CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 (Available): Set-wise Unofficial Key PDF, Exam Analysis

ENGLISH (Language and Literature)
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.

The question paper contains THREE sections:

Section – A: Reading Skills

Section – B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

Section – C: Literature Textbook

Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section – A (20 Marks)

Reading Skills

1 Ans. i. Option (A)

Option (A)

Inexhaustible

The study reveals that while 98% of children aged 3 to 5 display creative thinking, this percentage declines drastically to 10% in teenagers (13–15 years) and further drops to only 2% in adults (25 years). This suggests that creativity diminishes with age.

Creativity is thus a social process.

Creativity also thrives in science, technology, revitalizing cities, and professions such as medicine, law, journalism, education, and entrepreneurship.

About thirty-three percent of citizens engage their creative faculties in tasks that use innovation, problem-solving, and originality in various fields such as technology, education, medicine, law, and journalism.

The passage suggests that creativity is thriving in various fields despite socio-economic inequalities. However, there is still a need to create a society that fully supports and rewards creativity for everyone, ensuring that all individuals can contribute creatively to their fields.

2. Ans. i. (B) The consumers are confused.

Thriving

Data utilization

Cataloging people by gender, income level, personal interests, etc., is to Data utilization as Algorithms, influencers, and ad tech are to Retail assistance.

(C) Marketing trends

The solution to combat choice fatigue is to employ lifestyle influencers on Instagram who provide self-improving content and product references.

The different approach to revolutionize consumer choices is to offer limited, functional, and mid-priced products that simplify decision-making.

The writer believes that the global product abundance cannot be equitable because creators primarily focus on wealthier consumers, leaving others with fewer choices or access to quality products.

The main drawback is that these startups depend on large venture capital investments and are pressured to grow rapidly, which may eventually lead them to expand their product range, thereby reintroducing overwhelming choices for consumers.

Section – B (20 Marks)

Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

3. Ans. i. As I entered the room, the first thing that struck me as odd was the candle still burning on the table.

(ii)

(iii) A mask is used to hide the identity of a person.
(A) of

(iv) The student greeted and mentioned that she had come to inquire about the English courses for international students.
(D) had come

(v)

(vi) The shopkeeper asked Ramesh which book he wanted. Ramesh replied that he wanted a reference book for Physics which he could use for his project work.

(vii) There are many inventions of science which have benefitted human beings in many ways.

(viii) In our country, many universities offer a range of courses. That’s why foreign students prefer Indian universities.
(C) many

(ix) The city planner said that the new park was a result of several months of research and planning. The residents expressed their excitement, stating that they were unsure who was more excited – they or their children.

(x) (B) He swore that he had not stolen the bag.

(xi)

(D) view → views

(xii) The report concludes that very few learners have some knowledge of astrophysics.
(A) very few / some

5. Ans (a) 

Pros and Cons of Internet

OR

(b) 

Section – C (40 Marks)

Literature Textbook

6. Ans. (a) i. The experience has a profound impact on the speaker, teaching him the true meaning of courage and inspiring him with the bravery and resilience of his comrades.

(D) ability to overcome fear.

According to the author, true courage entails the ability to overcome fear, not the absence of fear. This perspective differs from the common misconception that courage means being fearless.

impossible to understand.

(b) i. (A) joyous

The prospect of being paid regularly boosts the narrator's motivation and hope for the future. It lifts his spirits and provide a sense of security.

nobility

The expressions "My heart sank" and "My spirits rose" convey opposite emotions. The first phrase indicates a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or despair, whereas the second phrase suggests a feeling of happiness, optimism, or joy.

7. Ans. (a) i. The metaphorical expression used by the poet to describe the movement of the trees is "The trees are stumbling forward".

Adrienne Rich presents the conflict between man and nature with a tone of urgency and disruption. The imagery of breaking glass, stumbling trees, and a broken moon creates a sense of chaos and disorder, suggesting that human actions have disrupted the natural world.

(D) Melancholic and traumatic

The whispers would be silent tomorrow because they are the sounds of nature's warnings or messages, which will be lost or silenced due to human destruction or neglect of the natural world.

(b) i. Amanda sulked and became moody because she was being scolded and nagged by the speaker (her mother).

The girl constantly yearns for freedom and a life beyond her confined space. Amanda is inferred to be a sensitive and emotional person who is affected by the speaker's nagging.

The line paints a picture of a peaceful and serene life, but also one that is isolated and confined. The speaker is romanticizing life in the tower, which contrasts with Amanda's desire for freedom.

(B) 2 and 3

8. Ans. i. The young Seagull demonstrates motivation by persistently attempting to fly despite his initial fears and failures. His willingness to overcome challenges and eventually succeed is driven by his desire to fly and find food.

The metaphor "The Fog comes on little feet" signifies the quiet and subtle arrival of fog, which is often imperceptible. This metaphor highlights the mysterious and elusive nature of fog, emphasizing its ability to transform the environment unnoticed.

Mijbil's intelligence is depicted through his ability to learn and adapt, while his friendly nature is shown through his affectionate interactions with the narrator. His playful traits are evident in his love for games and mischief, showcasing his thriving spirit when showered with affection.

The title "The Proposal" is significant as it highlights the play's central theme of marriage proposal. Two examples supporting this are when Chubukov visits Lomov with the intention of proposing to Natalya, and when Lomov's proposal is met with a heated argument over the ownership of the meadows.

The poet presents beauty as a subjective and fleeting concept in "For Anne Gregory". He suggests that beauty is not just physical, but also tied to personality and character, emphasizing that true beauty lies within and is not solely dependent on external appearances.

9. Ans. i. Griffin's reaction was one of anger and defensiveness. He became agitated and hostile when confronted by Mrs. Hall, displaying a volatile temperament.

Matilda is unhappy with her life because she feels trapped in a mundane and poverty-stricken existence. She yearns for wealth, luxury, and excitement, which she believes is lacking in her current life.

Horace Danby was mistakenly accused and caught for a theft he did not commit because a clever lady tricked him. Posing as the house owner, she manipulated him into breaking open the safe and stealing jewels for her. Later, when the police found his fingerprints, he was arrested, while the real thief remained free.

10. Ans. (a) In 'The Dust of Snow', Nature plays a significant role in transforming the poet's mood. The snowflakes and the crow's call have a profound impact on the poet, lifting his spirits and making him more receptive to life's experiences.

In 'Fog', Nature is depicted as mysterious and elusive. The fog is personified, emphasizing its ability to transform the environment quietly. The poem highlights Nature's power to alter human perceptions and experiences.

In both poems, Nature plays a transformative role, influencing the poet's mood and perspective. While 'The Dust of Snow' portrays Nature as uplifting and rejuvenating, 'Fog' depicts it as mysterious and transformative.

(b) Anne Frank and Valli, though from different backgrounds, share a spirit of optimism and self-assurance. Anne, despite the hardships of living in hiding during World War II, remained hopeful and expressed her emotions through her diary, showcasing her strength and resilience. Similarly, Valli, a young girl with limited means, displayed determination and confidence in fulfilling her dream of riding a bus alone. Both faced societal and personal challenges—Anne against war and fear, and Valli against age restrictions and societal norms. Their stories teach us that courage, curiosity, and self-belief help women overcome obstacles and shape their destinies, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite difficulties.

11. Ans. (a) Richard Ebright's perseverance, dedication, and inquisitiveness inspire me to pursue my dreams by demonstrating the importance of hard work and determination. His journey shows that success is not solely based on innate talent, but rather on the effort and passion invested in one's pursuits. Ebright's story motivates me to stay curious, seek knowledge, and persist in the face of challenges, ultimately leading to the realization of my goals.

(b) Sulekha's teacher epitomizes the saying by recognizing and nurturing Sulekha's inherent qualities, transforming her from a timid and uneducated girl to a confident and knowledgeable individual. The teacher becomes Sulekha's pillar of support and strength by providing guidance, encouragement, and empathy, helping her overcome her difficulties and reach her full potential. The teacher's selfless dedication and commitment to Sulekha's growth make her an exemplary educator.