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Sample Practice Paper — 4 (2026–27)
| Student Name: ______________________ | Roll No.: __________ | Section: __________ |
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into THREE sections: A, B and C. All questions are compulsory.
2. Section A – Reading Skills — 20 Marks.
3. Section B – Writing Skills with Grammar — 20 Marks.
4. Section C – Literature (Textbooks) — 40 Marks.
5. Attempt all sub-parts of a question together at one place.
6. Marks are indicated against each question / sub-part.
SECTION A — READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
Q1. Read the passage given below.10 Marks
In recent years, urban farming has emerged as a promising solution to address food security and reduce carbon footprints in densely populated cities. From rooftop gardens and hydroponic setups to community plots in vacant lots, city dwellers are finding innovative ways to grow fresh produce locally. This movement not only shortens the distance food travels from farm to plate but also brings green space into concrete environments.
Beyond the environmental benefits, urban agriculture fosters community engagement and mental well-being. Local gardens often become gathering spots where neighbours collaborate, exchange knowledge, and reconnect with nature. Schools and community organisations have also started using these green spaces as living classrooms to teach children about nutrition, sustainability, and ecology.
However, scaling urban farming comes with distinct challenges. High land costs, limited spatial availability, and potential soil contamination in industrial zones present significant hurdles. Supporters argue that with supportive municipal policies, zoning flexibility, and technology like vertical farming, urban agriculture can transform urban food systems into resilient, eco-friendly ecosystems.
Beyond the environmental benefits, urban agriculture fosters community engagement and mental well-being. Local gardens often become gathering spots where neighbours collaborate, exchange knowledge, and reconnect with nature. Schools and community organisations have also started using these green spaces as living classrooms to teach children about nutrition, sustainability, and ecology.
However, scaling urban farming comes with distinct challenges. High land costs, limited spatial availability, and potential soil contamination in industrial zones present significant hurdles. Supporters argue that with supportive municipal policies, zoning flexibility, and technology like vertical farming, urban agriculture can transform urban food systems into resilient, eco-friendly ecosystems.
1.1 What dual challenges in cities does urban farming aim to address? (1)
1.2 Urban agriculture helps the environment mainly by: (1)
1.3 How do schools and community groups make use of local gardens? (1)
1.4 Find a word from the passage (para 1) that means "new, original, and advanced". (1)
1.5 State whether True or False: "Urban farming only benefits the physical environment and offers no social advantages." (1)
1.6 Name two obstacles faced by those trying to scale up urban farming. (1)
1.7 The term "living classrooms" implies that urban gardens are used as: (1)
1.8 Mention one modern technology cited in the passage that helps overcome space limitations. (1)
1.9 In about 40 words, summarize the social and ecological benefits of urban farming as described in the passage. (2)
Q2. Read the passage given below.10 Marks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly transforming the landscape of education, offering personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Intelligent tutoring systems can analyze a student's learning pace, identify knowledge gaps, and instantly adapt practice exercises. Proponents argue that this technology democratizes access to quality academic support, allowing students to learn at their own speed without falling behind.
On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns regarding over-reliance on digital tools. They argue that screen-centric learning might hinder critical thinking, diminish human interaction, and reduce the emotional support that human teachers uniquely provide. Furthermore, disparities in digital infrastructure mean that students in underprivileged areas may be left behind, worsening the existing educational divide.
Educational experts suggest that the most effective model lies in "blended learning" — combining AI-driven analytical tools with compassionate, teacher-led instruction. Striking this balance ensures that technology serves as an empowering assistant rather than a replacement for human educators.
On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns regarding over-reliance on digital tools. They argue that screen-centric learning might hinder critical thinking, diminish human interaction, and reduce the emotional support that human teachers uniquely provide. Furthermore, disparities in digital infrastructure mean that students in underprivileged areas may be left behind, worsening the existing educational divide.
Educational experts suggest that the most effective model lies in "blended learning" — combining AI-driven analytical tools with compassionate, teacher-led instruction. Striking this balance ensures that technology serves as an empowering assistant rather than a replacement for human educators.
2.1 How do intelligent tutoring systems adapt to individual students? (1)
2.2 What primary advantage do proponents claim AI brings to education? (1)
2.3 What concern do critics express regarding the emotional aspect of learning? (1)
2.4 Find a word from the passage (para 2) that means "inequalities or differences". (1)
2.5 State whether True or False: "Experts recommend completely replacing human teachers with AI tools." (1)
2.6 What risk is associated with unequal access to digital infrastructure? (1)
2.7 The passage advocates for a "blended learning" approach, which means: (1)
2.8 What should technology serve as in the classroom, according to experts? (1)
2.9 In about 40 words, outline both the benefits and concerns surrounding the integration of AI in education. (2)
SECTION B — WRITING SKILLS WITH GRAMMAR (20 Marks)
Q3. You are Riya/Rohan, the Cultural Secretary of your school. Write a formal letter to a renowned local artist inviting them to judge an Inter-School Painting Competition organized by your school. 5 Marks
— OR —
You have noticed a frequent disruption of electricity supply in your locality during peak study hours, affecting students' exam preparation. Write a letter to the Resident Engineer of the Electricity Board highlighting the issue and requesting urgent action. 5 Marks
Q4. "Should screen time for teenagers be strictly monitored by parents?" Write an analytical paragraph in 120–150 words giving your views, supported with logic and practical examples. 5 Marks
— OR —
Your school is celebrating "Environment Week". Write a notice (under 50 words) inviting entries for a Poster Making Contest, and draft an article (100–120 words) on "Simple Everyday Habits for a Greener Planet". 5 Marks
Q5. Read the passage given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate option: 4 Marks
Renewable energy resources (a) _____ (is/are/was/has) becoming increasingly important globally. Scientists believe that (b) _____ (a/an/the/no article) widespread adoption of solar power can reduce carbon emissions significantly. Many nations (c) _____ (have/has/is/was) already invested heavily in clean energy infrastructure, (d) _____ (so/because/although/or) transitional costs remain high.
Q6. Complete the following tasks as directed: 6 Marks
(a) Rewrite the sentence in reported speech: The teacher said to the students, "Complete your project before Friday." (2)
(b) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: If she _______ (study) harder, she would have passed the examination with distinction. (2)
(c) Reorder the following words/phrases to form a meaningful sentence: mandatory / education / for / children / making / step / a positive / is (2)
SECTION C — LITERATURE (TEXTBOOKS) (40 Marks)
Q7. Read the extract given below from the prose section of your textbook and answer the questions that follow. 8 Marks
He wrote 'To God' on the envelope, put the letter inside and, still troubled, went to town. At the post office, he placed a stamp on the letter and dropped it into the mailbox.
7.1 Who is 'He' in this extract, and why was he writing a letter to God? (2)
7.2 Why was he feeling "troubled" despite taking action? (2)
7.3 Choose the option that reflects the character's core trait in this moment: (1)
7.4 In about 40 words, explain how the postmaster reacted when he received this letter and what it reveals about human kindness. (3)
Q8. Read the poetry extract below and answer the questions that follow. 6 Marks
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
8.1 What do 'fire' and 'ice' symbolize in the context of human emotions in this poem? (1)
8.2 Identify the rhyme scheme used in this extract. (2)
8.3 What warning does the poet convey through these lines about unchecked human passions? (3)
Q9. Answer any FOUR of the following short-answer questions in 30–40 words each, based on the prose and poetry lessons of your textbook. 8 Marks (4 × 2)
9.1 Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like 'new coins'?
9.2 What did freedom mean to Nelson Mandela in his boyhood versus his adult life?
9.3 How does the poet contrast the tiger's life in a cage with its natural wild habitat in 'A Tiger in the Zoo'?
9.4 Why was the young seagull afraid to take his first flight, and how did his family help him?
9.5 Describe the central message conveyed by Ogden Nash in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'.
Q10. Answer the following in about 100–120 words (attempt any ONE): 6 Marks
10.1 Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Analyze this statement in the context of Nelson Mandela's journey and the young seagull's first flight.
— OR —
10.2 Compare and contrast how faith and doubt shape human relationships in 'A Letter to God' and 'The Black Aeroplane'.
Q11. Answer the following questions in 30–40 words each, based on the supplementary reader. 6 Marks (3 × 2)
11.1 How did Mrs. Pumphrey's over-pampering affect Tricki's health in 'A Triumph of Surgery'?
11.2 What made Hari Singh return to Anil even after successfully stealing the money in 'The Thief's Story'?
11.3 How did Griffin's invisibility turn out to be a curse rather than a blessing in 'Footprints without Feet'?
Q12. Answer the following in about 100–120 words (attempt any ONE), based on the supplementary reader: 6 Marks
12.1 "Trust and forgiveness can transform even a seasoned criminal." Discuss this statement with reference to Anil and Hari Singh's relationship in 'The Thief's Story'.
— OR —
12.2 Brilliant mind without moral responsibility leads to chaos. Prove this statement by analyzing the character of Griffin from 'Footprints without Feet'.
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