CBSE Class 10 English 2026 — Set 2

Questions in this 2026 English paper (Set 2)

All 57 questions from this set, exactly as asked. Try each one, then open the question-paper PDF above for the complete paper.

1. 1.
   Read the following passage carefully: (1) In the fast-evolving landscape of the present age, digital saturation and algorithmically curated lives, the phenomenon of FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — has progressed from a fleeting psychological discomfort into a pervasive cultural condition. Initially, the term was coined to describe the anxiety provoked by the perception that others are participating in rewarding experiences from which one is absent. FOMO now pervades virtually in every dimension of contemporary existence, fuelled largely by the continuous updates of edited content on social media platforms. Significantly, it is the anxiety that others are experiencing something more fulfilling, exciting, or meaningful. (2) The roots of FOMO lie in the interplay between the evolutionary instincts of an individual and modern technology. It may be traced as a fundamental human trait — the innate desire to belong. Man — being a social creature naturally, always tries to seek inclusion and belonging as a means of survival. Albeit, nowadays social media has escalated this instinct by bothering individuals with real-time updates of others …

   • (i) What is the primary psychological trigger behind FOMO in the context of social media usage?
   • (a) physical fatigue
   • (b) fear of rejection from loved ones
   • (c) need of privacy to keep oneself safe
   • (d) fear of being left out of rewarding experiences
2. 2.
   Complete the following with the correct option from the two given below: FOMO has entered every dimension of a person's existence because _____________.

   • (a) more exciting events are taking place nowadays
   • (b) of constant edits and updates on the social media platforms
3. 3.
   What is the impact of the 'experience economy' on individuals?
4. 4.
   How does FOMO affect an individual's decision-making ability?
5. 5.
   Support the writer's viewpoint that FOMO leads to emotional consequences.
6. 6.
   List two effective ways to deal with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
7. 7.
   State whether the following statement is True or False: People need to make an effort to come out of their FOMO state of mind.
8. 8.
   Complete the following with the correct option from the ones given below. In the phrase 'generate emotional resilience', the word 'resilience' refers to the ability to

   • (a) support and create more social content.
   • (b) withstand emotional anxiety of FOMO.
   • (c) accelerate the notifications on social media.
   • (d) give in to digital social pressure.
9. 9.
   Read the following passage carefully: (1) The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising … (i) Complete the sentence with a reason: The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of ____________.
10. 10.
    What does the phrase 'thrives on innovation' tell us about the cosmetic industry?

    • (a) The industry is slow-growing.
    • (b) The industry is growing and evolving by the day.
    • (c) The industry is becoming popular in rural areas.
    • (d) The industry is gradually becoming more expensive.
11. 11.
    Identify the word that indicates that the cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow.
12. 12.
    Given that teenagers and young adults form the primary group for cosmetics purchases, what are the key factors that shape their buying decisions?
13. 13.
    Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. Assertion: The Indian cosmetics market generated a profit of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore in 2024. Reason: It became possible due to strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings. (a) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion…
14. 14.
    How has the rise of e-commerce platforms impacted the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry? Explain in 30 – 40 words.
15. 15.
    Based on your understanding of Paragraph (3), fill in the blank with suitable options: The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is _________ (20%, 25%, 35%) approximately.

    • (a) 20%
    • (b) 25%
    • (c) 35%
16. 16.
    Complete the sentence suitably. That men's grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes ____________________________.
17. 17.
    Mention any two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present.
18. 18.
    Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a report. The group __________ (walk) for hours through forests and hills in Mexico before it reached the barbed wire fence, marking the boundary of the forest.
19. 19.
    Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option given in the brackets: ____________ (Several/Both/All) people attended the convention because the entry was open to all at a very nominal fee.
20. 20.
    Read the given sentence from a story, identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. The farmer told his sons that he had hidden a treasure in the fields but he had forget the actual place. Use the given format for your response (Error / Correction).
21. 21.
    Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence: Harry: Good morning Bobby, how do you do? Bobby: Quite well, thank you; but these are hard times. Harry wished Bobby good morning and enquired about his well-being. Bobby thanked him and said that he was quite well, but remarked ___________.
22. 22.
    Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the line given below: I don't know what it is. It feel like an incredibly lucky day for me.

    • (a) don't → doesn't
    • (b) is → have
    • (c) feel → feels
    • (d) lucky → luckily
23. 23.
    Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the dialogue given below: Sahil said to Shekhar, "Which are your books?"

    • (a) Sahil asked Shekhar which his books were.
    • (b) Sahil asked Shekhar which books are yours.
    • (c) Sahil asked Shekhar which has been his books.
    • (d) Sahil asked Shekhar which are his books.
24. 24.
    Complete the given sentence with the correct form of the verb by selecting the correct option: A case ___________ against the unidentified truck driver for causing damage to the street poles due to negligence and rash driving.

    • (a) was registered
    • (b) is register
    • (c) have been registered
    • (d) may registered
25. 25.
    Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from the brackets: Anita __________ (ought to/would/have to) likely complete the project on time as her team is collaborating effectively.
26. 26.
    Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in a hair salon's instruction manual: All tools and frequently touched surfaces must be disinfect after each client's treatment. Use the given format for your response (Error / Correction).
27. 27.
    Suhani and Sneha decided to purchase books to focus on 'Reading Skills' in their summer vacations. Report the question asked by Suhani to Sneha. Which books are we going to purchase today from the Book Fest? Suhani asked Sneha ____________.
28. 28.
    Replace the underlined word used in the sentence with the best option given below: Since Sheenam study diligently for months, she will clear the competitive exam.

    • (a) studying
    • (b) was studied
    • (c) has been studying
    • (d) have been studied
29. 29.
    Identify the error and supply the correction for the following sentence. True tradition is not in celebrations, but in the culture we carries forward. Use the given format for your response (Error / Correction).
30. 30.
    Attempt the following in about 120 words: You are Sanjana/Sanjit of Avenue Apartments, XYZ Colony, Sakshamgarh. Recently, you read in the newspaper about adulteration in food and dairy products consumed by us daily. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on food adulteration. Highlight the health risks of eating such foods and suggest measures to tackle the issue.
31. 31.
    Attempt the following in about 120 words: Read the given details of the school activities that help children in their personality development. • student councils, clubs • activities in the Morning Assembly • celebration of important days • organization of various competitions • sports and academic activities Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph about the impact of school…
32. 32.
    Read the following extract and answer the questions: Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come…
33. 33.
    Complete the sentence appropriately: Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because ____________.
34. 34.
    In the above lines, Mandela mentions 'extraordinary human disaster'. What is the significance of this phrase in his speech?
35. 35.
    The tone of Mandela in the above excerpt is: 1. unifying 2. determined 3. aggressive 4. pessimistic 5. hopeless Select the correct option:

    • (a) 1, 2 and 4
    • (b) 2 and 4
    • (c) 1 and 2
    • (d) 4 and 5
36. 36.
    OR (alternative to the Mandela extract) Read the following extract and answer the questions: … (i) In light of the excerpt, what can we infer about Richard from Mr. Weiherer …
37. 37.
    Mention the 'ingredients' which are necessarily required in the making of a scientist.
38. 38.
    Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets: Mr. Weiherer suggests that Richard was _____________. (lethargic/persistent)
39. 39.
    As per the above excerpt, what is not true about Ebright? Select the correct option.

    • (a) strongly curious
    • (b) bright minded
    • (c) competitive spirit
    • (d) irrational
40. 40.
    Read the following extract and answer the questions: Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The Crocodile you always may Tell from the Hyena thus: Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they …

    • (i) How does the poet describe the crocodile's tears? Choose the correct option:
    • (a) genuine and heartfelt
    • (b) joyful and sincere
    • (c) false and deceptive
    • (d) cold and indifferent
41. 41.
    What confusion will a newcomer (novice) face while distinguishing between a hyena and a crocodile, as described humorously by the poet in the above extract?
42. 42.
    Mention any two characteristics of a chameleon on the basis of the given extract.
43. 43.
    Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in the brackets: The tone of the poet in the above lines is __________ (playful and humorous/serious and confused).
44. 44.
    OR (alternative to the 'How to Tell Wild Animals' extract) Read the following extract and answer the questions: Did you finish your homework, Amanda? Did you tidy your room, Amanda? I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Amanda! (I am an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.) (Amanda!) (i) Complete the sentence…
45. 45.
    What does the image of Amanda "roaming barefoot in the dusty street" signify?
46. 46.
    Amanda's tone while imagining herself as an orphan is:

    • (a) excited
    • (b) fearful
    • (c) angry
    • (d) peaceful
47. 47.
    What does the speaker (Amanda) do on the dust?
48. 48.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: In the poem 'Fire and Ice', how does the intense human emotion symbolised by fire, lead to the destruction of the world?
49. 49.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: Mention the details that Anne provides about her family in her diary. (From the Diary of Anne Frank)
50. 50.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: Bread plays a pivotal role in Goan culture and tradition. Support the statement with evidences from the text. (Glimpses of India: A Baker from Goa)
51. 51.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? (Mijbil the Otter)
52. 52.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: Despite her young age, how does Valli manage to gather the subtle details about the bus journey? (Madam Rides the Bus)
53. 53.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: Why does Hari Singh find it pleasant to work for Anil, though he was a thief? (The Thief's Story)
54. 54.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: How does Matilda face 'the horrible life of necessity'? (The Necklace)
55. 55.
    Answer in 40 – 50 words: The teacher built up Bholi's confidence on her first day at school. Discuss. (Bholi)
56. 56.
    Answer in 100 – 120 words: How do Lencho in 'A Letter to God' and Kisa Gotami in 'The Sermon at Benares' respond to their experiences of suffering and loss? How did they overcome their respective losses?
57. 57.
    Answer in 100 – 120 words: Compare and contrast Tricki's condition before and after his stay at the surgery. How does this contrast help in understanding the role of proper care, discipline and environment in ensuring Tricki's well-being? (A Triumph of Surgery)

Prepare with

How to use these papers

1. 1Start chapter-wise early in the year — solve only the English questions from a chapter you have just finished.
2. 2Switch to full timed papers 2–3 months before the exam: one complete set in the real time limit, no notes.
3. 3Self-mark against the marking scheme, then fix every mistake with our free NCERT solutions.
4. 4Re-attempt your weakest chapters until the recurring question types feel routine.

CBSE Class 10 English 2026 paper — FAQ