Section A – Reading Skills
Question 1
(i) According to paragraph 1, how did the western countries react to science fiction? (1 mark)
(ii) In paragraph 1, the author uses the word ‘comparatively’ to highlight ______. (1 mark)
(iii) Identify one advantage of science fiction with reference to paragraph 2. (1 mark)
(iv) Why does the writer refer to science fiction as a ‘bridge’? (1 mark)
(v) What does the phrase ‘creative lens’ refer to? (2 marks)
(vi) Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 4. (1 mark)
(vii) Why is science fiction still not very popular in India? (1 mark)
(viii) Provide one textual evidence to prove that there is a lack of mainstream platforms. (1 mark)
(ix) In what context does the author use the phrase ‘broaden the audience base’? (1 mark)
(x) Assess the feasibility of steps suggested to promote science fiction in India. (2 marks)
Question 2
(i) Question
In the introduction, the researcher links changing dietary requirements to highlight ________.
(ii) Question
What would the following be classified as?
“Nutritional intake was recorded using food diaries.”
(A) Primary purpose
(B) Secondary objective
(C) Method of analysis
(D) Research outcome
(iii) Question
2. Participants were grouped into four age categories: children, adolescents, adults, and elderly.
(iv) Question
Sentence B – Prevent
(v) Question
(vi) Question
Complete the sentence suitably.
Digital tools were used to give hydration reminders to ________.
(A) ensure people did not get dehydrated
(B) avoid starvation
(C) ensure gradual weight loss
(D) balance consumption of processed food
(vii) Question
Why is age-specific nutrition important? Give textual evidence to support your answer.
(viii) Question
What is the key takeaway of the study?
SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 Marks)
Q3. Attempt any one of the two in about 50 words.
(a) Question
Many houses in your colony are under construction. As President, Resident Welfare Association, Mayagram, write a notice informing builders to strictly follow the construction timings. Include necessary details. You are Ashleen/Ashok. Put your notice in a box.
NOTICE
Date: 12 March 2026
CONSTRUCTION TIMINGS
All builders are hereby informed to strictly follow the construction timings to avoid inconvenience to residents. Construction work is allowed only between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Any violation will lead to strict action by the RWA.
Ashleen
President
RWA, Mayagram
(b) Question
Your school, VJ Public School, Gulbagh, is planning to put up a Shakespearean play on its annual day. As head of the Theatre Club, draft a notice inviting students for audition and selection. Include necessary details. You are Ankita/Akshay.
NOTICE
Date: 12 March 2026
AUDITIONS FOR SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY
Students interested in participating in the Shakespearean play for Annual Day are invited for auditions on 18 March 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Interested students must register with the Theatre Club.
Ankita
Head, Theatre Club
Q4. Attempt any one of the two in about 50 words.
(a) Question
Your school, PQR High School, is planning to organise its annual winter carnival. On behalf of the Principal, draft a formal invitation card to be sent to parents and guests. Mention a compelling highlight of the event with other necessary details.
Cordially invites you to the
ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL
Date: 20 December 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: School Playground
Enjoy an evening of games, food stalls and cultural performances. The highlight of the event will be a special musical performance by the school band.
Principal
PQR High School
(b) Question
You are Sonali/Sonu Kumar, Student Counsellor. You have been invited by the Principal, Green Bells Public School, Amartown to give a lecture on the topic “Strategies to Improve Focus and Concentration” for students of Class X and XII. Write a reply expressing your inability to accept the invitation and state a reason.
Student Counsellor
12 March 2026
The Principal
Green Bells Public School
Amartown
Subject: Regret for inability to deliver lecture
Sir/Madam,
Thank you for inviting me to deliver a lecture on “Strategies to Improve Focus and Concentration” for the students of Classes X and XII. Unfortunately, due to a prior professional commitment on the same date, I will not be able to attend the programme.
I sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and hope to collaborate with your institution on a future occasion.
Yours sincerely
Sonu Kumar
Q5. Attempt any one of the two in 120–150 words.
(a) Question
You are Deepika/Deepak, a qualified counsellor. You are disturbed to see children suffering from exam stress. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily suggesting tips for children to beat exam stress.
Manshahr
12 March 2026
The Editor
The National Daily
Subject: Tips for students to overcome exam stress
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight the growing issue of exam stress among students. Many children experience anxiety and pressure during examinations.
Students should learn time management and follow a proper study schedule. Developing proactive study habits can make them feel more prepared. Maintaining a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep and following a healthy lifestyle are also important.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and short breaks during study can help reduce stress. Students should also share their concerns with parents, teachers or friends for support. Participation in activities like sports or hobbies can build confidence.
With proper guidance and balanced habits, students can effectively manage exam stress.
Yours sincerely
Deepak
(b) Question
You are Rishi/Reena of 14, M.G. Road, Behenpur. You saw an advertisement for the post of Cyber Analyst at RBS Technologies. Write an application with bio-data offering your candidature.
Behenpur
12 March 2026
The Project Lead
RBS Technologies
41 Rosewood Lane
Maintown
Subject: Application for the post of Cyber Analyst
Sir/Madam,
In response to your advertisement for the post of Cyber Analyst, I wish to apply for the position. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and possess proficiency in programming languages such as Python.
I have strong analytical and problem-solving skills along with good communication abilities. I have also gained relevant experience in cyber security and data analysis.
I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute my skills to your organisation.
Yours sincerely
Rishi
Bio-Data
Name: Rishi
Address: 14, M.G. Road, Behenpur
Qualification: B.Sc. Computer Science
Skills: Python programming, data analysis, problem solving
Experience: 3 years in cyber security analysis
Languages Known: English, Hindi
SECTION C – Literature
Question 7 (a) – Extract from the poem “Keeping Quiet”
(i) The expression ‘we will all keep still’ reflects:
(ii) What does the poet want us to stop?
(iii) Read the assertion and the reason.
Assertion: The poet advocates the importance of keeping quiet.
Reason: He believes that silence can bring profound changes in our perspective and lifestyle.
Options:
(A) Both true but reason not explanation
(B) Both true and reason explains assertion
(C) Assertion true but reason false
(D) Assertion false but reason true
(iv) Complete the following statement correctly:
The poet urges the people to count to twelve so that ______.
(v) ‘Counting to twelve’ is suggested as a ______ (synchronized/disorganized) effort for everybody to keep quiet.
(vi) How can the message in the excerpt, about silence and stillness, be applied to promote peace in today’s world?
Q7 (b) – A Roadside Stand
(i) The first two lines of the extract refer to the:
(ii) The cash flow is important for urban life because ______.
(iii) Rural people put up their roadside stands in the hope of ______.
(iv) The expression ‘flower of cities’ reflects the ______ of city life.
(v) Why is the roadside stand described as pathetic?
(vi) Assertion–Reason
Assertion: Rural people put up their stand at the edge of the road.
Reason: The flow of traffic will help them promote their business.
Q8 (a) – The Enemy
(i) “Oh,” Hana breathed. “Is that all?”
What is the reason for Hana’s tone of relief?
(ii) Complete the analogy
pain : pleasure :: courage : ______
(iii) According to the extract, Hana was drained and weakened due to:
(iv) Dr. Sadao was asked to come to the palace to ______.