CBSE Class 10 English Topper Answer Sheet 2025 (Official PDF): Question Paper, Answers & Time Management Tips

WhatsApp Group Join Now

Telegram Group Join Now

Every student dreams of scoring a perfect 80/80 in their Board Exams, but in a subject like English, even the brightest students lose marks due to length, formatting, or time management.

So, what exactly did the CBSE Class 10 English Topper of 2025 do differently?

I have analyzed the official Topper’s Answer Sheet against the 2025 Question Paper to uncover the secrets behind their full score. While their answers were grammatically perfect, my deep dive revealed some surprising time-management traps that you must avoid.

In this post, I am providing the complete 2025 Question Paper along with the Topper’s Handwritten Solutions. Plus, I’ve broken down 7 critical observations—from how they handled the "Letter to the Editor" format to where they actually wasted time—so you can learn from their success and their mistakes.

1. The "Page 2" Confusion Solved

Many students stress about where to begin.

Observation: The topper started answering right from Page 2.
My Advice: It is completely your choice. You can start from Page 2 or leave it blank and start fresh from Page 3. Both approaches are totally fine and will not affect your marks.

2. Presentation is Key

Observation: Before starting any new part of the paper, the topper clearly wrote the Section Name (e.g., Section A - Reading Skills) as a heading.
My Advice: This is a great habit. It helps the examiner mentally switch gears and know exactly which part they are checking.

3. The MCQ Trap (Save Your Time!)

Observation: In the Reading Section and Grammar MCQs, the topper wrote the complete option text along with the option number (e.g., (C) There was a hailstorm).
My Advice: Do not do this. English papers are lengthy. Writing the full sentence for 20+ MCQs wastes 5–10 minutes.
Smart Strategy: Just write the correct option number (e.g., (C)). The examiner has the answer key; they don't need you to rewrite the question/answer.

4. "Point-Based" Questions

Observation: In questions asking for "any two points," the topper often wrote a complete paragraph.
My Advice: Stick to the requirement. If the question asks for two reasons, provide two clear bullet points. Writing a paragraph makes it harder for the examiner to find the keywords and wastes your writing time.

5. Perfecting the Letter Format

Observation: In the Writing Skills section, the topper’s punctuation in the formal letter was spot on.
My Advice: Pay close attention to this. Notice where the commas are placed in the address and salutation, and where they are omitted. Marks are often deducted here for "Format," so copy the topper’s punctuation style exactly.

6. The Word Limit "Overshoot"

Observation: In the Literature section (Section C), for questions with a word limit of 40–50 words, the topper wrote nearly 80–90 words.
My Advice: This is a classic example of "over-answering." While the topper knew the answers well, writing double the required length is risky.
Smart Strategy: Stick to the word limit. Writing more does not get you extra marks, but it does steal time from your long-answer questions.

7. Over-Attempting Questions

Observation: In Question No. 7 (Poetry Extract), where the instruction was to "Attempt any one from (a) or (b)," the topper answered both.
My Advice: This is unnecessary. The examiner will only mark the first attempt. Only attempt extra questions if you have finished the entire paper and have time left to spare. Prioritize completing the mandatory questions first.

Here is the complete CBSE Class 10 English (Language and Literature) Question Paper (2025) along with Topper's Answer.

SECTION A

Reading Skills (20 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully :

(1) Saffron is a spice that’s long been revered across the globe, captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as ‘kesar’ in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice. Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.

(2) Originating from the delicate stigma of the saffron crocus flower, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing dishes with a subtle, earthy sweetness that adds a special taste to the palate. Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and a unique flavour and is used to colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice, fish and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.

(3) Saffron forms the backbone of several iconic dishes from around the world, such as the Spanish rice, seafood dish Paella, the French stew Bouillabaisse, Italian rice dish Risotto Milanese, the Indian ice cream Kesar Kulfi, Pakistani rice dish Biryani, and baked Iranian rice Tachin. Saffron’s rich red colour is attributed to crocin; its bitter taste, to picrocrocin; and its distinctive aroma, to safranal.

(4) Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran but is also grown in Spain, France, Italy, and parts of India. A labour-intensive crop, the three stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use as a food flavouring and colouring agent.

(5) Most historians speculate it was first domesticated in Iran, but south-western Greek islands remain strong contenders. Traders, conquerors, and world explorers introduced it to China, India and the Middle East. From there, it travelled to Mediterranean Europe.

(6) The high retail value of saffron is maintained in world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some 444,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram – equivalently, 150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. Forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to India in the east. Iran is responsible for around 88% of global production. Afghanistan comes second, and Spain is the third largest producer, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the Indian subcontinent and Morocco are among minor producers.

(7) Given its high price, adulteration is quite common, unfortunately. Adulterants like beetroot or pomegranate are used to enhance red colour; silk fibres, oil, or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered saffron can be adulterated with turmeric and paprika.

Also See: Gender, Religion, and Caste Class 10: Top Questions & Answers

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) What is the tone of the writer in the given lines ? Rationalise your response in about 40 words.

“Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.” (1)

(ii) Which of the following statements best describes the comparison made in the sentence?

“Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices.” (1)

(A) Gold and saffron have similar physical properties.

(B) Gold and saffron have equal monetary value.

(D) Gold and saffron are both rare commodities in the global market.

(iii) List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe. (2)

(iv) Fill in the blank from the given options:

In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’ refers to __________. (1)

(A) delicately cooked

(B) widely recognized

(D) strange and infamous

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately :

Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves __________. (2)

(vi) State whether the following statement is True or False :

According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran. (1)

(vii) Which of the following statements best describes the reason for saffron’s high retail value ? (1)

(A) Due to its magical or mystical properties.

(B) Because it can only be grown in specific regions.

(D) Because traders, conquerors, and world explorers hoard it.

(viii) Support the writer’s view with evidence from the text that saffron is often adulterated. (1)

CBSE Class 10 English Topper Answer Sheet 2025 (Official PDF): Question Paper, Answers & Time Management Tips

2. Read the following passage carefully :

(1) Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China.

(2) Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry.

(3) Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor: if elongated even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects, especially if left dirty.

(4) The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by several insects; but, generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms.

(5) So what makes silk so costly? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived from the larva of the silkworms which spin silk threads around themselves to make from cocoons natural sources. This makes the production limited due to factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans and craftsmanship. Lastly, superior quality silk fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the cost.

In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483 metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland (230 metric tonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) What does the phrase ‘luxurious qualities’ in paragraph (2) tell you about the silk fabric? Write in 40 words with evidence from the text. (2)

(ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below.

Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.

Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance. (1)

(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

(iii) Justify the following statement :

Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation. (1)

(iv) According to the passage, mention the top two countries that produce silk. (1)

(v) “Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are important factors for the production of silk.”

State any one inference that can be drawn from this. (1)

(vi) Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text :

Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is __________. (1)

(vii) Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021. (1)

(viii) Complete the sentence suitably.

104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in __________. (1)

(ix) With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk production is considered labour-intensive. (1)

SECTION B

Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)

3. Grammar (10 marks)

Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed.

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a letter.

‘Thank you for __________ (consider) my application. I look forward to working in your organization.’ (1)

(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.

Also See: The Ball Poem Class 10: Important Questions and Answers

Ninety-seven percent of the Earth’s water is salty ocean water and another two percent is trapping in the Earth’s ice caps and glaciers. (1)

Use the given format for your response.

Error | Correction

(iii) Yukti and Sanjay had a conversation about going to a restaurant. Report Yukti’s question.

“Does this restaurant serve good South Indian food?” (1)

(iv) Read the dialogue between Amit and his sister Ananya, regarding her travel to the railway station.

Amit: Are you sure you can manage to go to the railway station on your own?

Ananya: Oh yes! I have already booked a cab.

Select the correct option to report the above dialogue.

Amit asked Ananya __________ her own. Ananya replied in the affirmative and said that she had already booked a cab. (1)

(A) if she is sure she can manage to go to the railway station on

(B) if she was sure she could manage to go to the railway station on

(D) if she was sure to managing to go to the railway station on

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence taken from a book about ‘Birds’.

Each year, thousands of birds __________ (migrate/immigrate/emigrate) southwards to avoid the harsh winter, embarking on an incredible journey that spans thousands of miles. (1)

(vi) Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from an agency’s advertisement.

Tell us much about your project and we’ll select suitable candidates for you to hire. (1)

Use the given format for your response.

Error | Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line taken from an article about growing obesity.

Obesity in teenage children is a major concern between parents today. (1)

Option No.	Error	Correction
(A)	teenage	teenagers
(B)	concern	concerns
(C)	between	among
(D)	today	now

(viii) Complete the given narrative with the correct option to fill in the blank.

Yesterday, Tanu walked to the park and __________ a breezy evening. (1)

(A) to enjoying

(B) will enjoy

(D) did enjoyed

(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence.

Bhawna: I finished the project yesterday.

Sohail: That’s great! Are you going to present it tomorrow?

Bhawna told Sohail that __________. Sohail responded that it was great and asked if she were going to present it the next day. (1)

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the notice on a school notice board.

We are pleased to announce that our Annual Sports Day __________ on 30th April, 2025 at the school playground from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (1)

(A) is held

(B) will be held

(D) to be held

(xi) Complete the slogan on “Save Earth”, by filling in the blank with the correct option.

Lets join hands, cultivate conservation, and __________ a greener tomorrow for generations to come. (1)

(A) ensuring

(B) ensure

(D) ensured

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in an air purifier’s instruction manual.

The plug should fit upto the outlet. If it doesn’t fit, do not force it in. (1)

Use the given format for your response.

Error | Correction

4. Creative Writing Skills

Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :

(a) You are Rashmi / Roshan, a concerned citizen, residing at G-16, Himmat Path, Nayanagar. Compose a letter in about 120 words to the Director, Municipal Corporation, drawing his attention to the open drains in your colony. The drains are not only the breeding ground for disease-causing organisms but are also polluting the surrounding areas, especially the water bodies which could lead to water-borne diseases. Suggest measures for addressing this issue. (5)

(b) You are Mamta / Manish, a student of Grade 11 of Hitech Public School Roopbagh. You have recently volunteered as a student-teacher in a three-week literacy camp held for the children of construction site workers in your neighbourhood. It was a fulfilling and a meaningful experience for you. It sensitized you to the needs of the community, boosted your confidence, and improved your social skills. Write a letter in about 120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on the benefits of volunteering and how students can contribute to the betterment of society. (5)

5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :

(a) In the past few years, the teaching-learning process has taken a leap and gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Today, it has become possible to learn not just by sitting in a physical classroom, but from anywhere. Given below is a chart depicting the differences between E-learning and Classroom learning. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of both, by selecting features that support your analysis. (5)

E-learning	Classroom learning
accessible anytime anywhere at your own pace no travel costs, saves time	same place, same time caters to the needs of the class transportation cost and time consuming

(b) Read the given details of a computer.

electronic device that can store and process information
makes life easy and simple
physical description – monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse
computer technology used in all fields – education, medicine, commerce, entertainment

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the description and role of computers in today’s world. (5)

SECTION C

Literature (40 marks)

6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b):

(a) Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness. When the storm had passed, he stood in the middle of the field and said to his sons, “A plague of locusts would have left more than this. The hail has left nothing. This year we will have no corn.”

That night was a sorrowful one.

“All our work, for nothing.”

“There’s no one who can help us.”

“We’ll all go hungry this year.”

(A Letter to God)

(i) Why were there no leaves left on the trees ? (1)

Also See: Amanda! Class 10 MCQ Quiz – Test Your Understanding

(A) The locusts ate them up.

(B) An earthquake had occurred.

(D) The animals grazed on them.

(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets.

Lencho felt __________ (jubilant/devastated) when he saw his destroyed corn fields. (1)

(iii) When Lencho says, “All our work, for nothing,” what does he refer to ? Explain in about 40 words. (2)

(iv) Why would Lencho have preferred a plague of locusts to a hailstorm? (1)

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b):

(a) “I heard an old religious man But yesternight declare That he had found a text to prove That only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.” (For Anne Gregory)

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately: The speaker addresses the person he is speaking to as “my dear” because __________. (1)

(ii) The poet mentions “yellow hair”. What is its significance in the context of the statement ? Answer in about 40 words. (2)

(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. The poet suggests that God’s love in comparison to that of a human being is __________ (selfish/selfless). (1)

(iv) As per the above extract, what attributes does God not love a person for? Select the correct option.

Wealth
Physical appearance
Intelligence
Inner qualities
Youth

(A) 1 and 4

(B) 3, 4, and 5

(D) Only 4 (1)

(b) He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass

(A Tiger in the Zoo)

(i) Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract. (1)

(ii) Fill in the blank with one word.

The tiger’s stalking on ‘pads of velvet’ suggests a movement that is __________. (1)

(iii) Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would best describe the feelings of the tiger? (1)

(A) Calm and content

(B) Both subdued and angry

(D) Both angry and famished

(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the first four lines of the given extract. (1)

(A) The people along the sand / All turn and look one way / They turn their back on the land / They look at the sea all day

(B) Along the sand, the people / All turn and look one way / They turn back on the sand / They look at the sea all day

(D) The people along the sand / They turn their back on the land / They look one way / At the sea all day.

Note: IN QUESTION NO. 7, IT WAS TOLD TO ANSWER ANY ONE i.e., either (a) or (b). But the student has answered both (a) and (b).

8. Answer any four of the following five questions in 40-50 words each: (4x3=12)

(i) Why does the author use the phrase “that drove a law-abiding citizen to become a criminal” to describe Mandela ? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

(ii) What happened to the poet when a dust of snow fell on him ? (Dust of Snow)

(iii) How does the author support the view that the people of Coorg are possibly of Arabic descent? (Glimpses of India – Coorg)

(iv) Mention two points of difference between a Bengal tiger and an Asiatic lion. (How to Tell Wild Animals)

(v) What efforts did the narrator make to get his mail from Europe ? (Mijbil the Otter)

9. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: (2x3=6)

(i) Analyze how Herriot uses Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s relationship to comment on societal attitudes towards pets and the responsibilities associated with their care. (A Triumph of Surgery)

(ii) Today reading books is on the decline because of the prevalence of electronic media. Contrarily, earth is saved by a ‘Book’ in the chapter “The Book That Saved the Earth”. Elaborate.

(iii) Discuss the character development of Griffin, as he grapples with the repercussions of his actions and attempts to navigate a world, where his once extraordinary abilities have become a burden. (Footprints without Feet)

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words: (6)

(a) Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts. (Amanda and Madam Rides the Bus)

(b) In ‘The Ball Poem”, Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years on the basis of his race and colour. Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts. (The Ball Poem and Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

11. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words: (6)

(a) How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and outmaneuver the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint ? (A Question of Trust)

(b) How did Mr. & Mrs. Loisel replace the lost necklace? What kind of life did the Loisels lead thereafter? (The Necklace)