CBSE Class 10 Pre-Board Exam 2024-25: English Most Important Questions with Answers – Free PDF Download

The CBSE Pre-board Exam is an important part of your preparation for the final board exams. To help you study better, we’ve created a list of the most important English questions with answers.

This collection of most important English questions with answers will guide you in practicing and mastering key topics across all subjects. This post covers focuses on the topics that are most likely to appear in your exams.

The CBSE Pre-board Exam English questions cover key topics. It includes objective, short/long answer, and competency-based questions, all matching the latest exam pattern.

CBSE 10 Pre-board Exam 2024-25 English Most Important Questions

1. Read the text given below:

(1) Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
(2) A recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource or personal well-being in times of crisis. It has also underscored the sector's potential to generate economic growth, something which is too often underestimated. With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative potential of the world's diverse cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.
(4) Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.
(5) At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity in particular through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding.
(6) In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Next, in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development, affirming culture's contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the world, and recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
(7) The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to achieve the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October, 2005.

Answer the following questions based on the above passage:

(i) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 points to describe the purpose of UNESCO leading the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
(a)___________________
(b)___________________

Answer. i To highlight richness of world’s cultures. To play essential role of inter-cultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

(ii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence from para (2).
The recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource or personal well-being in times of crisis.
(A) the real worth of cultural sector at generating social cohesion during pandemics
(B) the real worth of creative sector at undermining the social cohesion during an international emergency
(C) questioning the real worth of creative sector at generating education resource during an international emergency
(D) highlighting the real worth of cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion and educational resource during an international emergency

Answer. (D) – highlighting the real world of cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion and educational resource during an international emergency

(iii) Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved.

Answer. Draw upon creative potential of world’s diverse cultures, engage in continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.

A positive/appreciative/optimistic statement that highlights/emphasizes on the advantages of a cultural diversity rather than viewing it as a cause of undermining the situation/cultural diversity is dispensable for poverty reduction/cultural diversity important for sustainable development (any other relevant response for tone must be accepted)

(iv) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph
(4)? Rationalise your response in about 40 words: "Cultural diversity is an asset."

Answer. A positive/appreciative/optimistic statement that highlights/emphasizes on the advantages of a cultural diversity rather than viewing it as a cause of undermining the situation/cultural diversity is dispensable for poverty reduction/cultural diversity important for sustainable development

(any other relevant response for tone must be accepted)

(v) The phrase 'bridging the gap' in paragraph (4) refers to :
(A) widening the differences
(B) connecting two desparate ideas
(C) supporting the bridging
(D) filling in the space between two connected things

Answer. (B) – 1 mark to be awarded to each child. There is error in the spelling of the word ‘disparate’ which changes the meaning of the word completely.

(vi) In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms.
a. arichness and poverty
b. intellectual and moral
c. reduction and promotion
d. essential and intrinsic
e. urgent and crucial
Options:
(A) a and c
(B) b and e
(C) d and e
(D) b and d

Answer. (C) – (d & e) essential and intrinsic Urgent and crucial

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The Second Committee of UN General Assembly in 2015 adopted_____________

Answer. The resolution on cultural and sustainable development, affirming culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development.

(viii) Complete the following sentence:
_______________is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.

Answer. Bridging the gap between culture

Download PDF
CBSE 10 Pre-board Exam 2024-25 English Most Important Questions	Click Here

2. Read the extract given below:
(1) The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of education, including the educational structure, regulations and governance, to create a new system which is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st century students. According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education, for which a clear action plan with targets and timelines are to be developed.
(2) The policy aims to overcome the social status hierarchy associated with skill education and integration of skill education into mainstream education in all educational institutions in a phased manner. Beginning with skill exposure at early ages in middle and secondary school, quality skill education will be integrated smoothly into school and higher education.
(3) Every child will learn at least one skill and is exposed to several more. This would lead to emphasizing the dignity of labour and importance of various vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
(4) The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of 'academic' or other capacities. To achieve this objective, secondary schools will have to collaborate with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIS), Polytechnics, Local Industry, etc. Skill labs will also be set up and created in the schools in a Hub and Spoke model, which will allow other schools to use the facility. Higher education institutions will offer skill education either on their own or in partnership with industry and other institutions.

For visually challenged students only:
Percentage of students in Skill Education in various countries is as follows:
India — 5%
Egypt — 30%
Denmark — 50%
USA — 52%
Germany — 75%
South Korea — 96%

Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions given below:

(i) Based on the reading of the extract, list 2 objectives of NEP 2020.

Answer. - Overcome social status hierarchy associated with vocational education.
- integration into mainstream education
- revision and revamping of all aspects of education
- aligning aspirational goals of 21st century with education system

(Any two points)

(ii) Fill in the blank with appropriate option from those given in the brackets, based on the understanding of paragraph (4).
The statement:
"The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of academic or other capacities" is a / an __________ (fact / opinion) because it is a / an __________ (subjective judgement/objective detail)

Answer. An Opinion/a subjective judgement (the combination has to be correct.) (1)

(iii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the statement given below :
"According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education."
(A) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(B) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(C) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
(D) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.

Answer. (C) – minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to vocational education

(iv) Based on the understanding of the passage, complete the following statement appropriately:
The benefit of the hub and spoke model will be __________

Answer. It will allow other schools to use the facility of skill labs

(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase
from paragraph (3):
Racism : condemn : __________ : respect

Answer. Dignity of labour/labour/artisanship

(vi) As per the Global Scenario which country has the maximum percentage of students in Skill Education and what can be the possible reason?

Answer. South Korea – any appropriate reason related to South Korea

(vii) Fill in the following blank choosing the most appropriate option
from the ones given below:
As per NEP 2020, skill exposure will begin at _______
(A) middle and secondary school
(B) primary school
(C) higher school
(D) senior secondary school

Answer. (A) – middle and secondary school

(viii) Justify the statement - "The NEP will create an awareness and appreciation of Indian arts and artisanship.'

Answer. any one relevant point from below -
- child will learn at least one skill
- understand dignity of labour
- appreciate Indian Arts & Artisanship

3. Complete ANY TEN of the following twelve tasks, as directed:
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:
Dear Sir
In response to your query, the document that ________ (explain)
our country's sustainability initiatives has been attached for your consideration.

Answer. Explains

(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence:
The uniquely flavoured dish was interestingly enough to captivate my taste buds.

Use the above format for your response.

(iii) Raashi and Ratul had a conversation about volunteer work.
Report Raashi's question.
Raashi: What challenges have you faced while volunteering?
Ratul: The main challenge is dealing with different personalities, but it's also a great learning experience.

Answer. Raashi asked Ratul what challenges he had faced while volunteering

(iv) Read the dialogue between a librarian and a student.
Librarian: Welcome back! It's good to see you, young man!
Student: Thanks! I was overloaded with assignments, so I have not visited the library this week.
Based on the conversation above, report the dialogue between a librarian and a student by completing the sentence. The librarian greeted the student warmly, expressing pleasure at his visit. The student

thanked her and explained that __________ which had limited his recent visits to the library.
Select the correct option from those given below :
(A) he had been overloaded with assignments
(B) he has been overloaded with assignments
(C) he was overloaded with assignments
(D) he is overloaded with assignments

Answer. (A) – he had been overloaded with assignments

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option in the bracket, to complete the sentence :
The revised meeting agenda is attached and___________ (this those / it) needs to be emailed to all participants before the meeting.

Answer. it

(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from an e-commerce website's return policy.

We offers a 30-day return policy on all unopened products purchased from our websites.
Use the given format for your response :

Answer. Offer

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the sentence from a public health campaign.
The campaign's goal is to increase physical activity among the younger.

Answer. (C) – youth

(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
The internship at the tech startup had me____________ excited about the potential of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
(A) feeling
(B) felt
(C) to feel
(D) feels

Answer. (A) – feeling

(ix) Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence:
Vendor: You look a little different today!
Customer: Yes, I just got a new haircut.
The vendor noticed that his customer's appearance had changed and asked him about it. The customer admitted this, citing the fact that ____________

Answer. he had recently/just got a haircut

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence to update the result of the regional science fair :
We have exciting news to share!
Our school _____________ first place in the regional science fair.
(A) awarded
(B) was awarded
(C) had awarded
(D) has been awarded

Answer. (D) – has been awarded

(xi) Complete the line from a song by filling the blank with the correct option:
The morning dew captures your essence,
The flowers and grass ________ your colour,
The Sunrise embraces your arrival,
As the dawn welcomes a new day.
(A) reflect
(B) reflects
(C) reflected
(D) shall reflect

Answer. (A) – reflect

(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence:
The public health campaign aimed in increase awareness of the risks associated with underage drinking.
Use the given format for your response:

Answer. in ® to

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below:
(A) There are daily reports in the newspaper of fatal accidents due to reckless driving and road rage. Write a letter to the Commissioner of Traffic Police in about 120 words suggesting the need to take stricter action against the offenders. Recommend the use of social media to launch awareness campaigns about the implications of irresponsible driving. You are Shantanu / Savita, living at B-108 Krishi Apartments.

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other relevant point must be accepted]
· Drawing the attention of the Commissioner of Traffic Police:
· Fatal accidents due to reckless driving and road rage
· Need for stricter action against offenders
· Need for use of social media to raise awareness
· Implications of irresponsible driving

OR

4. (B) A leading communication company 'Savera' is sponsoring a half marathon run in your city to raise funds for 'Koshish' an orphanage. You are Roshini/Roshan, school captain of Adarsh Vidyalaya. You are leading a batch of hundred students in the half marathon to be held in your city.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily emphasizing the participation of school children in such programmes as part of voluntary community service. Highlight the benefits of participation in such activities.

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other relevant point must be accepted] · Drawing the attention of the editor · Half marathon to raise funds for an orphanage (Koshish) · Need to sensitise school children · Emphasis on participation of school children in such programs · Benefits of community service/participation

5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below:
(A) The visual given shows the life cycle of a butterfly. Study the information carefully and then summarise it in the form of an analytical paragraph. Make comparisons and draw conclusions wherever applicable.

5. (A) For visually challenged students only:
The following are notes about the four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies. Summarise the notes in the form of an analytical paragraph:

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other relevant point must be accepted] • Comparisons between the different stages of a butterfly • Drawing conclusions wherever required

OR

5. (B) Study the table given below which shows the data on the hobbies of students during summer vacations. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words analyzing what hobbies do boys and girls choose in their summer vacations:

 

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other relevant point must be accepted] • Analysis of hobbies taken up by boys vs. those taken up by girls • Drawing inferences wherever required.

6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two :
(A) On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white skinned people of South Africa patched up differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentienth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

(i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; "I was overwhelmed with a sense of history."

Answer. · Mandela felt happy because of his role in ending Apartheid in South Africa.
· He was overwhelmed remembering all the past events.

(ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that:
(A) confirms the education of the Blacks.
(B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
(C) recollects the bitter experiences.
(D) focuses on the personality development.

Answer. B) recognises the rights and freedom of all people

(iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created?

Answer. · A system of racial domination / segregation against the darkskinned people in their own land. · One of the harshest and most inhuman societies of the world.

(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'patched up' in the given sentence from the extract:
"...the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences..."

Answer. Appeased/repaired/mended (Or any other appropriate word/phrase should be accepted)

OR

6. (B) I started right away at the Montessori Nursery School. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form, my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration.
(i) "In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration." State any one inference about Anne from the above context.

Answer. Anne- sensitive girl/emotionally attached to grandmother. (Or any other appropriate word/phrase should be accepted)

(ii) The first education of Anne started at _______
(A) some Kindergarten School
(B) a Nursery School
(C) Montessori Nursery School
(D) Elementary School

Answer. (C) – Montessori Nursery School

(iii) Who was Mrs. Kuperus? What kind of relationship did Anne share with her?

Answer. Anne’s teacher in sixth form and Headmistress. Both had relationship based on love and respect.

(iv) Substitute the word 'heartbreaking' with a word similar in meaning in the following sentence:
"At the end of the year we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell."

Answer. Emotional/poignant/painful (Or any other appropriate word/phrase should be accepted)

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two :

(A) He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.

He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water pole
Where plump deer pass.

He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!

(i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat.

Answer. · Zoo- stalks in his cage/forced to be quiet · Forest- moves majestically wherever he wants/snarls and terrorises the village. (Any one point from the above)

(ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be "Snarling around houses at the jungle's edge"? What does he insinuate about the tiger's natural behaviour and habitat?

Answer. Tiger- naturally powerful, free and ferocious (Any one point/ any other suitable word/phrase is acceptable)

(iii) The poet's skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words.

Answer. · In his vivid stripes, pads of velvet quiet, in his quiet rage
(Any two of these images with elaboration to be accepted)

(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'quiet rage' in the given sentence from the extract?
The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his 'quiet rage.'

Answer. Suppressed anger

OR

7. (B) No use to say 'O there are other balls

An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where his ball went.

I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
He is learning.....

(i) Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards the boy's reaction to losing his ball?
(A) indifferent as the ball is inexpensive
(B) sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy's loss
(C) mocking, finding the boy's reaction exaggerated and unnecessary.
(D) panicked, sharing the boy's distress over the lost ball.

Answer. (B) – sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy’s loss

(ii) Comment on the use of metaphor in the above extract.

Answer. Ball is a metaphor for possessions/childhood innocence

(iii) Explain the phrase 'all his young days into the harbour' with reference to the extract.

Answer. · loss of the ball- moment of transition from childhood to maturity/ memories of childhood flashed in front of his eyes. (Reference- ‘senses his first responsibility’, ‘he is learning’)

(iv) Briefly state in about 40 words the boy's journey from 'shaking grief' to 'he is learning' in the above extract.

Answer. · Journey from innocence to maturity/ youth to adulthood · Realisation/learning- loss is inevitable, he will lose things, · replace them but never be able to buy back the thing he has lost.

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in 40-50 words each:

(i) What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem 'Dust of Snow' initially? What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect? Comment.

Answer. · Mood- depressed/ hopeless. (Any other appropriate word can be accepted) · Images- ‘hemlock tree’ and ‘crow’.

(ii) How far would you agree that one's positivity can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse circumstances?

Answer. Positive attitude can help individuals see opportunities where others see problems. (Students can answer this question with/ without reference to any chapter(s)/character(s) (any two points)

(iii) What makes Custard, the dragon look fearsome? Explain.

Answer. · sharp teeth, spikes on top of him and scales underneath. · mouth was similar to a fireplace and nose was like a chimney. · daggers on his toes. (any two points)

(iv) Explain, why the speaker mentions God in the poem "For Anne Gregory".

Answer. · · Human beings incapable of seeing inner beauty. · Only God sees beyond external beauty.

(v) What message might the Buddha's story hold for those who are in positions of power and privilege ?

Answer. · Death brings grief and suffering · It treats everyone equally · Death takes away material possessions, power and privilege · One should not be controlled by desires and material possessions. (any two points)

9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each:
(i) Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify. (Footprints Without Feet)

Answer. · lawless person.
· committed many crimes.
· misused his discovery (any two points)

(ii) Why did Bholi's teacher feel like an artist admiring her masterpiece? (Bholi)

Answer. · Bholi refused to marry the man demanding dowry

· proud to see Bholi take a stand for herself/transform into a confident person.

(iii) What is the twist at the end of the story "The Necklace'? (The Necklace)

Answer. · The diamond necklace borrowed was fake · Lost her beauty / wasted her youth and money · suffered (any two points)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words:
(i) In the chapter 'A Baker from Goa' the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in 'A Baker from Goa' to that of Nelson Mandela. You may begin this way:
Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.....
Reference: A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk

Answer. Differences- · A Baker from Goa- freedom is a reality, · Nelson Mandela- freedom is an illusion. · Commonalities- · both talk about freedom of childhood · carefree existence · innocence of childhood. (any three points)

(ii) Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda' is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box.
What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words.

Answer. Anne to Amanda:
· stop fantasising
· do what you want
· face situations head on

Amanda to Anne:
· strive for freedom
· live your life
· create your own space
· keep dreaming (be optimistic) (any three points, at least one from each side)

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words:

(i) How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint? (A Question of Trust)

Answer. · woman in red pretends to be lady of the house (mannerisms, gestures, language were sophisticated) · Horace trusted, opened safe (didn’t inform police) · She took away all jewels.

(ii) Hari Singh says - "He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything."
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at
all. Elaborate based on your reading of The Thief's Story.

Answer. Hari Singh returns after regretting stealing money from Anil.
· Anil knew Hari was a thief
· Next Morning, Hari offers tea
· Anil didn’t refer to the incident/ doesn’t show any signs of anger