicated.

2. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine 1

report and supply the correction.
The brilliant performance of students as they presented songs, dances,
fancy dress shows, and one-act plays kept an audience spellbound for
three hours.

Use the given format for your response.

ERROR CORRECTION

3. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an 1

online update.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on state
governments to ensure continuous improvement of the Orientation
Camp facilities and ______ logistical arrangements.

A. every
B. each
C. another
D. other

4. Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete the opening lines 1
of a resume.
I am a seasoned and innovative event planner with over 6 years of
experience in the Atlanta entertainment industry. I have organized and
executed events with an attendance of 500+ people. I _________________a
strong relationship with local leaders and community members.

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 A. authenticate
B. retain
C. establish
D. preserve

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete an 1

5. official announcement.
This is an announcement for all the house members.
Kindly be ready for the morning yoga class. You are ___________ to
come to the turf with your yoga mat at sharp 8 am Wednesday the 20th
of November.

A. supposed
B. expected
C. requested
D. instructed
Read Mahi’s request to her teacher for early exit.
6. I have an appointment with the dentist today at 1 pm. Can I leave
today by the 11:30 am bus? 1
Report Mahi’s reply by completing the following sentence
correctly.
Mahi requested her teacher if _______________________________________
as she had an appointment with the dentist at 1 pm.

7. Detect the error and supply the correction on this amazing

introduction style of a podcast. 1
"Joe Rogan is often considered the leading figure in the chat
show/interview genre, and his intro reflects this status. He uses a jingle
and graphic logo to emphasize the show’s name. By sharing a personal
anecdote related to the guests’ area of expertise, Joe smoothly introduces
it."

Error Correction

8. Select the correct option to complete the given sentence from the 1
school science laboratory.
Tasting or smelling chemicals or biological cultures ________ be
dangerous or deadly.

A. must
B. would
C. can
D. ought to be

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9. Fill in the blanks by using the correct form of the word in the
bracket for the given portion of the letter.
Sub: Permission to participate in CBSE clusters 2024-25
It is a matter of immense pleasure to inform you that our school
_______________ (get) permission to take part in the CBSE Clusters 2024-
25 held at Noida.

10. Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with correct 1
options.
Can you hear that noise? It is so annoying. I don’t understand how you
____________ it.
A. put it up with
B. are putting up with it.
C. put up with it.
D. have put up with it.

11. 1
Read the billboard given by Burger King.

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence meaningfully.

This billboard _________that if you buy one burger you can get another
one which could be a whopper.

A. explains
B. portrays
C. says
D. depicts

Identify the error in the sentence given and correct it by choosing 1

12. the correct option from the table below.

Delhi government have announced a complete ban on the production

storage and use of any types of firecrackers.

Error Correction
Have has
on in
any some
type types

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 Creative Writing Skills

Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for
assessment purpose.
Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below. 5

IV A. You are Meera Sharma/ Mahesh Sharma, a concerned resident of

Jaipur. Write a letter of complaint in about 120 words to the Chief of the
Water Conservation Board at Jal Samrakshan Bhavan, Rajasthan,
highlighting the issue of water wastage in your city. Suggest measures
to improve water conservation through public awareness campaigns and
government policies.
Focus on environmental issues, community involvement and
government action.

OR
IV B. You are Druv/Drithi, residing at #27, Sanjana Apartments, T K Road,
Hyderabad. Recently, three students from your residential complex have
taken the initiative to keep the area clean as part of the Clean City
Campaign. Deeply impressed by their commitment, you feel their actions
should be acknowledged. Draft a letter to the editor that highlights their
contribution and urges the newspaper to recognize such efforts. Also,
propose additional ways to promote and appreciate similar acts of
community service in the future. (100 to 120 words)
Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below. 5

VA Read the paragraph given and analyse the situation either by going
for it or against it. (100 to 120 words)
Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing
food will understand how important farmers are, and why it's important
to take care of our Earth. In the world of today, gardening needs to be
given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools
because it creates environmental stewards and outdoor learning
laboratories that help the child and community for years to come.

OR

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V B.
The bar graph below shows the number of books read by students from
different classes (Class 6 to Class 10) during the academic year. Study
the graph carefully and write an analytical paragraph in about 120
words. Focus on comparing the reading habits of students from different
classes, identifying trends, and suggesting reasons for any noticeable
differences.

VI. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two questions 5
given below. marks

A. The way a crow

Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

1. What does the crow and the hemlock tree in the poem represent?
a) Hope and happiness 1
b) Bad luck and sorrow
c) The poet’s mood
d) the change of heart

2. What did the poet think of the day before the fall of dust of snow on him? 1
a) unfortunate
b) fruitful
c) content
d) filled with surprises

3. What is the central idea of the poem? 1

4. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘saved some part of the day’? 2

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 OR

B. What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,

What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over – there it is in the water!
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.

1. Name the poetic device the poet has used in the first 4 lines of the poem. 1
a) inversion, simile, metaphor
b) anaphora, repetition, inversion
c) personification, inversion, oxymoron
d) transferred epithet, anaphora, repetition

2. Why does the poet feel that’s it’s no use telling the boy that there are
other balls? 1
a) he is small to understand.
b) he may not like hearing that
c) The loss is of major consequence to the boy.
d) He would not listen to him.
3. Merrily bouncing is an example of _____________________ 1

4. Give two examples from the poem to show that he was shocked at his 2
loss.
VII. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two questions 5
given below. marks

A. One evening he came home with a small bundle of notes, saying he had
just sold a book to a publisher. At night, I saw him tuck the money under
the mattress. I had been working for Anil for almost a month and, apart
from cheating on the shopping, had not done anything in my line of work.
I had every opportunity for doing so. Anil had given me a key to the door,
and I could come and go as I pleased. He was the most trusting person
I had ever met.
1. What was Anil’s job? 1

2. Who is the ‘I’ here and what was he planning?

Apart from cheating on the shopping Anil also

a) washed his clothes, cooked food for him and cleaned his house. 1
b) cooked food, and earned money by running errands
c) he cooked food, washed his clothes only
d) Only cooked food

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 1
3. What was the speaker’s line of work?

4. Mention two things from the passages which prove that Anil did not 2
doubt the narrator.
OR

B. Eager to get away from crowded London he took a train to the village of
Iping, where he booked two rooms at the local inn. The arrival of a
stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual event. A stranger
of such uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging. Mrs. Hall, the
landlord’s wife, made every effort to be friendly. But Griffin had no desire
to talk, and told her, “My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for
solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident
has affected my face.”

1. Why was Griffin eager to get away from crowded London? 1

2. Find the meaning of all tongues wagging from the sentences given below. 1
a) After the chef served the delicious meal, all tongues were wagging in
delight at the spicy flavors.
b) The politician's sudden resignation set all tongues wagging across the
country.
c) During the marathon, the runners’ tongues were wagging from
exhaustion.
d) She trained her dog so well that its tongue wagged every time it heard
a command.
3. If abnormal: unusual then Loneliness: _______________ 1

4. “I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident has 2

affected my face.” Explain why Griffin said this and what the accident he
was speaking about was.

VIII Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 4x3=12
words

1. Why did the tiger in the poem behave indifferently towards the visitors?

2. Discuss how the boy’s experience of losing his ball in the ‘Ball Poem’
parallels the teachings of Buddha on dealing with loss and suffering in
‘The Sermon at Banaras’

3. “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost use natural imagery to convey moments

of change and reflection. Discuss how the poem symbolizes unexpected
shifts in perspective.

4. Comment on the faith of Lencho in the lesson ‘A Letter to God’.

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 What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How
does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and
5. honourable freedoms”?
How does the boy in the ball poem learn about the epistemology of
loss?

6. What lesson did Kisa Gautami learn when she went around asking for
a handful of mustard?
IX Answer ANY TWO of the following five questions, in about 40-50 2x3=6
words
1. What lessons can be drawn about the importance of education from the
lesson ‘The Thief’s Story’?
2. Mrs. Pumphrey was not a good pet owner. Why? Explain your
understanding by giving examples from the text.
3. How did the invisible man manage to escape from the police and people
of Iping?
4. Describe Anil’s character in brief.
X Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 1x6=6
words
1. Both the poem “The Tiger in the Zoo” and the Lesson “Long Walk for
Freedom- Nelson Mandela” explore themes of captivity and thirst for
freedom. Discuss how the thoughts of the tiger in the poem parallels
Mandela’s dream of independence in the story. How do both works
highlight the characters’ desire to break away from their confined worlds
and experience life on their own terms?

OR

2. In “The Dust of Snow,” Robert Frost explores the transformative power

of nature. How does the poet use an ordinary moment in nature to show
the power of nature? Elucidate.

XI. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 1x6=6
words
1. Imagine you are Griffin, the invisible man. Write a detailed diary entry
reflecting on the ethical and moral implications of your actions since
becoming invisible. Consider the impact of your invisibility on others and
on your own humanity. How do you justify your actions, and what
internal conflicts do you face because of your choices?

OR
2. Trust and compassion can transform a person. Justify this statement in
the light of the lesson ‘The Thief’s Journey’?

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