CBSE(NCERT) GRADE 10 ENGLISH 2026 SET1

(1) Traffic congestion is one of the most visible, pervasive and immediate transport problems plaguing not only cities of India, but also of the world on a daily basis. Traffic congestion on urban road networks has increased substantially since the 1950s. (2) Traffic congestion occurs when vehicle volume exceeds the capacity of the road network, causing a slowdown in the overall traffic flow. Several key factors contribute to this issue, including rapid population growth, increasing urbanization, insufficient or poorly planned transport infrastructure, inadequate public transportation systems, and the rising use of private vehicles. Congestion has become a persistent challenge not only in large metropolitan areas, but also in medium and smaller cities, where infrastructure development often struggles to keep pace with growing demand. (3) Traffic congestion has a wide range of negative effects on both individuals and the economy. It wastes time for motorists and passengers, leading to loss in productivity and harming regional economic performance. Delays can cause people to be late for work, school, or important meetings, resulting in lost business opportunities and personal setbacks. As travel times become unpredictable, drivers are forced to leave earlier than necessary, reducing time available for more productive or meaningful activities. (4) Additionally, congestion contributes to environmental and mechanical issues. Idling and constant acceleration and braking waste fuel, increase carbon emissions, and cause wear and tear on vehicles, leading to more frequent repairs. Drivers often experience stress and frustration, which can negatively impact mental health and encourage road rage. Emergency vehicles may also be delayed, putting lives at risk. Furthermore, congestion can spill over into side streets as drivers seek alternative routes, disrupting local communities. The frequent stopping and close spacing between vehicles also raise the likelihood of traffic accidents. (5) Traffic congestion can be solved by improving public transportation, optimising road networks, and encouraging alternative travel options like carpooling, cycling and walking. Additionally, the infrastructure needs to be modernised. Road networks must be expanded with roundabouts which reduce conflict points and accidents. Implementing smart traffic management systems offers benefits including reduced congestion and travel time, improved safety, fuel efficiency and better emergency response. These systems use real time data to dynamically adjust traffic signals, predict traffic patterns, and enable quicker incident detection, leading to smoother traffic flow and less pollution. (6) Ultimately, tackling traffic congestion requires a combined effort from the government, businesses and individuals. By investing in smart infrastructure and public transit while also encouraging sustainable commuting habits, cities can move to enhanced mobility.

ng reduced congestion and travel time, improved safety, fuel efficiency and better emergency response. These systems use real time data to dynamically adjust traffic signals, predict traffic patterns, and enable quicker incident detection, leading to smoother traffic flow and less pollution. (6) Ultimately, tackling traffic congestion requires a combined effort from the government, businesses and individuals. By investing in smart infrastructure and public transit while also encouraging sustainable commuting habits, cities can move to enhanced mobility.

he heat generated by people, transport, shops and industry is trapped in the narrow roads and concrete structures, unable to escape to the atmosphere. This can bring the temperature in urban areas up 3 4°C higher than the surrounding countryside. With that comes a vicious cycle. (3) Increased temperatures in summer lead to an increased demand for cooling. This expands our energy consumption, which in turn intensifies fossil fuel consumption, increasing pollutants in the air and harmful smog on our streets. (4) Planning cities to include green spaces wherever possible is the first step in making our urban areas healthier. For example, adding a layer of vegetation to rooftops and creating green roofs has proven to reduce the urban heat island effect. Greenery also helps to sequester carbon (to trap and isolate it in a natural or artificial storage area) with one tree absorbing 25 kilograms of CO2each year. (5) Simply having access to green spaces in cities can do wonders for our stress levels and concentration at work. People need to interact with nature whenever the opportunity arises. Something as simple as a five- to ten-minute break during the workday can improve well-being and boost productivity. Access to urban open green space encourages physical activity and reduces ambient air pollution, heat, traffic noise and emissions. All are factors which contribute to the risks of chronic disease and mental illness. Individuals and likely to achieve recommended amounts of physical activity.

We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. (Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom)

And that is why it was so difficult to rob him. It's easy to rob a greedy man, because he can afford to be robbed; but it's difficult to rob a careless man – sometimes he doesn't even notice he's been robbed and that takes all the pleasure out of the work.

The way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree (Dust of Snow)

Did you finish your homework, Amanda? Did you tidy your room, Amanda? I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Amanda! (I am an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.) (Amanda!)