General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections:
- SECTION A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
- SECTION B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks)
- SECTION C: Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text (40 Marks)
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
- Adhere strictly to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
(1) In an interconnected world characterized by constant sensory stimulation, silence has become one of our rarest and most undervalued resources. Modern urban life subjects human physiology to an unrelenting barrage of auditory inputsβtraffic hums, industrial machinery, electronic notifications, and synthetic background media. While humans adapt behaviorally to ambient noise, chronic acoustic exposure places covert physiological stress on our nervous systems.
(2) Medical research indicates that prolonged noise pollution triggers the body’s autonomic fight-or-flight response, elevating baseline cortisol levels, accelerating resting heart rates, and fragmenting restorative sleep cycles. When the brain is denied periods of cognitive quiet, the neural circuits responsible for executive function, emotional regulation, and deep reflection experience chronic depletion. Silence, conversely, acts as an active biological restorer. Neurobiological studies demonstrate that two hours of uninterrupted quiet each day stimulates cell development in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with memory formation and learning.
(3) The value of quietude extends beyond neurobiology into creative and moral domains. Historical innovators, philosophers, and writers have long recognized intentional seclusion as a prerequisite for breakthrough insight. The human mind requires unhurried space to synthesize disparate ideas, test hypotheses, and confront ethical questions. Constant digital chatter forces the brain into superficial reactive patterns, leaving little opportunity for sustained contemplation or moral discernment.
(4) Cultivating pockets of silence in modern life does not require moving to an isolated wilderness; it demands structured digital boundaries. Establishing quiet zones at home, adopting quiet morning routines, and taking screen-free walks in urban green spaces allow neural networks to recalibrate. In an era that equates noise with productivity, choosing intentional stillness is a vital act of self-care and intellectual clarity.
(i) What physiological danger of chronic acoustic exposure is highlighted in paragraph 1? [1]
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately: [1]
Neurobiological research proves that two hours of daily silence benefits the brain by ______________________.
(iii) Explain how constant digital chatter inhibits creative insight and moral discernment, based on paragraph 3. (Answer in about 40 words) [2]
(iv) Select the option that conveys the closest meaning of the word ‘covert’ as used in paragraph 1: [1]
(v) Why does the author describe silence as an “active biological restorer”? [1]
(vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: [1]
Achieving meaningful cognitive quiet requires relocating permanently to a remote wilderness.
(vii) List two practical lifestyle practices mentioned in paragraph 4 that help restore cognitive balance. [2]
(viii) Choose the most appropriate title for the passage: [1]
(1) A 2026 international consumer research study analyzed the rapid adoption of plant-based dietary shifts and alternative protein manufacturing across 40 agricultural economies. Driven by climate consciousness, animal welfare concerns, and personal health goals, global demand for sustainable protein sources grew by an unprecedented 38% over a three-year evaluation cycle.
(2) The environmental audit revealed dramatic resource savings. Producing one kilogram of plant-based protein derived from pulses, legumes, and microalgae required 89% less freshwater, generated 85% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and utilized 92% less arable land compared to conventional livestock farming. Furthermore, incorporating diversified indigenous legumes into crop rotations improved natural soil nitrogen fixation, reducing commercial chemical fertilizer runoff into regional rivers by 44%.
(3) However, consumer trust and supply chain transparency remain critical challenges. In regional markets where clear nutritional labeling and organic source tracking were mandated, consumer repeat-purchase rates reached 72%, compared to only 31% in markets flooded with ultra-processed, sodium-heavy meat analogs. Agricultural economists emphasize that for alternative proteins to achieve long-term food security, producers must prioritize clean-label whole foods over synthetic additives while supporting smallholder farming co-operatives.
(i) What percentage growth in global demand for alternative protein was recorded over the three-year study cycle? [1]
(ii) Identify the primary raw material sources used for sustainable plant protein mentioned in paragraph 2. [1]
(iii) How does incorporating indigenous legumes into crop rotations benefit local water ecosystems? (Answer in 20β30 words) [2]
(iv) Contrast the consumer repeat-purchase rate in transparently labeled markets with that in markets featuring ultra-processed analogs. [2]
(v) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option: [1]
The environmental audit indicated that plant-based protein production cuts land use by ________.
(a) 38%
(b) 44%
(c) 85%
(d) 92%
(vi) State one major recommendation made by agricultural economists to secure the long-term viability of alternative foods. [1]
(vii) State whether the following statement is supported by the passage: [1]
Ultra-processed synthetic food analogs with high sodium levels foster high consumer retention.
(viii) Select the word from paragraph 3 that means ‘compulsory or officially ordered’: [1]
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:
Neither the lead researcher nor the laboratory assistants ________ (was aware / were aware / is aware) of the power failure in the cold storage unit.
(ii) Read the conversation between a heritage tour guide and a tourist. Complete the sentence by reporting the tourist’s query correctly:
Tourist: How old are these temple rock carvings?
Guide: They were carved during the early eighth century.
The tourist asked the guide ______________________.
(iii) Select the correct modal verb to complete the civic guideline:
Every vehicle owner ________ (shall / must / might) renew their vehicle emission fitness certificate before the annual deadline.
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following library sign:
“Borrowers must return all overdue journals to the circulation desk before Friday.”
| Option No. | Error | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | must | can |
| (b) | all | every |
| (c) | overdue | overdued |
| (d) | before | by |
(v) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in brackets:
If the city authorities ________ (strengthen) the storm drainage network in time, the urban flooding would have been prevented.
(vi) Fill in the blank with the appropriate determiner:
Only ________ (a few / a little / many / much) candidates managed to clear the rigorous physical endurance trial.
(vii) Report the conversation between a sports coach and a player:
Coach: Did you practice your backhand stroke this morning?
Player: Yes sir, I practiced it for over two hours.
The coach asked the player if he had practiced his backhand stroke that morning. The player affirmed and said that ______________________.
(viii) Identify the error in the statement from a green tech circular and supply the correction:
“A combination of solar panels and wind turbines provide uninterrupted electricity to the campus.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
(ix) Fill in the blank with the correct verb form:
The council of environmental ministers ________ (has approved / have approved / are approving) the landmark treaty on ocean plastic reduction.
(x) Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb:
Applicants ________ (need not / must not / cannot) submit hard copies of their certificates if they hold a verified DigiLocker account.
(xi) Complete the sentence using the correct verb form:
Consistent reading habits and inquisitive curiosity ________ (shapes / shape / shaping) intellectual maturity.
(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for this public transportation advisory:
“Commuters is advised to maintain queue discipline while boarding the rapid metro train.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
(A) You are Arman/Avani, living at 38, Mayur Vihar Phase-II, Delhi. The vacant plot adjacent to your residential society has turned into an unauthorized dumping ground for construction rubble and plastic waste, attracting stray animals and breeding mosquitoes. Write a formal letter in 100β120 words to the Chief Sanitary Inspector of your Municipal Zone, requesting immediate clearing of the debris and the installation of a perimeter fence to prevent future dumping.
(B) You are Pranav/Pooja, Secretary of the Eco-Club at Lotus Valley School, Gurugram. Write a formal letter of inquiry in 100β120 words to the Marketing Director of M/s Green Earth Solar Solutions, New Delhi, inquiring about the cost, technical specifications, warranty coverage, and installation timeframe for a $20\text{ kW}$ rooftop grid-connected solar power system for your school building.
(A) The horizontal bar graph below illustrates the daily screen time allocation among secondary school students during weekends (Online Gaming: 38%, Social Media Apps: 32%, Educational E-Learning: 18%, Creative Digital Hobbies: 12%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100β120 words evaluating the data, comparing recreational versus productive usage, and highlighting the health consequences of sedentary screen habits.
(B) A civic mobility study surveyed 1000 daily commuters regarding their primary factors when choosing urban transport (Travel Speed & Punctuality: 42%, Cost Affordability: 28%, Physical Comfort & Safety: 20%, Environmental Friendliness: 10%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100β120 words analyzing the commuter priorities, discussing the challenges of promoting green transit, and suggesting improvements.
(A) “We have“`html
(1) In an interconnected world where communication flows seamlessly across borders, the human capacity for active listening has paradoxically declined. Most individuals listen with the intent to reply rather than to understand. While hearing is a physiological process involving the reception of sound waves by the ear, listening is an active psychological discipline requiring deliberate focus, emotional presence, and cognitive restraint. (2) Sociologists observe that our rapid consumption of digital media fosters conversational impatience. When dialogue occurs through text fragments or brief status updates, we develop a habit of anticipating keywords rather than appreciating nuanced thoughts. In face-to-face exchanges, this manifests as premature interruptions, distracted gazes, and an urgency to steer the dialogue toward our own viewpoints. True communication requires creating a receptive mental space where the speaker feels genuinely acknowledged. (3) The consequences of superficial listening are evident in personal and professional spheres. Misunderstandings multiply, team cohesion deteriorates, and empathy diminishes. When dialogue breaks down into competing monologues, collective problem-solving becomes impossible. Complex negotiationsβwhether in community governance, diplomacy, or domestic lifeβdepend entirely upon recognizing subtle emotional subtexts and unspoken concerns. (4) Relearning the art of attentive listening begins with conscious practice. Giving undivided attention, refraining from immediate judgment, and reflecting upon the speaker’s perspective before offering a solution are essential steps. By transforming casual exchanges into meaningful dialogues, we rebuild trust, strengthen social bonds, and deepen our shared human understanding. (i) What primary difference does the author establish between ‘hearing’ and ‘listening’ in paragraph 1? [1] (ii) Complete the following sentence suitably: [1] (iii) Explain how superficial listening harms collaborative efforts and negotiations based on paragraph 3. (Answer in about 40 words) [2] (iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of the word ‘superficial’ as used in paragraph 3: [1] (v) What does the author mean by the phrase “competing monologues”? [1] (vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: [1] (vii) List two practical habits mentioned in paragraph 4 that help a person become an attentive listener. [2] (viii) Choose the most suitable title for the passage: [1] (1) A 2026 urban planning survey across 40 emerging metropolitan zones examined the impact of public urban green spaces on community health and local climate moderation. Researchers monitored air quality indices, ambient surface temperatures, and residents’ physical activity over two consecutive summer and monsoon seasons. (2) The findings revealed that neighborhoods located within a 500-meter radius of well-maintained urban forests and community parks recorded ambient summer temperatures that were 3.5Β°C lower than heavily paved commercial districts, effectively reducing the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, micro-particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$) levels in green corridors were 28% lower due to the natural canopy filtering action of native tree species. (3) The survey also highlighted significant psychological and social benefits. Residential sectors with accessible park networks reported a 45% increase in weekly outdoor recreational activity and a 38% reduction in stress-related health visits. However, the study noted that nearly 60% of peripheral urban expansions lacked dedicated zoning for public parks. Urban planners emphasize that integrating continuous green belts into city planning is essential for long-term climate adaptation and public well-being. (i) What temperature difference was observed between green neighborhoods and heavily paved districts? [1] (ii) What natural mechanism accounted for the 28% reduction in $PM_{2.5}$ levels in green corridors? [1] (iii) How did access to park networks influence residents’ physical health and medical visits? (Answer in 20β30 words) [2] (iv) Discuss the key planning deficiency identified in peripheral urban expansions and why it concerns urban planners. [2] (v) Complete the sentence appropriately: [1] (vi) Identify the distance radius evaluated in the study regarding green park access and ambient cooling. [1] (vii) State one adverse consequence of unmitigated urban heat island effects in densely populated cities. [1] (viii) Select the word from the text which means ‘mitigation or regulation of extremes’ (Paragraph 1): [1] (i) Fill in the blank with the correct verb form from the options: (ii) Read the conversation between a mentor and an intern. Report the intern’s reply correctly: (iii) Select the correct modal verb to complete the classroom regulation: (iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from a museum brochure: (v) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word given in brackets: (vi) Fill in the blank with the appropriate determiner: (vii) Report the conversation between a shopkeeper and a customer: (viii) Identify the error in the sentence from a health magazine and supply the correction: (ix) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: (x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct modal verb: (xi) Complete the slogan for wildlife conservation using the correct verb form: (xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for this public notice: (A) You are Manav/Meera, residing at 14, Sunrise Enclave, Surat. You notice that the stray animal population in your locality has grown rapidly, leading to frequent traffic accidents and safety concerns for school children in the early mornings. Write a formal letter in 100β120 words to the Municipal Health Officer, highlighting these concerns and requesting immediate vaccination, animal birth control drives, and the establishment of local shelter facilities. (B) You are Raghav/Ritu, the Student Activity Coordinator of Greenwood Public School, Dehradun. Write a formal letter of inquiry in 100β120 words to the Manager of Himalayan Adventure Camps, Rishikesh, inquiring about details for a four-day educational trekking and leadership camp for Class 10 students. Inquire about safety protocols, accommodation, meal plans, medical support, and group concession rates. (A) A survey of 500 urban consumers examined the primary factors influencing their purchase of household electronic appliances (Energy Efficiency: 42%, Product Price & Discounts: 28%, Brand Reputation & Warranty: 18%, Smart/IoT Features: 12%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100β120 words summarizing the data, analyzing the consumer shift toward environmental sustainability, and drawing a balanced conclusion. (B) The bar graph below illustrates the daily time spent on physical reading versus digital screen entertainment among school students across five age groups (Ages 10β12: Reading 45 mins, Screens 90 mins; Ages 13β15: Reading 30 mins, Screens 150 mins; Ages 16β18: Reading 20 mins, Screens 210 mins). Write an analytical paragraph in 100β120 words evaluating the trend, discussing its impact on academic concentration, and suggesting remedies. (A) The young seagull remained alone on his ledge while his two brothers and his sister had already flown away the day before. He felt certain that his wings would never support him across the vast expanse of the sea stretching down below. Despite continuous encouragement and scoldings from his parents, who threatened to let him starve unless he flew, fear kept him rooted to his rocky perch. (i) What primary fear prevented the young seagull from attempting to fly like his siblings? [1] (ii) How did the seagull’s parents attempt to motivate him to take flight? [2] (iii) Complete the sentence: The vast expanse of the sea below made the young seagull feel completely ________. [1] (iv) Identify the central theme reflected in the young seagull’s hesitation: [1] (B) In the classroom, Wanda Petronski sat quietly in the corner of Room Thirteen, in the seat where the rough boys who did not get good marks sat. She was a quiet girl who rarely spoke a word to anyone. Most of her classmates only noticed her outside of school hours, when groups of girls gathered to tease her about her claim of possessing a hundred dresses lined up in her closet. (i) Why did Wanda Petronski usually sit in the corner seat of Room Thirteen? [1] (ii) How did her classmates treat her regarding her claim about her wardrobe? [2] (iii) Complete the sentence: Wanda’s quiet demeanour contrasted sharply with the thoughtless ________ of her peers. [1] (iv) What social reality regarding prejudice and empathy is highlighted in this narrative? [1] (A) An ominous shadow glides silently across the forest floor as a caged predator paces restlessly behind concrete walls. Deprived of the sprawling grasslands and the thrill of stalking prey near clear watering holes, the majestic beast listens to the late-night patrol cars, gazing with brilliant eyes at the distant, untouchable stars. (i) Contrast the predator’s natural life in the wild with his captive condition in the zoo. [2] (ii) What does the beast’s act of staring at the brilliant stars signify? [1] (iii) Identify the emotion conveyed by the phrase describing the animal’s restrained pacing behind bars. [1] (iv) Complete the sentence: The contrast between the concrete cage and open grasslands underscores the cruelty of ________. [1] (B) A young girl dreams of escaping repetitive domestic instructions, imagining herself as an orphan walking freely through quiet streets, tracing soft patterns in the dust with bare feet. To her, silence is golden and complete freedom is sweet, far away from constant corrections about posture and tidiness. (i) Why does the girl find solace in imagining herself as an orphan wandering alone? [2] (ii) What sensory detail is associated with her yearning for peaceful solitude? [1] (iii) What does the phrase ‘silence is golden’ reveal about her inner emotional state? [1] (iv) Identify the underlying conflict depicted between the child and the adult voice in the poem. [1] (i) What unexpected tragedy destroyed Lencho’s harvest, and why did he maintain absolute faith in divine help? (A Letter to God) (ii) How does Nelson Mandela define true courage and the nature of hatred in his inauguration address? (Long Walk to Freedom) (iii) What dilemma confronted the pilot of the old Dakota aircraft when he encountered dark storm clouds over Paris? (Two Stories about Flying: The Black Aeroplane) (iv) How does the poet use contrasting elemental forces in ‘Fire and Ice’ to warn humanity about self-destruction? (v) Why was Gautama Buddha moved to renounce his royal life, and what realization did he seek through asceticism? (The Sermon at Benares) (i) How did excessive pampering by Mrs. Pumphrey harm Tricki’s physical health, and what was Dr. Herriot’s simple cure? (A Triumph of Surgery) (ii) Why did Hari Singh decide to return Anil’s stolen money despite having an easy opportunity to escape? (The Thief’s Story) (iii) How did Griffin’s brilliant scientific discovery become a source of lawlessness and trouble for himself and others? (Footprints without Feet) (A) Self-reliance and overcoming internal fear are essential for growth. Compare how the young seagull in His First Flight and the young girl Valli in Madam Rides the Bus muster the courage to explore unfamiliar worlds beyond their comfortable boundaries. (B) Material wealth and possessions cannot shield human beings from the universal reality of loss and grief. Analyze this theme with close reference to Kisa Gotami’s realization in The Sermon at Benares and the child’s experience in The Ball Poem. (A) True nobility lies in recognizing one’s mistakes and valuing honesty over fleeting deceit. Discuss how Anil’s quiet forgiveness and trust transformed Hari Singh in The Thief’s Story, contrasting it with Horace Danby’s betrayal by a fellow thief in A Question of Trust. (B) Social conditioning often suppresses individual self-worth until compassionate guidance unlocks true potential. Elaborate on this statement with reference to how Bholi overcame years of ridicule and marginalization through the transformative power of education.General Instructions:
According to sociologists, our rapid consumption of digital media leads to ______________________ in daily conversations.
Listening is an involuntary biological mechanism that requires no conscious cognitive effort.
The primary objective of creating continuous urban green belts is to ensure ________.
(a) rapid commercial land monetization
(b) climate resilience and sustainable community well-being
(c) expansion of private vehicular roads
(d) replacement of native plant species with artificial lawns
Neither the principal nor the teachers ________ (was / were / is) in favour of postponing the annual cultural festival.
Mentor: Have you completed the data analysis for the quarterly review?
Intern: I finished compiling the report late last night.
The mentor asked if the intern had completed the data analysis for the quarterly review. The intern replied that ______________________.
Students ________ (must / may / might) submit their completed laboratory journals before the practical examination begins.
“A group of ancient stone sculptures were discovered near the river bank.”Option No. Error Correction (a) group groups (b) were was (c) discovered discovering (d) near at
By the time the fire engines reached the warehouse, the security guards ________ (already evacuate) all the workers safely.
There is ________ (little / few / many / several) hope of reviving the dried-up stream without continuous monsoon rains.
Customer: Can you exchange this defective charging cable?
Shopkeeper: Please show me the purchase receipt.
The customer requested the shopkeeper to exchange that defective charging cable, to which the shopkeeper requested the customer ______________________.
“Regular physical exercise and mindful eating habits helps in maintaining mental agility.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
The committee ________ (has submitted / have submitted / are submitting) its annual financial audit report to the board.
You ________ (need not / must not / cannot) bring extra notebooks since all digital worksheets will be provided in class.
Protect our forests, and nature ________ (protects / protected / protecting) your future.
“Every member of the volunteer team are expected to arrive punctually at 8:00 AM.”
Use the format: Error | Correction