anju jindal 
CBSE CORE 2026 Sample Answers
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Section – Reading (Unseen Passage)
QUESTION 1
I. Meaning of the phrase (1 Mark)
Answer: It means pancakes have existed for thousands of years and have been prepared in many different ways in different cultures.
Marking Scheme:
- ½ mark – very old / thousands of years
- ½ mark – different cultures / various forms
II. MCQ – Injera (1 Mark)
Correct Answer: (B) it can be used for cooking and also for eating
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for correct option
- 0 mark for wrong option
III. American Pancakes (2 Marks)
Answer:
They are made light and fluffy by using baking powder.
They gained popularity in the 18th century.
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark – baking powder makes them light and airy
- 1 mark – 18th century
IV. True/False (1 Mark)
Answer: True
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct answer
V. Fermentation Process (1 Mark)
Correct Answer: (A) Dosa and appam
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct option
VI. ‘Blank Canvas’ (1 Mark)
Correct Answer: (A) Like a painter starts with a blank canvas, a diner can get creative.
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct option
VII. Two Points – Food Connects People (2 Marks)
Any two of the following:
- Pancakes are prepared across cultures.
- They are enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
- They symbolize community and celebration.
- They have existed for thousands of years.
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for each correct point
- No extra marks for more than two
VIII. ‘Warm, edible hugs’ (1 Mark)
Correct Answer: (A) comfort food that provides a sense of emotional security
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct option
QUESTION 2
I. What does the term “active internet users” convey? (1 Mark)
Correct Option: (D) People who use internet actively
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for correct option
- 0 mark for incorrect option
II. Assertion–Reason (1 Mark)
Correct Option: (B)
Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct option
III. Identify the word that indicates internet reach is ‘comparatively’ low. (1 Mark)
Answer: relatively
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for correct word
- Spelling must be correct
IV. Time period illustrating maximum internet usage (1 Mark)
Correct Option: (B) 2023 to 2025
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct option
V. One reason for fewer internet users among women (1 Mark)
Answer: Lack of awareness and the digital gender gap.
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for any one correct reason
VI. Fill in the blank (1 Mark)
Correct Answer: impedes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct word
VII. Increase in urban connections is because of ________. (1 Mark)
Answer: Higher density of population in urban areas.
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct reason
VIII. Two ways to bridge the gap of digital unawareness (2 Marks)
Answer:
- Targeted awareness campaigns
- Digital literacy programs
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for each correct point
- Maximum 2 marks
IX. How does the author justify that Indians have welcomed digital living with open arms? (2 Marks)
Answer: The author justifies this by stating that India has one of the largest bases of netizens and that people actively use the internet for information, research, shopping, entertainment, and smart living.
Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark – Mention of large base of netizens
- 1 mark – Use of internet in daily activities
Section B – Grammar And Creative Writing Skills
Here are the questions with correct answers and clear reasons:
I. Sentence (1 Mark)
Let’s meet at 5 p.m. for the rehearsal but I need to go home first as I ______ anything since morning.
Answer: (C) have not eaten
Reason: “Since morning” shows an action that started in the past and continues till now. So we use Present Perfect Tense → have not eaten.
II. Sentence (1 Mark)
To identifying your goal is the biggest step in your success story.
Error: identifying
Correction: identify
Reason: After “to”, we use the base form of the verb, not the -ing form.
Correct sentence: To identify your goal is the biggest step in your success story.
III. Direct Speech (1 Mark)
Yamini asked her friend Shifa, “Would you like to come for my birthday party tomorrow?”
Answer: Yamini asked her friend Shifa if she would like to come for her birthday party the next day.
Reason:
- “Would you like” → becomes if she would like
- “my” → changes to her
- “tomorrow” → changes to the next day
- Question form changes into statement form.
IV. Sentence (1 Mark)
The verdict is yet to come since the members of the jury ______ divided in their opinion.
Answer: (B) are
Reason: “Members of the jury” refers to individuals separately, so we use plural verb → are.
V. Direct Speech (1 Mark)
“Can you teach me to swim?”
Answer: Somil asked his mother if she could teach him to swim.
Reason:
- “Can” → changes to could
- “you” → she
- “me” → him
- Question changes into statement form using if.
VI. Sentence (1 Mark)
‘As an actor, Ravi Raj, is superior then any other contemporary actor.’
Answer: (C)
Error: then
Correction: than
Reason: In comparative degree, we use “superior to” and comparison uses than, not “then”.
Correct sentence:
As an actor, Ravi Raj is superior than any other contemporary actor.
(Note: Grammatically even better: “superior to any other…”)
VII. Sentence (1 Mark)
Minimum 75% attendance is ______ to appear for the final examinations.
Answer: (B) mandatory
Reason: “Mandatory” means compulsory, which fits the context of rules.
VIII. Sentence (1 Mark)
After the meeting it was obvious that most stakeholders would not support ______ proposals.
Answer: (D) these
Reason: “Proposals” is plural, so we use these (plural demonstrative).
IX. Dialogue Reporting (1 Mark)
Answer: The flight attendant asked the passenger if he had had his dinner.
Reason:
- “Did you have” → changes to if he had had (past perfect in reported speech)
- Question form becomes statement form.
X. Sentence (1 Mark)
When I was the team Captain, I ______ often organise get-togethers to develop bonding among the team mates.
Answer: (D) would
Reason: “Would” is used to describe habitual actions in the past.
XI. Sentence (1 Mark)
Yesterday you loved the spicy Indian curry, ______ you?
Answer: (D) didn’t
Reason:
- Main verb is in past tense (loved)
- Positive statement → negative question tag
- So → didn’t you?
XII. Direct Speech (1 Mark)
Student: What prompted you to become a professional writer?
Answer: The student asked the writer what had prompted him to become a professional writer.
Reason:
- “What prompted” → changes to what had prompted
- “you” → him
- Question form becomes statement form.
Section C – Literature Text Book
Here are sample answers as per marks and word limit:
6. (A) Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom
I. What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech? (1 mark)
Answer: (C) conflicted
II. According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate. (2 marks | 30–40 words)
Answer: Mandela believes freedom is not limited to political independence. It also means ending poverty, suffering, deprivation and discrimination. True emancipation ensures equality, dignity and justice for all people, not just the right to vote.
III. Mandela’s speech swings between references to the past and a ______ future. (1 mark)
Answer: promising
IV. Explain: “The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.” (1 mark)
Answer: Mandela means that South Africa’s freedom from oppression is a historic and unforgettable achievement. It marks a victory for humanity that will always be remembered with pride.
7. (A) Fire and Ice – Robert Frost
I. According to Robert Frost, fire refers to ______. (1 mark)
Answer: desire
II. Why does the poet believe both fire and ice can destroy the world equally? (2 marks | 30–40 words)
Answer: Fire symbolises desire and uncontrolled passion, while ice represents hatred and coldness. The poet believes both emotions are powerful and destructive enough to end the world if they grow beyond control.
III. In the line “But if it had to perish twice,” ‘it’ refers to the ______. (1 mark)
Answer: world
IV. Select the option with same rhyme scheme as stanza 1. (1 mark)
Answer: (C)
8. Answer ANY FOUR (40–50 words each | 3 marks each)
I. Explain the irony in Lencho blaming the postmaster.
Answer: The irony lies in the fact that the postmaster and his employees collected money to help Lencho. However, when Lencho received less than he expected, he accused them of stealing. He trusted God completely but doubted the very people who helped him.
II. Support that the poem “The Trees” symbolises emotion and exhaustion.
Answer: The trees represent suppressed emotions and the desire for freedom. The line “the forest that was empty all these days” shows emotional emptiness. The trees moving out symbolise release from mental exhaustion and a longing for independence.
III. Why does the poet use allusions in “Amanda”? Give examples.
Answer: The poet uses allusions to show Amanda’s desire to escape reality. References to mermaids, Rapunzel and an orphan highlight her wish for freedom and solitude. These imaginary comparisons contrast her strict upbringing and constant parental instructions.
IV. Describe the physical appearance of Mijbil.
Answer: Mijbil had a sleek, soft, dark brown body with a lighter underside. He had bright, playful eyes and delicate whiskers. His body was long and streamlined, perfectly suited for swimming, and he moved gracefully both in water and on land.
V. What does Valli’s reaction reveal about her?
Answer: Valli’s excitement at seeing the running cow shows her innocence and childlike joy. She was curious, observant and full of enthusiasm. Her reaction highlights her lively imagination and her ability to find happiness in simple moments.
