CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2024-25 PDF with Answers

Section A – 20 Marks

Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text. 10 Marks 

(1) In a world dominated by digital technology, the way we capture, store, and share memories has evolved significantly. Traditional photo albums and digital photo galleries are two primary methods for preserving personal and family memories, each with its own unique characteristics. Though both share the common goal of keeping memories alive, they offer different experiences, advantages, and disadvantages.

(2) Photo albums represent a tangible and tactile way to capture memories. A physical album filled with printed photographs provides a sense of reminiscence and can be passed down through generations, becoming a family heirloom. The process of selecting photos, printing them, and placing them in an album can be a personal and intimate experience, allowing one to reflect on the moments captured.

(3) One of the primary advantages of photo albums is their permanence. Unlike digital files, which can be lost or corrupted, physical photographs in a well-maintained album can last for decades, if not centuries. Albums also provide a sensory experience; flipping through the pages, feeling the texture of the paper, and smelling the aging prints can evoke strong emotional responses.

(4) Additionally, photo albums require little to no technology to enjoy. This makes them accessible to a wider range of people, including those who may not be tech-savvy. Albums can be taken to family gatherings or passed around during holidays, creating a shared experience among family and friends.

(5) However, photo albums come with certain disadvantages. They take up physical space and are vulnerable to damage from environmental factors like water, fire, or sunlight. Albums are also limited in capacity; once they are filled, creating additional albums can become cumbersome. Furthermore, the process of creating a photo album can be time-consuming and costly. Printing photographs, purchasing albums, and maintaining them can add up. Digital photo galleries have transformed the way we capture and share memories. With the rise of smartphones and digital cameras, taking and storing photos has become more convenient than ever.

(6) The main advantage of digital photo galleries is their convenience and capacity. With a single device, you can store thousands of photos and access them from anywhere. Digital galleries also offer powerful organization tools, allowing users to sort and categorise their photos with metadata, tags, and dates. Sharing digital photos is effortless; you can send them via email, social media, or cloud-based platforms, enabling friends and family to enjoy memories instantly. Digital galleries also allow for easy editing and enhancement of photos, helping to correct imperfections and improve quality.

(7) Despite their convenience, digital photo galleries have their drawbacks. The reliance on technology means that photos can be lost due to hardware failure, software corruption, or accidental deletion. Additionally, the ephemeral nature of digital files makes them less tangible and more prone to being overlooked or forgotten among the vast array of digital content. Security and privacy are also concerns with digital galleries. Sharing photos online opens up the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches, leading to potential misuse of personal images.

(8) Ultimately, the choice between traditional photo albums and digital photo galleries depends on personal preferences and priorities. Photo albums offer a tactile, enduring connection to memories, while digital galleries provide convenience, flexibility, and ease of sharing. A combination of both methods can offer the best of both worlds, ensuring that cherished memories are preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

I- What do traditional photo albums and digital photo galleries share in common?

A. Both use digital technology to store photos.
B. Both are methods of preserving personal and family memories.
C. Both are tangible and can be passed down through generations.
D. Both rely on external power sources to function.

Answer: B. Both are methods of preserving personal and family memories.

ii- What aspect of traditional photo albums makes them a cherished item for families?

A. The convenience of digital technology.
B. The ability to store thousands of photos.
C. The sense of nostalgia they provide.
D. The option to access them from anywhere

Answer: C. The sense of nostalgia they provide.

iii- Complete the following suitably.

The personal experience associated with photo albums is important because _____.

Answer: …it allows us to reflect on the moments captured

iv- Rectify the given false statement.

The main benefit that photo albums have over digital files is the sensory experience

Answer: Main advantage is permanence (as digital files are likely to get corrupted)

v- List any ONE way the photo albums can contribute to an enjoyable family time.

Answer: Creates the shared experience of passing it around at family gatherings

vi- Why has it become cumbersome to create additional photo albums, according to paragraph 5?

Answer: The process of printing photos and purchasing new albums can be timeconsuming and costly.

vii- Why does the writer say that digital cameras, have made taking and storing photos ‘ more convenient than ever?’

Answer: Because they allow users to capture and store a large number of photos digitally without the need for physical film or complex processing. The digital format also enables easy access, organisation, and sharing through various digital platforms. This convenience has transformed how we capture memories, making the process more straightforward and accessible.

viii- How can we say that digital photographs may not always represent reality?

Answer: This is due to the flexibility and advanced editing capabilities available in digital formats. Photo editing software and apps allow users to alter, manipulate, or enhance images in ways that can significantly change their appearance. 

ix- Explain why we can say that the writer did not choose sides?

Answer: By outlining both the pros and cons of each method / By offering a fair representation to both, the writer avoids taking a definitive stance, allowing readers to make their own informed choice based on personal preferences and priorities. 

2. Read the following text. 10 Marks

Student Council Unveils School’s First Student-Made Drone Programme
-by Tanveer Siddiqui, Secretary, Student Council

Bengaluru, Nov. 10 – The Student Council at ABC School has initiated a ground-breaking project involving the construction and operation of drones made by students. The programme was introduced at the school’s monthly public presentation on November 7, attracting significant interest from students, faculty, and parents alike.

Mr. J. Rao, the school’s vice-principal, and the head of the Student Council, Priya Desai, kicked off the event by explaining the motivation behind the project. They noted that the programme aims to provide students with hands-on experience in technology and engineering while promoting teamwork and creativity. The Student Council collaborated with local engineers and technology experts to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

During the event, the council members demonstrated a live drone flight, showcasing the capabilities of the drones built by the students. They performed a variety of manoeuvres, including aerial photography and obstacle course navigation.

The Student Council has planned several future activities to keep the momentum going. These include a drone-building workshop, a photography contest using the drones, and an inter-school drone race in the spring. The programme is designed to engage students in innovative ways and foster a deeper interest in technology and engineering.

Answer the following questions, based on the report above.

I- Complete with a suitable reason.

The most likely reason why the student council secretary was chosen to draft the report was because_____.

Answer: …the secretary is typically responsible for documenting events, maintaining records, and writing formal reports/ the secretary’s position within the student council likely provides them with direct access to the necessary information and insights to create an accurate and detailed report

II- Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/ phrase.

The term ‘ground-breaking’ project suggests that the project is _____ and reflects a level of creativity.

Answer: unique /ahead of its time / innovative /pioneering / significantly advanced

III- What was the primary goal of the Student Council’s drone programme at National Public School?

A. To encourage teamwork and creativity among students
B. To demonstrate the latest drone technology to the public
C. To generate interest in aerial photography
D. To promote engineering skills and provide hands-on experience

Answer: D. To promote engineering skills and provide hands-on experience

IV- Who did the Student Council turn to, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance?

1. Faculty and parents
2. Vice-Principal
3. Local Engineers
4. Head of Student Council
5. Technology experts

Select the correct option

A. Only 1

B. Only 5

C. 2 and 4

D. 3 and 5

Answer: D. 3 and 5

V- What was the most likely purpose of showcasing the capabilities of the drones during the event?

Answer: To highlight the success and potential of the student-made drone programme / To illustrate the technical skills and creativity of the students involved in the project / To emphasise the educational value of the programme/To encourage broader participation and support for future activities 

VI- What in the passage suggests that the live drone demonstration aimed to engage and excite the audience?

Answer: Performing aerial photography and obstacle course navigation

VII- What skills are the students expected to develop through the photography contest using drones?

Answer: Students are expected to develop several key skills – (any two)

• learn the technical aspects of operating drones, controlling and manoeuvring them for precise photography.
• enhance their photography skills, focusing on composition, framing, and capturing unique aerial perspectives.
• develop problem-solving skills for selecting suitable locations and dealing with weather conditions.
• think imaginatively and explore new artistic expressions

VIII- Explain how the Student Council’s drone programme at National Public School align with the school’s goals of promoting holistic education.

Answer: This is done by offering students a multidimensional learning experience through the programme–gain technical skills in drone construction and operation, develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities, collaborate with local engineers and technology experts which nurtures realworld connections. 

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS

Q3. You are Preeti Saraswat from Uttarakhand. Write an e-mail, in about 50 words, to your principal, requesting early commencement of winter uniform usage for all. Include a valid reason. You may copy the given template to write your email.

Answer:

Q4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a puzzle that you purchased for yourself recently.

Answer: The puzzle I purchased is a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring a picturesque mountain landscape. The puzzle measures 24 by 18 inches when completed and comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a full-colour reference image. The pieces are made of high-quality, durable cardboard, ensuring a satisfying puzzle-solving experience. The design showcases snow-capped peaks, winding forest trails, and a tranquil lake. Each puzzle piece has intricate details and vibrant along with varying shapes and patterns. The details on the box include the mention of the promise of hours of entertainment.