Class 10 English (Communicative): CBSE (Official) Sample Question Paper (2025-26) | English Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


1 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
CLASS-X-(2025-26) 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                         Maximum Marks: 80 
 
General Instructions 
 
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:  
 
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.   
ii. This question paper contains three sections: 
Section A: Reading Skills,  
Section B: Writing Skills  
Section C: Grammar        
Section D: Literature.   
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question 
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.    
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.   
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
   1.     Read the following passage carefully:  
 
12 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather 
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the 
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, 
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York 
University climate scientist David Holland. 
 
Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as 
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be 
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being 
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, 
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that 
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns 
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would 
rise by 24 feet. 
 
Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 
489 billion tons a year  in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st 
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark 
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger 
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing 
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from 
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy. 
Page 2


1 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
CLASS-X-(2025-26) 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                         Maximum Marks: 80 
 
General Instructions 
 
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:  
 
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.   
ii. This question paper contains three sections: 
Section A: Reading Skills,  
Section B: Writing Skills  
Section C: Grammar        
Section D: Literature.   
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question 
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.    
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.   
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
   1.     Read the following passage carefully:  
 
12 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather 
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the 
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, 
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York 
University climate scientist David Holland. 
 
Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as 
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be 
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being 
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, 
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that 
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns 
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would 
rise by 24 feet. 
 
Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 
489 billion tons a year  in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st 
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark 
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger 
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing 
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from 
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy. 
2 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that 
influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s 
called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down 
because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A 
shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could 
plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current 
system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether — as we know it has done in 
the past — normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change 
drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research 
Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would 
be a thing of the past.” 
None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some 
of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said 
Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of 
ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the 
ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just 
breathtaking.” 
 515 words / Adapted from The Hindu (Environment -January 08, 2025 post) 
  Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
 
I Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a 
warming world’?                                                                                 (Paragraph 1) 
 
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat. 
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe. 
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns. 
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns. 
 
1 
 
II Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. 
 
In the line 'Greenland plays an outsized role...', the word 'outsized' indicates ____ 
(an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or 
norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size).             (Paragraph 1)   
 
1 
 
III Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare 
earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words.                   (Paragraph 2) 
2 
 
IV What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? 
                                                                                                        (Paragraph 2) 
Select the correct option to complete the answer. 
 
It means that the ice is ____. 
 
a) unnecessary and excessive 
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity. 
c) beyond what scientists can measure. 
d) challenging to fully comprehend. 
 
1 
 
Page 3


1 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
CLASS-X-(2025-26) 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                         Maximum Marks: 80 
 
General Instructions 
 
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:  
 
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.   
ii. This question paper contains three sections: 
Section A: Reading Skills,  
Section B: Writing Skills  
Section C: Grammar        
Section D: Literature.   
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question 
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.    
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.   
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
   1.     Read the following passage carefully:  
 
12 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather 
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the 
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, 
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York 
University climate scientist David Holland. 
 
Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as 
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be 
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being 
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, 
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that 
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns 
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would 
rise by 24 feet. 
 
Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 
489 billion tons a year  in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st 
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark 
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger 
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing 
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from 
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy. 
2 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that 
influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s 
called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down 
because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A 
shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could 
plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current 
system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether — as we know it has done in 
the past — normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change 
drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research 
Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would 
be a thing of the past.” 
None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some 
of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said 
Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of 
ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the 
ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just 
breathtaking.” 
 515 words / Adapted from The Hindu (Environment -January 08, 2025 post) 
  Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
 
I Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a 
warming world’?                                                                                 (Paragraph 1) 
 
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat. 
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe. 
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns. 
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns. 
 
1 
 
II Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. 
 
In the line 'Greenland plays an outsized role...', the word 'outsized' indicates ____ 
(an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or 
norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size).             (Paragraph 1)   
 
1 
 
III Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare 
earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words.                   (Paragraph 2) 
2 
 
IV What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? 
                                                                                                        (Paragraph 2) 
Select the correct option to complete the answer. 
 
It means that the ice is ____. 
 
a) unnecessary and excessive 
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity. 
c) beyond what scientists can measure. 
d) challenging to fully comprehend. 
 
1 
 
3 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
V Complete the following with the appropriate option. 
 
The phrase 'Locked inside' brings up the imagery of a _____.           (Paragraph 2) 
a) vault, emphasising security and value 
b) box, symbolising concealment and mystery. 
c) room, highlighting stored abundance. 
d) warehouse, showcasing accessibility and volume. 
 
1 
 
VI. What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 3? 
 
a) Greenland’s Changing Climate and Ecosystem 
b) The Rising Sea Levels and Climate Impact of Greenland 
c) Greenland’s Ice Melt: A Threat to Global Energy Balance 
d) Greenland’s Melting Ice: A Growing Concern for the 21st Century 
 
1 
 
VII. Which phrase from paragraph 4 bears evidence to the fact that Greenland plays a 
critical role in controlling the AMOC? 
 
1 
 
VIII Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in the 
brackets.  
Paragraph 4 includes a _______ (viewpoint / warning / speculation) by Jennifer 
Francis. 
 
2 
 
IX Why does Holland describe Greenland as ‘eye-watering’? Answer in 30-40 words.  
                                                                                                           (Paragraph 5) 
2 
 
2. Read the following. 10 
 
Source: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in / 190 words approx. / MCB theme : Travel & Tourism 
    
Page 4


1 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
CLASS-X-(2025-26) 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                         Maximum Marks: 80 
 
General Instructions 
 
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:  
 
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.   
ii. This question paper contains three sections: 
Section A: Reading Skills,  
Section B: Writing Skills  
Section C: Grammar        
Section D: Literature.   
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question 
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.    
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.   
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
   1.     Read the following passage carefully:  
 
12 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather 
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the 
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, 
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York 
University climate scientist David Holland. 
 
Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as 
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be 
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being 
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, 
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that 
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns 
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would 
rise by 24 feet. 
 
Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 
489 billion tons a year  in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st 
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark 
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger 
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing 
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from 
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy. 
2 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that 
influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s 
called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down 
because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A 
shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could 
plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current 
system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether — as we know it has done in 
the past — normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change 
drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research 
Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would 
be a thing of the past.” 
None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some 
of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said 
Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of 
ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the 
ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just 
breathtaking.” 
 515 words / Adapted from The Hindu (Environment -January 08, 2025 post) 
  Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
 
I Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a 
warming world’?                                                                                 (Paragraph 1) 
 
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat. 
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe. 
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns. 
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns. 
 
1 
 
II Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. 
 
In the line 'Greenland plays an outsized role...', the word 'outsized' indicates ____ 
(an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or 
norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size).             (Paragraph 1)   
 
1 
 
III Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare 
earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words.                   (Paragraph 2) 
2 
 
IV What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? 
                                                                                                        (Paragraph 2) 
Select the correct option to complete the answer. 
 
It means that the ice is ____. 
 
a) unnecessary and excessive 
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity. 
c) beyond what scientists can measure. 
d) challenging to fully comprehend. 
 
1 
 
3 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
V Complete the following with the appropriate option. 
 
The phrase 'Locked inside' brings up the imagery of a _____.           (Paragraph 2) 
a) vault, emphasising security and value 
b) box, symbolising concealment and mystery. 
c) room, highlighting stored abundance. 
d) warehouse, showcasing accessibility and volume. 
 
1 
 
VI. What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 3? 
 
a) Greenland’s Changing Climate and Ecosystem 
b) The Rising Sea Levels and Climate Impact of Greenland 
c) Greenland’s Ice Melt: A Threat to Global Energy Balance 
d) Greenland’s Melting Ice: A Growing Concern for the 21st Century 
 
1 
 
VII. Which phrase from paragraph 4 bears evidence to the fact that Greenland plays a 
critical role in controlling the AMOC? 
 
1 
 
VIII Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in the 
brackets.  
Paragraph 4 includes a _______ (viewpoint / warning / speculation) by Jennifer 
Francis. 
 
2 
 
IX Why does Holland describe Greenland as ‘eye-watering’? Answer in 30-40 words.  
                                                                                                           (Paragraph 5) 
2 
 
2. Read the following. 10 
 
Source: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in / 190 words approx. / MCB theme : Travel & Tourism 
    
4 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
Answer the following questions, based on your reading of the above information. 
 
I. Why is the tag 'A Hub for Livestock Trading' suitable for the Nagaur fair instead of 
‘Colourful Celebrations’? 
 
2  
 
II. Complete the following with the correct option.  
 
The Nagaur Fair is held ____.  
a) quarterly 
b) once in two years 
c) annually 
d) twice in a year 
 
1  
III. State which of the following is True. 
 
a) Chand Baori is referred to as ‘Abha Nagri’.  
b) Chand Baori is a recent construction. 
c) Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell. 
 
1  
IV. What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Abhaneri Festival ‘has 
gained immense popularity among tourists’? 
1  
V. What might be the most likely reason for the lavish decorations of animals at the 
Nagaur Fair? 
 
a) To celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. 
b) To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading. 
c) To compete for the best-decorated animal. 
d) To honour the animals as part of a religious ritual. 
 
1  
VI. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.  
The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it 
provides a platform for ____ (tourists and organisers / farmers and traders) to 
display an essential spice. 
1 
 
VII. If the Nagaur Fair highlights trading as its primary focus, what does the Abhaneri 
Festival most likely focus on? 
 
a) Promoting local agriculture 
b) Encouraging community interaction 
c) Celebrating historical heritage 
d) Showcasing regional culture 
 
1 
 
VIII What might be the most likely reason why the Nagaur Fair spans across four days 
while the Abhaneri Festival ends in two days? 
 
2 
 
                
 
Page 5


1 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE - Code No. 101 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
CLASS-X-(2025-26) 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                         Maximum Marks: 80 
 
General Instructions 
 
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:  
 
i. This question paper has 12 questions. All questions are compulsory.   
ii. This question paper contains three sections: 
Section A: Reading Skills,  
Section B: Writing Skills  
Section C: Grammar        
Section D: Literature.   
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question 
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.    
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.   
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
SECTION A: READING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
   1.     Read the following passage carefully:  
 
12 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remote, icy and mostly pristine, Greenland plays an outsized role in the daily weather 
experienced by billions of people and in the climate changes taking shape all over the 
planet. Think of Greenland as an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a warming world, 
and it’s in a region that is warming four times faster than the rest of the globe, said New York 
University climate scientist David Holland. 
 
Locked inside are valuable rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as 
uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be 
inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently being 
supplied mostly by an Asian country, so other countries are interested. But more than the oil, 
gas or minerals, there’s ice — a “ridiculous” amount, said climate scientist Eric Rignot. If that 
ice melts, it would reshape coastlines across the globe and potentially shift weather patterns 
in a dramatic manner. Greenland holds enough ice that if it all melts, the world’s seas would 
rise by 24 feet. 
 
Since 1992, Greenland has lost about 182 billion tons of ice each year, with losses hitting 
489 billion tons a year  in 2019. Greenland will be ‘a key focus point’ through the 21st 
century because of the effect its melting ice sheet will have on sea levels, said Mark 
Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “It will likely become a bigger 
contributor in the future.” That impact is perhaps unstoppable. Greenland is also changing 
colour as it melts from the white of ice, which reflects sunlight, heat and energy away from 
the planet, to the blue and green of the ocean and land, which absorb much more energy. 
2 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
Greenland also serves as the engine and on/off switch for a key ocean current that 
influences Earth’s climate in many ways, including hurricane and winter storm activity. It’s 
called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and it’s slowing down 
because more fresh water is being dumped into the ocean by melting ice in Greenland. A 
shutdown of the AMOC conveyor belt is a much-feared climate tipping point that could 
plunge Europe and parts of North America into prolonged freezes. “If this global current 
system were to slow substantially or even collapse altogether — as we know it has done in 
the past — normal temperature and precipitation patterns around the globe would change 
drastically,” said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research 
Center. “Agriculture would be derailed, ecosystems would crash, and ‘normal’ weather would 
be a thing of the past.” 
None of that takes into consideration the unique look of the ice-covered island that has some 
of the Earth’s oldest rocks. “I see it as insanely beautiful. It’s eye-watering to be there,” said 
Holland, who has conducted research on the ice more than 30 times since 2007. “Pieces of 
ice the size of the Empire State Building are just crumbling off cliffs and crashing into the 
ocean. And also, the beautiful wildlife, all the seals and the killer whales. It’s just 
breathtaking.” 
 515 words / Adapted from The Hindu (Environment -January 08, 2025 post) 
  Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 
 
I Why is Greenland referred to as ‘an open refrigerator door or thermostat for a 
warming world’?                                                                                 (Paragraph 1) 
 
a) It controls global temperatures directly like a thermostat. 
b) It is warming at the same rate as the rest of the globe. 
c) It plays a critical role in influencing global weather and climate patterns. 
d) It experiences warming but has limited influence on global weather patterns. 
 
1 
 
II Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. 
 
In the line 'Greenland plays an outsized role...', the word 'outsized' indicates ____ 
(an unusually large impact or importance / a role that exceeds expectations or 
norms / a disproportionate influence compared to its size).             (Paragraph 1)   
 
1 
 
III Give two reasons why ‘other countries’ might be interested in Greenland’s rare 
earth minerals and resources. Answer in 30-40 words.                   (Paragraph 2) 
2 
 
IV What does Eric Rignot mean by ‘ridiculous’ in the phrase ‘a ridiculous amount’? 
                                                                                                        (Paragraph 2) 
Select the correct option to complete the answer. 
 
It means that the ice is ____. 
 
a) unnecessary and excessive 
b) vast and overwhelming in quantity. 
c) beyond what scientists can measure. 
d) challenging to fully comprehend. 
 
1 
 
3 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
V Complete the following with the appropriate option. 
 
The phrase 'Locked inside' brings up the imagery of a _____.           (Paragraph 2) 
a) vault, emphasising security and value 
b) box, symbolising concealment and mystery. 
c) room, highlighting stored abundance. 
d) warehouse, showcasing accessibility and volume. 
 
1 
 
VI. What would be the most suitable title for paragraph 3? 
 
a) Greenland’s Changing Climate and Ecosystem 
b) The Rising Sea Levels and Climate Impact of Greenland 
c) Greenland’s Ice Melt: A Threat to Global Energy Balance 
d) Greenland’s Melting Ice: A Growing Concern for the 21st Century 
 
1 
 
VII. Which phrase from paragraph 4 bears evidence to the fact that Greenland plays a 
critical role in controlling the AMOC? 
 
1 
 
VIII Fill in the blank by choosing the appropriate option from those given in the 
brackets.  
Paragraph 4 includes a _______ (viewpoint / warning / speculation) by Jennifer 
Francis. 
 
2 
 
IX Why does Holland describe Greenland as ‘eye-watering’? Answer in 30-40 words.  
                                                                                                           (Paragraph 5) 
2 
 
2. Read the following. 10 
 
Source: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in / 190 words approx. / MCB theme : Travel & Tourism 
    
4 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
Answer the following questions, based on your reading of the above information. 
 
I. Why is the tag 'A Hub for Livestock Trading' suitable for the Nagaur fair instead of 
‘Colourful Celebrations’? 
 
2  
 
II. Complete the following with the correct option.  
 
The Nagaur Fair is held ____.  
a) quarterly 
b) once in two years 
c) annually 
d) twice in a year 
 
1  
III. State which of the following is True. 
 
a) Chand Baori is referred to as ‘Abha Nagri’.  
b) Chand Baori is a recent construction. 
c) Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell. 
 
1  
IV. What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Abhaneri Festival ‘has 
gained immense popularity among tourists’? 
1  
V. What might be the most likely reason for the lavish decorations of animals at the 
Nagaur Fair? 
 
a) To celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. 
b) To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading. 
c) To compete for the best-decorated animal. 
d) To honour the animals as part of a religious ritual. 
 
1  
VI. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.  
The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it 
provides a platform for ____ (tourists and organisers / farmers and traders) to 
display an essential spice. 
1 
 
VII. If the Nagaur Fair highlights trading as its primary focus, what does the Abhaneri 
Festival most likely focus on? 
 
a) Promoting local agriculture 
b) Encouraging community interaction 
c) Celebrating historical heritage 
d) Showcasing regional culture 
 
1 
 
VIII What might be the most likely reason why the Nagaur Fair spans across four days 
while the Abhaneri Festival ends in two days? 
 
2 
 
                
 
5 
Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the 
current session i.e. 2025-26 
 
SECTION B 
WRITING SKILLS (22 marks) 
 
All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely 
coincidental. 
3. Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to use the 
school transport to attend a tree plantation volunteering event. You are Lakshit 
Pandey, Class X-C, Vice-President, Ecology Club. 
 
1x3=3  
 
4. Write a factual description of your favourite gadget in not more than 100 words, 
highlighting its key features and functionalities.   
 
1x4=4 
 
5. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 words 
 
1x7=7 
 
A. 
 
The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology, such as 
the internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This disparity has significantly 
impacted education, especially for students from marginalised segments, by limiting their 
ability to access online resources and virtual classes.  
As Sakshi Tripathi, 120 Kailash Nagar, Batanpur, write a letter to the editor of a national 
daily highlighting the issue, its effects on students and teachers, and suggesting practical 
measures to bridge this gap.  
Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 2: Education, to write this letter. 
 OR 
B. India is home to a rich geological heritage, with unique landforms and rock formations like 
the Lonar Crater, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters etc. that hold immense scientific, educational, 
and cultural value. However, these sites often face neglect, vandalism, and lack of proper 
conservation efforts.  
 
As Tanush of 63, Lajpat Nagar, Agra, write a letter to the editor of a national daily 
highlighting the importance of preserving India's geological heritage, the challenges it faces, 
and suggesting measures to protect and promote these natural treasures. 
Use your own ideas along with those from MCB Unit 4 E: Environment – Geological 
Heritage, to write this letter. 
 
6. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 150 words 1x8=8 
 
A Imagine you are Vitthal K of class X. Write an article for your school magazine on 
the topic ‘Achieving Holistic Wellness: The Key to a Happy Life,’ emphasising the 
role of physical health, mental well-being, and positive lifestyle habits and natural 
remedies. Explain how these factors contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, and 
suggest practical steps for incorporating them into daily routines. 
You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of MCB 
Unit 1: Health and Wellness 
 
holistic wellness - key aspects - simple habits can improve overall wellness - 
actionable ways needed to integrate wellness into everyday routines