CBSE Class 10 English Communicative 2025 Sample Paper Solved Set 2

SECTION A
READING

I. Read the following passage:

The Ascendance of Indian Chess

In recent years, India has asserted itself as a formidable force in the world of chess. A particularly notable milestone occurred in 2024 when 17-year-old Gukesh D clinched victory at The Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, making him the youngest challenger for the world title. His success not only broke records but also underscored India’s growing influence in chess. Unlike a decade ago, when Viswanathan Anand was the sole Indian presence at the global level, the 2024 tournament featured five Indian players, including two women.
Gukesh’s triumph and the emergence of other young talents are far from coincidental. A multitude of factors have contributed to India's ascendance in the chess arena. Key among these is the commitment of veteran Grandmasters to nurturing the next generation. They have established academies and training programs to hone emerging talent. For instance, Charvi Anilkumar, a promising 10-year-old chess player from Bengaluru, has been receiving guidance from Grandmaster RB Ramesh. Recognizing her aptitude early on, her parents have invested in her training, leading her to secure titles such as the Under-8 Girls World Championship in 2022.
The chess landscape in India has also benefited from increased governmental and private sector support. Many institutions provide a structured environment where young players can refine their skills under the guidance of accomplished coaches.
The surge of chess talent in India can be attributed to various interrelated factors. Advances in technology have provided young players with unprecedented access to online platforms, sophisticated training software, and a wealth of chess literature, enabling them to study strategie employed by legends worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, offered many of these youngsters the opportunity to sharpen their skills without the usual pressures of travel and competition.
Moreover, the consistent success of Indian players on the international stage has conferred a psychological advantage. As Grandmaster RB Ramesh notes, "Many are fearing playing against Indians," indicating that Indian players often start with a mental edge. Additionally, both governmental backing and private investments have enhanced the infrastructure supporting young chess aspirants.
Yet, experts like Viswanathan Anand and Grandmaster Ramesh maintain that the title of Grandmaster is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort. "It’s not about innate talent," says Anand. "Our cultural emphasis on learning and the competitive environment in India push young players to constantly improve." Grandmaster Ramesh concurs, noting, "Most of the children are inherently talented. The human mind is the foundational requirement to become a Grandmaster." Despite this promising trajectory, challenges persist. The increased popularity of chess has brought more tournaments and training resources, but it has also driven up the cost of coaching. Grandmaster Ramesh points out that many trainers now charge substantial fees, placing a financial burden on parents. Additionally, the widespread reliance on online training can detract from developing a deeper, more intuitive connection with the game.
Nevertheless, the future of Indian chess remains bright. The country now boasts 84 Grandmasters, ranking fifth globally. Its players are prominent in both the men’s and women’s categories, and the talent pool is growing rapidly. This progress in chess parallels a broader cultural shift in India, where young athletes are increasingly confident about their ability to compete at the highest levels on the global stage.
Viswanathan Anand envisions a time when India might produce multiple world-class champions. "We have a unique opportunity," he observes. "With the right guidance and support, India could become a global chess powerhouse."
As Indian families become more open to the idea of sports as a viable career, young players like Charvi Anilkumar are receiving crucial support from their parents. While the journey to becoming a Grandmaster involves substantial sacrifices, India’s growing ecosystem of mentorship, training, and opportunities has made this aspiration more achievable than ever. For those willing to invest the time and effort, the dream of becoming a Grandmaster is within reach, and India’s future in chess looks exceptionally promising.
India Today altered for academic purpose.
 

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

I. What is one factor that contributed to the rise of chess in India?
a) Lack of competition from other countries
b) Reduced focus on academic subjects
c) Increased access to online chess platforms and training software
d) Decrease in coaching costs

II. What challenge, related to online training, is mentioned in the passage as a potential drawback for Indian chess players? 
a) Difficulty accessing reliable internet
b) Overreliance on technology, weakening intuition
c) Lack of high-quality online platforms
d) The high cost of subscription to online resources

III. List any one of the challenges faced by young Indian chess players: 

IV. Rectify the given false statement: 
"The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the progress of young Indian chess players by preventing them from practicing."

V. Explain why the future of Indian chess looks promising despite the challenges. 

VI. Why has it become easier for young Indian chess players to learn from international chess legends? 

VII. What sacrifices do young chess players in India have to make? 

VIII. Explain why mentorship from veteran Grandmasters is important for young chess players in India. 

IX. How can we say that India is becoming a global chess powerhouse?

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