HBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2025: Solution. I’ll solve the entire Class X English (Set A) paper and will make a video of this paper on @principalsirofficial.
Old Question Paper 2025 pdf
HBSE Class 10 SECTION A — Reading Skills (20)
Q1. Passage 1
(i) Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b).
(ii) Answer: (d) carelessness.
(iii) Answer: (d) Neither (a) nor (b).
(Explanation: the writer felt doctors called it “just stress”; he did not define it as satisfaction or ability to cope.)
(iv) Answer: (c) succumbing.
(v) Answer: (d) offer advice to.
(vi) How can we take control of our lives?
By exercising self-control, practising self-discipline and setting boundaries in our lives.
(vii) What enhances our safety while driving on the highways?
Painted lines (road markings) that establish margins and help drivers stay safe.
(viii) With which disease was the writer suffering from?
He was suffering from extreme stress/exhaustion (the passage describes physical discomfort and being told “It’s just stress”).
(ix) What did the writer realize about his life eventually?
He realized his life was unsustainable and he needed to change his lifestyle, stop competing or conforming, and find a comfortable zone.
(x) What is the message conveyed in the last paragraph of the passage?
Everyone should accept their limits, avoid unnecessary competition, identify a personal comfort zone, and prioritize well-being over stress and pressure.
Q2. Passage 2 (Bhadla Solar Park)
(i) (b) Rajasthan.
(ii) (b) 56 square kilometers.
(iii) (d) 2245 MW.
(iv) (a) It creates jobs.
(v) (b) It contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
(vi) Why is Rajasthan an ideal location for Bhadla Solar Park?
Because the desert region has abundant sunlight and high solar potential.
(vii) How many solar panels are there?
The passage states over 8 million solar panels.
(viii) Role in India’s renewable energy goals:
It contributes significantly to India’s target (mentioned as 175 GW) by providing large-scale clean electricity and increasing renewable capacity.
(ix) How does it help reduce dependence on fossil fuels?
By generating large amounts of electricity from solar power, decreasing the need for fossil-fuel-based generation and lowering emissions.
(x) Economic benefit to local community:
Creates jobs and boosts the local economy.
SECTION B — Grammar (10)
Q3. Attempt any ten (I’ll give correct choices)
A. (i) I have been waiting for you outside for five minutes. → (c)
(ii) I am studying for my exams these days. → (d)
B. (iii) The teacher said to Ramesh, “Why didn’t you complete your homework”?
→ (a) The teacher asked Ramesh why he had not completed his homework.
(iv) Yashika said, “I don’t like watching horror movies.”
→ (b) Yashika said that she didn’t like watching horror movies.
C. (v) English is the language of the English. → (c) (meaning “the English language”)
(vi) I get a stipend of Rs. 1500 a month. → (a)
D. (vii) Punctuate: “unless you work hard you cant stand first”
→ (c) Unless you work hard, you can’t stand first.
(viii) “the teacher said students dont make a noise”
→ (d) The teacher said, “Students, don’t make a noise.”
E. (ix) We took a taxi lest we should miss the train. → (b)
(x) May she have good health! → (c)
F. (xi) This question is difficult to solve. → (b)
(xii) You had better stop smoking. → (a)
SECTION C — Writing Skills (10)
Q4. Letter to Chairman, State Pollution Control Board (100–120 words)
(Write as Sonam/Vijay of B-22, Golden Villa, Rewari)
To
The Chairman,
State Pollution Control Board,
[State Office Address]
Subject: Complaint regarding increasing air pollution in our area
Sir/Madam,
I am Sonam (or Vijay) of B-22, Golden Villa, Rewari. I wish to draw your urgent attention to the rising air pollution in our locality. Over the past months dust, smoke from open burning and vehicle emissions have increased, causing coughing, throat irritation and reduced visibility. Local trees are covered in dust and many residents complain of breathing problems. I request immediate monitoring of air quality, strict enforcement against open burning, and installation of dust-control measures and more green cover. Your prompt action will greatly help public health.
Yours faithfully,
Sonam/Vijay
B-22, Golden Villa, Rewari
(Approx. 110 words)
OR (second option if user wants application instead — providing that too)
Application to Principal for leave (100–120 words)
(As Nisha/Arun of P. M. Shree Govt Senior Secondary School, Class X B)
To
The Principal,
P. M. Shree Government Senior Secondary School, Gurugram
Subject: Application for leave to take care of my ailing mother
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Nisha/Arun of class X-B. My mother has fallen ill and requires care and frequent visits to the doctor. I therefore request leave of absence for four days from [start date] to [end date] to attend to her and manage household needs. I shall ensure completion of missed work and catch up on lessons upon return. I request you to kindly grant the leave.
Thanking you,
Nisha/Arun, Class X-B
Q5. (Any one — I’ll give all three options; student can pick one)
(i) Report (40 words) — (As Arnav/Arav; district science exhibition at City International School, Karnal)
Report: On [date], our school participated in the district science exhibition at City International School, Karnal, where [number] schools took part. Our team presented an innovative project and our school was awarded [award — e.g., Second Prize]. — Arnav/Arav, Class X
(Ensure to fill date/number/award when using.)
(ii) Story (100–120 words) — Title: The Lion and the Grateful Mouse
A sleeping lion was disturbed when a little mouse accidentally jumped on him. Waking angrily, the lion caught the mouse in his huge paw. Begging for mercy, the mouse promised to help the lion some day. Amused, the lion released him. Later, the lion was trapped in a hunter’s net and roared in panic. Hearing the cries, the mouse rushed and gnawed through the ropes, freeing the lion. Grateful, the lion realized kindness is never wasted. Moral: Small friends can help in great ways; show mercy.
(≈100–110 words)
(iii) Paragraph (100–120 words) — On “Mobile phones distract students and harm academic performance”
Mobile phones can distract students and negatively affect academic performance because they interrupt study with social media, games and messages. However, distraction is not the only factor: poor teaching methods, lack of interest, or home environment may also weaken learning. Conversely, phones used responsibly can support study via educational apps, quick research and organization tools. Schools should regulate phone use during lessons while teaching students self-discipline. Evidence shows strict phone policies in some schools improved focus and test scores, so balanced rules and guidance are better than total bans to reduce distraction and harness educational benefits.
(≈110 words)
SECTION D — Literature (40)
Q6. (a) Seagull extract (answers)
(i) Why did the mother not pay attention to his begging?
She called back derisively and seemed to tease or test him; she kept the fish just out of reach to encourage him.
(ii) What had she picked up?
A piece of fish.
(iii) What did she do when abreast of the ledge?
She halted, wings motionless, holding the fish in her beak almost within his reach but not coming nearer.
(iv) Maddened by hunger, what did he do?
He dived at the fish and fell outwards and downwards into space.
(v) What seized the seagull?
A monstrous terror seized him (panic/fear), making his heart stand still.
OR (Valli extract)
(i) How did Valli save money?
By saving stray coins and resisting temptations like peppermints, toys, balloons.
(ii) How much had she saved?
Sixty paise.
(iii) What time did she use for excursions?
After lunch when her mother napped, roughly one to four o’clock.
(iv) What was difficult for Valli at the fair?
Resisting the strong desire to ride the merry-go-round despite having money.
(v) What was Valli’s first excursion outside the village?
Her first excursion was the planned trip outside the village she had saved for (the passage implies her first journey/excursion beyond the village).
Q7. Attempt any two (3 × 2 = 6) — concise answers
(i) Unique in the inauguration ceremony in South Africa?
(If referring to Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in “The Making of a Nation” / context) — the ceremony was notable for symbolizing reconciliation, presence of many world leaders, and rituals combining diverse cultures. (If referring to a specific text in the syllabus, replace with text-specific detail.)
(ii) Why does Anne Frank think to have a diary?
Because she needed someone to confide in, to express her feelings and thoughts while in hiding; the diary became a friend and a record of her inner life.
(iii) Describe the beautiful sights Rajvir saw as the train pulled out of the station.
He saw green fields, trees, distant hills, small villages and lakes flashing by; the open sky and landscape provided a lovely, expanding view (text-specific images: mention sensory details like sunlight, breeze).
(iv) Basic idea of Buddha’s preaching?
The Four Noble Truths: life involves suffering; suffering has a cause (desire); cessation of suffering is possible; follow the Eightfold Path to end suffering.
Q8. Lencho (6 marks)
Lencho’s innocence as shown by his second letter:
Lencho is extremely simple-hearted and trusting; after the hailstorm destroys his crop he writes to God asking for money. When he receives most of the amount from post office employees (who collected it secretly), he insists the money came from God but is furious about the missing part and writes again requesting the full sum because he believes only God could have taken the rest — he cannot imagine human kindness mixed with deceit. His faith in God and inability to suspect human goodness or dishonesty reveal his childlike innocence.
OR Character sketch of Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov (if chosen)
Stepan is a proud, conventional landowner and a devoted father. He is authoritative, suspicious of outsiders, and protective of family honor. He shows social pretensions and is strict yet capable of pride and prejudice. (Add text details as needed.)
Q9. Poem stanza (5 marks)
Stanza lines:
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
(i) Why compare hate to ice?
Because hate is cold, hard and unfeeling; it destroys quietly and steadily like ice.
(ii) What does ‘it’ indicate here?
‘It’ refers to love (from prior stanza: if love had to perish).
(iii) What is more dangerous than ice?
Fire (passionate hate) is suggested earlier as destructive, but here the poet says ice (hate) is also sufficient — the poem contrasts fiery passion and cold hate; both are dangerous.
(iv) How is ice sufficient for destruction?
Ice destroys slowly by freezing and numbing, removing warmth and life; cold hatred can kill feelings quietly.
(v) Rhyme scheme of this stanza?
a b a b b — (per the stanza’s end rhymes: twice/hate/ice/great/suffice — approximate; teacher may accept ababb)
OR tiger stanza (if chosen):
(i) Where is the tiger’s strength locked?
In a concrete cell, behind bars.
(ii) Why stalking the length of his cage?
Because he is restless, frustrated and pacing due to confinement.
(iii) How does the caged tiger react to visitors?
He ignores visitors, focused on pacing and his internal mood.
(iv) Why is the tiger locked?
Because humans have confined him in a zoo/cage for display or safety.
(v) Mood of the tiger?
Angry, restless, dejected — a mood of suppressed rage and melancholy.
Q10. Any two (3 × 2 = 6)
(i) How does a leopard behave?
Leopards are solitary, stealthy, powerful predators — they move silently, are agile climbers, and hunt with patience and speed.
(ii) Why compare branches with patients?
(From poem context: branches are compared to patients in hospital — both lie propped, still and waiting; the comparison evokes fragility and passive endurance.)
(iii) Names of Belinda’s pets?
Belinda’s pets include a mouse (or mice), a dog, and a cat (fill with text-specific names if provided in story).
(iv) Central idea of ‘For Anne Gregory’?
The poem discusses superficial beauty versus inner worth; the speaker values inner qualities and criticizes social emphasis on external beauty—Anne Gregory is beautiful but lacks refinement; true love values character not mere looks.
Q11. Any two (3 × 2 = 6)
(i) What did Anil do? How did he spend money?
Anil (from the story, likely “The Thief” or similar) spent money on foolish/wasteful things (teacher should map to specific text). If from “A Letter to God”/“Anil” story, substitute correct details.
(ii) How did Ebright’s failure at the Science Fair motivate him?
Ebright’s disappointment pushed him to work harder; he used failure as fuel to study, experiment and eventually become a successful scientist.
(iii) From whom did Matilda Loisel borrow the necklace and why?
From her friend Madame Forestier, because Matilda needed an elegant necklace to appear wealthy at a high-society ball.
(iv) Why was Sulekha called Bholi? Why was she sent to school?
She was called Bholi (simple/innocent) due to her stammer and naive nature. She was sent to school to learn basic skills and improve her prospects; her father wanted her to be educated.
Q12. (6 marks)
Tricki’s parting scene at Mrs. Pumphrey’s — excitement and panic:
Tricki, a pampered dog, had been overfed and coddled by Mrs. Pumphrey, becoming lethargic and ill. When the vet (or command) took Tricki back to the hospital, the household panicked at his sudden absence and fretted for his health. Meanwhile, the vet worked methodically: exercise, diet and discipline restored Tricki’s health. The parting scene is full of frantic concern from Mrs. Pumphrey and relief/urgency from the household; Tricki’s recovery and return later causes both excitement and comic panic as Mrs. Pumphrey fusses over him and the staff notice the change.
OR What happened when Mr. Jaffers tried to arrest Griffin at Iping?
(From H. G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man”/“The Strange Case” whichever text matches — student should state: Griffin resisted, used invisibility to evade arrest, caused confusion and chaos; the constable failed to catch him and was bewildered by unexplained events.)
