CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 & PDF Download

CBSE Class 10 English Examination 2025 – Official Answer Key & PDF Download

The CBSE Class 10 English Board Examination for 2025 was conducted today, 15th February 2025, between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Students across the nation participated in this crucial assessment, and now comes the much-anticipated moment – the complete CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025, meticulously crafted with comprehensive solutions. This article offers a set-wise breakdown of the English examination, allowing students to assess their performance and approximate their scores with precision.

CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025

Our subject-matter experts have diligently solved the CBSE Class 10 English 2025 Board Examination and formulated a meticulous answer key in alignment with the latest NCERT curriculum and CBSE marking criteria.

📌 Examination Date: 15.02.2025
📌 Examination Timing: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📌 Subject: English (Language & Literature)
📌 Series Code: EFG6H; Set – 3
📌 Question Paper Code: 2/6/3
📌 Official CBSE Website: www.cbse.gov.in
📌 Unofficial Answer Key PDF: [Download Here] (Link to be updated soon)

CBSE Class 10 English 2025 Answer Key (All Sections)

The CBSE Class 10 English examination comprised three distinct segments:

🔹 Reading Section – Comprehension passages with multiple-choice and subjective response queries.
🔹 Writing & Grammar Section – Letter composition, analytical paragraph writing, and grammatical application-based exercises.
🔹 Literature Section – Extract-based analysis and short/long responses derived from NCERT literature texts.

Below, you will find an elaborated answer key for all sections:

ENGLISH (Language & Literature) Examination Format

⏳ Time Allotted: 3 Hours
📊 Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

✅ This question paper consists of 11 questions, all of which are compulsory.
✅ The paper is categorised into THREE sections:
➡️ Section A – Reading Skills
➡️ Section B – Grammar & Creative Writing Skills
➡️ Section C – Literature Textbook
✅ Each section mandates specific answering instructions.

Section – A (20 Marks) 

“Ace Your Exams with the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025.”

1.Passage Extract:

1️⃣ Creativity is one of the most invaluable and inexhaustible human resources. Every individual is innately blessed with the ability to merge insights, observations, and ideas to create novel perspectives. However, creativity flourishes in the presence of like-minded, innovative individuals. Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not exclusive to prodigies; rather, it thrives as a collective social phenomenon.

2️⃣ Urban environments act as hubs of ingenuity, where diverse populations, intricate social networks, and accessible communal spaces foster spontaneous intellectual exchanges. Additionally, cities facilitate the swift dissemination of novel ideas through robust infrastructures supporting finance, organisation, and commerce.

3️⃣ Research indicates a precipitous decline in unconventional thought patterns with age. A study states that 98% of children aged 3 to 5 display creative tendencies, which dwindles to 10% among adolescents (13–15 years) and a mere 2% by adulthood (25 years). This suggests a systematic erosion of natural creativity over time.

4️⃣ The disparity in creative expression mirrors socio-economic inequalities. While approximately one-third of the population engages in professions that stimulate creativity (e.g., artists, musicians, innovators, doctors, educators, journalists, etc.), the remaining 66% struggle with suppressed creative faculties due to systemic constraints.

5️⃣ Despite these disparities, creativity is far from endangered. It continues to thrive in science, technology, arts, and revitalising urban landscapes. However, a truly inclusive and nurturing ecosystem is imperative to ensure every individual’s creative potential is recognised and rewarded.

2.Comprehension & Analysis

Q1: What is the central theme of the passage?
A: (A) Social engagement is pivotal in cultivating creativity.

Q2: Identify the accurate assertion-reasoning pair:
A: (A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Q3: Find the word in paragraph 1 that signifies an undiminishing resource.
A: Inexhaustible

Q4: Summarise the study’s findings on the decline of creative thinking in about 40 words.
A: Research suggests a drastic reduction in creative abilities with age. While 98% of toddlers exhibit creativity, this plummets to 10% among adolescents and further dwindles to 2% in adulthood, signifying a substantial regression in imaginative faculties over time.

Q5: Choose the appropriate term to complete the sentence:
“Creativity is a __ process.”
A: Social

Q6: Apart from arts and culture, where else does creativity thrive?
A: Creativity flourishes in scientific innovation, technological advancements, rejuvenating metropolitan landscapes, and intellectual professions like medicine, law, and journalism.

Q7: Fill in the blank:
Approximately one-third of the population engages their creative faculties in tasks that involve problem-solving, ingenuity, and pioneering contributions across various disciplines.

Q8: What does the passage predict about the future of creativity?
A: The passage asserts that creativity is flourishing despite socio-economic disparities. However, there remains an urgent need to establish a system that fosters, acknowledges, and equitably rewards creative potential across all societal segments.

Also read: Active and Passive Voice: Master Active and Passive Sentences

Section – B (20 Marks)

“Reliable Solutions with the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025.”

Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

3.Complete any ten of the following tasks, as directed:

1. Sentence Completion:
   Read the given excerpt from a narrative. Complete it using the appropriate form of the word in brackets:
   “As I stepped into the chamber, the initial anomaly that seized my attention was the candle still _____ (burn) atop the table. The drapes had been pulled aside, allowing ample daylight to flood the room.”
   Answer: burning
2. Error Rectification:
   Detect and amend the flaw in the following sentence extracted from an article titled “The Hidden Health Risks of Bread Consumption”:
   “Health specialists across the globe are concerning about the escalation in health ailments.”
   Correction: Replace “concerning” with “concerned”.
3. Multiple Choice:
   Complete the sentence by selecting the most fitting option:
   A mask is utilised to obscure the identity __ an individual.
   Options:
   (A) of (B) for (C) being (D) at
   Answer: (A) of
4. Dialogue Reporting:
   Examine the ensuing exchange:

Student: “Hello. I have come to inquire about the English courses available for international students.”
Administrator: “Are you currently enrolled at the university?”

Choose the correct option to complete the reported narration:
“The student greeted and articulated that she __ to seek information regarding the English courses for international students. The administrator enquired if she was a university student.”

Options:
(A) has come (B) has came (C) had came (D) had come
Answer: (D) had come

5. Identifying and Correcting Errors:
   Pinpoint the flaw and provide the accurate term in the following sentence:
   “Embrace transformation as a gateway to personal evolution and allowed it to enrich your existence.”
   Correction: Replace “allowed” with “allow”.
6. Dialogue Reporting:
   Convert the following dialogue between a bookseller and Ramesh into reported speech:

Shopkeeper: “Which book are you looking for?”
Ramesh: “A Physics reference book that I can utilise for my project work.”

Reported version:
_”The shopkeeper enquired which book Ramesh sought. Ramesh responded that _.”
Answer: he wanted a Physics reference book that he could use for his project work.

7. Completion of an Article:
   Fill in the blank by selecting the correct alternative to complete a science magazine excerpt:
   “There exist myriad inventions of science __ have enriched human civilisation in diverse manners.”
   Options: (those / which / such)
   Answer: which
8. Statement Completion:
   Complete the assertion by a career consultant by inserting the most suitable option:
   “In our nation, __ universities proffer a multitude of academic disciplines. Hence, foreign scholars favour Indian institutions.”
   Options:
   (A) more (B) each (C) many (D) few
   Answer: (C) many
9. Dialogue Reporting (Extended):
   Rephrase the following discourse between local residents and an urban planner:

City Planner: “The inception of the new park stems from exhaustive months of research and meticulous planning.”
Residents: “We remain uncertain as to who is more thrilled – ourselves or our offspring!”

4.Reported version:

“The city planner conveyed that the new park __ of several months of thorough research and strategic planning. The residents conveyed their exhilaration, remarking that they were unsure whether they or their children were more ecstatic.”
Answer: was a result

10. Choosing the Correct Statement:
    Select the grammatically accurate sentence:
    (A) He sweared that he had not stolen the bag.
    (B) He swore that he had not stolen the bag.
    (C) He was swearing that he had not stolen the bag.
    (D) He swears that he had not stolen the bag.
    Answer: (B) He swore that he had not stolen the bag.
11. Travelogue Correction:
    The passage below is an excerpt from a travel account. Identify and amend the flaw:
    Kanyakumari is renowned for its picturesque shores, the distinctive Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and its mesmerising sunrise and sunset view.
    Correction: “view” should be replaced with “views”.
    Answer: (D) view → views
12. Report Conclusion Completion:
    Complete the summary of the report by selecting the appropriate choices:
    “The report deduces that _____ learners possess _____ knowledge of astrophysics.”
    Options:
    (A) very few / some (B) some / every (C) every / no (D) no / a lot of
    Answer: (A) very few / some

5.Letter Writing:

(a) Concern for Environmental Degradation:
Mahima/Manoj, residing at B/20, Shastri Road, Mumbai, and an ardent volunteer with ‘Clean India,’ drafts an appeal to a prominent newspaper editor regarding the escalating pollution at Marine Lines due to plastic and general waste. The letter elucidates how collaborative efforts among NGOs, citizens, and governmental entities can mitigate environmental harm.

OR

(b) Complaint on Street Lighting:
Sapna/Samar, dwelling at A-411, Vivek Vihar, Delhi, pens a letter to the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, highlighting prolonged dysfunction of street lamps, emphasising the resultant safety hazards and public inconvenience, and urging swift rectification.

Paragraph Writing:

(a) The Boon and Bane of the Internet:
The internet, an omnipresent force in contemporary society, operates as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fosters global connectivity, expedites communication, revolutionises learning, and facilitates seamless data exchange. However, its darker facets include compromised data security, social detachment, excessive dependence, and rampant plagiarism. Striking equilibrium between its advantages and perils remains imperative.

OR

(b) The Perils of Cybercrime and Cyberbullying:
The modern digital era has witnessed a surge in cyber offences, adversely impacting students’ mental well-being. From hacking and malevolent commentary to misinformation propagation, these acts tarnish reputations, incite self-doubt, and sow insecurity. Motivated by dominance, amusement, escapism, and lax regulatory frameworks, cyber malfeasance necessitates stringent monitoring and preventive strategies.

Also Read: Esay Overview of Tense and Its Types with Their 12 Forms or Examples

Section – C (40 Marks)

CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 Literature Textbook

6. Read the given extracts and respond to the questions by selecting any ONE of the following options:

(a)

“It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
(Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom)

1. How does the experience described in the following line affect the speaker’s perception?
   “Time and again, I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea.”
2. Identify the correct inference regarding courage from the given context:
   “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
   • (A) Being fearless
   • (B) Absence of fear
   • (C) Feeding your fears
   • (D) Ability to overcome fear
3. In approximately 40 words, elaborate on the author’s interpretation of genuine courage. How does this viewpoint contrast with common misconceptions regarding bravery?
4. Fill in the blank with the most suitable phrase from the brackets in the context of the extract:
   _“Men stood up to torture, displaying strength and resilience that is _____.”
   (impossible to understand / seeped in reality)

Sample Responses:

1. The speaker is profoundly influenced by witnessing such unwavering determination, instilling in him a deep understanding of fortitude and inspiring him through the extraordinary bravery of his compatriots.
2. (D) Ability to overcome fear
3. True courage, as defined by the author, lies in acknowledging and prevailing over fear rather than the absence of it. This notion challenges the widespread fallacy that bravery equates to an unfeeling state, devoid of any fear whatsoever.
4. Impossible to understand

(b)

“There was a fifty-rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered. ‘I made some money yesterday,’ he explained. ‘Now you’ll be paid regularly.’ My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night’s rain. ‘Today we’ll start writing sentences,’ he said. He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”
(The Thief’s Story)

1. Which of the following emotions was UNLIKELY to have been experienced upon seeing the fifty-rupee note?
   • (A) Joyous
   • (B) Sad
   • (C) Unhappy
   • (D) Worried
2. In about 40 words, analyse how the assurance of regular payment influences the narrator’s outlook and aspirations for the future.
3. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the bracket:
   “The individual in question did not allow the narrator to discern that his dishonest act had been detected. This highlights the ______ of his character.”
   (nobility / dishonesty)
4. Compare and contrast the meanings of the expressions “My heart sank” and “My spirits rose” within the given context.

Sample Responses:

1. (A) Joyous
2. The prospect of a consistent income fuels the narrator’s motivation, instilling optimism by signifying financial stability and validation of his endeavours, thereby uplifting his confidence in a brighter future.
3. Nobility
4. “My heart sank” conveys a profound sense of disappointment or trepidation, whereas “My spirits rose” suggests a surge of hope, enthusiasm, or relief.

7. Read the given extracts and respond to the questions by selecting any ONE of the following options:

“Your Ultimate Guide to the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025.”

(a)

“My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak.”
(The Trees)

1. Identify the metaphorical expression used by the poet to illustrate the movement of the trees.
2. Considering the tone, discuss how Adrienne Rich presents the tension between humanity and nature.
3. What atmosphere is conveyed by the imagery in the passage?
   • (A) Calm and tranquil
   • (B) Eerie and foreboding
   • (C) Joyful and celebratory
   • (D) Melancholic and traumatic
4. Why might the whispers be silent the next day?

Sample Responses:

1. The phrase “The trees are stumbling forward” is a metaphor illustrating the trees’ movement.
2. Adrienne Rich employs an urgent, almost chaotic tone to emphasise the strife between human intervention and the natural world, portraying how such disruption unsettles nature’s equilibrium.
3. (D) Melancholic and traumatic
4. The whispers may cease because they metaphorically represent nature’s subtle grievances, which risk being disregarded or stifled due to human interference and ecological negligence.

(b)

“I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare; I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!) Stop that sulking at once, Amanda! You’re always so moody, Amanda! Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda!”
(Amanda)

1. Complete the following sentence:
   Amanda sulked and became moody because ______.
2. What does Amanda yearn for? What does this imply about her personality?
3. What kind of imagery is evoked by the line, “life in a tower is tranquil and rare”?
4. The speaker’s tone in the exclamation, “Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!” can be best described as:
   • (A) Uncertain, aggressive, meek
   • (B) Aggressive, dominating
   • (C) Aggressive, meek, moody
   • (D) Meek, moody

Sample Responses:

1. Amanda sulked and became moody due to constant admonishments and relentless criticism from the speaker.
2. Amanda deeply yearns for freedom and an existence beyond restraint, suggesting she is imaginative and craves autonomy from authority.
3. The line portrays a serene yet secluded existence, conjuring an image of both peace and solitude.
4. (B) Aggressive, dominating

Also Read: Narration in English Grammar: A Detailed Guide

8.Respond to any four of the following five questions in roughly 40–50 words:

(i) Motivation governs our drive to face challenges and ultimately triumph. How does the young Seagull in Two Stories About Flying illustrate this?

(ii) “The Fog comes on little feet.” – Examine the significance of the metaphor used in the poem Fog by Carl Sandburg.

(iii) Mijbil the Otter depicts an otter as an intelligent, affectionate, and playful being who flourishes on love. Discuss how these qualities are portrayed in Gavin Maxwell’s Mijbil the Otter.

(iv) Reflect on the importance of the title The Proposal in the play. Offer two examples from the play to support your interpretation.

(v) How does the poet present the notion of beauty in the poem For Anne Gregory?

Sample Answers: (i) The young Seagull demonstrates determination by persistently striving to soar despite numerous failures. This highlights that perseverance and resolve are pivotal in overcoming obstacles and securing success.

(ii) The metaphor “The Fog comes on little feet” suggests the fog’s gentle, nearly unnoticed arrival. It enters with quiet grace yet leaves a profound impact, much like a stealthy visitor altering the scene.

(iii) Mijbil’s brilliance is evident in his resourcefulness, his friendly nature shines through his affectionate gestures, and his playful character is showcased through his energetic antics. These traits underline the otter’s vibrant and lively essence.

(iv) The title The Proposal is pivotal as it encapsulates the play’s central theme. For instance, Lomov’s proposal triggers a fierce argument over petty issues, such as the ownership of the meadows, thus amplifying the significance of the title.

(v) In For Anne Gregory, the poet suggests that beauty transcends the superficial and lies in deeper, more enduring qualities. It conveys that beauty is not fixed but rather fluid and multidimensional.

9.Respond to any two of the following three questions in about 40–50 words:

Unlock Success with the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025.

(i) Mrs Hall becomes more suspicious of Griffin after the theft and confronts him. How does Griffin react? (Footprints without Feet)

(ii) Why is Matilda discontented with her life? (The Necklace)

(iii) Elaborate on why and how Horace Danby was wrongly accused and apprehended for a theft he did not commit in A Question of Trust.

Sample Answers: (i) Griffin reacts with irritability and defensiveness when confronted by Mrs Hall. His flustered response and hostile demeanour reveal a volatile nature, casting suspicion on his character.

(ii) Matilda feels disillusioned because she finds herself in a humdrum, impoverished existence, yearning for affluence and excitement, which she believes would bring her fulfilment and joy.

(iii) Horace Danby was unjustly accused after a cunning woman, posing as the homeowner, deceived him into breaking into a safe. His fingerprints were discovered at the crime scene, leading to his arrest, while the true criminal escaped unnoticed.

10.Respond to one of the following questions in approximately 100–120 words:

(a) Explore the role of Nature in the poems The Dust of Snow and Fog.

OR

(b) The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli demonstrate that optimism and self-confidence enable women to rise above challenges and overcome adversity. Explore the commonalities between the two.

Sample Answers:

(a) In The Dust of Snow, Nature plays a transformative role, altering the poet’s emotional state through a seemingly trivial encounter with a crow and the soft touch of snow, symbolising renewal. In Fog, Nature is presented as elusive and enigmatic; the fog’s quiet, subtle onset reshapes the environment in a mysterious manner. In both poems, Nature acts as a catalyst for change, influencing the human psyche, uplifting one instance and shrouding the other in mystery.

(b) Despite their contrasting circumstances, both Anne Frank and Valli exemplify profound optimism and self-reliance. Anne, confined during wartime, clung to hope through her diary, while Valli, constrained by societal expectations, pursued independence with determination. Their stories illustrate that inner fortitude and hope empower women to transcend difficulties and shape their destinies, offering a beacon of inspiration to others.

11. Respond to one of the following two questions in about 100–120 words:

(a) Richard Ebright’s journey to becoming a renowned scientist conveys an inspiring message. His curiosity, persistence, and dedication led him to greatness. How does his story inspire you to follow your dreams?

OR

(b) It is often said that a great teacher illuminates even the darkest paths by fostering inherent talents. How does Sulekha’s teacher embody this ideal? In what ways did she become a pillar of support for Sulekha?

Sample Answers:

(a) Richard Ebright’s journey epitomises the power of persistence, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering dedication. His relentless quest for knowledge, coupled with his resilience in overcoming obstacles, demonstrates that success is earned through dedication rather than innate talent. His story motivates me to remain inquisitive and determined, encouraging me to pursue my dreams with passion and resolve, undeterred by challenges.

(b) Sulekha’s teacher embodies the ideal of an exemplary educator by recognising Sulekha’s potential and nurturing it with care. Through patient guidance, steadfast encouragement, and sincere empathy, she helped transform Sulekha from a shy, uncertain student into a confident, capable individual. Her unwavering support provided the foundation Sulekha needed to overcome personal struggles, making the teacher a true pillar of strength and guidance.

CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 PDF – Download Here!

Students can access the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 PDF by clicking the link below:
🔽 Download PDF (Link to be updated soon)

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2025: Student Reviews & Difficulty Level

Your Step-by-Step Solution: CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025.

As per initial student reactions, the CBSE Class 10 English 2025 exam was relatively easy. While most students found the Reading and Writing sections simple, some questions in the Literature section were challenging.

✍️ Student Opinions:

• “The passage-based questions were straightforward.”
• “The Literature section included some tricky extract-based questions.”
• “Grammar was simple and easy to score in.”

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2025: Expected Score Range & Analysis

• Easy Paper: Average expected marks – 75-80
• Moderate Paper: Average expected marks – 65-75
• Difficult Paper: Average expected marks – 50-65

The CBSE board is expected to release the official marking scheme soon. Stay updated for further announcements.

FAQs on CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025

❓ When will CBSE publish the official answer key?
✔️ CBSE does not release official answer keys for subjective papers, but unofficial solutions will be available on our website.

❓ Where can I download the CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025?
✔️ The CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025 PDF can be downloaded from CBSEGuidanceWeb.com.

❓ How can I estimate my marks?
✔️ You can check your expected score by matching your answers with our detailed CBSE Class 10 English Answer Key 2025, following the CBSE marking scheme.