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Sample Practice Paper — 2 (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
For decades, libraries were seen as quiet halls of dusty books, visited mainly by students preparing for exams. That image is fast changing. Public libraries across the country are reinventing themselves as community hubs — offering free coding classes, storytelling sessions for children, and even seed-lending programmes where visitors can borrow vegetable seeds along with novels.
This transformation is driven by a simple realisation: a library's real value lies not just in its collection of books, but in the sense of community it can build. Librarians now double up as event coordinators, organising book clubs, poetry slams and skill-sharing workshops that bring together people who might never otherwise interact.
Critics point out that many small-town libraries still struggle with outdated infrastructure and limited funding, making such reinvention difficult. Yet, success stories from libraries that have embraced change suggest that with a little creativity, even a modest reading room can become the heartbeat of a neighbourhood.
This transformation is driven by a simple realisation: a library's real value lies not just in its collection of books, but in the sense of community it can build. Librarians now double up as event coordinators, organising book clubs, poetry slams and skill-sharing workshops that bring together people who might never otherwise interact.
Critics point out that many small-town libraries still struggle with outdated infrastructure and limited funding, making such reinvention difficult. Yet, success stories from libraries that have embraced change suggest that with a little creativity, even a modest reading room can become the heartbeat of a neighbourhood.
1.1 How were public libraries traditionally viewed, according to the passage? (1)
1.2 Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a new library initiative? (1)
1.3 What does the passage suggest is a library's "real value"? (1)
1.4 Find a word from the passage (para 1) that means "giving a completely new and different character to something". (1)
1.5 State whether True or False: "All small-town libraries have already successfully reinvented themselves." (1)
1.6 What challenge do many small-town libraries still face? (1)
1.7 The phrase "heartbeat of a neighbourhood" suggests that a reinvented library becomes: (1)
1.8 Name one activity librarians now organise, according to the passage. (1)
1.9 In about 40 words, explain how libraries are changing their role in society, based on the passage. (2)
Q2. Read the passage given below.10 Marks
Should homework be abolished in schools? A growing number of educators are questioning whether hours spent on take-home assignments actually improve learning outcomes, or simply add stress to a child's day. Proponents of reducing homework argue that unstructured playtime and family interaction are equally, if not more, important for a child's overall development.
On the other side, many teachers maintain that homework reinforces classroom learning and builds independent study habits that students will need throughout their academic lives. They argue that the real issue is not homework itself, but poorly designed assignments that emphasise repetition over genuine understanding.
A few progressive schools have experimented with "no-homework" policies for younger grades, replacing written assignments with reading time and hands-on projects. Early feedback has been mixed — while some parents report happier children, others worry about a possible dip in academic rigour as students move to higher classes.
On the other side, many teachers maintain that homework reinforces classroom learning and builds independent study habits that students will need throughout their academic lives. They argue that the real issue is not homework itself, but poorly designed assignments that emphasise repetition over genuine understanding.
A few progressive schools have experimented with "no-homework" policies for younger grades, replacing written assignments with reading time and hands-on projects. Early feedback has been mixed — while some parents report happier children, others worry about a possible dip in academic rigour as students move to higher classes.
2.1 What is the main concern raised by educators questioning homework? (1)
2.2 According to teachers who support homework, it helps build: (1)
2.3 What do supporters of homework say is the "real issue" instead of homework itself? (1)
2.4 Find a word from the passage (para 1) that means "people who support an idea". (1)
2.5 State whether True or False: "All parents are fully satisfied with the no-homework policy." (1)
2.6 What have some progressive schools replaced written assignments with? (1)
2.7 The overall tone of the passage is: (1)
2.8 What concern do some parents have about the "no-homework" policy? (1)
2.9 In about 40 words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints on homework discussed in the passage. (2)
SECTION B — WRITING SKILLS WITH GRAMMAR (20 Marks)
Q3. You are the Secretary of the Eco Club of your school. Write a formal letter to the Principal requesting permission to organise a "No Plastic Day" campaign in school, mentioning your plan and the support you require. 5 Marks
— OR —
You recently travelled by a public bus and found the condition of the seats and cleanliness unsatisfactory. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper drawing attention to this issue and suggesting improvements. 5 Marks
Q4. "Should exams be the only measure of a student's ability?" Write an analytical paragraph in 120–150 words expressing your opinion, supported with reasons and examples. 5 Marks
— OR —
Your school is hosting an Annual Book Fair. Write a notice, in not more than 50 words, inviting students to participate, and also draft a short article (100–120 words) on "Why Reading Habits Matter in the Digital Age". 5 Marks
Q5. Read the passage given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate option: 4 Marks
Renewable energy adoption in rural areas (a) _____ (grow/grows/growing/has grown) rapidly in recent years. Experts believe that (b) _____ (a/an/the/no article) availability of low-cost solar panels has played a major role. Several villages (c) _____ (is/are/was/has) now fully powered by solar micro-grids, (d) _____ (so/but/because/although) challenges in maintenance still remain in remote regions.
Q6. Complete the following tasks as directed: 6 Marks
(a) Rewrite the sentence in reported speech: The coach said, "Practice harder before the final match." (2)
(b) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: If she _______ (study) regularly, she would score better in exams. (2)
(c) Reorder the following words/phrases to form a meaningful sentence: never / had / such / a / crowd / the / stadium / seen (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
"You must understand," she said, folding the letter carefully, "that some promises are not written in ink. They live in the way we choose to act, long after the person who asked for them is gone."
7.1 Who is speaking in this extract, and what does she seem to value most? (2)
7.2 Explain the meaning of "promises... not written in ink" in the context of the extract. (2)
7.3 Choose the option that best describes the speaker's tone: (1)
7.4 In about 40 words, explain how the theme of keeping promises is developed in the chapter this extract belongs to. (3)
Q8. Read the poetry extract below and answer the questions that follow. 6 Marks
The river does not ask the stone
Why it stands so still, alone,
It simply flows around, past, through —
And carves a gentler path anew.
Why it stands so still, alone,
It simply flows around, past, through —
And carves a gentler path anew.
8.1 Identify the poetic device used in the phrase "flows around, past, through". (1)
8.2 What quality of the river is highlighted through its response to the stone? (2)
8.3 What central idea about overcoming obstacles does this extract convey? (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 Describe an incident from any lesson where a character's decision changes the course of events.
9.2 How does friendship or trust play a role in resolving conflict in any lesson you have studied?
9.3 Explain how imagery is used to convey emotion in any poem from your textbook.
9.4 What does any one lesson teach about the value of patience or perseverance?
9.5 How does a character's background or circumstances shape their choices in any chapter you have read?
Q10. Answer the following in about 100–120 words (attempt any ONE): 6 Marks
10.1 "Kindness shown to a stranger can change the course of a life." Discuss this statement with close reference to any character from your textbook.
— OR —
10.2 Explain how the setting of any chapter you have studied influences the mood and actions of its central character.
Q11. Answer the following questions in 30–40 words each, based on the supplementary reader. 6 Marks (3 × 2)
11.1 Describe a moment from any chapter where a character overcomes fear to do the right thing.
11.2 How does humour or irony contribute to the impact of any story you have read?
11.3 What role does a secondary character play in shaping the outcome of any story?
Q12. Answer the following in about 100–120 words (attempt any ONE), based on the supplementary reader: 6 Marks
12.1 "Small acts of courage often go unnoticed but leave a lasting impact." Elaborate with reference to any character from your supplementary reader.
— OR —
12.2 Discuss how a character's determination to pursue their goal despite obstacles is portrayed in any one story from your supplementary reader.
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