Passage-based questions are an important part of CBSE language papers. As CBSE 10th and 12th board exams are scheduled to begin from February 17, 2026, students must practice passage based questions. Whether in English or Hindi, students are required to read a passage and answer questions based on it.

According to official CBSE guidance, it is generally better to paraphrase or rephrase the answer in your own words rather than copying it exactly.

How to Score Full Marks in CBSE Passage-Based Questions

Here’s how students must attempt passage based questions in CBSE Board exams:

Step 1: Read the Entire Passage Calmly

Do not rush to the questions as soon as you see them. When you read the entire passage calmly, you understand the overall message, the writer’s intention, and the context in which information is presented. 

Step 2: Read the Question Carefully

After understanding the passage, shift your focus to the question. Before writing, pause and think about the exact demand of the question. Is it asking for a reason? Is it asking for a method? Is it asking you to explain something? Each type of question requires a different kind of response. 

Step 3: Locate the Relevant Part

Once you clearly understand the question, go back to the passage and carefully locate the section that contains the answer. Do not copy the sentence immediately after finding it. 

Step 4: Close the Passage (If Possible)

A highly effective strategy to improve your scoring is to briefly look away from the passage after identifying the answer. Try writing the answer without directly copying from the text.

You can always recheck the passage afterward to confirm accuracy. But attempting to write from understanding first improves language skills and reduces the risk of copying long, unnecessary sentences.

Step 5: Keep It Clear and Concise

Clarity is one of the most important factors in scoring well. Your answer should be simple, direct, and easy to read. Avoid complicated sentence structures and unnecessary elaboration. Passage-based questions usually carry short marks. Therefore, your answers should match the marks allotted. 

Example: Copy vs Paraphrase

Passage Line:
“The village suffered severe drought due to lack of rainfall.”

Copied Answer:
The village suffered severe drought due to lack of rainfall.

Better Paraphrased Answer:
The village faced serious water shortage because there was very little rain.

The second answer demonstrates understanding and expression, which is the purpose of comprehension questions.