HBSE Half Yearly- September 2025 Sample Paper Class 10 English
HBSE Half Yearly Assessment – September 2025 Sample Paper Class 10 English
Sample Paper for September 2025 Half Yearly Exams
Class 10th – English
Half Yearly Assessment – September 2025 Roll No.: _____________ Subject: English Core Time: 90 Minutes Maximum Marks: 40
Instructions:
(i) Attempt all the questions as per instructions. (ii) Attempt all parts of a question together. (iii) Marks are indicated in front of each question. (iv) For Multiple choice questions tick (✓) the correct answer.
Section A
Question 1: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (10 Marks)
Passage: The world of technology is evolving rapidly, with innovations like artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy shaping our future. These advancements promise to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve quality of life. However, they also raise concerns about job displacement, privacy, and ethical dilemmas. Experts suggest that a balanced approach—embracing technology while addressing its challenges—is key to sustainable progress. Young minds are encouraged to learn coding, critical thinking, and green technologies to lead this transformation.
Questions: a. What are the key technological innovations mentioned?
b. How can technology improve our quality of life?
c. What are the concerns associated with technological advancements?
d. Suggest one skill young minds should develop to lead technological progress.
e. Why is a balanced approach necessary for technological progress?
f. The key to sustainable progress is…
a) Ignoring technology
b) Embracing technology blindly
c) Balancing technology with its challenges
d) Avoiding technology
g. What is the meaning of ‘evolving’?
a) Staying the same
b) Developing gradually
c) Disappearing
d) None of these
h. Job displacement can lead to…
a) Increased employment
b) Unemployment
c) Higher wages
d) Job security
i. While using technology, we… privacy.
a) Gain
b) Lose
c) Maintain
d) Ignore
j. Innovations in renewable energy are important because…
a) They increase pollution
b) They reduce environmental impact
c) They are expensive
d) They require no skills
Section B
Question 2: Attempt any five out of given questions (5 Marks)
i. It was… exciting journey.
a) an
b) a
c) the
d) no article
ii. The match… started when I arrived.
a) has
b) have
c) had
d) will
iii. By next year, we shall… the project.
a) completing
b) complete
c) completed
d) have completed
iv. She said, “I do not like tea.”
a) She said that she did not like tea.
b) She said that she does not like tea.
c) She said that I did not like tea.
d) She said that I do not like tea.
v. Work hard lest you… fail.
a) should
b) must
c) will
d) can
vi. … you have a pen?
a) Can
b) Shall
c) Will
d) Would
Section C
Question 3: Attempt any one (5 Marks)
- Option 1: Letter to M/S Delhi Bookstore Write a letter to M/S Delhi Bookstore complaining against the wrong delivery of books and requesting them to send the books you ordered to supply.
- Option 2: Report on a School Event Write a report of a school science exhibition held in about 40 words, mentioning the key attractions, student participation, and the impact on the school community.
Section D
Question 4: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (5 Marks)
Passage: As I sat by the window, watching the rain, I felt a sense of calm. Nature has a way of teaching us patience and resilience. The trees swayed gently, and the birds found shelter, reminding me of the balance in life. I decided to write my thoughts, hoping to capture this moment forever.
Questions:
a. Who does ‘I’ refer to in the passage?
b. What does nature teach us according to the passage?
c. What inspired the person to write?
d. Find a word from the passage which means “ability to recover quickly.”
e. What is the mood of the passage?
OR
Poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost Questions:
a. What does the poem focus on?
b. What is the significance of the two roads?
c. What decision does the speaker make?
d. What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?
e. Name the poet.
Section E
Question 5: Answer the question in about 40 words (3 Marks)
- Did the science exhibition inspire students? Why was it successful?
- OR
- How did the rain affect the speaker’s mood in the passage?
Section F
Question 6: Answer the question in about 100 words (6 Marks)
- How does the passage reflect the importance of nature in our lives?
- OR
- Discuss the theme of decision-making in “The Road Not Taken.”
HBSE Half Yearly- September 2025 Sample Paper Class 10 English: Solution
Section A (Reading Skills)
a. The key technological innovations mentioned are artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy.
b. Technology can improve our quality of life by enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
c. The concerns include job displacement, privacy issues, and ethical dilemmas.
d. Young minds should develop coding skills.
e. A balanced approach is necessary to embrace benefits while managing challenges.
f. ✅ (c) Balancing technology with its challenges
g. ✅ (b) Developing gradually
h. ✅ (b) Unemployment
i. ✅ (b) Lose
j. ✅ (b) They reduce environmental impact
Section B (Grammar Skills)
i. ✅ a) an
ii. ✅ c) had
iii. ✅ d) have completed
iv. ✅ a) She said that she did not like tea.
v. ✅ a) should
vi. ✅ a) Can
Section C (Writing Skills)
Option 1 – Letter
To
M/S Delhi Bookstore,
New Delhi
Subject: Complaint about wrong delivery of books
Dear Sir/Madam,
I received a parcel from your store today containing books I did not order. I had ordered English Flamingo Class 12 and Vistas, but received different titles. Kindly arrange to collect the wrong books and deliver the correct ones at the earliest.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
Ravi Kumar
GGSSS Silana
Option 2 – Report (Alternative)
Science Exhibition at GGSSS Silana
A science exhibition was held in our school on 10th October. Students displayed innovative projects on renewable energy and robotics. The exhibits drew great interest from visitors and teachers. The event encouraged scientific thinking and teamwork among students.
Section D (Literature/Comprehension)
Passage Answers:
a. ‘I’ refers to the narrator or writer.
b. Nature teaches patience and resilience.
c. The peaceful scene of rain inspired the person to write.
d. The word is resilience.
e. The mood of the passage is calm and reflective.
Section E (Short Answer – 40 words)
Q: Did the science exhibition inspire students? Why was it successful?
A: Yes, the science exhibition inspired students by encouraging creativity and teamwork. It was successful because students actively participated, displayed innovative ideas, and learned practical applications of science.
OR
Q: How did the rain affect the speaker’s mood?
A: The rain made the speaker feel calm and thoughtful. Watching nature’s balance during the rain brought peace to the mind and inspired the speaker to write.
Section F (Long Answer – 100 words)
Q: How does the passage reflect the importance of nature in our lives?
A: The passage shows that nature brings peace, balance, and inspiration to our lives. The calmness of rain and the patience of trees teach us to remain strong in difficult times. Observing nature helps us reconnect with ourselves and find inner harmony. It reminds us that, just like nature, life also requires balance and adaptability.
OR
Q: Discuss the theme of decision-making in “The Road Not Taken.”
A: The poem highlights the importance of choices in life. The poet faces two roads, symbolizing different paths or decisions. Choosing one means leaving the other behind. This decision shapes his journey and future. Robert Frost shows that every choice has consequences and defines who we become, emphasizing the courage to make independent decisions.
