High-Scoring English Grammar for CBSE 10th Class: Master the 2026 Board Exam

 

High-Scoring English Grammar for CBSE 10th Class: Master the 2026 Board Exam

In the journey to a 95+ score in English, the grammar section is your best friend. Why? Because unlike literature, grammar is objective—it is either right or wrong. Mastering high-scoring English grammar for CBSE 10th class is the fastest way to secure a perfect 10/10 in Section B. With the 2026 board exams introducing more context-based questions, you need to move beyond simple rules and understand how language functions in real-world dialogues and reports.

The Anatomy of the 10-Mark Grammar Section

The CBSE Section B (Grammar) usually consists of 12 questions, out of which you must attempt 10. These are typically "Integrated Grammar" tasks, which include:

  • Gap Filling (Tenses, Modals, Determiners)

  • Editing/Error Correction (Subject-Verb Concord, Prepositions)

  • Reported Speech (Commands, Requests, Statements, Questions)

3 Pillars of High-Scoring Grammar

1. Subject-Verb Concord: The 'S' Rule

The most common trap for students is identifying the real subject. Remember: Neither the teacher nor the students were present. When using 'neither/nor' or 'either/or', the verb follows the subject closest to it.

2. Reported Speech: The Tense Shift

In 2026, CBSE is leaning heavily on dialogue-to-paragraph reporting.

  • Direct: "I am writing a letter," said Ravi.

  • Indirect: Ravi said that he was writing a letter.

Pro-Tip: Don't forget to change time expressions! 'Today' becomes 'that day', and 'tomorrow' becomes 'the next day'.

3. Modals for Context

Modals aren't just about 'can' or 'could'. They show intent.

  • Use 'Must' for legal or moral compulsion.

  • Use 'Ought to' for social duties.

  • Use 'May' for formal permission or strong possibility.

Practice Zone: 20 High-Yield MCQs

Test your knowledge with these board-standard questions.

1. The number of books in the library _______ increased significantly this year. (a) have (b) has (c) are (d) were

2. I _______ study for four hours before my parents arrived from the party. (a) have been studying (b) had been studying (c) am studying (d) will be studying

3. "Do not smoke in the public area," the officer said. (Report this) (a) The officer said not to smoke in public. (b) The officer forbade us to smoke in public. (c) The officer asked that we do not smoke. (d) Both (a) and (b)

4. You _______ follow the traffic rules to avoid heavy fines. (a) might (b) could (c) must (d) can

5. Neither of the two candidates _______ fit for the post. (a) are (b) were (c) is (d) have been

6. If it _______, we will cancel the match. (a) rain (b) rains (c) will rain (d) rained

7. He is _______ honest man who believes in hard work. (a) a (b) the (c) an (d) any

8. By the time the movie started, we _______ our popcorn. (a) finished (b) have finished (c) had finished (d) finish

9. "Where do you live?" the stranger asked me. (Report this) (a) The stranger asked me where I lived. (b) The stranger asked me where did I live. (c) The stranger asked where do I live. (d) The stranger told me where I lived.

10. Each of the students _______ given a certificate yesterday. (a) were (b) was (c) are (d) have been

11. You _______ not worry about the results if you have worked hard. (a) should (b) need (c) would (d) shall

12. There isn't _______ sugar left in the jar. (a) many (b) few (c) much (d) some

13. The news _______ not as bad as we expected. (a) are (b) were (c) is (d) have been

14. I _______ my keys. Have you seen them? (a) lost (b) had lost (c) have lost (d) lose

15. "Please help me with my homework," Rohan said to his sister. (a) Rohan asked his sister to help him with his homework. (b) Rohan requested his sister to help him with his homework. (c) Rohan told his sister to help him with his homework. (d) Both (a) and (b)

16. Economics _______ a difficult subject for many students. (a) are (b) were (c) is (d) am

17. I _______ see you at the meeting tomorrow, but I'm not sure. (a) must (b) might (c) should (d) will

18. She _______ her work before the bell rang. (a) completed (b) has completed (c) had completed (d) completes

19. Identify the error: "One of my friend is visiting today." (a) One (b) friend (c) is (d) today

20. Choose the correct determiner: "I have _______ friends in this city, so I don't feel lonely." (a) little (b) a few (c) few (d) any

✅ Answer Key & Explanations

  1. (b) has (The subject is "The number", which is singular).

  2. (b) had been studying (Past perfect continuous for an action before another past action).

  3. (d) Both (a) and (b) (Both are grammatically correct ways to report a command).

  4. (c) must (Indicates legal necessity).

  5. (c) is ("Neither" is always singular).

  6. (b) rains (First conditional: If + present simple).

  7. (c) an (Silent 'h' in honest).

  8. (c) had finished (Action completed before another past action).

  9. (a) The stranger asked me where I lived. (Tense shift and word order change).

  10. (b) was ("Each" is singular).

  11. (b) need ("Need not" shows absence of necessity).

  12. (c) much (Uncountable noun).

  13. (c) is ("News" is always singular).

  14. (c) have lost (Present perfect for a recent action with current relevance).

  15. (b) Rohan requested... (The use of "Please" implies a request).

  16. (c) is (Subject names ending in 's' like Economics are singular).

  17. (b) might (Indicates weak possibility).

  18. (c) had completed (Past perfect for the first of two past actions).

  19. (b) friend (Correction: friends. "One of" is always followed by a plural noun).

  20. (b) a few (Positive sense; "some" friends).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

7 Common Causes of Joint Pain in Seniors

Image
  7 Common Causes of Joint Pain in Seniors (Senior Joint Pain Causes) As people grow older, joint pain in seniors becomes a common health concern. Many older adults experience stiffness, swelling, or discomfort in the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. Understanding the common causes of joint pain in seniors can help people take early steps to protect their joints and maintain an active lifestyle. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes and proper care can reduce pain and improve mobility. 1. Osteoarthritis – A Major Cause of Joint Pain in Seniors One of the most common causes of joint pain in seniors is Osteoarthritis . This condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down over time. When cartilage becomes thin, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Seniors may notice pain especially after physical activity or after long per...
Read more

Fall Prevention Tips Every Senior Should Know

Image
  Fall Prevention Tips Every Senior Should Know As we grow older, fall prevention for seniors becomes extremely important. A simple fall at home can affect independence and health. The good news is that most falls are preventable with small, practical changes. Here are essential fall prevention tips every senior (and family member) should know. 1. Keep Floors Clear and Clutter-Free Loose wires, small furniture, newspapers, and uneven rugs are common causes of falls. Remove unnecessary items from walkways. Secure carpets with non-slip backing. Keep frequently used items within easy reach. A clear walking path is the first line of defense. 2. Improve Home Lighting Poor lighting makes it difficult to see obstacles. Install bright lights in hallways and staircases. Use night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms. Keep a lamp near the bed for easy access. Good lighting reduces hesitation and prevents missteps. 3. Wear Proper Footwear Slippers without grip ...
Read more

How to Improve Sleep After 65: Simple Tips for Better Health and Rest

Image
  How to Improve Sleep After 65: Simple Tips for Better Health and Rest Good sleep becomes more important as we grow older. However, many seniors find it difficult to sleep well at night. Learning how to improve sleep after 65 can help you feel more energetic, think clearly, and maintain good health. With a few simple lifestyle changes, seniors can enjoy deeper and more refreshing sleep. 1. Create a Comfortable Environment to Improve Sleep After 65 A peaceful bedroom is very important to improve sleep after 65 . Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, and comfortable. Here are a few simple tips: Keep the room cool and well-ventilated Use comfortable pillows and mattress Reduce noise and bright lights Avoid watching television in bed A calm sleeping environment helps the brain relax and prepares the body for good sleep. 2. Maintain a Daily Routine to Improve Sleep After 65 Following a regular routine can greatly improve sleep after 65 . Our body has a natural clo...
Read more