Class 10 English (Communicative) CBSE (Official) Sample Question Paper (2023-24) | CBSE Sample Papers For Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 of 9 
 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.          Max. Marks 80 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Read the following passage 12 m 
A Dirshti was young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless 
books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard 
about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to 
investigate. 
B One night, Dirshti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their 
way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced 
that they were not alone.  
C Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking 
equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered 
the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activity occurred. As they were examining 
the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was 
coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide. 
D They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was 
getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a 
chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold 
as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering 
in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be here." 
E Dirshti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef's eyes. But suddenly, the lights 
flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. 
They had been so scared that they hadn't realized they were in a room with faulty wiring. 
F Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and 
let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment 
caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn't help but feel foolish for getting so worked up 
over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had 
overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard. 
G Dirshti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create 
in our own minds. She realized that she didn't need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills 
and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience 
it without the need for ghosts and ghouls. 
                                                                                                                                                  (Created for academic usage/ 531 words) 
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
I i How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? 
 
1 
Details and instructions 
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.  
2. The Question Paper contains FOUR sections-READING SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS, GRAMMAR and LITERATURE 
TEXTBOOK. 
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 
Page 2


Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 of 9 
 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.          Max. Marks 80 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Read the following passage 12 m 
A Dirshti was young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless 
books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard 
about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to 
investigate. 
B One night, Dirshti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their 
way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced 
that they were not alone.  
C Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking 
equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered 
the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activity occurred. As they were examining 
the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was 
coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide. 
D They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was 
getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a 
chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold 
as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering 
in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be here." 
E Dirshti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef's eyes. But suddenly, the lights 
flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. 
They had been so scared that they hadn't realized they were in a room with faulty wiring. 
F Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and 
let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment 
caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn't help but feel foolish for getting so worked up 
over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had 
overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard. 
G Dirshti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create 
in our own minds. She realized that she didn't need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills 
and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience 
it without the need for ghosts and ghouls. 
                                                                                                                                                  (Created for academic usage/ 531 words) 
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
I i How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? 
 
1 
Details and instructions 
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.  
2. The Question Paper contains FOUR sections-READING SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS, GRAMMAR and LITERATURE 
TEXTBOOK. 
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 of 9 
 
A. It creates a sense of nostalgia. 
B. It provides a sense of false security. 
C. It adds to the suspense in the story. 
D. It presents a contrast with the real world. 
ii List two ways, how the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt, is  
analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream. Answer in 30 -40 words 
2 
iii What is the main flaw in Drishti's approach to investigating the haunted hotel? 
 
A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
B. She was too skeptical and refused to believe in the possibility of ghosts. 
C. She relied too heavily on other people's accounts of the supernatural.  
D. She didn't take enough precautions to ensure her safety. 
1 
iv After which paragraph of the story, would the following paragraph most likely be placed? 
 
They commenced walking through the hotel, Drishti’s torchlight barely illuminating the darkness 
around her. Suddenly, they heard a loud creaking noise behind them. Drishti whipped around, 
pointing her flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing . Shaken, they all quickened their 
pace.   
1 
v Briefly explain (in 30-40 words) any two elements that classify the story as scary. 2 
vi Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from paragraphs 4-
6, that means the same. 
 
The sound of the footsteps outside the door left her petrified and the rasping breathing added to 
her horror. 
1 
vii What is the most significant lesson that Drishti learns from her experience in the haunted hotel?  
 
A. The importance of avoiding risk- taking. 
B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
C. The value of evaluating your weaknesses 
D. The power of imagination to create suspense. 
1 
viii Complete the following appropriately.  
 
Based on the use of the word "dilapidated" to describe the hotel, in Paragraph 2, we can infer 
that its condition was _______________.  
1 
ix Complete the sentence appropriately.  
 
If the title, The Hotel Haunting is given to this passage, it would be an inappropriate title, as 
compared to The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel because __________. 
1 
x 
 
 
State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE. 
The reason Drishti and her friends visited the abandoned hotel was to prove the existence of 
ghosts. 
1 
  
Page 3


Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 of 9 
 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.          Max. Marks 80 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Read the following passage 12 m 
A Dirshti was young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless 
books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard 
about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to 
investigate. 
B One night, Dirshti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their 
way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced 
that they were not alone.  
C Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking 
equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered 
the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activity occurred. As they were examining 
the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was 
coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide. 
D They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was 
getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a 
chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold 
as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering 
in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be here." 
E Dirshti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef's eyes. But suddenly, the lights 
flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. 
They had been so scared that they hadn't realized they were in a room with faulty wiring. 
F Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and 
let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment 
caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn't help but feel foolish for getting so worked up 
over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had 
overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard. 
G Dirshti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create 
in our own minds. She realized that she didn't need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills 
and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience 
it without the need for ghosts and ghouls. 
                                                                                                                                                  (Created for academic usage/ 531 words) 
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
I i How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? 
 
1 
Details and instructions 
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.  
2. The Question Paper contains FOUR sections-READING SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS, GRAMMAR and LITERATURE 
TEXTBOOK. 
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 of 9 
 
A. It creates a sense of nostalgia. 
B. It provides a sense of false security. 
C. It adds to the suspense in the story. 
D. It presents a contrast with the real world. 
ii List two ways, how the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt, is  
analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream. Answer in 30 -40 words 
2 
iii What is the main flaw in Drishti's approach to investigating the haunted hotel? 
 
A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
B. She was too skeptical and refused to believe in the possibility of ghosts. 
C. She relied too heavily on other people's accounts of the supernatural.  
D. She didn't take enough precautions to ensure her safety. 
1 
iv After which paragraph of the story, would the following paragraph most likely be placed? 
 
They commenced walking through the hotel, Drishti’s torchlight barely illuminating the darkness 
around her. Suddenly, they heard a loud creaking noise behind them. Drishti whipped around, 
pointing her flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing . Shaken, they all quickened their 
pace.   
1 
v Briefly explain (in 30-40 words) any two elements that classify the story as scary. 2 
vi Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from paragraphs 4-
6, that means the same. 
 
The sound of the footsteps outside the door left her petrified and the rasping breathing added to 
her horror. 
1 
vii What is the most significant lesson that Drishti learns from her experience in the haunted hotel?  
 
A. The importance of avoiding risk- taking. 
B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
C. The value of evaluating your weaknesses 
D. The power of imagination to create suspense. 
1 
viii Complete the following appropriately.  
 
Based on the use of the word "dilapidated" to describe the hotel, in Paragraph 2, we can infer 
that its condition was _______________.  
1 
ix Complete the sentence appropriately.  
 
If the title, The Hotel Haunting is given to this passage, it would be an inappropriate title, as 
compared to The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel because __________. 
1 
x 
 
 
State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE. 
The reason Drishti and her friends visited the abandoned hotel was to prove the existence of 
ghosts. 
1 
  
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 of 9 
 
2 Read the following table displaying the details of five House Captains.   10 m  
 
Name 
 
 
Motto 
 
 
Participation 
in activities 
Achievements 
 
 
Awards 
 
 
Personal 
Qualities 
 
 
Drawbacks 
 
 
Other 
notable 
things 
Rohit 
 
 
 
 
"Together 
we can 
achieve 
greatness" 
 
 
 
Debate club, 
Quiz club 
 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Science 
Olympiad 
 
 
Best Student 
 
 
 
 
Diligent, 
confident, 
empathetic 
 
 
 
Sometimes 
tends to be 
overly 
competitive 
 
 
 
Volunteer 
at a local 
NGO 
 
 
 
 
Sanya 
 
 
 
 
 
"Service 
before self" 
 
 
 
 
Social 
service club, 
Drama club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Debate 
competition 
 
 
Best Orator 
 
 
 
 
Compassionate, 
organized, 
responsible 
 
 
 
Can be 
overly self-
critical at 
times 
 
 
 
Participated 
in a Model 
United 
Nations 
conference 
 
Rajat 
 
 
 
"Never give 
up, always 
rise up" 
 
 
Sports club, 
Music club 
 
 
2
nd
  position in 
Chess 
competition 
Best 
Sportsperson 
 
 
Perseverant, 
team player, 
adaptable 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
be indecisive 
 
 
Plays in a 
local band 
 
 
Aryan 
 
 
 
 
"Success 
through 
hard work" 
 
 
 
Photography 
club, Science 
club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Photography 
competition 
 
 
Budding 
Innovator 
 
 
 
Creative, 
curious, detail-
oriented 
 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
procrastinate 
 
 
 
Built a 
working 
model of a 
wind 
turbine for 
a science 
fair 
Ananya 
 
 
 
"Strive for 
excellence" 
 
 
 
Dance club, 
Art club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in Art 
competition 
 
 
Creative 
Mind 
 
 
 
 
Confident, 
hardworking, 
imaginative 
 
 
Tends to 
overthink 
things 
 
 
Published 
her own 
poetry 
collection 
 
 
 
Total word limit ----- 168 
 
 
Page 4


Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 of 9 
 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.          Max. Marks 80 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Read the following passage 12 m 
A Dirshti was young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless 
books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard 
about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to 
investigate. 
B One night, Dirshti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their 
way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced 
that they were not alone.  
C Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking 
equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered 
the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activity occurred. As they were examining 
the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was 
coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide. 
D They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was 
getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a 
chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold 
as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering 
in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be here." 
E Dirshti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef's eyes. But suddenly, the lights 
flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. 
They had been so scared that they hadn't realized they were in a room with faulty wiring. 
F Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and 
let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment 
caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn't help but feel foolish for getting so worked up 
over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had 
overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard. 
G Dirshti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create 
in our own minds. She realized that she didn't need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills 
and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience 
it without the need for ghosts and ghouls. 
                                                                                                                                                  (Created for academic usage/ 531 words) 
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
I i How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? 
 
1 
Details and instructions 
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.  
2. The Question Paper contains FOUR sections-READING SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS, GRAMMAR and LITERATURE 
TEXTBOOK. 
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 of 9 
 
A. It creates a sense of nostalgia. 
B. It provides a sense of false security. 
C. It adds to the suspense in the story. 
D. It presents a contrast with the real world. 
ii List two ways, how the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt, is  
analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream. Answer in 30 -40 words 
2 
iii What is the main flaw in Drishti's approach to investigating the haunted hotel? 
 
A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
B. She was too skeptical and refused to believe in the possibility of ghosts. 
C. She relied too heavily on other people's accounts of the supernatural.  
D. She didn't take enough precautions to ensure her safety. 
1 
iv After which paragraph of the story, would the following paragraph most likely be placed? 
 
They commenced walking through the hotel, Drishti’s torchlight barely illuminating the darkness 
around her. Suddenly, they heard a loud creaking noise behind them. Drishti whipped around, 
pointing her flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing . Shaken, they all quickened their 
pace.   
1 
v Briefly explain (in 30-40 words) any two elements that classify the story as scary. 2 
vi Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from paragraphs 4-
6, that means the same. 
 
The sound of the footsteps outside the door left her petrified and the rasping breathing added to 
her horror. 
1 
vii What is the most significant lesson that Drishti learns from her experience in the haunted hotel?  
 
A. The importance of avoiding risk- taking. 
B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
C. The value of evaluating your weaknesses 
D. The power of imagination to create suspense. 
1 
viii Complete the following appropriately.  
 
Based on the use of the word "dilapidated" to describe the hotel, in Paragraph 2, we can infer 
that its condition was _______________.  
1 
ix Complete the sentence appropriately.  
 
If the title, The Hotel Haunting is given to this passage, it would be an inappropriate title, as 
compared to The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel because __________. 
1 
x 
 
 
State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE. 
The reason Drishti and her friends visited the abandoned hotel was to prove the existence of 
ghosts. 
1 
  
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 of 9 
 
2 Read the following table displaying the details of five House Captains.   10 m  
 
Name 
 
 
Motto 
 
 
Participation 
in activities 
Achievements 
 
 
Awards 
 
 
Personal 
Qualities 
 
 
Drawbacks 
 
 
Other 
notable 
things 
Rohit 
 
 
 
 
"Together 
we can 
achieve 
greatness" 
 
 
 
Debate club, 
Quiz club 
 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Science 
Olympiad 
 
 
Best Student 
 
 
 
 
Diligent, 
confident, 
empathetic 
 
 
 
Sometimes 
tends to be 
overly 
competitive 
 
 
 
Volunteer 
at a local 
NGO 
 
 
 
 
Sanya 
 
 
 
 
 
"Service 
before self" 
 
 
 
 
Social 
service club, 
Drama club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Debate 
competition 
 
 
Best Orator 
 
 
 
 
Compassionate, 
organized, 
responsible 
 
 
 
Can be 
overly self-
critical at 
times 
 
 
 
Participated 
in a Model 
United 
Nations 
conference 
 
Rajat 
 
 
 
"Never give 
up, always 
rise up" 
 
 
Sports club, 
Music club 
 
 
2
nd
  position in 
Chess 
competition 
Best 
Sportsperson 
 
 
Perseverant, 
team player, 
adaptable 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
be indecisive 
 
 
Plays in a 
local band 
 
 
Aryan 
 
 
 
 
"Success 
through 
hard work" 
 
 
 
Photography 
club, Science 
club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Photography 
competition 
 
 
Budding 
Innovator 
 
 
 
Creative, 
curious, detail-
oriented 
 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
procrastinate 
 
 
 
Built a 
working 
model of a 
wind 
turbine for 
a science 
fair 
Ananya 
 
 
 
"Strive for 
excellence" 
 
 
 
Dance club, 
Art club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in Art 
competition 
 
 
Creative 
Mind 
 
 
 
 
Confident, 
hardworking, 
imaginative 
 
 
Tends to 
overthink 
things 
 
 
Published 
her own 
poetry 
collection 
 
 
 
Total word limit ----- 168 
 
 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
4 of 9 
 
Answer the following questions, based on the table above. 
i Identify the person who is likely to ask many "why" questions, and support your choice with one 
reason.                                                                                                                           
2 
ii Which house captain is most likely to struggle the most with handling stress during the school's 
annual inter-house sports tournament?                   
 
A. Rohit 
B. Sanya 
C. Rajat 
D. Ananya 
1 
iii Give two justifications for Sanya being the best fit to lead a school-wide initiative to promote mental 
health and well-being among students.  
2 
iv Select the correct option to fill the blank and complete the analogy.   
                             
_________ : paint brush :: Rajat : tabla 
 
A. Rohit  
B. Sanya 
C. Aryan 
D. Ananya 
1 
v Based on the personal qualities of the House Captains, why is Rajat the most likely to be a 
collaborative worker?                                                                                                     
1 
vi Complete the given sentence with the appropriate reason, with reference to the information in the 
table.      
                                                                                                    
We can infer that Aryan’s overall performance may be negatively impacted by his weakness in 
time management because ____________________________________. 
1 
vii Explain briefly why situation (b), from the three situations given below, showcases Ananya's motto, 
"Lead by example"?       
               
(a) During a group project, Ananya assigns each team member specific tasks and sets a high 
standard for the project's quality. She tells them to actively participate in the project and take it to 
fruition.  
 
(b) During a house debate competition, Ananya notices that a few of her house members are 
struggling to articulate their arguments effectively. Ananya takes the time to listen to their concerns 
and provides constructive feedback and support. 
 
(c) During a fundraising event, Ananya volunteers to be in charge of organizing and coordinating 
the event but she frequently delegates tasks to others and attends to her school assignment while 
her team completes the task successfully.       
1 
  
Page 5


Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
1 of 9 
 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.          Max. Marks 80 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
I Read the following passage 12 m 
A Dirshti was young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless 
books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard 
about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to 
investigate. 
B One night, Dirshti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their 
way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced 
that they were not alone.  
C Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking 
equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered 
the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activity occurred. As they were examining 
the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was 
coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide. 
D They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was 
getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a 
chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold 
as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering 
in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be here." 
E Dirshti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef's eyes. But suddenly, the lights 
flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. 
They had been so scared that they hadn't realized they were in a room with faulty wiring. 
F Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and 
let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment 
caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn't help but feel foolish for getting so worked up 
over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had 
overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard. 
G Dirshti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create 
in our own minds. She realized that she didn't need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills 
and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience 
it without the need for ghosts and ghouls. 
                                                                                                                                                  (Created for academic usage/ 531 words) 
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
I i How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? 
 
1 
Details and instructions 
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.  
2. The Question Paper contains FOUR sections-READING SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS, GRAMMAR and LITERATURE 
TEXTBOOK. 
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
2 of 9 
 
A. It creates a sense of nostalgia. 
B. It provides a sense of false security. 
C. It adds to the suspense in the story. 
D. It presents a contrast with the real world. 
ii List two ways, how the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt, is  
analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream. Answer in 30 -40 words 
2 
iii What is the main flaw in Drishti's approach to investigating the haunted hotel? 
 
A. She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal. 
B. She was too skeptical and refused to believe in the possibility of ghosts. 
C. She relied too heavily on other people's accounts of the supernatural.  
D. She didn't take enough precautions to ensure her safety. 
1 
iv After which paragraph of the story, would the following paragraph most likely be placed? 
 
They commenced walking through the hotel, Drishti’s torchlight barely illuminating the darkness 
around her. Suddenly, they heard a loud creaking noise behind them. Drishti whipped around, 
pointing her flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing . Shaken, they all quickened their 
pace.   
1 
v Briefly explain (in 30-40 words) any two elements that classify the story as scary. 2 
vi Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from paragraphs 4-
6, that means the same. 
 
The sound of the footsteps outside the door left her petrified and the rasping breathing added to 
her horror. 
1 
vii What is the most significant lesson that Drishti learns from her experience in the haunted hotel?  
 
A. The importance of avoiding risk- taking. 
B. The need to be more sceptical of the supernatural. 
C. The value of evaluating your weaknesses 
D. The power of imagination to create suspense. 
1 
viii Complete the following appropriately.  
 
Based on the use of the word "dilapidated" to describe the hotel, in Paragraph 2, we can infer 
that its condition was _______________.  
1 
ix Complete the sentence appropriately.  
 
If the title, The Hotel Haunting is given to this passage, it would be an inappropriate title, as 
compared to The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel because __________. 
1 
x 
 
 
State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE. 
The reason Drishti and her friends visited the abandoned hotel was to prove the existence of 
ghosts. 
1 
  
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
3 of 9 
 
2 Read the following table displaying the details of five House Captains.   10 m  
 
Name 
 
 
Motto 
 
 
Participation 
in activities 
Achievements 
 
 
Awards 
 
 
Personal 
Qualities 
 
 
Drawbacks 
 
 
Other 
notable 
things 
Rohit 
 
 
 
 
"Together 
we can 
achieve 
greatness" 
 
 
 
Debate club, 
Quiz club 
 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Science 
Olympiad 
 
 
Best Student 
 
 
 
 
Diligent, 
confident, 
empathetic 
 
 
 
Sometimes 
tends to be 
overly 
competitive 
 
 
 
Volunteer 
at a local 
NGO 
 
 
 
 
Sanya 
 
 
 
 
 
"Service 
before self" 
 
 
 
 
Social 
service club, 
Drama club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Debate 
competition 
 
 
Best Orator 
 
 
 
 
Compassionate, 
organized, 
responsible 
 
 
 
Can be 
overly self-
critical at 
times 
 
 
 
Participated 
in a Model 
United 
Nations 
conference 
 
Rajat 
 
 
 
"Never give 
up, always 
rise up" 
 
 
Sports club, 
Music club 
 
 
2
nd
  position in 
Chess 
competition 
Best 
Sportsperson 
 
 
Perseverant, 
team player, 
adaptable 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
be indecisive 
 
 
Plays in a 
local band 
 
 
Aryan 
 
 
 
 
"Success 
through 
hard work" 
 
 
 
Photography 
club, Science 
club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in 
Photography 
competition 
 
 
Budding 
Innovator 
 
 
 
Creative, 
curious, detail-
oriented 
 
 
 
Can 
sometimes 
procrastinate 
 
 
 
Built a 
working 
model of a 
wind 
turbine for 
a science 
fair 
Ananya 
 
 
 
"Strive for 
excellence" 
 
 
 
Dance club, 
Art club 
 
 
 
1
st
  prize in Art 
competition 
 
 
Creative 
Mind 
 
 
 
 
Confident, 
hardworking, 
imaginative 
 
 
Tends to 
overthink 
things 
 
 
Published 
her own 
poetry 
collection 
 
 
 
Total word limit ----- 168 
 
 
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
4 of 9 
 
Answer the following questions, based on the table above. 
i Identify the person who is likely to ask many "why" questions, and support your choice with one 
reason.                                                                                                                           
2 
ii Which house captain is most likely to struggle the most with handling stress during the school's 
annual inter-house sports tournament?                   
 
A. Rohit 
B. Sanya 
C. Rajat 
D. Ananya 
1 
iii Give two justifications for Sanya being the best fit to lead a school-wide initiative to promote mental 
health and well-being among students.  
2 
iv Select the correct option to fill the blank and complete the analogy.   
                             
_________ : paint brush :: Rajat : tabla 
 
A. Rohit  
B. Sanya 
C. Aryan 
D. Ananya 
1 
v Based on the personal qualities of the House Captains, why is Rajat the most likely to be a 
collaborative worker?                                                                                                     
1 
vi Complete the given sentence with the appropriate reason, with reference to the information in the 
table.      
                                                                                                    
We can infer that Aryan’s overall performance may be negatively impacted by his weakness in 
time management because ____________________________________. 
1 
vii Explain briefly why situation (b), from the three situations given below, showcases Ananya's motto, 
"Lead by example"?       
               
(a) During a group project, Ananya assigns each team member specific tasks and sets a high 
standard for the project's quality. She tells them to actively participate in the project and take it to 
fruition.  
 
(b) During a house debate competition, Ananya notices that a few of her house members are 
struggling to articulate their arguments effectively. Ananya takes the time to listen to their concerns 
and provides constructive feedback and support. 
 
(c) During a fundraising event, Ananya volunteers to be in charge of organizing and coordinating 
the event but she frequently delegates tasks to others and attends to her school assignment while 
her team completes the task successfully.       
1 
  
Sample Question Paper 
Communicative English 
2023-24 
Class - X 
 
5 of 9 
 
viii Select the option that correctly matches the House Captains (a) -(c), to the trophies (i)-(v). 
 
 
 
 
A. (a) - (ii) , (b) - (i) , (c) - (iii) 
B. (a) - (i) , (b) - (v) , (c) - (iv) 
C. (a) - (v) , (b) - (iii) , (c) - (ii) 
D. (a) - (iii) , (b) - (iv) , (c) - (i) 
 
FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES 
 
Identify the House Captain who fits the saying-Being too hard on oneself.  
1 
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (22 marks) 
3 As the school Head Girl, write an email, in about 50 words, to the Teacher Coordinator, 
Student Enrichment Activities of your school, informing her/him of the need to schedule 
transport for the participants of the inter-school dance competition, at the mandated venue.  
Include a reason why you would need a smaller vehicle instead of the school bus.  
 
You may copy the given template to write your email. 
3 
 
from:  
to:  
Cc: transportoffice@gkschool.com 
date: Sept 10, 2023, 07:03?PM 
subject:  
 
 
 
 
 
4 Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a potted plant that you and your 
sibling recently chose, to gift your parent.  
4 
5 a Write a letter to the librarian, City Library, in not more than 120 words, for purchase and 
addition of popular fiction and non-fiction titles in Braille and also the intake of audio books, to 
promote inclusion. You are an NGO employee, from the same city. You may use ideas from 
Unit 2: Education, along with your own ideas to write this letter. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7 
OR 
5 b You are a sports scout*. Write a letter to the Governor of your region, drawing attention to the 
need for creating and upgrading sport facilities and following practices to enable the local / 
indigenous sporting talent from your city, to hone their skills. Include specific 
recommendations. Write the letter in not more than 120 words using ideas from  
Unit 1: Health and Medicine, along with your own. 
HOUSE CAPTAINS - (a) RAJAT (b) ANANYA (c) ARYAN