Zafar Iqbal
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) commenced the Class 10 board examinations today, February 15, 2025, with the English Language and Literature paper. Both educators and students have shared their insights, indicating that the paper was well-structured, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate.
Exam Overview
The English examination was conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, adhering to the schedule set by CBSE. The paper was divided into three primary sections: Reading, Writing and Grammar, and Literature. Each section aimed to assess different competencies of the students, from comprehension skills to literary analysis.
Section-wise Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
This section comprised unseen passages followed by questions designed to test the students’ understanding and interpretation. Educators noted that the passages were straightforward, with clear language that facilitated comprehension. Most students found this section manageable, with only a few questions requiring deeper analysis. - Writing and Grammar
The writing tasks included letter writing and analytical paragraphs. The prompts provided were relevant and allowed students to express their thoughts coherently. The grammar questions focused on topics specified in the syllabus, and students who had practiced adequately found this section scoring. - Literature
This section tested students’ knowledge of the prescribed texts. Questions ranged from direct queries to those requiring critical thinking and interpretation. While many questions mirrored the pattern of the sample papers provided by CBSE, a few demanded a deeper understanding of themes and character motivations.
Educator Insights
Mahima Dudeja, an English educator at JAIN International Residential School, Bengaluru, observed that the paper’s lucid language made it accessible. She mentioned, “The paper had lucid language, which made it easier for the students to understand and attempt the questions.” She also highlighted that the questions were aligned with the sample papers shared by CBSE, ensuring familiarity for well-prepared students.
Similarly, Sunita Virmani, TGT English at Global Indian International School, Noida, noted that while the paper was slightly lengthy, her students managed it well. She stated, “The Grade 10 English CBSE examination was a bit lengthy. However, our students were able to tackle it with ease and a positive attitude.” She added that rigorous practice and revision played a crucial role in boosting students’ confidence.
Prarthana Bajpai, TGT English at Vidyagyan School, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, described the paper as a “treat for the students.” She pointed out that many questions resembled those in the sample papers, making the exam less daunting. However, she did note that the reading section required thorough reading, which could be time-consuming.
Student Reactions
Students across various centers echoed positive sentiments about the exam. Riya, a student from Vidyagyan School, mentioned, “The paper was easy, except for one or two in the second passage!” Her peers, Akshay and Saurabh, expressed confidence in their performance, stating, “We have done well. The paper was very good, and we expect a good score.”
In Patna, students shared similar feedback. Ashu Kumar remarked that the English paper was not tough, while Tania felt optimistic about her performance, stating she was happy after the exam. Shayambhabi Kumari also expressed confidence, expecting good scores. citeturn0search8
Competency-Based Questions
The examination incorporated competency-based questions, aiming to assess students’ analytical and application skills. While these questions required critical thinking, they were framed in a manner that was approachable for students familiar with the syllabus. Educators emphasized the importance of understanding literary terms, themes, and messages to tackle these questions effectively.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the overall positive feedback, some areas were identified for refinement. Pratima Jha, Head of the English Department at Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, noted that while the paper was well-structured, it contained some errors, ambiguous questions, and repetitions. She suggested that revising the paper for clarity and accuracy, avoiding repetition, and using precise language would enhance its quality. She rated the paper 7 out of 10, indicating room for improvement to ensure a fair and accurate evaluation. citeturn0search1
Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
| Exam Date | February 15, 2025 |
| Exam Duration | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Sections | Reading Comprehension, Writing and Grammar, Literature |
| Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Student Feedback | Generally positive; manageable with thorough preparation |
| Educator Feedback | Well-structured paper; minor areas identified for improvement |
| Competency Questions | Present; required critical thinking but were approachable |
| Areas for Improvement | Addressing errors, ambiguities, and repetitions in the paper |
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 English examination of 2025 was generally well-received by both students and educators. Its balanced structure, alignment with sample papers, and clear language contributed to its accessibility. While a few areas require attention, the overall consensus suggests that students who engaged in thorough preparation were well-equipped to perform successfully.
