CBSE Sample Paper | Class 10 | English 2026 Set 1 | with Answer | Literature 40-50 words

3 Marks Each

Question: How did Chubukov defend Squeezer? (The Proposal)
Answer: Chubukov strongly defended Squeezer by claiming that his dog was far superior to Lomov’s Guess. He argued that Squeezer came from a pure and respectable lineage, while Guess was of mixed and uncertain breed. Chubukov also insisted that Squeezer was healthy, young, and energetic, unlike Guess, whom he described as old, short-legged, and half-dead. To prove his point, he even referred to expert opinions and dog-show certificates, showing his aggressive and argumentative nature.

✔️ Keywords: pure breed, superior, expert opinion, aggressive defence

Question: Describe some of the activities of tiger as stated by the poet ? (A Tiger in the Zoo)
Answer : The poet describes the tiger pacing restlessly within the narrow limits of his cage, taking few steps back and forth. He stalks quietly on padded feet, expressing his suppressed anger and frustration. The poet contrasts this with what the tiger should be doing—lurking in shadows, sliding through long grass, and hunting deer near the water hole, which highlights the loss of his natural freedom.

✔️ Keywords : pacing, stalking, suppressed rage, contrast with natural habitat

Question : Explain the Indian legend associated with the origin of tea. (The Glimpse of India)

Answer: According to an Indian legend, a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma felt sleepy while meditating. To prevent this, he cut off his eyelids and threw them on the ground. From the spot where the eyelids fell, tea plants grew. The leaves of these plants helped people stay awake and alert, thus leading to the discovery of tea.
✔️ Keywords : Indian legend, Bodhidharma, meditation, eyelids, origin of tea

Question: What legends are associated with the origin of tea?
or
What stories are linked with the discovery of tea?

Answer: Two legends are associated with the origin of tea. According to the Chinese legend, tea was discovered when a few tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water during Emperor Shen Nong’s time. The Indian legend relates to the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, from whose discarded eyelids tea plants grew, helping people stay awake.
Keywords : Chinese legend, boiling water, tea leaves fell accidentally, Emperor Shen Nong, Indian legend, Bodhidharma, eyelids, tea plants, staying awake

MCQ : Why does the author include legends along with historical facts?
A. To confuse the reader
B. To make the lesson entertaining and informative
C. To criticise traditions
D. To prove legends are true
✅ Answer: B

According to the Indian legend, tea leaves helped in:
A. Improving digestion
B. Removing tiredness and sleep
C. Increasing appetite
D. Healing wounds
✅ Answer: B

Which of the following facts about tea is mentioned in the lesson?
A. Tea was discovered in Europe
B. Tea was originally used as a medicine
C. Tea was first grown in China and India together
D. Tea plants require cold climate
✅ Answer: B

Question: What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother?(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
Answer: Anne’s deep love and affection for her grandmother is evident when she dedicates her diary to her on her birthday. She also writes warmly and emotionally about her grandmother’s illness and death. Anne’s sense of loss, respect, and remembrance clearly show how much she loved her grandmother.
✔️ Keywords: affection, dedication, emotional bond, remembrance, loss

Questions: The tone of the speaker contrasts with the seriousness of the subject matter. justify ( Fire and Ice)
or
Justify how the tone of the speaker contrasts with the seriousness of the subject matter (without mentioning the poems name)

Answer: In Fire and Ice, the speaker discusses the serious theme of the destruction of the world, yet his tone remains calm, conversational, and almost casual. Instead of sounding fearful or tragic, he presents two destructive forces—fire (desire) and ice (hatred) in a matter-of-fact manner. This detached tone contrasts sharply with the grave subject, making the poem more impactful by highlighting how human emotions can casually lead to catastrophic consequences.
✔️ Keywords: calm tone, conversational, contrast, serious theme, destruction, human emotions

Question: Comment critically on the role of the Surgery in the ‘The Triumph of Surgery’.

Answer : The surgery plays a symbolic role rather than a medical one. Tricki’s recovery is not due to an operation but proper care, discipline, and controlled diet. The title is ironic, showing that lifestyle correction can be more effective than medical intervention. The story criticises overindulgence and highlights the importance of balance and responsible care.
Keywords: irony, discipline, lifestyle correction

Question: How does the author use the narrative technique of misdirection in ‘The Midnight Visitor’, to enhance the suspense and the story’s unexpected ending?

Answer: Alfred Hitchcock uses misdirection by making Ausable appear weak and harmless. The reader expects Max to overpower him. However, Ausable cleverly invents a story about a balcony and a policeman, shifting Max’s focus from reality to imagination. This psychological diversion creates suspense and leads to the unexpected ending when Max jumps to his death. The technique proves that intelligence and presence of mind are more powerful than physical strength.
Keywords: misdirection, suspense, intelligence

Question: The poems, ‘The Trees’ and ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ resonate the theme of importance of freedom and the desire to break free from any kind of dominance. Examine.

Answer : Both poems emphasise the longing for freedom.
In The Trees, nature struggles to escape confinement, symbolising suppressed voices seeking liberation.
In A Tiger in the Zoo, the caged tiger represents restricted power and lost dignity.
Adrienne Rich focuses on collective freedom, while Leslie Norris highlights individual suffering.
Together, they convey that dominance and confinement destroy natural identity, and freedom is essential for growth, dignity, and fulfilment.
Keywords: freedom, confinement, dominance, dignity

Question: How does literature like ‘The Baker from Goa,’ ‘Coorg,’ and ‘Tea from Assam’ contribute to promoting tourism and raising awareness about regional cultures and traditions?

Answer : These texts promote tourism by vividly presenting regional culture and traditions. The Baker from Goa highlights Portuguese heritage and local customs. Coorg showcases scenic beauty, wildlife, and martial traditions, attracting nature lovers. Tea from Assam introduces tea plantations and India’s global contribution to tea production. Together, these chapters encourage readers to explore India’s diversity, appreciate local lifestyles, and respect cultural heritage. Literature thus becomes a powerful medium to promote tourism and cultural awareness.
Keywords: examples + culture + tourism link

Question: How does ‘The Necklace’ illustrate the significance of honesty as the key element for leading a happy and stress-free life?

Answer: ‘The Necklace’ highlights that honesty is essential for a peaceful and stress-free life. Mathilde’s suffering begins with her dishonesty about her social status, as she borrows a necklace to appear wealthy at the ball. Later, her failure to honestly admit the loss of the necklace to Mme Loisel forces her into ten years of extreme poverty and hardship. Maupassant clearly conveys that a single honest confession could have saved Mathilde from prolonged suffering, proving that honesty leads to peace while deceit results in lifelong stress.
Mathilde’s tragedy is not caused by loss, but by her refusal to accept the truth.
Keyword: Desire to impress society, failure to confess the truth

Question: What was Mrs pumphrey reaction after hearing tricki’s good health? ((A Triumph of Surgery)

Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was overwhelmed with joy and relief on hearing that Tricki had recovered. She was deeply grateful to Dr Herriot and believed that his treatment was nothing short of a miracle. Out of affection and gratitude, she sent eggs, wine, brandy and other luxuries for Tricki’s recovery, showing her emotional, overprotective and indulgent nature.
Keywords : overindulgent affection, overjoyed / relieved, grateful to Dr Herriot, called the recovery a “miracle”, sent gifts (eggs, wine, brandy)

Question: How would you have reacted if you were one of the guests witnessing Bholi’s wedding when she refused to marry Bishamber Nath?

Answer: If I were one of the guests, I would have felt shocked at first but soon deeply proud and inspired by Bholi’s courage. Her firm refusal to marry Bishamber Nath after his greedy demand for dowry showed her self-respect and moral strength. I would have silently supported her decision, believing that she chose dignity over social pressure, setting an example for society.
Keywords : shocked → proud → courageous decision → refusal of dowry → self-respect → dignity over social pressure → inspiration

Question: Why did griffin decide to become visible and to to Iping?

Answer: Griffin decided to become visible and go to Iping because he urgently needed food, shelter, and money after his reckless experiments left him homeless and helpless. He chose Iping as it was a quiet village, where he could hide his identity, continue his scientific work, and avoid public attention.
Keywords : homeless → helpless → need for food & shelter → quiet village → hide identity → continue experiments → avoid suspicion