SEBA
HSLC ENGLISH GUIDE
Q. What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped? Or “Lencho’s
soul was filled with sadness.” Why? HSLC 2018
Answer: When the hail stopped Lencho became very sad as his cornfield was entirely destroyed by the hailstorm. He felt that the family would go
hungry that year.
Q.What did the postmaster do then? Or what did the postmaster do
after he had received Lencho’s letter? HSLC 2017
Answer: The postmaster was a good man and did not want to break
Lencho’s faith in God. So he collected some pesos (money) from his colleagues
and sent to Lencho.
Q. Why did Lencho say that the raindrops were like ‘new coins’? or
”These aren’t raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins.” Why did
Lencho consider the raindrops as ‘new coins’? HSLC 2015
Answer: Lencho needed a good rainfall for harvesting his crops.
After harvesting, the crops could be sold in the market for money (coins). So
he compared the raindrops to ‘new coins’.
Q. How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho’s field?
Or
What happened to Lencho’s field after the hailstorm? HSLC
2015
Answer: The rain was falling down as Lencho wished, but suddenly
a strong wind began to blow along with hailstones.
The hailstones were so heavy that not a single leaf left on the
trees and eventually Lencho’s entire field of crops was destroyed.
Q. What did Lencho write in his first letter? Or what did Lencho
write in his letter to God? HSLC 2019
Answer: When Lencho found that his entire crop fields were
destroyed by the hailstorm, he became very sad. But he had great faith in God
so he sent a letter to God wherein he wrote, ‘If you don’t help me, my family
and I will go hungry this year. I need a hundred pesos to sow my field again
and to live till the next crops arrive.’
Q. Why did Lencho call the post office employees as ‘a bunch of
crooks’? or “Don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office
employees are a bunch of crooks.”
What made Lencho think that the post office employees were a bunch
of crooks? HSLC 2016
Answer: Lencho called the post office employees ‘a bunch of
crooks’ because he thought that they had cheated him by taking away thirty
pesos from the hundred sent by God.
Q. Choose the correct answers for the underlined words from the
alternatives given below:
(a) I need a hundred pesos
……………. HSLC 2015
(currency of India/ Spain/ Latin America)
Answer: Currency of Latin America.
(b) Send me the rest, since I need it very much. (relax/remaining
part/ be buried) HSLC 2016
Answer: remaining part.
(c) The house — the only one in the entire valley– sat on the crest of a low hill. (wide/ whole/ flat) HSLC 2015
Answer: whole.
Q. Where was Lencho’s home situated? HSLC 2016
Answer: Lencho’s home was situated on the crest of a low hill.
Q. All through the night, Lencho thought only of this one hope.”
What was Lencho’s only one hope? HSLC
2017
Or
What was Lencho’s one hope? HSLC 2020
Answer: Lencho’s only hope was the help from God.
Q. What type of man was the postmaster? HSLC 2019
Answer: The postmaster was a fat, amiable and kind-hearted man.
Q. What did Lencho do throughout the morning? What did he see in the
north-east? HSLC 2018
Answer: Lencho did nothing throughout the morning. He looked at
the sky and saw that a heap of clouds was approaching towards the north-east.
Q. “The only thing the earth needed …” What ‘only thing’ did the
earth need? HSLC 2019
Answer: The only thing the earth needed was a spell of rain.
Q. What did Lencho say to his sons after the hailstorm? HSLC 2018
Answer: Lencho said to his sons that even a plague of locust would have left more than what was left by the hailstorm. He felt that the family would go hungry that year.
Q.What did the Postmaster do after he had received Lencho’s letter? HSLC 2015
Answer: After finding the letter sent by Lencho, the postmaster
laughed at first but later on, he got surprised in Lencho’s deep faith in God.
He did not like to break Lencho’s faith and hence he collected some money from
his colleagues and sent to Lencho.
Q.What does ‘courage’ mean to Mandela? HSLC 2017
Answer: By courage, Mandela means the triumph over fear. A brave
man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers fear.
Q. State whether the following are true or false:
(a) Nelson Mandela spent twenty years in prison. HSLC 2015
Answer: False.
(b) On the day of inauguration Mandela was accompanied by his
daughter Zenari. HSLC 2016
Answer: False.
(c) On the day of Inauguration, two national anthems were sung. HSLC 2015
Answer: True.
(d) The policy of apartheid created lasting peace in Mandela’s
country. HSLC 2017
Answer: False.
(e) On the day of the inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense
of history. HSLC 2017
Answer: True.
(f) Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the second Deputy President. HSLC 2016
Answer: False.
Q.Choose the meaning of the underlined words in the following
sentences from among the alternatives given in brackets: HSLC 2019
I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the
freedom of everyone ….. (enhanced/ reduced/ withheld)
Answer: reduced.
Q. State whether the following statements are True or False (Ref:
Nelson Mandela’Long Walk to Freedom’)
(a) On the Podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as first Deputy
President.
Answer: False.
(b) Then Tabo Mbeki was sworn in as second Deputy President.
Answer: False.
(c) On the day of the inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of freedom. HSLC 2020
Answer: False.
(d) On the day of the inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. HSLC 2020
Answer: True.
Q. Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and
complete the sentence:
1. In life every man has ……….. HSLC 2017
(i) three obligations
(ii) twin obligations
(iii) many obligations
Answer: twin obligations.
2. Mandela's country is rich ................ HSLC 2020
(i) in forests and lakes.
(ii) in minerals and gems.
(iii) in agriculture.
Answer: in minerals and gems.
Q. Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence from among the alternatives given in brackets. HSLC 2020
All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. (light and vain/abnormal/deep and strong)
Answer: deep and strong.
Q. According to Mandela, between love and hate which comes more
naturally to the human heart? HSLC 2016
Answer: According to Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human
heart.
Q. What mission would Mandela like to achieve for the future of
South Africa and her people on securing the political emancipation? HSLC 2018
Answer: Nelson Mandela, on securing political emancipation,
would like to liberate all the people of South Africa from bondage,
deprivation, suffering and caste discrimination.
Q. The oppressed and the oppressors alike are robbed of their
humanity.” What makes Mandela say this? HSLC
2018
Answer: Nelson Mandela realised that when a man takes away the
freedom of someone else then he becomes a prisoner of hatred. He is locked
behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He is not truly free though
he is taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely he is not free when
his freedom is taken away from him. This made Mandela say this.
Q. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions
that follow: HSLC 2017
In life every man has twin obligations: obligation to his family,
to his parents, to his wife and children and he has an obligation to his
people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is
able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and
abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a
man of my birth and colour to fulfil those obligations. In South Africa, a man
of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In
South Africa, a man who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably
ripped from his family and home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight
existence of secrecy and rebellion. I did not, in the beginning, choose to place
my people above my family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I
was prevented from fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and
a husband.
Questions:
(i) What was done to a man of colour in South Africa who attempted
to live as a human being? 1
Answer: A man of colour in South Africa who attempted to live as
a human being was punished and isolated.
(ii) What are the twin obligations that every man has in life? 2
Answers: The twin obligations that every man has in life are:
first, obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children and
secondly, obligations to his people, to his community and to his country.
(iii) What did the speaker find when he attempted to serve his
people? 2
Answer: When the speaker attempted to serve his people he found
that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a
father and a husband.
Q.What did Mandela say about the wealth of his country? HSLC 2019
Answer: Nelson Mandela, about the wealth of his country, says
that his country is rich in natural resources that lie beneath its soil, but
the greatest wealth of his country is its people. They are finer and truer than
the purest diamond.
Q.When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom? HSLC 2020
Answer: Mandela realised in his youth that it was not just
his freedom that was being restricted, but the freedom of all blacks. The
hunger for his freedom eventually turned into hunger for his people's
freedom. Nelson Mandela slowly began to hunger for freedom when he learned that
his boyhood freedom was an illusion and had already been stripped away from
him.
Q. Write about the legends concerning the discovery of tea.
Or
Narrate briefly Rajvir’s remarks on the discovery of tea and the
legends that surround it. HSLC 2015
Answer: There are two legends concerning the discovery of tea as
under:
The first legend tells that a Chinese emperor had always got
water boiled before drinking. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under
the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said they were
tea leaves.
There is another legend. According to the legend once in ancient
India there was an ascetic named Bodhidharma, who cut off his eyelids because
he fell sleepy during meditations. Then tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The
leaves of these plants when put into hot water and drunk banished sleep.
Q. Give a description of the Dhekiabai Tea Garden as seen by Pranjol
and Rajvir when they were driven through it. HSLC 2016
Or
Give a description of the magnificent view of tea garden seen by
Rajvir from the railway train. HSLC 2017, 2020
Or
Give a brief description of Dhekiabari tea garden. HSLC 2016
Answer: Dhekiabari Tea Garden is comprised of a vast area. Its beauty is mesmerizing as all the tea
plants are pruned neatly to the same height.
Amid the tea plants, there are tall shade trees. Groups of tea pluckers
with bamboo baskets are seen among the bushes during the sprouting period.
Dhekiabari tea garden was managed by Pranjol’s father. Rajvir was mesmerized to
see the greenery of the garden. He saw a stretch of tea bushes as far as the
eyes could see.
Q. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions
that follow: HSLC 2019
“No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many
legends.”
“Well, there is one about the Chinese emperor who always boiled
water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the
pot fell into the water given it a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea
leaves.”
“Tell me another! scoffed Pranjol.
“We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist
ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he got sleepy during meditations. The tea
plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot
water and drunk banished sleep.’’
“Tea was first drunk in China.” Rajvir added, “as far back as
2700 BC! In fact, words such as tea, ‘Chai’ and ‘Chini’ are from Chinese. Tea
came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine
than as a beverage.”
Questions:
(i) How was tea drunk in Europe in the sixteenth century? 2
Answer: Tea was drunk in Europe in the sixteenth century more as medicine that as a beverage.
(ii) What is the Chinese legend about tea? 2
Answer: The Chinese legend about tea is that a Chinese emperor
had always got water boiled before drinking. One day a few leaves of the twigs
burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is
said they were tea leaves.
(iii) What is the Indian legend about tea? 2
Answer: According to the legend once in ancient India there was
an ascetic named Bodhidharma, who cut off his eyelids because he fell sleepy
during meditations. Then tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of
these plants when put into hot water and drunk banished sleep.
Q. State whether the following statements are True or False in the
context of the text, ‘Tea from Assam’. HSLC
2018
(i) Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk
more as medicine than as a beverage.
Answer: True.
(ii) Tea came to Europe only in the eighteenth century and was drunk
more as a beverage than as a medicine.
Answer: False.
Q. Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and
complete the sentence: HSLC 2018
No one really knows who discovered tea but …………...
(i) there are two legends.
(ii) there is one legend.
(iii) there are many legends
Answer: (iii) there are many legends.
SECTION - B
Q. What is a waterhole? Why should the tiger be lurking near it? HSLC 2018
Answer: The water hole refers to a pond.
The tiger should be lurking near the water hole to catch the
pretty plump deer.
Q.What would the tiger have been doing if it were in its natural
habitat? HSLC 2019, 2020
Answer: The tiger, if it were in its natural habitat, would have
slided silently through the long grass for a plump deer. He would have
terrorized the villagers when it had moved around the villages.
Q. Choose the meaning of the underlined words from the alternatives
given in brackets.
(a) He stalks in his vivid stripes. (glaring/ dark/ pale) HSLC 2015
Answer: glaring.
(b) In his quiet rage (mood/ violent anger/ walk) HSLC 2015
Answer: violent anger.
(c) And stares with his brilliant eyes …… (dull/ very bright/ angry) HSLC 2017
Answer: very bright.
(d) In his quiet rage. (love/ hatred/ violent anger) HSLC 2017
Answer: violent anger.
(e) In his quiet rage (noisy/ silent/ worst) HSLC 2019
Answer: silent.
(f) At the jungle’s edge. (border/ side/ centre) HSLC 2019
Answer: border.
Q. How do the animals accept their conditions? HSLC 2015
Answer: The animals accept their conditions without any
complaint. They are placid and self-contained in nature.
Q. Why did the poet feel more at home with animals than humans? HSLC
2019
Answer: The poet feels more at home with animals than humans
because the animals are placid and self-contained. They never complain about the way
they live. They are not burdened with cares like humans. They do not have to
repent for their sins. These qualities impressed the poet very much.
Q. Choose the meaning of the underlined words from the alternatives
given in the brackets.
(a) They don’t sweat and whine about their condition. (sing loudly/
complain in an annoying voice/ cry in joy) HSLC
2016
Answer: complain in an annoying voice.
(b) I wonder where they get those tokens. (feel happy/ feel sorry/
feel very surprised) HSLC 2016
Answer: feel very surprised.
(c) I think I could turn and live with the animals; they are so
placid and self-contained. (and angry/ calm and peaceful/ harmful) HSLC 2018
Answer: calm and peaceful.
(d) Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of
owning things. (feeling unhappy/ feeling dissatisfied/ behaving crazily for
being upset) HSLC 2018, 2020
Answer: behaving crazily for being upset.
(e) ...... they are so placid and self-contained. (irritated/troublesome/unruffled) HSLC 2020
Answer: unruffled.
Q. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why the dragon is
called a ‘cowardly dragon’? HSLC 2015
Answer: The Custard cried for a nice cage because of safety.
The dragon was called a ‘cowardly dragon’ because he was coward
whereas everybody except the dragon was brave.
Q. Give a description of the fight between
Custard dragon and the Pirate. HSLC 2019
Answer: When Custard the dragon saw the Pirate, he jumped to
fight him. The Pirate fired two bullets at him but missed the both. Then
Custard gobbled whole of the Pirate and left no trace of him.
Q. How did Belinda and her pets behave when they saw the pirate
climbing the window? HSLC 2019
Answer: When Belinda saw
the Pirate climbing the window, he got afraid of the Pirate and become pale.
Mustard ran away with a terrified cry and Ink crept to the bottom of the house
while Blink disappeared in his mouse hole. Custard jumped in front of the
Pirate to fight him.
Q. How was Custard dragon received after he had killed the Pirate? HSLC 2018
Answer: Custard dragon was received like a hero after he had killed the Pirate. Belinda embraced him and Mustard licked him. Even Ink and Blink moved around Custard in joy.
Q. Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the
following:
(a) rage, house (taste, rest, cage, loud, fresh, mouse, vague) HSLC 2016
Answer: rage - cage, house - mouse
(b) bright, sound (call, caught, sing, right, around, hat) HSLC 2017
Answer:
(c) dragon, rage (grey, wagon, stairs, bear, cage, cries) HSLC 2020
Answer: dragon - wagon, rage – cage
Q. How did Custard the dragon save Belinda from the pirate? HSLC 2020
Answer: Custard, the dragon, jumped and snorted like an engine. He charged the pirate with his tail like iron. The dragon attacked the pirate as a robin attacks a worm. He put up a fight against the pirate and finally killed and ate him. Thus, he saved Belinda from the pirate.
Q. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a
balcony attached to his room? Look back at his detailed description of it. What
makes it a convincing story? HSLC 2015, 2019
Or
Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the
report. HSLC 2016
Or
Q. Between Ausable and
Max, Who do you think is more intelligent and why? HSLC 2020
Answer: Ausable was a secret agent who stayed at a hotel in
France. There, one night another secret agent named Max entered the room
secretly to take away the report from Ausable. He entered with a pistol in his
hand and tried to frighten Ausable. But Ausable was more intelligent. He, with the presence of mind,
created a convincing story to misguide Max that there was a balcony attached to
his room. He said that twice in a month somebody had entered this room through
the balcony. When Max asked him about the balcony, Ausable replied with a
feigned irritation that the balcony belonged to another person. He further told
Max that this room was earlier a part of a larger one. He said that it extended
under his window.
Thus his attitude, manner of description and confidence in
relating details of balcony convinced Max that there was a balcony under his
window. He then took advantage of the events as they happened and thus he
defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report.
Q. Describe the meeting between Ausable and Max.
Or
Give a description of Max’s conversation with Ausable. HSLC 2017
Answer: Ausable was a secret agent who was staying in a room of
a French hotel. He was going to receive a report regarding some missiles. On
the other hand, Max was another secret agent who desired to have the report
from Ausable by threatening Ausable to death. Ausable met Max when he switched
on the light in his room. Max carried with him a pistol. Then with the presence
of mind Ausable faked out a story of having a balcony of his room. In the meantime, a waiter knocked at the door and Ausable convinced him that he might be the
police and being afraid of the police Max jumped down the window and fell down.
Q. Who was Fawler? Give a description of his meeting with Ausable. HSLC 2018
Or
How did Ausable make Fowler disillusioned and happy later?
Answer: Fowler was a romantic writer who came to Ausable to know
and see the working of a spy. But Fowler found Ausable a quite different sort
of person. He felt let down by Ausable’s appearance and actions. Already there
was another secret agent named Max who went there to get a very important
document regarding missiles from Ausable. But by means of his presence of mind
Ausable happened to mislead Max as he made out the story of the balcony. After
a moment a waiter knocked at the door and Ausable told that he was the police who
might shoot Max. Being afraid of the police Max jumped in the balcony and fell
down.
Thus Ausable made Fowler disillusioned and happy later.
Q. Why were all people attracted towards the stranger at the village
inn?
Or
How and why Griffin come to the village of Iping? Why does Mrs Hall
find him eccentric? HSLC 2019
Answer: After leaving London Griffin arrived at a small village
called Iping. His arrival was unusual because in winter hardly people went
there. So when he went there, everybody in the village become surprised. He
became the topic of conversation among the villagers. Even he reached the
village with an unusual dress as he wore a bandage around his forehead, had dark
eyeglasses, a false nose and a large hat. All the people looked at him with
curiosity and suspicion. Mrs Hall wished to be friendly with him but he showed
no interest to her. So Mrs Hall found him eccentric.
Q. Why did Griffin become a homeless wanderer? Why did he slip into
the big London store and what did he do there? HSLC 2018
Answer: Griffin was a scientist but a lawless person. One day his landlord tried to eject him. In
revenge, he set fire to the house and to get away without being seen he had
removed his clothes and left the place. Thence he became a homeless wanderer.
He slipped into a big London store because the cold was
unbearable. He broke open boxes and fitted with warm clothes. He wore shoes, an
overcoat and a hat.
Q. Give a description
of Griffin’s experience in Drury Lane. HSLC 2017
Or
Describe Griffin's
experience in Drury Lane. HSLC 2020
Answer: After leaving the rent house, Griffin took off his
clothes and became a wanderer. Then he decided to try the stock of a theatrical
company in the hope of finding not only clothes but also something that would
hide the empty space above his shoulders.
Being shivered in cold he went to the Drury Lane. There he found a
suitable shop and entered to try the stock of a theatrical company. He came out
wearing bandages around his forehead. He wore dark glasses, a false nose and a
large hat. He attacked a shopkeeper and stole money from him.
This was Griffin’s experience in Drury Lane.
Q. Describe the extraordinary behaviour of Mrs Hall’s furniture. HSLC
2016
Answer: One morning the landlord and his wife found the door of
Griffin’s room was wide open. Usually, it remained shut from inside. Out of curiosity, they peeped into the door.
They found nobody but saw that the bedclothes and the bandage of Griffin were
lying there. All of a sudden Mrs Hall
heard a sniff and saw that the bedpost began to leap up. It hit her face. Then she saw the chair sprang into the air.
It came towards her. Out of fear they turned away. Then the chair pushed them both out and
appeared to slam and lock the door after them. Mrs Hall almost fell down the
stairs. She felt that the room was haunted by spirits.
This was the extraordinary behaviour of Mrs Hall’s furniture.
Q. Who was Griffin? How did he become invisible? Why did Mrs Hall
find him eccentric? HSLC 2015
Answer: Mr Griffin was a scientist but a lawless person.
Griffin carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could be invisible. At last, he succeeded in his experiment and
invented some rare drugs. He swallowed them and his body became invisible or
transparent.
In Iping Mrs Hall wished to be friendly with him but he showed
no interest in her. Instead, he liked solitude. So Mrs Hall found him eccentric.
GRAMMAR & COMPOSITION
(PREVIOUS H. S. L. C. EXAM QUESTIONS’ SOLUTION)
Q. Use the correct tense form of the verbs given in
brackets:
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) He jumped off the bus while it
—. (move)
Answer: He jumped off the bus
while it was moving.
(b) He said that he — the letter.
(post)
Answer: He said that he had
posted the letter.
(c) He — a teacher since 1994. (be)
Answer: He has been a teacher
since 1994.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) We (know) each other for five
years.
Answer: We have known each
other for five years.
(b) The other day I (meet) a
magician in the bazaar.
Answer: The other day I met a
magician in the bazaar.
(c) If I — you, I should not accept
that post. (be)
Answer: If I were you, I should
not accept that post.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) She said that she (will) help
her friend.
Answer: She said that she would
help her friend.
(b) The boys (play) in the garden
when the tree fell down.
Answer: The boys were playing
in the garden when the tree fell down.
(a) I wish I (be) a king
Answer: I wish I were a king.
(b) The boy (sleep) don’t disturb
him.
Answer: The boy is sleeping,
don’t disturb him.
(a) She ———– a book when I saw her.
(read)
Answer: She was reading a book
when I saw her.
(b) She ———- a teacher since 2002.
(be)
Answer: She has been a teacher
since 2002.
(a) The bell rang after we (finish)
our work.
Answer: The bell rang after we
had finished our work.
(b) Please ring me up as soon as he
(come).
Answer: Please ring me up as
soon as he comes.
(a) It is time we (go) home.
Answer: It is time we went
home.
(b) She behaves as if she (know)
everything.
Answer: She behaves as if she
knew everything.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) If it (rain) we shall not go
out.
Answer: If it rains we shall
not go out.
(b) We (know) each other for the
last ten years.
Answer: We have known each
other for the last ten years.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) If I (be) you, I would not have
called him again.
Answer: If I were you, I would
not have called him again.
(b) The Principal is not in his
room. He (go) out.
Answer: The Principal is not in
his room. He has gone out.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) They (live) in Delhi for ten
years.
Answer: They have been living
in Delhi for ten years.
(b) When he came it (be) all over.
Answer: When he came it was all
over.
(c) He (stay) here until you
return.
Answer: He will stay here
until you return.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) I (go) there before she went.
Answer; I had gone there before she went.
(b)
Ten years (pass) since I met you last.
Answer: Ten years have passed since I met you last.
(c) When she came, I (write) a letter.
Answer: When she came, I was writing a letter.
Q. Choose the right determiners from among the alternatives given
and fill up the gaps.
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) My brother is —— N.C. C.
cadet. (a / an / the )
Answer: an
(b) First read —— books you have
with. (few / a few / the few)
Answer: the few
(c) —— of the oranges were rotten.
(many / more / much)
Answer: many
(d) Socrates gave—— useful advice
to his pupils. (much / many / more)
Answer: much
(e) Hurry up! We have only —— time
left. (little / a little / the little)
Answer: a little
(f) The workers decided to form —— union. (a / an / the )
Answer: a
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The painter is a man of
——words. (few / a few / the few)
Answer: few
(b) —— honorary secretary gets no
salary for holding the post. (a/ an / the )
Answer: an
(c) —— of the candidates must produce
his identity card. (any / every / each)
Answer: each
(d) India won the match with —— bit of luck. (little / a little / the little )
Answer: a little
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) —— men are free from faults.
(few / a few / the few )
Answer: few
(b) —— hour has passed since he
left us. (a/ an / the)
Answer: an
(c) —— of the students will be
given a copy of the magazine. (every / each / any)
Answer: each
(d) Please give me —— money you
have. (little / a little / the little)
Answer: the little
H.S.L.C. 2013
(a) He will come back within —
hour. ( a / an / the)
Answer: an
(b) — men are free from faults.
(few / a few / the few)
Answer: few
(c) Leap year falls in — fourth
year. (every / any / each)
Answer: every
(d) — learning is a dangerous
thing. (little / a little / the little)
Answer: A little
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) I gave —— one rupee note to the
beggar. ( a / an / the).
Answer: a
(b) My father is —— older than my
mother. (many / much / more).
Answer: much
(c) I buy —— books every month.
(few / the few / a few)
Answer: a few
(d) I need —– money I have. (little
/ a little / the little)
Answer: the little
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) Please give me —— time to
finish the work. Then I will take you to —— university.
Answer: a little, the
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) Ramen comes home twice …………
month.
Answer: a
(b) Mr. Bell rang ……….. bell of
alarm and I woke up.
Answer: the
(c) A busy person has …….. time to
waste.
Answer: little
(d) Only ………. of the applicant were
found suitable.
Answer: a few
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) My brother is……. NCC cadet.
Answer: an
(b) We found the house without ……..
difficulty.
Answer: much
(c) He has to feed his family with
…… money he earns.
Answer: the
(d) Our principal is a man of ……
words.
Answer: few
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) …… rich are not always unkind.
Answer: The
(b) The Principal gave the students
….. sound advice.
Answer: much
(c) Every school has …….. union of
the students.
Answer: a
(d) Is there …… coffee left in the
pot?
Answer: any
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) My brother had gone …… hour
ago.
Answer: an
(b) A busy man has ….. time to
waste.
Answer: little
(c) The classes started after ……
bell had rung.
Answer: the
(d) …… of their property was lost
in the flood.
Answer: much
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a)
They
won the match without ___ difficulty.
Answer: much
(b)
Reading
is ___ useful hobby.
Answer: a
(c) I gave him ___ books I had.
Answer: the few
(d) Kalidas is ___ Shakespeare of India.
Answer: the
Q: Change the voice of the
following:
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The members elected the
secretary.
Answer: The secretary was
elected (by the members).
(b) The grandmother looks after the
child.
Answer: The child is looked after by the grandmother.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) Children like sweets.
Answer: Sweets are liked by
children.
(b) By whom can this be done?
Answer: Who can do this?
H.S.L.C. 2012 (Old Course)
(a) I have read the book.
Answer: The book has been read
by me.
(b) The book was written by her.
Answer: She wrote the book.
H.S.L.C. 2013 (Old Course)
(a) A hunter shot the tiger.
Answer: The tiger was shot by a
hunter.
(b) The gate was opened by the
peon.
Answer: The peon opened the gate.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) Accidents are caused by
carelessness.
Answer: Carelessness causes
accidents.
(b) Who did this work?
Answer: By whom was this work done?
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) We were surprised at his
conduct.
Answer: His conduct surprised
us.
(b) Why did your father refuse such
an honourable job?
Answer: Why was such an honourable job refused by your father?
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) The students elected him
secretary.
Answer: He was elected
secretary (by the students).
(b) The stage was decorated by the
students.
Answer: The students decorated the stage.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) People speak English all over
the world.
Answer: English is spoken all
over the world.
(b) America was discovered by Columbus.
Answer: Columbus discovered America.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) The letters have been posted.
Answer: I have posted the
letters.
(b) He did the work alone.
Answer: The work was done alone by him.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) I have lost my English
textbook.
Answer: My English textbook has
been lost.
(b) He was punished for his
misconduct.
Answer: The teacher punished
him for his misconduct.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) I do not know his brother.
Answer: His brother is not known to me.
(b) English is spoken by many people all over the world.
Answer: Many
people speak English all over the world.
SENTENCE PATTERN
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) He enjoys playing cards.
Answer: He enjoys writing
letters.
(b) S + V + O + O
Answer: Ram gives me a book.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The teacher gave him a
dictionary
Answer: The man gave me a pen.
(b) S + V + O + C
Answer: I read the Ramayana in the morning.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) The child taught him a lesson.
Answer: The teacher taught us
grammar.
(b) S + V + O
Answer: I read the Ramayana.
H.S.L.C. 2013
(a) Painting is an art.
Answer: Singing is a skill.
(b) S + V + O + O
Answer: I gave Shahin the SEBA Educare Guide.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) Painting is an art.
Answer: Singing is a skill.
(b) S + V + to infinitive
Answer: I like to read.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) I don’t know to do it.
Answer: I don’t know how to do
it.
(b) It is you who is to blame.
Answer: It is you who are to
blame.
(c) He told me that his brother is
writing that letter.
Answer: He told me that his
brother was writing that letter.
(d) He asked me where do I live.
Answer: He asked me where I lived.
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) The sceneries of Arunachal
Pradesh is charming.
Answer: The scenery of Arunachal
Pradesh is charming.
(b) I am feeling cold.
Answer: I feel cold.
(c) Bread and butter make a good
breakfast.
Answer: Bread and butter makes
a good breakfast.
(d) The news are true.
Answer: The news is true.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Niru is my cousin sister.
Answer: Niru is my cousin.
(b) She prefers tea than coffee.
Answer: She prefers tea to
coffee.
(c) I gave him a few rupees I had.
Answer: I gave him the few
rupees I had.
(d) He is working hardly.
Answer: He is working hard.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) He took out his shoes.
Answer: He took off his shoes.
(b) I do not know who are you.
Answer: I do not know who you
are.
(c) She said that she will arrive
at 6 p.m.
Answer: She said that she would
arrive at 6 p.m.
(d) She prefers milk than curd.
Answer: She prefers milk to curd.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) It can rain tonight.
Answer: It may rain
tonight.
(b) The cattles are grazing in the
field.
Answer: The cattle are grazing
in the field.
(c) Each of the boys play cricket.
Answer: Each of the boys plays
cricket.
(d) How much money you need?
Answer: How much money do you
need?
(e) When you do your homework?
Answer: When do you do your
homework?
(f) I do not know to do it.
Answer: I do not know how to do
it.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) Her son-in-laws are rich men.
Answer: Her sons-in-law
are rich men.
(b) It
is raining since morning.
Answer: It has been
raining since morning.
(c) How
you know him?
Answer: How do you know him?
(d) I
and he are brothers.
Answer: He and I are
brothers.
(e) He
is senior than me in age.
Answer: He is senior to me.
(f) I
do not know to do it.
Answer: I do not know how
to do it.
NARRATION
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) The lady said to me, “I will
tell you my story.”
Answer: The lady said to me
that she would tell me her story.
(b) I told her that I had no time
for that.
Answer: I said to her, “I have no time for this.”
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The mechanic said, “I will
repair your car tomorrow.”
Answer: The mechanic said that
he would repair my car the next day.
(b) The teacher inquired of the
pupil if he had done his home work.
Answer: The teacher said to the pupil, “Have you done your homework?
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) He said, “Honesty is the best
policy.”
Answer: He said that honesty is
the best policy.
(b) He said that he takes bath in
the Brahmaputra every morning.
Answer: He said, “I take bath in the Brahmaputra every morning.”
H.S.L.C. 2012 (Old Course)
(a) He said to the children, “We
will go for a picnic tomorrow.”
Answer: He told the children
that they would go for a picnic the next day.
(b) Rohit asked me if I could speak
French.
Answer: Rohit said to me, “Can you speak French?”
H.S.L.C. 2013
(a) She said, “The water is
boiling.”
Answer: She said that the water
was boiling.
(b) Mira said that her mother had
been suffering from fever.
Answer: Mira said, “My mother
has been suffering from fever.”
H.S.L.C. 2013 (Old Course)
(a) The son told his father that he
wanted that box.
Answer: The son said to his
father, “I want this box.”
(b) The boy said to the teacher,
“May I go out?”
Answer: The boy asked the teacher if he might go out.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) He told her not to disturb him.
Answer: He said to her, “Do not
disturb me.”
(b) Mother said to me, “Don’t tell
a lie.”
Answer: Mother advised me not to tell a lie.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) “What a beautiful building!” he
said.
Answer: He exclaimed with
wonder that it was a beautiful building.
(b) She proposed that we should go
for a walk.
Answer: She said, “Let us go
for a walk.”
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) “Can you drive a car?” I said
to Rahim.
Answer: I asked Rahim if he
could drive a car.
(b) The stranger asked me if I
could tell him the way to the post office.
Answer: The stranger said to
me, “Can you tell me the way to the post office?”
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Anita said, “I do not know the
boy.”
Answer: Anita said that she did
not know the boy.
(b) Rahim said that his mother had
been suffering from fever.
Answer: Rahim said, “My mother
has been suffering from fever.”
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) Rahim said to me, “Do you know
the man standing at the gate?”
Answer: Rahim asked me whether
I knew the man standing at the gate.
(b) The young man told me
that he had come from Jorhat to work in Guwahati.
Answer: The young man said to
me, “I have come from Jorhat to work in Guwahati.”
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) She asked me why the teacher
had punished me.
Answer: She said to me, “Why
did the teacher punish you?”
(b) Anita said to Ravi, “Please
lend me your pen.”
Answer: Anita requested
Ravi to lend her his pen.
H.S.L.C. 2020
PREPOSITION
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) What is the time ——- your
watch? (in / on / by)
Answer: by.
(b) This is a quotation ——- Milton.
(of / by / from)
Answer: from.
(c) You should provide ——your
children. (for / to / of )
Answer: for.
(d) He sympathized ——- me in my
sorrow. (to / for / with)
Answer: with.
(e) The old man is hard ——-
hearing. (of / for / in)
Answer: of.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) There was a noise of children
——- play. (in / on / at)
Answer: at.
(b) Her mother is ——- the town
council. (in / on / over)
Answer: in.
(c) The teacher knows his students
——- names. (for / by / with )
Answer: by.
(d) Babies are boon ——- parents.
(for / on / upon)
Answer: upon.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) I met him —— the street.
(in / at / on )
Answer: in.
(b) Please pay attention ——- your
studies. (for / to / on)
Answer: to.
(c) He is an authority ——- science.
(of / for / in )
Answer: in.
(d) The teacher is in full control
——- the class. (of / over / in)
Answer: over.
H.S.L.C. 2012 (Old Course)
(a) He was accused —- theft. (in /
for / of )
Answer: of.
(b) I was amazed ——- your conduct.
(at / by / with)
Answer: at.
(c) Early rising is good ——-
health. (with / for / to )
Answer: for.
(d) Your story is devoid ——- truth.
(of / from / in)
Answer: of.
(e) Health is essential ——- success
in life. (about / for / to )
Answer: to.
(f) One must always be true ——-
oneself. (to / with / in)
Answer: to.
H.S.L.C. 2013 (Old Course)
(a) The police ran — the thief.
(at/for/after )
Answer: after.
(b) She is blind ——- her son’s
fault. (at / to / in)
Answer: to.
(c) I shall do it —–pleasure. (with
/ in / on )
Answer: with.
(d) Ram is fond ——- music. (of /
on / in)
Answer: of.
(e) Assam is rich —- minerals. (of
/in /at )
Answer: in.
(f) Death is preferable —-disgrace.
(to/with/by)
Answer: to.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) Happiness consists ——- speaking
the truth. (of / for / in )
Answer: in.
(b) One should be honest———-
dealing with fellowmen. (at / on / in)
Answer: in.
(c) She is looking—— a domestic
help. to/ in/ for )
Answer: for.
(d) The burden seemed too much ——–
him. (to / on / for)
Answer: for.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) Health is preferable ——-
wealth. (than/ for/ to)
Answer: to.
(b) He is angry ———— his haughty
sister. (at/ with/ upon
Answer: with.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) The cow lives ……. grass (from/
by /on)
Answer: on.
(b) He lives ….. hand to mouth.
(on/from/by)
Answer: from.
(c) He is appointed ……….. the post.
(to/at)
Answer: to.
(d) She is junior ………. me by three
years.
Answer: to.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) We go to school ……………. bus
(in/with/by)
Answer: by.
(b) I am senior ………………… your
sister. (than/to/from)
Answer: to.
(c) The principal presided
……………………… the meeting. (in/over/at)
Answer: over.
(d) She excels …………………… dancing
(at/in/by)
Answer: in.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) He always runs …………. money.
(at/for/ after)
Answer: after.
(b) Flour is made ………….. wheat.
(of/ from/with)
Answer: of.
(c) Write your answers ……………… black
and ink. (with /by/in)
Answer: in.
(d) The cow lives ………. grass.
(on/upon/with)
Answer: on.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) This train bound ………….. Delhi
(to/upon/ for)
Answer: for.
(b) Assam is rich ……………. minerals.
(for/ in/ about)
Answer: in.
(c) I meet him …………….. the street.
(in/ on/ upon)
Answer: in.
(d) Happiness consists …………..
speaking the truth. (of/ in / at)
Answer: in.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a)
Answer: at.
(b) Man does not live ____ bread
alone.
Answer: on.
(c) Rita excels ____ dancing.
Answer: In.
(d) He is looking ____ domestic help.
Answer: for.
PHRASE
& IDIOMS / MAKE SENTENCES
H.S.L.C. 2010
break down, give away, look after, call on, site for
Answers:
Break down: The bridge broke down all of a sudden.
Give away: The Headmaster gave away the prizes.
Look after: We should look after our parents.
Call on: She will call on you tomorrow.
Site for: This is the site for the playground.
H.S.L.C. 2011
came about, give up, for good, black sheep
Answers:
Come about: I don’t know how that came about.
Give up: Though late we should give up our bad habit.
For good: Raktim has left India for good.
Black sheep: He was the black sheep of his parents.
H.S.L.C. 2012
nook and corner, of late, with a view to, look after
Answers:
Nook and corner: His fame as a writer spread nook and corner of the world.
Of late: Of late, the price of mineral water has risen up.
With a view to: Ratul went there with a view to meet his friend.
Look after: We should look after our parents.
H.S.L.C. 2013
null and void, by dint of, with flying colours, all in all
Answers:
Null and void: Your policy was proved to be null and void.
By dint of: Gaurav succeeded by dint of hard labour.
With flying colours: The Indian army returned from Bangladesh with flying colours.
All in all: My father is all in all in our family.
H.S.L.C. 2014
look into, call off, get rid of
Answers:
Look into: The police will look into the matter.
Call off: The meeting was called off for bad weather.
Get rid of: At last, he got rid of the problem.
H.S.L.C. 2015
in order to, all in all, now and then, at large
Answers:
In order to: Ram has gone to Delhi in order to get higher education.
All in all: Ramen is the all in all of his family.
Now and then: He goes to Guwahati now and then.
At large: After his father’s death, Kanak is at large.
H.S.L.C. 2016
bring up, look for, give up, look after
Answers:
Bring up: Ram was brought up by his grandmother.
Look for: I am looking for a better day.
Give up: We should give up our bad habits.
Look after: we should look after our parents.
H.S.L.C. 2017
give away, far and wide, put out, turn up
Answers:
Give away: Please give away the apples among the students.
Far and wide: His name as a great novelist spread far and wide.
Put out: Please put out the lamp.
Turn up: Only a few invitees have turned up.
H.S.L.C. 2018
run over, deal in, carry out, in order to
Answers:
Run over: The cat was run over by the car.
Deal in: Ramen deals in grocery.
Carry out: He carried out the order of his master promptly.
In order to: Rohini went there in order to meet his uncle.
H.S.L.C. 2019
far and wide, break out, give up, fall short
Answers:
Far and wide: Raj’s name as a young musician spread far and wide.
Break out: Smallpox broke out in the village last year.
Give up: Let us give up our bad habits.
Fall short: The fund for the cultural function fell short.
H.S.L.C. 2020
make
out, give away, deal in, carry out
(a) Make out: He could not make out
the matter.
(b) Give away: The chief guest will give away the prizes.
(c) Deal in: He deals in tea.
(d) Carry out: Please carry out the
order.
H.S.L.C. 2010
break down, give away, look after, call on, site for
Answers:
Break down: The bridge broke down all of a sudden.
Give away: The Headmaster gave away the prizes.
Look after: We should look after our parents.
Call on: She will call on you tomorrow.
Site for: This is the site for the playground.
H.S.L.C. 2011
came about, give up, for good, black sheep
Answers:
Come about: I don’t know how that came about.
Give up: Though late we should give up our bad habit.
For good: Raktim has left India for good.
Black sheep: He was the black sheep of his parents.
H.S.L.C. 2012
nook and corner, of late, with a view to, look after
Answers:
Nook and corner: His fame as a writer spread nook and corner of the world.
Of late: Of late, the price of mineral water has risen up.
With a view to: Ratul went there with a view to meet his friend.
Look after: We should look after our parents.
H.S.L.C. 2013
null and void, by dint of, with flying colours, all in all
Answers:
Null and void: Your policy was proved to be null and void.
By dint of: Gaurav succeeded by dint of hard labour.
With flying colours: The Indian army returned from Bangladesh with flying colours.
All in all: My father is all in all in our family.
H.S.L.C. 2014
look into, call off, get rid of
Answers:
Look into: The police will look into the matter.
Call off: The meeting was called off for bad weather.
Get rid of: At last, he got rid of the problem.
H.S.L.C. 2015
in order to, all in all, now and then, at large
Answers:
In order to: Ram has gone to Delhi in order to get higher education.
All in all: Ramen is the all in all of his family.
Now and then: He goes to Guwahati now and then.
At large: After his father’s death, Kanak is at large.
H.S.L.C. 2016
bring up, look for, give up, look after
Answers:
Bring up: Ram was brought up by his grandmother.
Look for: I am looking for a better day.
Give up: We should give up our bad habits.
Look after: we should look after our parents.
H.S.L.C. 2017
give away, far and wide, put out, turn up
Answers:
Give away: Please give away the apples among the students.
Far and wide: His name as a great novelist spread far and wide.
Put out: Please put out the lamp.
Turn up: Only a few invitees have turned up.
H.S.L.C. 2018
run over, deal in, carry out, in order to
Answers:
Run over: The cat was run over by the car.
Deal in: Ramen deals in grocery.
Carry out: He carried out the order of his master promptly.
In order to: Rohini went there in order to meet his uncle.
H.S.L.C. 2019
far and wide, break out, give up, fall short
Answers:
Far and wide: Raj’s name as a young musician spread far and wide.
Break out: Smallpox broke out in the village last year.
Give up: Let us give up our bad habits.
Fall short: The fund for the cultural function fell short.
H.S.L.C. 2020
make
out, give away, deal in, carry out
(a) Make out: He could not make out the matter.
(b) Give away: The chief guest will give away the prizes.
(c) Deal in: He deals in tea.
(d) Carry out: Please carry out the
order.
SYNTHESIS OF SENTENCES
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) Where does he live? Do you
know?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives.
(b) He is innocent. Everybody says
this.
Answer: Everybody says that he
is innocent.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The businessman is a miser. He
has donated generously today.
Answer: The businessman who has donated
generously is a miser.
(b) Why are you so late? Tell me.
Answer: Tell me why you
are so late.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) I speak the truth. I am not
afraid of it.
Answer: I am not afraid of
speaking the truth.
(b) Walk fast. You will miss the
train.
Answer: Unless you walk fast
you will miss the train.
H.S.L.C. 2013
(a) I have some duties. I must
perform them.
Answer: I must perform my
duties.
(b) This is my friend. His name is
John.
Answer: This is my friend named
John.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) The bird was very small. It
could not fly. (use to ….. too)
Answer: The bird was too small
to fly.
(b) He is not intelligent. He is
not brave. (use neither ….. nor)
Answer: He is neither
intelligent nor brave.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) I have lost the pen. You gave
it to me.
Answer: I have lost the pen
that you gave me.
(b) Health is very important. It
must not be neglected.
Answer: We must not neglect
health which is very important.
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) The moon is round. It has been
proved.
Answer: It has been proved that
the moon is round.
(b) Where does he live? Do you
know?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives?
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Man is mortal. Everybody knows
this.
Answer: Everybody knows that
man is mortal.
(b) Walk fast. You will miss the
train.
Answer: Unless you walk fast
you will miss the train.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) The boy is not brave. The boy
is not intelligent.
Answer: The boy is neither
brave nor intelligent.
(b) The man created the trouble.
The man was arrested.
Answer: The man was arrested
for creating trouble.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) The earth is round. We can
prove it.
Answer: We can prove that the
earth is round.
(b) Where does he live? Do you know
it?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives?
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) Where has he gone? Do
you know it?
Answer: Do you know where he has gone?
(b) I
finished the work. I was taking rest.
Answer: As I finished the work, I was taking rest.
H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) Where does he live? Do you
know?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives.
(b) He is innocent. Everybody says
this.
Answer: Everybody says that he
is innocent.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) The businessman is a miser. He
has donated generously today.
Answer: The businessman who has donated
generously is a miser.
(b) Why are you so late? Tell me.
Answer: Tell me why you
are so late.
H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) I speak the truth. I am not
afraid of it.
Answer: I am not afraid of
speaking the truth.
(b) Walk fast. You will miss the
train.
Answer: Unless you walk fast
you will miss the train.
H.S.L.C. 2013
(a) I have some duties. I must
perform them.
Answer: I must perform my
duties.
(b) This is my friend. His name is
John.
Answer: This is my friend named
John.
H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) The bird was very small. It
could not fly. (use to ….. too)
Answer: The bird was too small
to fly.
(b) He is not intelligent. He is
not brave. (use neither ….. nor)
Answer: He is neither
intelligent nor brave.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) I have lost the pen. You gave
it to me.
Answer: I have lost the pen
that you gave me.
(b) Health is very important. It
must not be neglected.
Answer: We must not neglect
health which is very important.
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) The moon is round. It has been
proved.
Answer: It has been proved that
the moon is round.
(b) Where does he live? Do you
know?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives?
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Man is mortal. Everybody knows
this.
Answer: Everybody knows that
man is mortal.
(b) Walk fast. You will miss the
train.
Answer: Unless you walk fast
you will miss the train.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) The boy is not brave. The boy
is not intelligent.
Answer: The boy is neither
brave nor intelligent.
(b) The man created the trouble.
The man was arrested.
Answer: The man was arrested
for creating trouble.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) The earth is round. We can
prove it.
Answer: We can prove that the
earth is round.
(b) Where does he live? Do you know
it?
Answer: Do you know where he
lives?
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) Where has he gone? Do you know it?
Answer: Do you know where he has gone?
(b) I
finished the work. I was taking rest.
Answer: As I finished the work, I was taking rest.
VOCABULARY
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) Nobody likes your — behaviour.
(childish / childlike)
Answer: childish.
(b) She could not — herself to the
new situation. (adopt / adapt)
Answer: adapt.
H.S.L.C. 2012 (Old Course)
(a) He is — of my success. (jealous
/ zealous)
Answer: jealous.
(b) Dr. Gohain is an — scholar.
(eminent / imminent)
Answer: eminent.
H.S.L.C. 2013 (Old Course)
(a) Some fishes (breathe /
breed) air.
Answer: breathe.
(b) They are going to the (fare /
fair).
Answer: fair.
H.S.L.C. 2014
Q.
Frame sentence using any one pair of the following to show their difference in
meaning.
(i) Principle Principal
(ii)Site Cite
(iii) Adopt Adapt
Answers:
(i) Principle: Our Principal is a man of principle.
Principal: P. Dubey is our Principal.
(ii) Site: This is a site for college.
Cite: Please cite an example for your comment.
(iii) Adopt: Raghav has adopted a boy-child.
Adapt: He tried his best to adapt to the environment.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) The Brahmaputra has changed
its——– (coarse/ course
Answer: course.
(b) Sankardev was an ———- scholar.
(eminent/ imminent)
Answer: eminent.
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) My warning had no ……….. on the
boy. (affect/effect)
Answer: effect.
(b) He …………. to accept the money.
(refused/ denied)
Answer: refused.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Rose smells …………(sweetly/sweet)
Answer: Rose smells sweet.
(b) Her handwriting is …………
illegible/ eligible)
Answer: Her handwriting is
illegible.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) She narrated the matter
(shortly/ briefly)
Answer: She narrated the matter
briefly.
(b) Please (listen/ hear) to what
he says.
Answer: Please listen to what
he says.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) Mr. John will come to Guwahati.
(recently/ shortly)
Answer: Mr John will come to
Guwahati shortly.
(b) Popular criticism has no
(effect/ affect) on the politicians.
Answer: Popular criticism has
no effect on the politicians.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) The tiger is a beast of _____. (pray/prey)
Answer: prey.
(b) The medicine will ____ you
of your pain. ( relief/relieve)
Answer: relieve.
H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) Nobody likes your — behaviour.
(childish / childlike)
Answer: childish.
(b) She could not — herself to the
new situation. (adopt / adapt)
Answer: adapt.
H.S.L.C. 2012 (Old Course)
(a) He is — of my success. (jealous
/ zealous)
Answer: jealous.
(b) Dr. Gohain is an — scholar.
(eminent / imminent)
Answer: eminent.
H.S.L.C. 2013 (Old Course)
(a) Some fishes (breathe /
breed) air.
Answer: breathe.
(b) They are going to the (fare /
fair).
Answer: fair.
H.S.L.C. 2014
Q.
Frame sentence using any one pair of the following to show their difference in
meaning.
(i) Principle Principal
(ii)Site Cite
(iii) Adopt Adapt
Answers:
(i) Principle: Our Principal is a man of principle.
Principal: P. Dubey is our Principal.
(ii) Site: This is a site for college.
Cite: Please cite an example for your comment.
(iii) Adopt: Raghav has adopted a boy-child.
Adapt: He tried his best to adapt to the environment.
H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) The Brahmaputra has changed
its——– (coarse/ course
Answer: course.
(b) Sankardev was an ———- scholar.
(eminent/ imminent)
Answer: eminent.
H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) My warning had no ……….. on the
boy. (affect/effect)
Answer: effect.
(b) He …………. to accept the money.
(refused/ denied)
Answer: refused.
H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) Rose smells …………(sweetly/sweet)
Answer: Rose smells sweet.
(b) Her handwriting is …………
illegible/ eligible)
Answer: Her handwriting is
illegible.
H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) She narrated the matter
(shortly/ briefly)
Answer: She narrated the matter
briefly.
(b) Please (listen/ hear) to what
he says.
Answer: Please listen to what
he says.
H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) Mr. John will come to Guwahati.
(recently/ shortly)
Answer: Mr John will come to
Guwahati shortly.
(b) Popular criticism has no
(effect/ affect) on the politicians.
Answer: Popular criticism has
no effect on the politicians.
H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) The tiger is a beast of _____. (pray/prey)
Answer: prey.
(b) The medicine will ____ you
of your pain. ( relief/relieve)
Answer: relieve.
SUBSTANCE WRITING
Q. Give the substance of the following passage:
(a) The progress of a nation depends on the honesty, labour and
achievements of her people. Social evils and the vices are the results of human
weakness. They gradually destroy the wealth of a nation. These cannot be
removed by laws. To attain national prosperity, individual morality is more
important than man-made laws and instructions. In a nation, there may have a
large number of educated people as well as sages and philosopher, but if its
citizens are dishonest, idle and negligent of their respective duties then all
are vain. The nation will be proved the poorest of all, however rich in resources. H.S.L.C. 2014
Answer:
The progress and honour of a nation depends upon its honest and duty-conscious
people. The social vices and evils can never be swept away by laws but by its
honest, active and dutiful people.
(b)There are books which are
really no books at all, and to read which is a mere waste of time; while there
are others so bad that we cannot read them without great harm. It is no doubt
good to be warned against temptations and dangers of life, but anything that
familiarizes us with evil is in itself an evil. So also there are others
which one can read without being the better of them. By useful literature, we do
not mean only what will help a man in his business or profession. That is
useful no doubt but by no means the highest use of books. The best books raise
us into a region of selfless thought where the troubles and anxieties of the
world are almost forgotten. H.S.L.C. 2015
Answer:
There are two kinds of books: bad books and good books. Bad books are
temptations to evil thoughts which do great harms. On the other hand, good books
raise the readers into a region of selfless thought and make them forget the
troubles and anxieties of the world.
(c) It is very
difficult to get rid of bad habits. So, one should be very careful that one
does not form bad habits during the early years of life. Idleness is one such
bad habit. Every boy and girl should be diligent. They should avoid idleness
like poison. Some of them love to remain in bed long after daybreak and
get out of bed most unwillingly. Even after that they waste time over
trifles and spend as little time as they can in reading. As a result,
they cannot learn much as they should. What is worse, they become so accustomed
to such a bad habit that they cannot shake it off – even with their greatest
efforts. This bad habit then holds them hard in its coils like a large snake. H.S.L.C. 2016
Answer:
If once a bad habit is formed, it becomes very tough to get rid of it. Bad
habit includes getting up late at daybreak, spend time in trifles, neglect
one’s duty etc. To make our life a happy, secure and prosperous one we must
form good habits from our early life.
(d) It is easy to acquire bad
habits, such as eating too much food or eating too many sweets or drinking too
much fluid of any kind or smoking. The more we do a thing, the more we tend to
like doing it and if we do not continue to do it, we feel unhappy. This is
called the force of habit and the force of habit should be fought against.
Things which may be very good when only done from time to time tend to become
very harmful when done too often and too much. This applies even to such good
things as work or rest. Some people form a habit of working too much and
others of idling too much. The wise man always remembers that this is true
about him and checks any bad habit. He says to himself, “I am now becoming
idle” or “I smoke too much” and then adds, “I will get myself out of this bad
habit at once.” H.S.L.C. 2017
Answer:
Habit is a second nature. If we a do a thing too often or so much then it
become a habit. A habit is such a thing; if it is not continued then it makes
us feel unhappy. The wise people always avoid forming any bad habit. If somehow
they become addicted to any bad habit they can get out of it at once. We should
form good habits from our childhood.
(e) Of all the amusement which can possibly be imagined for a hard-working man after his daily labour there is nothing like reading an
entertaining book. It calls for no bodily exertion, of which he had enough. It
relieves his home of its dullness. It transports him to a livelier and more
interesting scene. While he enjoys there, he may forget the evils of the
present moment. Nay, it accompanies him to his next day’s work and if the book
is an interesting one, it gives him something to think of besides the drudgery
of his everyday occupation. If I were to pray for a taste it would be a taste
for reading. Give a man this taste and the means of gratifying it, you will
find a happy man. You place him in contact with the best writers of every age
recorded in history and then you will find him like a citizen of all nations
and a contemporary of all ages. H.S.L.C. 2018
Answer:
Book reading is the best entertainment after hard work. It calls for no bodily
exertion. It relieves us of daily dullness. Book reading gives us something to
think of besides the drudgery of our everyday occupation. Book
reading turns us into a citizen of all nations and a contemporary of
all ages.
(f)The work which Gandhi had
taken up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the
establishment of a social order based on truth and non-violence, unity and
peace, equality and universal brotherhood and maximum freedom for all. The
unfinished part of his experiment was perhaps more difficult to achieve than
the achievement of political freedom. In the political struggle against a
foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it success and give
it their moral support. In establishing a social order of this pattern, there
was a likely possibility of a conflict arising between groups and classes
of our own people. Experience shows that man values his possessions even more
than his life because in the former he sees the means for continuity and
survival of his descendants even after his body is reduced to ashes. A new
order cannot be established without changing the mind, for at some stage
or the other the rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of
egalitarian society. H.S.L.C. 2019
Answer:
Gandhi worked not only for political freedom but also for the establishment of
a social order based on non-violence, unity, peace, equality and universal
brotherhood. But later on, it was realised that this goal could not be achieved
because a man gives more value to his possessions than to his life. So to
bring about a change in society we should try to change the mentality of its
people.
ESSAY WRITING
Punctuality (HSLC 2019)
There is a common proverb that-Time and tide wait for none. It is a
universal truth that time is a thing that never learns to stop. It is flying
all the time. Time once lost cannot be retrieved. It is so precious that no
money can buy a passed time.
Everybody should be very mindful of the proper use of time because life
is a collection of time. We should do the right things at the right moments.
Students should make good use of time in reading and acquiring knowledge.
Businessmen can use time in such a way that they can excel in their business.
Success in any sphere of life depends on the proper use of time.
Idleness is said to be the killer of time. Those who spend their time in
idleness must suffer in their lives. We should not waste the precious moments
of life in idle conversation, reading bad books or doing things that have no
good effects.
Human life is precious. The worth of life is counted on the deeds that
one performs in life, and the great deeds are performed by them who take care
of every moment in life. Time is flying fast. We must seize it before it flies
away and bring it to our best use. In short, we all should maintain punctuality
in life.
The Festival You Like Most (HSLC 2016,
2019)
Or
The National Festival of
Assam
Introduction: There
are many festivals, and I like Bihu most of them. The Bihu is the national
festival of Assam. There are three Bihus in a year - Rangali Bihu, Kati Bihu
and Bhogali Bihu.
Rangali Bihu: The
Rangali Bihu starts from the last day of the month of chaitra and it continues
for seven days to the sixth day of the month of Bahag. The young boys and girls
dance in the open fields in a festive mood. It is also called the Spring
Festival. It symbolizes the youth of life. Some customs are observed. People
take new clothes. Gamochas are presented to the kith and kins. Cows are
worshipped. In the Rangali Bihu people enjoy much and it lasts for a week for
which it is called the Great Bihu.
Kati Bihu: The
Kati Bihu begins on the last day of the month of Ashwin. In this Bihu the
fields remain bare. Foods and grains found scanty. So it is called Kangali Bihu
(Bihu of Scarcity). Only the lamps are lit in the paddy fields as a mark of worshipping
Laxmi Devi.
Bhogali Bihu: The
Bhogali Bihu starts on the last day of the month of Puha. It continues for
seven days. In this month the granary of the peasants are full of harvested
crops. So many sorts of delicious dishes of foods as- pithas, cakes, sweets,
laddus are prepared. People eat them up to their greed. Kith and kins are
invited and offered delicious items of foods. In this Bihu people eat plenty of
food. So this Bihu is called Bhogali Bihu (Bihu of Food). Mezis made of straw
and bamboo is burnt for amusement.
Conclusion: The
Bihus are the part and parcels of Assamese culture. It is the symbol of peace,
love, harmony and life. The Assamese are very proud of the Bihus.
My Last Day at School (HSLC
2018)
It was 28th February 2021 that became my
historic last day at my school. The result of our Test Examination had already
been out and all the students who were going to appear in the H. S. L. C. Examination
from the school were invited by the General Secretary of the school on 30th
December to bid them farewell.
At 10 A. M., the Farewell-meeting was held
over which the Principal of our school presided. Just before the start of the
meeting a group photo of the students with the teachers was taken. The meeting
started with a song in chorus. As the meeting progressed, I felt uneasy at the
thought of leaving the school where I had been reading for ten years.
The General Secretary of the Students’ Union
spoke out the purpose of the meeting. Some junior students of the school
addressed to the meeting first. They expressed their best wishes to the
examinees and requested to forgive their faults in dealing with us. Then our
turn came. The first boy from our class stood up first. He expressed his
gratitude to the teachers who enabled us to appear in the examination.
Secondly, I stood up. At first, I had to stammer because my heart was paining
with the thought of separation from my teachers and school-mates. I begged of
my teachers to excuse us for our conscious and unconscious wrong dealings and
finally, thanking the students for their grand arrangements to honour us by
holding this meeting, I stopped my fare-welling speech.
At last, our respected Principal stood up and
wished us to do well in the examination. She warned us to avoid unfair means in
the examination. She also admonished us to be good citizens along with becoming
good students in life. After the presidential address, the meeting came to an
end.
After the meeting, we were entertained with
sweet-meats. In this way, my last day at school was a day of mixed
feeling-feeling of sadness and pleasure. I shall remember this day all my
life.
Kaziranga National Park (HSLC
2015)
Kaziranga National Park, a site for world
heritage is situated in the districts of Golaghat and Nagoan, Assam. Its land
area is 430 square kilometre. The nearest city to Kaziranga is Jorhat, Tezpur.
It is declared as a national park by the Indian Government in 1905. It is
especially famous for one-horned rhinoceros. The park hosts two-thirds of the
world’s one-horned rhinoceros. The term ‘Kaziranga’ is derived from the Karbi
word ‘kajir-a-rang’ which means ‘the village of the Kajir’.
According to a popular traditional belief,
once the locality of Kaziranga was ruled by a Karbi woman named Kajir and after
her name, the area ruled by her was called by Kaziranga.
Through the bed of Kaziranga two rivers- Diflu
and Vengra and many streams have been flowing from east to west. Its soil is
fertile done by the mud of the mighty Brahmaputra. Kaziranga is the habitat of
many precious wild animals, birds and trees. Of the total area the 28 per cent
is covered by a variety of trees, 66 per cent is grassland and 6 per cent is
covered by marshy area.
Among its trees, there are Shal, Shishu,
Cotton, Jamu, Ajar, Kabai, Sunaru, teak and many others. Among its animals,
there are rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, deer, monkey, porcupine, cats, jackal,
leopard etc. The park is full of many kinds of birds among which mention may be
made of cock, ducks, vulture, goose, wren, crow, pigeon, bulbul, parrot, kite,
heron, and so on.
Kaziranga now has been facing a menace of
poachers. Every year many rhinoceros have been poached by the poacher because
of its horn. Many elephants are killed for their teeth. Another menace the park
has been facing is the cutting of its trees and deforestation caused by the
explosion of population. Every year many acres of land of the park have been
deforested and occupied by the homeless people ignoring the law. In addition to
these, the great flood has been doing great erosion to the park every year
bedsides taking away the lives of many birds and animals.
The Kaziranga National Park is maintained by
the Government by Assam. But in time to time, the Indian Government also
renders financial assistance an suggestions for its conservation and
development. For its maintenance, there is an especial forest force with modern
facilities.
Kaziranga is now a world heritage and many
tourists from other states and even from foreign countries come to Assam to
enjoy the wild animals especially world famous one-horned rhinoceros and its
natural beauty. To visit the entire Kaziranga there are departmental elephant,
cars, boats etc. In Kohera there is an inn for the tourists. Every year the
Assam Government has been earning a lot of royalties from the Kaziranga
National Park.
Kaziranga is not a forest or park only but
also a resource of bio-diversity. The people of Assam as well India are proud
of it. We should protect this world heritage from the hand of the poachers,
smugglers, and illegal intruders and to bring about this into reality the local
people must cooperate with the government.
Physical Exercise
Or
Benefits of Physical
Exercise (HSLC 2018)
Physical exercise refers to bodily movement or
the use of the parts of our body to keep our body active and healthy. In other
words, physical exercise is a course of activities followed regularly for a
good health. Walking, cycling, swimming, running, playing etc. are some forms
of good physical exercise.
There is a great value of exercise. It
improves our health. It makes our body sound, strong and active. Physical
exercise has a positive effect on both our body and mind. It is said, ‘Health is
wealth.’ A sound mind in a sound body is a source of happiness. Those who
neglect physical exercise become weak in mind and health. A man of weak health
suffers in life. He is attacked by many diseases.
Many people refuse to take physical exercise
and grow up to suffer a lot in life. Students need to be very cautious about
their health. They should remember that time spent in exercise is never wasted.
They should take part in games and sports. Health is the source of
all happiness and bliss. If we lose health, we lose precious wealth in life.
There are many types of exercise. But all
forms of exercise are not suitable for all. Strong men can take almost all
forms of exercise but the weak and the old cannot do so. Of all forms of
exercises, regular walking up to at least three kilometres is considered to be
a healthy exercise.
To keep our body and mind healthy, active,
strong and fit there is no substitute to physical exercise.
Television
Television As a Source of Knowledge (HSLC 2016)
Introduction: Television is a modern
invention of technology. It is the primary means of entertainment as well as
the simplest means of communication. In television, we can see and enjoy events
along with speeches that take place anywhere in the world.
Origin and Functions: Television was
invented in 1925 by an English scientist named John Baird. There are two types
of television as black- white and colouring. It is a very powerful
means of communication as it broadcasts news, cinemas, songs and many other
branches of entertainments. It plays an important role in advertising. It plays
a significant role in the formation of public opinion.
In some countries, governments have undertaken a
new policy to spread education through television. It is hoped that
education spread through a television would make it possible for the young
generation to face the complexity of today's world with a great deal of skill
and enthusiasm.
Its Bad Effects: As almost all the
inventions of science bear both good and bad sides, so does television. Many
times, television shows fake news and rumours that bewilder its
viewers. Moreover, all the news is not necessarily unbiased. Many
programmes are run on television, but all the programmes don’t suit everybody.
A degree of caution should therefore be retained when enjoying the programmes.
The students should watch shows that are geared to their age and mind. They
should not use it as mere means of entertainment. in addition to these, too
much watching of television is detrimental both to the eyes and mind.
Conclusion: Television is a necessary thing
of the civilized world. But we should use it avoiding its bad effects.
My School Library (HSLC
2018)
Library is a room or building where books on various subjects are kept
for study. A library is a necessary condition without which a school can never
be a perfect school. Our school has owned a spacious library.
Our school library is adjacent to the Teachers’ Common Room. It is a big
room with almost all the modern scientific facilities. A senior teacher of our
school is in charge of the library. There are some hard and fast rules for
managing our library.
There are more than twelve thousands books in our library. Besides
school books, there are many books on different branches of human knowledge.
The school authority provides news papers, magazines and journals for our study
in the library. Books are issued for a period of fifteen days. Our library
authority lends five books to the poor students at a time. I am a regular
reader of our library. I spend my leisure hours in the library reading literary magazines.
Our library has been serving students since its establishment in 2010
and thus it has been exercising its roles in disseminating knowledge and
wisdom. I am proud of my School Library.
The Person Admire Most
Or, Life of a Great
Man
Or, A Great Man of
Assam
Or, Your Favourite
Author
Or, My Favourite Hero in History (HSLC 2019)
Introduction: I have great reverence
for Lakshminath Bezbarua, the pioneer of modern Assamese literature. He was an
exceptional artist, author, satirist, playwright and children’s literature
writer. He is most popular as "Sahityarathi" (Charioteer of Writing)
and "Rasaraj" (King of Humour).
Early Life: He was born near
Ahatguri, Nagaon in November of 1868. His father was Dinanath Bezbarua, a
senior British authority. Because of the nature of his father's job, he needed
to spend his youth in various places in Assam. He got his initial education
from Sibsagar Government Secondary School and later went to Kolkata for higher
education and graduated from City College in Kolkata. He further did his
post-graduation and B.L. degrees from Calcutta University. He had married Pragyasundari
Devi.
His Contribution: He is the author
of "O Mur Apunar Dex", the state anthem of Assam. His literary career
started with "Litikai", a slapstick written for Jonaki magazine. He
wrote 8 plays, 2 autobiographies, 4 buffoonery, 3 historical works and 3 biographies.
Some of his notable works are – “Joymoti Konwori”, “Padum Kunwori”, “Burhi Aair
Xadhu”, “Kokadeuta Aru Natilora”, “Belimaar”, “Chikarpati Nikarpati”, “Nomal”,
“Kehokali”, “Paachani”, “Bakhor”, “Mur Jiban Sowaran” etc. Most of his works
fall under children’s literature.
Why I Like Him: I like him because
of his exceptional sense of humour, his lucidity in writing and his patriotism.
He drew out the various highlights in the Assamese society. Besides, his
affection for children attracts me.
Conclusion: Laxminath Bezbarua
was an orator and an extraordinary scholar who devoted his life for the welfare
of the people of his state. On 26th March 1938, Laxminath Bezbarua inhaled his
last at 70 years leaving the people of the state grief-stricken.
A Journey by Bus (HSLC 2015)
Introduction: Picnic
means feasting for pleasure with one’s friends, colleagues or relatives taken
out of the home. After the Pre-Final Examination, we the students of class X
agreed to go for a picnic. On the advice of our principal, we decided to go and
have a feast at Sundaura.
Time: Our Pre-Final
Examination ended on the 18th of December, 2020 and we started for the picnic
on the 20th December. We had thirty students and fifteen teachers with us. We
started very early in the morning. We took the necessary food-staff, utensils
and firewood with us.
Description of the
Venue: We hired a deluxe bus to carry us to Sundaura. We arrived there at 11 A.
M. Sundaura is a region of natural beauty. It is full of all sorts of flora and
fauna. We enjoyed heart-attractive beauty in and around. We enjoyed the sights
and sounds of various kinds of birds and animals. We saw an elephant there and
enjoyed the leaping and dancing of a pair of peacocks. We were enamoured of the
murmuring sound of the brook flowed down from the hills. Our music teacher
played on violin and other teachers sang songs which added more joys to our
merriment.
Food and Refreshment: We
had tea with loaves and bananas on our way to the place. We enjoyed the natural
sights of that area. After 3 o'clock, we took our meal with great pleasure.
Other Entertainment: After
a meal, l we took rest for a while. Some of us were dancing and singing songs.
Thus we enjoyed the whole day enjoying all sorts of merriment.
Conclusion: At 6 p.m.,
we got on the bus and started our return journey. Our hearts were pained to
leave such a place of natural beauty. I shall remember the joys and memories of
this day all my life.
Q. Give the substance of the following passage:
(a) The progress of a nation depends on the honesty, labour and
achievements of her people. Social evils and the vices are the results of human
weakness. They gradually destroy the wealth of a nation. These cannot be
removed by laws. To attain national prosperity, individual morality is more
important than man-made laws and instructions. In a nation, there may have a
large number of educated people as well as sages and philosopher, but if its
citizens are dishonest, idle and negligent of their respective duties then all
are vain. The nation will be proved the poorest of all, however rich in resources. H.S.L.C. 2014
Answer:
The progress and honour of a nation depends upon its honest and duty-conscious
people. The social vices and evils can never be swept away by laws but by its
honest, active and dutiful people.
(b)There are books which are
really no books at all, and to read which is a mere waste of time; while there
are others so bad that we cannot read them without great harm. It is no doubt
good to be warned against temptations and dangers of life, but anything that
familiarizes us with evil is in itself an evil. So also there are others
which one can read without being the better of them. By useful literature, we do
not mean only what will help a man in his business or profession. That is
useful no doubt but by no means the highest use of books. The best books raise
us into a region of selfless thought where the troubles and anxieties of the
world are almost forgotten. H.S.L.C. 2015
Answer:
There are two kinds of books: bad books and good books. Bad books are
temptations to evil thoughts which do great harms. On the other hand, good books
raise the readers into a region of selfless thought and make them forget the
troubles and anxieties of the world.
(c) It is very
difficult to get rid of bad habits. So, one should be very careful that one
does not form bad habits during the early years of life. Idleness is one such
bad habit. Every boy and girl should be diligent. They should avoid idleness
like poison. Some of them love to remain in bed long after daybreak and
get out of bed most unwillingly. Even after that they waste time over
trifles and spend as little time as they can in reading. As a result,
they cannot learn much as they should. What is worse, they become so accustomed
to such a bad habit that they cannot shake it off – even with their greatest
efforts. This bad habit then holds them hard in its coils like a large snake. H.S.L.C. 2016
Answer:
If once a bad habit is formed, it becomes very tough to get rid of it. Bad
habit includes getting up late at daybreak, spend time in trifles, neglect
one’s duty etc. To make our life a happy, secure and prosperous one we must
form good habits from our early life.
(d) It is easy to acquire bad
habits, such as eating too much food or eating too many sweets or drinking too
much fluid of any kind or smoking. The more we do a thing, the more we tend to
like doing it and if we do not continue to do it, we feel unhappy. This is
called the force of habit and the force of habit should be fought against.
Things which may be very good when only done from time to time tend to become
very harmful when done too often and too much. This applies even to such good
things as work or rest. Some people form a habit of working too much and
others of idling too much. The wise man always remembers that this is true
about him and checks any bad habit. He says to himself, “I am now becoming
idle” or “I smoke too much” and then adds, “I will get myself out of this bad
habit at once.” H.S.L.C. 2017
Answer:
Habit is a second nature. If we a do a thing too often or so much then it
become a habit. A habit is such a thing; if it is not continued then it makes
us feel unhappy. The wise people always avoid forming any bad habit. If somehow
they become addicted to any bad habit they can get out of it at once. We should
form good habits from our childhood.
(e) Of all the amusement which can possibly be imagined for a hard-working man after his daily labour there is nothing like reading an
entertaining book. It calls for no bodily exertion, of which he had enough. It
relieves his home of its dullness. It transports him to a livelier and more
interesting scene. While he enjoys there, he may forget the evils of the
present moment. Nay, it accompanies him to his next day’s work and if the book
is an interesting one, it gives him something to think of besides the drudgery
of his everyday occupation. If I were to pray for a taste it would be a taste
for reading. Give a man this taste and the means of gratifying it, you will
find a happy man. You place him in contact with the best writers of every age
recorded in history and then you will find him like a citizen of all nations
and a contemporary of all ages. H.S.L.C. 2018
Answer:
Book reading is the best entertainment after hard work. It calls for no bodily
exertion. It relieves us of daily dullness. Book reading gives us something to
think of besides the drudgery of our everyday occupation. Book
reading turns us into a citizen of all nations and a contemporary of
all ages.
(f)The work which Gandhi had
taken up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the
establishment of a social order based on truth and non-violence, unity and
peace, equality and universal brotherhood and maximum freedom for all. The
unfinished part of his experiment was perhaps more difficult to achieve than
the achievement of political freedom. In the political struggle against a
foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it success and give
it their moral support. In establishing a social order of this pattern, there
was a likely possibility of a conflict arising between groups and classes
of our own people. Experience shows that man values his possessions even more
than his life because in the former he sees the means for continuity and
survival of his descendants even after his body is reduced to ashes. A new
order cannot be established without changing the mind, for at some stage
or the other the rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of
egalitarian society. H.S.L.C. 2019
Answer:
Gandhi worked not only for political freedom but also for the establishment of
a social order based on non-violence, unity, peace, equality and universal
brotherhood. But later on, it was realised that this goal could not be achieved
because a man gives more value to his possessions than to his life. So to
bring about a change in society we should try to change the mentality of its
people.
ESSAY WRITING
Punctuality (HSLC 2019)
There is a common proverb that-Time and tide wait for none. It is a
universal truth that time is a thing that never learns to stop. It is flying
all the time. Time once lost cannot be retrieved. It is so precious that no
money can buy a passed time.
Everybody should be very mindful of the proper use of time because life
is a collection of time. We should do the right things at the right moments.
Students should make good use of time in reading and acquiring knowledge.
Businessmen can use time in such a way that they can excel in their business.
Success in any sphere of life depends on the proper use of time.
Idleness is said to be the killer of time. Those who spend their time in
idleness must suffer in their lives. We should not waste the precious moments
of life in idle conversation, reading bad books or doing things that have no
good effects.
Human life is precious. The worth of life is counted on the deeds that
one performs in life, and the great deeds are performed by them who take care
of every moment in life. Time is flying fast. We must seize it before it flies
away and bring it to our best use. In short, we all should maintain punctuality
in life.
The Festival You Like Most (HSLC 2016,
2019)
Or
The National Festival of
Assam
Introduction: There
are many festivals, and I like Bihu most of them. The Bihu is the national
festival of Assam. There are three Bihus in a year - Rangali Bihu, Kati Bihu
and Bhogali Bihu.
Rangali Bihu: The
Rangali Bihu starts from the last day of the month of chaitra and it continues
for seven days to the sixth day of the month of Bahag. The young boys and girls
dance in the open fields in a festive mood. It is also called the Spring
Festival. It symbolizes the youth of life. Some customs are observed. People
take new clothes. Gamochas are presented to the kith and kins. Cows are
worshipped. In the Rangali Bihu people enjoy much and it lasts for a week for
which it is called the Great Bihu.
Kati Bihu: The
Kati Bihu begins on the last day of the month of Ashwin. In this Bihu the
fields remain bare. Foods and grains found scanty. So it is called Kangali Bihu
(Bihu of Scarcity). Only the lamps are lit in the paddy fields as a mark of worshipping
Laxmi Devi.
Bhogali Bihu: The
Bhogali Bihu starts on the last day of the month of Puha. It continues for
seven days. In this month the granary of the peasants are full of harvested
crops. So many sorts of delicious dishes of foods as- pithas, cakes, sweets,
laddus are prepared. People eat them up to their greed. Kith and kins are
invited and offered delicious items of foods. In this Bihu people eat plenty of
food. So this Bihu is called Bhogali Bihu (Bihu of Food). Mezis made of straw
and bamboo is burnt for amusement.
Conclusion: The
Bihus are the part and parcels of Assamese culture. It is the symbol of peace,
love, harmony and life. The Assamese are very proud of the Bihus.
My Last Day at School (HSLC
2018)
It was 28th February 2021 that became my
historic last day at my school. The result of our Test Examination had already
been out and all the students who were going to appear in the H. S. L. C. Examination
from the school were invited by the General Secretary of the school on 30th
December to bid them farewell.
At 10 A. M., the Farewell-meeting was held
over which the Principal of our school presided. Just before the start of the
meeting a group photo of the students with the teachers was taken. The meeting
started with a song in chorus. As the meeting progressed, I felt uneasy at the
thought of leaving the school where I had been reading for ten years.
The General Secretary of the Students’ Union
spoke out the purpose of the meeting. Some junior students of the school
addressed to the meeting first. They expressed their best wishes to the
examinees and requested to forgive their faults in dealing with us. Then our
turn came. The first boy from our class stood up first. He expressed his
gratitude to the teachers who enabled us to appear in the examination.
Secondly, I stood up. At first, I had to stammer because my heart was paining
with the thought of separation from my teachers and school-mates. I begged of
my teachers to excuse us for our conscious and unconscious wrong dealings and
finally, thanking the students for their grand arrangements to honour us by
holding this meeting, I stopped my fare-welling speech.
At last, our respected Principal stood up and
wished us to do well in the examination. She warned us to avoid unfair means in
the examination. She also admonished us to be good citizens along with becoming
good students in life. After the presidential address, the meeting came to an
end.
After the meeting, we were entertained with
sweet-meats. In this way, my last day at school was a day of mixed
feeling-feeling of sadness and pleasure. I shall remember this day all my
life.
Kaziranga National Park (HSLC
2015)
Kaziranga National Park, a site for world
heritage is situated in the districts of Golaghat and Nagoan, Assam. Its land
area is 430 square kilometre. The nearest city to Kaziranga is Jorhat, Tezpur.
It is declared as a national park by the Indian Government in 1905. It is
especially famous for one-horned rhinoceros. The park hosts two-thirds of the
world’s one-horned rhinoceros. The term ‘Kaziranga’ is derived from the Karbi
word ‘kajir-a-rang’ which means ‘the village of the Kajir’.
According to a popular traditional belief,
once the locality of Kaziranga was ruled by a Karbi woman named Kajir and after
her name, the area ruled by her was called by Kaziranga.
Through the bed of Kaziranga two rivers- Diflu
and Vengra and many streams have been flowing from east to west. Its soil is
fertile done by the mud of the mighty Brahmaputra. Kaziranga is the habitat of
many precious wild animals, birds and trees. Of the total area the 28 per cent
is covered by a variety of trees, 66 per cent is grassland and 6 per cent is
covered by marshy area.
Among its trees, there are Shal, Shishu,
Cotton, Jamu, Ajar, Kabai, Sunaru, teak and many others. Among its animals,
there are rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, deer, monkey, porcupine, cats, jackal,
leopard etc. The park is full of many kinds of birds among which mention may be
made of cock, ducks, vulture, goose, wren, crow, pigeon, bulbul, parrot, kite,
heron, and so on.
Kaziranga now has been facing a menace of
poachers. Every year many rhinoceros have been poached by the poacher because
of its horn. Many elephants are killed for their teeth. Another menace the park
has been facing is the cutting of its trees and deforestation caused by the
explosion of population. Every year many acres of land of the park have been
deforested and occupied by the homeless people ignoring the law. In addition to
these, the great flood has been doing great erosion to the park every year
bedsides taking away the lives of many birds and animals.
The Kaziranga National Park is maintained by
the Government by Assam. But in time to time, the Indian Government also
renders financial assistance an suggestions for its conservation and
development. For its maintenance, there is an especial forest force with modern
facilities.
Kaziranga is now a world heritage and many
tourists from other states and even from foreign countries come to Assam to
enjoy the wild animals especially world famous one-horned rhinoceros and its
natural beauty. To visit the entire Kaziranga there are departmental elephant,
cars, boats etc. In Kohera there is an inn for the tourists. Every year the
Assam Government has been earning a lot of royalties from the Kaziranga
National Park.
Kaziranga is not a forest or park only but
also a resource of bio-diversity. The people of Assam as well India are proud
of it. We should protect this world heritage from the hand of the poachers,
smugglers, and illegal intruders and to bring about this into reality the local
people must cooperate with the government.
Physical Exercise
Or
Benefits of Physical
Exercise (HSLC 2018)
Physical exercise refers to bodily movement or
the use of the parts of our body to keep our body active and healthy. In other
words, physical exercise is a course of activities followed regularly for a
good health. Walking, cycling, swimming, running, playing etc. are some forms
of good physical exercise.
There is a great value of exercise. It
improves our health. It makes our body sound, strong and active. Physical
exercise has a positive effect on both our body and mind. It is said, ‘Health is
wealth.’ A sound mind in a sound body is a source of happiness. Those who
neglect physical exercise become weak in mind and health. A man of weak health
suffers in life. He is attacked by many diseases.
Many people refuse to take physical exercise
and grow up to suffer a lot in life. Students need to be very cautious about
their health. They should remember that time spent in exercise is never wasted.
They should take part in games and sports. Health is the source of
all happiness and bliss. If we lose health, we lose precious wealth in life.
There are many types of exercise. But all
forms of exercise are not suitable for all. Strong men can take almost all
forms of exercise but the weak and the old cannot do so. Of all forms of
exercises, regular walking up to at least three kilometres is considered to be
a healthy exercise.
To keep our body and mind healthy, active,
strong and fit there is no substitute to physical exercise.
Television
Television As a Source of Knowledge (HSLC 2016)
Introduction: Television is a modern
invention of technology. It is the primary means of entertainment as well as
the simplest means of communication. In television, we can see and enjoy events
along with speeches that take place anywhere in the world.
Origin and Functions: Television was
invented in 1925 by an English scientist named John Baird. There are two types
of television as black- white and colouring. It is a very powerful
means of communication as it broadcasts news, cinemas, songs and many other
branches of entertainments. It plays an important role in advertising. It plays
a significant role in the formation of public opinion.
In some countries, governments have undertaken a
new policy to spread education through television. It is hoped that
education spread through a television would make it possible for the young
generation to face the complexity of today's world with a great deal of skill
and enthusiasm.
Its Bad Effects: As almost all the
inventions of science bear both good and bad sides, so does television. Many
times, television shows fake news and rumours that bewilder its
viewers. Moreover, all the news is not necessarily unbiased. Many
programmes are run on television, but all the programmes don’t suit everybody.
A degree of caution should therefore be retained when enjoying the programmes.
The students should watch shows that are geared to their age and mind. They
should not use it as mere means of entertainment. in addition to these, too
much watching of television is detrimental both to the eyes and mind.
Conclusion: Television is a necessary thing
of the civilized world. But we should use it avoiding its bad effects.
My School Library (HSLC
2018)
Library is a room or building where books on various subjects are kept
for study. A library is a necessary condition without which a school can never
be a perfect school. Our school has owned a spacious library.
Our school library is adjacent to the Teachers’ Common Room. It is a big
room with almost all the modern scientific facilities. A senior teacher of our
school is in charge of the library. There are some hard and fast rules for
managing our library.
There are more than twelve thousands books in our library. Besides
school books, there are many books on different branches of human knowledge.
The school authority provides news papers, magazines and journals for our study
in the library. Books are issued for a period of fifteen days. Our library
authority lends five books to the poor students at a time. I am a regular
reader of our library. I spend my leisure hours in the library reading literary magazines.
Our library has been serving students since its establishment in 2010
and thus it has been exercising its roles in disseminating knowledge and
wisdom. I am proud of my School Library.
The Person Admire Most
Or, Life of a Great Man
Or, A Great Man of Assam
Or, Your Favourite Author
Or, My Favourite Hero in History (HSLC 2019)
Introduction: I have great reverence
for Lakshminath Bezbarua, the pioneer of modern Assamese literature. He was an
exceptional artist, author, satirist, playwright and children’s literature
writer. He is most popular as "Sahityarathi" (Charioteer of Writing)
and "Rasaraj" (King of Humour).
Early Life: He was born near
Ahatguri, Nagaon in November of 1868. His father was Dinanath Bezbarua, a
senior British authority. Because of the nature of his father's job, he needed
to spend his youth in various places in Assam. He got his initial education
from Sibsagar Government Secondary School and later went to Kolkata for higher
education and graduated from City College in Kolkata. He further did his
post-graduation and B.L. degrees from Calcutta University. He had married Pragyasundari
Devi.
His Contribution: He is the author
of "O Mur Apunar Dex", the state anthem of Assam. His literary career
started with "Litikai", a slapstick written for Jonaki magazine. He
wrote 8 plays, 2 autobiographies, 4 buffoonery, 3 historical works and 3 biographies.
Some of his notable works are – “Joymoti Konwori”, “Padum Kunwori”, “Burhi Aair
Xadhu”, “Kokadeuta Aru Natilora”, “Belimaar”, “Chikarpati Nikarpati”, “Nomal”,
“Kehokali”, “Paachani”, “Bakhor”, “Mur Jiban Sowaran” etc. Most of his works
fall under children’s literature.
Why I Like Him: I like him because
of his exceptional sense of humour, his lucidity in writing and his patriotism.
He drew out the various highlights in the Assamese society. Besides, his
affection for children attracts me.
Conclusion: Laxminath Bezbarua
was an orator and an extraordinary scholar who devoted his life for the welfare
of the people of his state. On 26th March 1938, Laxminath Bezbarua inhaled his
last at 70 years leaving the people of the state grief-stricken.
A Journey by Bus (HSLC 2015)
Introduction: Picnic means feasting for pleasure with one’s friends, colleagues or relatives taken out of the home. After the Pre-Final Examination, we the students of class X agreed to go for a picnic. On the advice of our principal, we decided to go and have a feast at Sundaura.
Time: Our Pre-Final
Examination ended on the 18th of December, 2020 and we started for the picnic
on the 20th December. We had thirty students and fifteen teachers with us. We
started very early in the morning. We took the necessary food-staff, utensils
and firewood with us.
Description of the
Venue: We hired a deluxe bus to carry us to Sundaura. We arrived there at 11 A.
M. Sundaura is a region of natural beauty. It is full of all sorts of flora and
fauna. We enjoyed heart-attractive beauty in and around. We enjoyed the sights
and sounds of various kinds of birds and animals. We saw an elephant there and
enjoyed the leaping and dancing of a pair of peacocks. We were enamoured of the
murmuring sound of the brook flowed down from the hills. Our music teacher
played on violin and other teachers sang songs which added more joys to our
merriment.
Food and Refreshment: We
had tea with loaves and bananas on our way to the place. We enjoyed the natural
sights of that area. After 3 o'clock, we took our meal with great pleasure.
Other Entertainment: After
a meal, l we took rest for a while. Some of us were dancing and singing songs.
Thus we enjoyed the whole day enjoying all sorts of merriment.
Conclusion: At 6 p.m.,
we got on the bus and started our return journey. Our hearts were pained to
leave such a place of natural beauty. I shall remember the joys and memories of
this day all my life.
STORY
WRITING
Q.
Write a story in about 150 words using the outline given below. Also add a
title to it. 6 Marks
(a)
Outline: A sly fox saw a crow with a piece of meat in her beak— thought
out a plan to get it— praised the crow for her beauty— expressed sorrow that
the crow was dumb— being flattered the crow began to caw— the piece of meat
dropped down— the fox ran off with
it. HSLC 2016
Answer:
Title: A Cunning Fox and a Foolish Crow
One day a hungry fox saw a crow with a piece of meat in her beak. The
crow was sitting on a branch of a tree and was about to eat the piece of meat.
The fox thought out a plan to get that piece of meat. Then the fox going under
the tree began to praise the crow saying, “You are very beautiful to look at.
But sorrow is that you are dumb. If you could sing song how melodious it would
have been!” Being flattered by the fox, the crow felt pride and began to caw.
As soon as the crow opened his mouth the piece of meat fell down from her
mouth. Then picking up the piece of meat, the fox ran away to a nearby jungle
and ate the piece of meat.
Moral: We
should not be deceived by flattery.
(b) (Outline): One day
twelve fools start on a journey ——— cross a river ——— count themselves ————
each one not counting himself ————— each time counts eleven —————— a passerby
offers to produce the twelfth man ————— pays each fool a blow —————— counts twelve.
HSLC 2018
Answer:
Title: Twelve Fools
One
day a company of twelve fools started on a journey to a far off land. On
their way, they crossed a river and counted themselves. First one of them
counted their number. But he found them eleven. Then another man counted
them. But alas! He also found them eleven. Likewise, everyone counted them and
found them to be eleven. Then they offered a passerby to find
out the twelfth man. He paid each fool a blow on the head and counted
twelve. The mystery was that each one counted
them without counting himself.
Moral: Fools are always to suffer
(c) The lion, king of beasts — kills many animals —
all animals — hold a meeting — decide to send one animal to the lion everyday —
lion agrees — the turn of the hare — arrives late — tells there is another
lion in the forest — wanted to seize and kill him — hare takes the lion to the
deep well — the lion sees his reflection — thinks there is another lion in the
well — jumps in. HSLC 2015
Answer:
Title: The Clever Hare and
the Foolish Lion
Once
there was a lion in a forest. It was very ferocious and cruel and claimed to be
the king of the beasts. It used to kill all other animals in large number to
satiate his hunger. As a result, the number of other animals began to decrease
day by day. It became a source of terror for all the animals. So one day all
the animals held a meeting and decided that the animals would send one animal
to the lion per day. The lion agreed to their proposal and ceased to kill
animals randomly. From that day onward an animal began to be sent to the lion
as the lion’s daily meal. Thus the days were passing on. But one day the turn
came to a hare. The hare was very intelligent and shrewd. He made a plan to
arrive at the appointed spot very late. On the other hand, the lion was waiting
for the hare eagerly. At last, after too much late, the hare came to the lion
as his prey. The lion made a roar and said to the hare, “Why are you too late?”
The hare said, “I am late because in the same forest there is another lion that
stood on my way and wanted to eat me.”
Hearing this, the lion became very angry and envious of
the other lion. He said to the hare, “Show me the lion. Where is that?” The
hare ushered the lion to a deep well. The lion stood on the brink of the well
and saw its reflection in the water. Then the lion made a roar and jumped down
to kill the other lion. As soon as the lion jumped down, it fell down the well
and died pathetically.
Since then other animals of the forest got rid of the
ferocious lion and lived ever after happily.
Moral: Intelligence is superior to physical strength.
(d) A car hits an old man and escapes …….. he is injured
badly…………………. crowd gather on the spot ………………. only show sympathy ………………… they
speak about the evil of rash driving ……….. nobody comes forward to help the
injured man …………. two school boys arrive ……………… feel sorry for the old man
…………. take to hospital. HSLC 2017, 2019
Answer:
Title: Education makes us responsible to society
One afternoon an old man was walking back home
from the market. He was very weak and poor. Lots of cars, rickshaws, vans were
running on the way. Suddenly a truck in full speed came from the opposite
direction and hit the old man. He fell down the road. The old man lost one of
his legs and got wounded pathetically. He fell senseless. Blood was spreading
out in full swing. People ran to the spot. The driver got off the truck and began
to run off. But some people caught him and began to beat him. People gathered
there and began to sympathise with the old man. Some people began to call bad
names of the truck driver and some began to criticize the evils of rash
driving. But no one came forward to help the injured old man. After some time two schoolboys happened to arrive at the spot. They felt sorry for the
accident and took the old man to the nearby hospital instantly.
Moral: Better to do than to criticize.
Q. Write a story in about 150 words using the outline given below. Also add a title to it. 6 Marks
(a)
Outline: A sly fox saw a crow with a piece of meat in her beak— thought
out a plan to get it— praised the crow for her beauty— expressed sorrow that
the crow was dumb— being flattered the crow began to caw— the piece of meat
dropped down— the fox ran off with
it. HSLC 2016
Answer:
Title: A Cunning Fox and a Foolish Crow
One day a hungry fox saw a crow with a piece of meat in her beak. The
crow was sitting on a branch of a tree and was about to eat the piece of meat.
The fox thought out a plan to get that piece of meat. Then the fox going under
the tree began to praise the crow saying, “You are very beautiful to look at.
But sorrow is that you are dumb. If you could sing song how melodious it would
have been!” Being flattered by the fox, the crow felt pride and began to caw.
As soon as the crow opened his mouth the piece of meat fell down from her
mouth. Then picking up the piece of meat, the fox ran away to a nearby jungle
and ate the piece of meat.
Moral: We
should not be deceived by flattery.
(b) (Outline): One day
twelve fools start on a journey ——— cross a river ——— count themselves ————
each one not counting himself ————— each time counts eleven —————— a passerby
offers to produce the twelfth man ————— pays each fool a blow —————— counts twelve.
HSLC 2018
Answer:
Title: Twelve Fools
One day a company of twelve fools started on a journey to a far off land. On their way, they crossed a river and counted themselves. First one of them counted their number. But he found them eleven. Then another man counted them. But alas! He also found them eleven. Likewise, everyone counted them and found them to be eleven. Then they offered a passerby to find out the twelfth man. He paid each fool a blow on the head and counted twelve. The mystery was that each one counted them without counting himself.
Moral: Fools are always to suffer
(c) The lion, king of beasts — kills many animals —
all animals — hold a meeting — decide to send one animal to the lion everyday —
lion agrees — the turn of the hare — arrives late — tells there is another
lion in the forest — wanted to seize and kill him — hare takes the lion to the
deep well — the lion sees his reflection — thinks there is another lion in the
well — jumps in. HSLC 2015
Answer:
Title: The Clever Hare and
the Foolish Lion
Once
there was a lion in a forest. It was very ferocious and cruel and claimed to be
the king of the beasts. It used to kill all other animals in large number to
satiate his hunger. As a result, the number of other animals began to decrease
day by day. It became a source of terror for all the animals. So one day all
the animals held a meeting and decided that the animals would send one animal
to the lion per day. The lion agreed to their proposal and ceased to kill
animals randomly. From that day onward an animal began to be sent to the lion
as the lion’s daily meal. Thus the days were passing on. But one day the turn
came to a hare. The hare was very intelligent and shrewd. He made a plan to
arrive at the appointed spot very late. On the other hand, the lion was waiting
for the hare eagerly. At last, after too much late, the hare came to the lion
as his prey. The lion made a roar and said to the hare, “Why are you too late?”
The hare said, “I am late because in the same forest there is another lion that
stood on my way and wanted to eat me.”
Hearing this, the lion became very angry and envious of
the other lion. He said to the hare, “Show me the lion. Where is that?” The
hare ushered the lion to a deep well. The lion stood on the brink of the well
and saw its reflection in the water. Then the lion made a roar and jumped down
to kill the other lion. As soon as the lion jumped down, it fell down the well
and died pathetically.
Since then other animals of the forest got rid of the
ferocious lion and lived ever after happily.
Moral: Intelligence is superior to physical strength.
(d) A car hits an old man and escapes …….. he is injured
badly…………………. crowd gather on the spot ………………. only show sympathy ………………… they
speak about the evil of rash driving ……….. nobody comes forward to help the
injured man …………. two school boys arrive ……………… feel sorry for the old man
…………. take to hospital. HSLC 2017, 2019
Answer:
Title: Education makes us responsible to society
One afternoon an old man was walking back home
from the market. He was very weak and poor. Lots of cars, rickshaws, vans were
running on the way. Suddenly a truck in full speed came from the opposite
direction and hit the old man. He fell down the road. The old man lost one of
his legs and got wounded pathetically. He fell senseless. Blood was spreading
out in full swing. People ran to the spot. The driver got off the truck and began
to run off. But some people caught him and began to beat him. People gathered
there and began to sympathise with the old man. Some people began to call bad
names of the truck driver and some began to criticize the evils of rash
driving. But no one came forward to help the injured old man. After some time two schoolboys happened to arrive at the spot. They felt sorry for the
accident and took the old man to the nearby hospital instantly.
Moral: Better to do than to criticize.
LETTER
WRITING
Q.1. Your friend is ill. Write a letter to him/her wishing a speedy
recovery.
Answer:
November 12, 2019
Dear Friend Alisha,
Take my heartiest love and convey my respect to your
parents. I have been missing you since the last Monday and was anxious about
you. But I have come to know from Nabanita that you have been suffering from
fever for several days. It is a piece of sad news for me.
Q.1. Your friend is ill. Write a letter to him/her wishing a speedy recovery.
Answer:
November 12, 2019
Dear Friend Alisha,
Take my heartiest love and convey my respect to your parents. I have been missing you since the last Monday and was anxious about you. But I have come to know from Nabanita that you have been suffering from fever for several days. It is a piece of sad news for me.
I think that you have already consulted a doctor
and have been taking medicine. I heard that Dr. Devesh gives a very good
treatment of fever. You may consult him.
You may not imagine that how much we have been
feeling your absence. I pray to God that may He bless you with quick
recovery.
I shall be waiting for your regular presence in
the class.
Yours Friend
Jayantika
To,
Name: …………………..
C/O: …………………
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.2 Write a letter to your friend telling
him about your daily life. HSLC 2016
Answer:
Kalain,
Cachar
February12, 2019
Dear Friend X,
I have received
your letter just now. From your letter I have come to know that you are very
anxious to know about my daily life. Here I am going to tell you in brief.
You know that I like simplicity in all matter.
Hence my daily life is very simple. I usually get up early in the morning and
take a morning walk for twenty minutes. After this, I wash my hand and face and
offer my morning prayer to God. Then I take breakfast and after this, I sit down
to read books. In the morning, I usually read Bengali and English. I
continue my studies till 7 o’clock. Then I take my bath and food. At about
7:45 I take my books and walk on to school.
After school is over, I return home at about
3:45 o'clock in the evening. After returning home, I take food and then take
rest for an hour. In the evening I either play with my brother or watch
television. At night I read books till 10 o'clock and then I take my supper
and go to sleep. This is how I spend my daily life.
Please tell me about yours.
Yours friend
Y
To,
Name: …………………..
C/O: …………………
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.3. Write a letter to your father/guardian
requesting him /her to send you some money that you need to buy a new set
of uniform. HSLC 2017
Answer:
Bharat Nirman Vidyapith Hostel
March 15, 2019
Respectable Father,
At the outset of my writing, please
take my respect and convey my love and affection to my younger sister Hrittika.
I am well by the good grace of God. Hope that you are all well at home.
Here I am well accommodated in the hostel. All my
classmates and hostel mates are very friendly and they help me in
preparing my lessons.
But father, I am in need of buying a set of new
uniform as my old set of uniform has worn out. So please send me about one
thousand rupees as soon as possible so that I can buy a new set of uniform.
Hope that you would appreciate the urgency of my need. I shall be waiting
eagerly.
Yours Faithfully
X
To,
Name: …………………..
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.4.Write
a letter to your friend telling him what you intend to do after the HSLC
Examination. HSLC 2018
Answer:
Kalain
February 27,
2019
Dear
Friend X,
Your
letter is at my hand. Thank you for your fine letter. Going through your
letter, I have come to know that you are very anxious to know about what I
intend to do after the HSLC Examination. Here I am telling in brief.
You know that I like
to read books. Moreover, I have a long hope to study
English as a major subject in my college life. So I have intended to study
English novels, short stories and literary criticism to gather good knowledge
of literature. There is a lot of books in our village library. I
hope to read them as much as I can. I think the reading of those books would be
helpful to build my future career. Have you the novel entitled “The War
and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy? If you have, please send me the book by post. I
assure you, I will return it after my perusal.
No more today. Please
let me know about your plan that you intend to pursue after the examination.
Yours
faithfully
Y
To,
Name:
…………………..
Village:
……………….
P.O.
……………..
Dist:
……………..
PIN:
…………….
Q.5. Suppose
you are the General Secretary of the Students’ Union of your school. Write an
application to the Principal requesting him to grant a half-holiday on the occasion of the Kati Bihu Festival. HSLC
2020
Answer:
To,
The Principal
Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth, Cachar
Sub: Prayer for a half-holiday.
Sir,
We are glad to inform you
that today the greatest community of Assam celebrates the auspicious festival
of Kati Bihu. So, the students want to observe it at their homes. For the
preparations of the Kati Bihu, the students need a half-holiday.
Therefore I, on behalf of the students
request you to kindly grant a half-holiday of the school today. I shall remain
grateful for this act of kindness of yours.
Yours Faithfully
Khirud Das
General Secy.
Students’ Union
Q.6.
Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily expressing your concern over
the incidents of crime against women in Assam. HSLC
2019
Answer:
Kalain, Cachar
April 21, 2019
To
The Editor
The Assam Tribune
Guwahati -3
Sir,
Through the column of your
esteemed daily, I would like to express my concern over the incident of crime
against women in India, especially in Assam.
It is daily news that women, girls and even the
underage children are being sexually abused all over Assam off and on. It is
also frequent news that some women are forced to take up the job of a prostitute to earn some money. Moreover, the girl child is sent to work either to
some private households or to some industries. Every year many married women
are compelled to commit suicide for being unable to bring dowry from their
parents.
Against all these abuse and crime, I think, the general public should be conscious and women also are persuaded to become aware
of their rights and stand up for them.
Through this esteem daily I draw the attention of
the government as well as of the public, in general, to come forward with a strong movement against this crime.
Yours faithfully
X
Q.7. Write a letter to the Editor of a local
English newspaper about frequent load shedding in the evening in your
locality. HSLC 2015
Answer:
Kalain, Cachar
24th February, 2019
To
The Editor
The Assam Tribune
Chandmari, Guwahati-3
Inconvenience
caused by load-shedding.
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would
like to draw the attention of the authority concerned to the problem of
frequent load-shedding in our locality.
Our locality is a premier place in the district.
But I regret to say that frequent load-shedding has made our life miserable.
Indiscriminate power-cuts over wide areas for hours together have become a
regular feature nowadays. Houses, shops, factories - all reel under the
staggering load-shedding. Students and teachers are the worst sufferers. It
seems the local division of the Assam State Electricity Board (A.S.E.B) pays no
attention to this burning problem.
I, therefore, through your esteem daily, urge the
authority concerned to take some urgent steps to eradicate the problem.
Yours truly
Y
I think that you have already consulted a doctor and have been taking medicine. I heard that Dr. Devesh gives a very good treatment of fever. You may consult him.
You may not imagine that how much we have been feeling your absence. I pray to God that may He bless you with quick recovery.
I shall be waiting for your regular presence in the class.
Yours Friend
Jayantika
To,
Name: …………………..
C/O: …………………
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.2 Write a letter to your friend telling
him about your daily life. HSLC 2016
Answer:
Kalain, Cachar
February12, 2019
Dear Friend X,
I have received your letter just now. From your letter I have come to know that you are very anxious to know about my daily life. Here I am going to tell you in brief.
You know that I like simplicity in all matter. Hence my daily life is very simple. I usually get up early in the morning and take a morning walk for twenty minutes. After this, I wash my hand and face and offer my morning prayer to God. Then I take breakfast and after this, I sit down to read books. In the morning, I usually read Bengali and English. I continue my studies till 7 o’clock. Then I take my bath and food. At about 7:45 I take my books and walk on to school.
After school is over, I return home at about 3:45 o'clock in the evening. After returning home, I take food and then take rest for an hour. In the evening I either play with my brother or watch television. At night I read books till 10 o'clock and then I take my supper and go to sleep. This is how I spend my daily life.
Please tell me about yours.
Yours friend
Y
To,
Name: …………………..
C/O: …………………
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.3. Write a letter to your father/guardian
requesting him /her to send you some money that you need to buy a new set
of uniform. HSLC 2017
Answer:
Bharat Nirman Vidyapith Hostel
March 15, 2019
Respectable Father,
At the outset of my writing, please take my respect and convey my love and affection to my younger sister Hrittika. I am well by the good grace of God. Hope that you are all well at home.
Here I am well accommodated in the hostel. All my classmates and hostel mates are very friendly and they help me in preparing my lessons.
But father, I am in need of buying a set of new uniform as my old set of uniform has worn out. So please send me about one thousand rupees as soon as possible so that I can buy a new set of uniform. Hope that you would appreciate the urgency of my need. I shall be waiting eagerly.
Yours Faithfully
X
To,
Name: …………………..
Village: ……………….
P.O. ……………..
Dist: ……………..
PIN: …………….
Q.4.Write a letter to your friend telling him what you intend to do after the HSLC Examination. HSLC 2018
Answer:
Kalain
February 27,
2019
Dear
Friend X,
Your
letter is at my hand. Thank you for your fine letter. Going through your
letter, I have come to know that you are very anxious to know about what I
intend to do after the HSLC Examination. Here I am telling in brief.
You know that I like
to read books. Moreover, I have a long hope to study
English as a major subject in my college life. So I have intended to study
English novels, short stories and literary criticism to gather good knowledge
of literature. There is a lot of books in our village library. I
hope to read them as much as I can. I think the reading of those books would be
helpful to build my future career. Have you the novel entitled “The War
and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy? If you have, please send me the book by post. I
assure you, I will return it after my perusal.
No more today. Please
let me know about your plan that you intend to pursue after the examination.
Yours
faithfully
Y
To,
Name:
…………………..
Village:
……………….
P.O.
……………..
Dist:
……………..
PIN:
…………….
Q.5. Suppose you are the General Secretary of the Students’ Union of your school. Write an application to the Principal requesting him to grant a half-holiday on the occasion of the Kati Bihu Festival. HSLC 2020
Answer:
To,
The Principal
Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth, Cachar
Sub: Prayer for a half-holiday.
Sir,
Therefore I, on behalf of the students request you to kindly grant a half-holiday of the school today. I shall remain grateful for this act of kindness of yours.
Yours Faithfully
Khirud Das
General Secy.
Students’ Union
Q.6.
Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily expressing your concern over
the incidents of crime against women in Assam. HSLC
2019
Answer:
Kalain, Cachar
April 21, 2019
To
The Editor
The Assam Tribune
Guwahati -3
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to express my concern over the incident of crime against women in India, especially in Assam.
It is daily news that women, girls and even the underage children are being sexually abused all over Assam off and on. It is also frequent news that some women are forced to take up the job of a prostitute to earn some money. Moreover, the girl child is sent to work either to some private households or to some industries. Every year many married women are compelled to commit suicide for being unable to bring dowry from their parents.
Against all these abuse and crime, I think, the general public should be conscious and women also are persuaded to become aware of their rights and stand up for them.
Through this esteem daily I draw the attention of the government as well as of the public, in general, to come forward with a strong movement against this crime.
Yours faithfully
X
Q.7. Write a letter to the Editor of a local
English newspaper about frequent load shedding in the evening in your
locality. HSLC 2015
Answer:
Kalain, Cachar
24th February, 2019
To
The Editor
The Assam Tribune
Chandmari, Guwahati-3
Inconvenience caused by load-shedding.
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authority concerned to the problem of frequent load-shedding in our locality.
Our locality is a premier place in the district. But I regret to say that frequent load-shedding has made our life miserable. Indiscriminate power-cuts over wide areas for hours together have become a regular feature nowadays. Houses, shops, factories - all reel under the staggering load-shedding. Students and teachers are the worst sufferers. It seems the local division of the Assam State Electricity Board (A.S.E.B) pays no attention to this burning problem.
I, therefore, through your esteem daily, urge the authority concerned to take some urgent steps to eradicate the problem.
Yours truly
Y
REPORT
WRITING
Q.1 A Flood relief work has been done by the
students of your school. Write a report for your local daily using the
information given below: HSLC
2015
Date and time of the work.
How the place was reached
Number of students taking part
Number of people affected
Relief materials distributed
Conclusion
Answers:
Flood Relief Work Done By the
Students of Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth
Kalain, July 2: A Flood Relief Camp was organized by the students of Bharat
Nirman Vidyapeeth yesterday at Lakhipur Nimna Prathamik Buniyadi Vidyalaya,
Lakhipur. The distance from Kalain town to Lakhipur is about 4 km. A group of
15 students of the school reached the place by a hired vehicle. Along with the
students two teachers took part in the relief camp. All the students, teachers
and local people donated to the fund.
About 20,000 people were affected by the flood. The relief materials were
distributed to about 500 people who took shelter on the road. Different food
items and clothes were distributed. The honourable principal of the school
donated 100 packs of dry milk to the babies. Necessary medicine was also
provided to the affected people. Thus the students and the teachers of Bharat
Nirman Vidyapeeth helped the flood-affected people. (Local Correspondent, The
Chronicle)
Q.2. Write a report for a newspaper on the
basis of the information given below: HSLC 2016, 2019
(i) 20- 11- 2015
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) The Guwahati Book Fair commenced.
(iv) Opened by the Hon’ble Governor of Assam.
(v) Publishers from the state and outside it
participated.
(vi) Nice opening function- large gathering and good sale
expected.
Answers:
The Guwahati Book Fair
Guwahati, Dec 20,
2015: The 23rd Guwahati Book Fair commenced on the 20th of November, 2017 at
Nehru Stadium. The book fair was inaugurated by the honourable
Governor of Assam. On this occasion, the people around the locality seemed to
be in a festive mood. A lot of book-sellers and publishers from the nook and
corner of Assam participated in the book fair. Some publishers from Delhi and
Bombay also took part in it.
The opening of the fair was a grand one. Some distinguished persons of Assam
along with the local people gathered there and they lit the earthen lamp. Then the
honourable Governor of Assam delivered a brief lecture on the relevancy of the book
fair in the present day. The honourable Education Minister of Assam was also
present. He delivered a few but catchy words to the people focusing on the
benefits of the book fair. Many book lovers thronged there. The organizing
committee has expected a good sale of books as the books selves are replete
with books of various genres. The organizing authority reports that the
fair would continue till 27th November. (Local Correspondent, The North-east)
Q.3. Write a report for a local
daily on the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2017
(i) 5-2-2016
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) Fire in Athgaon Area
(iv) One godown gutted
(v) Firefighters and local
people doused the fire
(vi) Goods worth several lacs
burnt to ashes.
Answers:
Fire at Athgaon
Guwahati, May 6, 2016: A huge fire set in Athgoan yesteryear at 5 p.m. The
fire burnt several houses including a jut godown. The cause and source of the
fire have not been known till the time of this report. Local people said
that the fire might have been caught from the blacksmith’s hut near the godown.
The fire brigade came late by an hour after only getting burnt down the godown
and the attached seven houses into ashes. The local people gathered and they
tried their best, along with the fire brigade, to put down the conflagration.
It took five hours to get the fire extinguished. It is reported that goods
worth several lacs has been burnt to ashes. (Local Correspondent, The
North-East)
Q.4 Write a report for a local daily on
the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2018
(i) 12-08-2017
(ii) Majuli
(iii) Embankment of The Brahmaputra breached
(iv) Floodwater from Arunachal
hills added to the fury of the flood caused by the breach.
(v) Large areas inundated by the
flood water and several villages and paddy fields severely affected.
(vi) Government relief not enough
for the flood-affected people.
(vii) Many organisations came
forward to help the affected people with relief materials.
Answers:
Deadly Flood in Majuli
Majuli, August 12, 2017: The Majuli which is considered to be one of the world
heritage is under great flood. Due to the continuous rainfall during
the last week, the embankment of the Brahmaputra has breached and the overwater of the mighty Brahmaputra has inundated the whole of Majuli. In the meantime, the floodwater from Arunachal hills has added to the fury of the flood
caused by the breach. Several villages and the paddy field with the lives
of people and animals are severely affected. The Government has been
distributing relief to the affected people. But this is not enough. Of course, some non-governmental organizations have come forward to help the affected
people with relief materials. They have been labouring day and night to
shift the badly affected people to safe places. (Local Correspondent, The Assam
Tribune)
Q.5
Write a report for a local daily on the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2020
(i) Guwahati; 16-2-2020
(ii) Annual
prize day of your school
(iii) A
festive atmosphere in the school.
(iv) Education
Minister was the Chief-guest
(v) He gave
away the prizes and gave an encouraging speech.
Answers:
A decorated Annual Prize Day
Celebration in XYZ School
Guwahati; 17th Feb: After a week of cultural activities, XYZ
School celebrated an adorable Annual Prize Day yesterday. The school building
was beautifully decorated to celebrate this day which showered a festive mode
in the school. The glorious event was inaugurated in the auspicious presence of
Assam’s Honorable Education Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma. Dr. S. Sharma
dignified the chair as Chief Guest of the Annual Prize Day. He was immensely
proud to distribute the prizes among the winners of different sports events. He
said, “The prizes won today will enthral towards a bigger victory tomorrow.” in
an optimistic tone.
Q.1 A Flood relief work has been done by the
students of your school. Write a report for your local daily using the
information given below: HSLC
2015
Date and time of the work.
How the place was reached
Number of students taking part
Number of people affected
Relief materials distributed
Conclusion
Answers:
Flood Relief Work Done By the Students of Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth
Kalain, July 2: A Flood Relief Camp was organized by the students of Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth yesterday at Lakhipur Nimna Prathamik Buniyadi Vidyalaya, Lakhipur. The distance from Kalain town to Lakhipur is about 4 km. A group of 15 students of the school reached the place by a hired vehicle. Along with the students two teachers took part in the relief camp. All the students, teachers and local people donated to the fund.
About 20,000 people were affected by the flood. The relief materials were distributed to about 500 people who took shelter on the road. Different food items and clothes were distributed. The honourable principal of the school donated 100 packs of dry milk to the babies. Necessary medicine was also provided to the affected people. Thus the students and the teachers of Bharat Nirman Vidyapeeth helped the flood-affected people. (Local Correspondent, The Chronicle)
Q.2. Write a report for a newspaper on the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2016, 2019
(i) 20- 11- 2015
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) The Guwahati Book Fair commenced.
(iv) Opened by the Hon’ble Governor of Assam.
(v) Publishers from the state and outside it participated.
(vi) Nice opening function- large gathering and good sale expected.
Answers:
The Guwahati Book Fair
Guwahati, Dec 20, 2015: The 23rd Guwahati Book Fair commenced on the 20th of November, 2017 at Nehru Stadium. The book fair was inaugurated by the honourable Governor of Assam. On this occasion, the people around the locality seemed to be in a festive mood. A lot of book-sellers and publishers from the nook and corner of Assam participated in the book fair. Some publishers from Delhi and Bombay also took part in it.
The opening of the fair was a grand one. Some distinguished persons of Assam along with the local people gathered there and they lit the earthen lamp. Then the honourable Governor of Assam delivered a brief lecture on the relevancy of the book fair in the present day. The honourable Education Minister of Assam was also present. He delivered a few but catchy words to the people focusing on the benefits of the book fair. Many book lovers thronged there. The organizing committee has expected a good sale of books as the books selves are replete with books of various genres. The organizing authority reports that the fair would continue till 27th November. (Local Correspondent, The North-east)
Q.3. Write a report for a local
daily on the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2017
(i) 5-2-2016
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) Fire in Athgaon Area
(iv) One godown gutted
(v) Firefighters and local people doused the fire
(vi) Goods worth several lacs burnt to ashes.
Answers:
Fire at Athgaon
Guwahati, May 6, 2016: A huge fire set in Athgoan yesteryear at 5 p.m. The fire burnt several houses including a jut godown. The cause and source of the fire have not been known till the time of this report. Local people said that the fire might have been caught from the blacksmith’s hut near the godown. The fire brigade came late by an hour after only getting burnt down the godown and the attached seven houses into ashes. The local people gathered and they tried their best, along with the fire brigade, to put down the conflagration. It took five hours to get the fire extinguished. It is reported that goods worth several lacs has been burnt to ashes. (Local Correspondent, The North-East)
Q.4 Write a report for a local daily on
the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2018
(i) 12-08-2017
(ii) Majuli
(iii) Embankment of The Brahmaputra breached
(iv) Floodwater from Arunachal
hills added to the fury of the flood caused by the breach.
(v) Large areas inundated by the
flood water and several villages and paddy fields severely affected.
(vi) Government relief not enough for the flood-affected people.
(vii) Many organisations came forward to help the affected people with relief materials.
Answers:
Deadly Flood in Majuli
Majuli, August 12, 2017: The Majuli which is considered to be one of the world heritage is under great flood. Due to the continuous rainfall during the last week, the embankment of the Brahmaputra has breached and the overwater of the mighty Brahmaputra has inundated the whole of Majuli. In the meantime, the floodwater from Arunachal hills has added to the fury of the flood caused by the breach. Several villages and the paddy field with the lives of people and animals are severely affected. The Government has been distributing relief to the affected people. But this is not enough. Of course, some non-governmental organizations have come forward to help the affected people with relief materials. They have been labouring day and night to shift the badly affected people to safe places. (Local Correspondent, The Assam Tribune)
Q.5 Write a report for a local daily on the basis of the information given below: HSLC 2020
(i) Guwahati; 16-2-2020
(ii) Annual
prize day of your school
(iii) A
festive atmosphere in the school.
(iv) Education
Minister was the Chief-guest
(v) He gave
away the prizes and gave an encouraging speech.
Answers:
PASSAGE
COMPREHENSION
Q. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Trees help to support man’s life by supplying the atmosphere with oxygen which is essential to life. The oxygen in the air is constantly being used up and turned into carbon-di-oxide which is the food that plants eat. The leaves of trees (in fact, of all green plants) absorb this carbon-di-oxide and with the help of sunlight break it down into carbon and oxygen. The carbon is used to make starch and the oxygen is released into the air, so replacing the oxygen used up by animals. But for the animals would die for lack of oxygen.
Starch and other carbon compounds made in the green leaves of trees (and
other green plants too) serve as food for animals. The tiny green cells of
plants are wonderful laboratories that produce all the starch in the world.
But for this service done by plants, all animals would sooner or later die for
lack of food.
Questions:
(i) What is the food that plants eat?
(ii) How do the green cells of plants serve the animals?
(iii) How do leaves of trees break down carbon-di-oxide into carbon
and oxygen?
Answers:
(i) Carbon-di-oxide is the food that plants eat.
(ii) The green cells of trees produce all the starch in the world which the animals living on the earth take as food. Thus the green cells of trees serve the animals.
(iii) The leaves of all green plants absorb the carbon-di-oxide and with the
help of sunlight break it down into carbon and oxygen.
Q. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: H.S.L.C. 2016, 2018
Papers are one of the most important articles that we use in day-to-day
life. If there had been no paper, our civilization would not have progressed so
fast. Great scientists write their thoughts on papers and then carry out their
experiments. Great engineers draw their plans on paper first and then
build houses, bridges, dams and so on. Great thoughts are written or printed on
paper for everyone to read. If there was no paper, we would not have all the
good books that are available in the world. Without paper it would be difficult
for the people of one country to know about the people of another country.
Questions:
(i) Why is paper most essential thing for mankind?
(ii) What would have happened if there were no paper?
(iii) Mention three uses of paper.
Answers:
(i) Paper is the most essential thing because the paper has contributed much to the progress of our civilization. All the great books have been written on paper studying which we can know lots of things.
(ii) If there were no paper, we would not have all the books that are available in the world. Without paper, it would be difficult for people of one country to know about the people of another country.
(iii) The uses of paper are – scientist writes their thoughts on paper, great
engineers draw their plans on paper and great thoughts are written on paper for
everyone to read.
Q. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: H.SL.C. 2018
The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arab
descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the
coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married
among the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions,
marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The
theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with embroidered
waist-belt worn by the Kodavus, known as Kuppiya; it resembles the Kuffiya worn
by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Questions:
(i) Of which descent are the people of Coorg?
(ii) What is the story about the Greek origin of the people of
Coorg?
(iii) What is the theory in support of the Arab origin of the Coorgi
people?
Answers:
(i) The people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arab descent.
(ii) The story about the Greek origin of the people of Coorg is that a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there when return became impractical. These people married among the locals and their culture is apparent in their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites.
(iii) The theory in support of the Arab origin of the Coorg people is that they wear a long, black coat with embroidered waist-belt which resemble that of the Arabs and the Kurds.
Q. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: HSLC 2015
The great advantage of early rising is that one can start one’s work long
before others. The early riser has done a large amount of hard work before
other men have got out of bed. Early in the morning, the mind is fresh and no
sound or noises disturb our attention. The work done at that time is generally
well done. Also one finds time to take some exercise in the fresh morning air.
Exercise supplies him with a good deal of energy that enables him to work until
the evening. By beginning so early, he knows that he has plenty of time to do
his work thoroughly. He needs not to have to hurry over any part of his work. He
gets to sleep long before midnight. At that time sleep is most refreshing.
After a night’s sound rest, he rises early the next morning in good health ready
for the labour of a new day.
Questions:
(i) What advantage does an early
riser have over others?
(ii) Why should one take exercise in the morning and begin one’s work so early?
(iii) What are the uses of going to sleep long before midnight?
Answers:
(i) An early riser can perform a large amount of work before other men have got out of bed.
(ii) One should take exercise in the morning and begin one’s work so early. It is because in the morning the air is fresh and having exercise in the morning supplies one with a good deal of energy that enables one to work hard until the evening. And by beginning work so early one gets plenty of time to do his work thoroughly.
(iii) The benefits of going to sleep long before midnight is that at that time sleep is most refreshing. After a night’s sound sleep, one rises early next morning in good health ready for the labour of a new day with new vigour.
Q. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: HSLC 2015
Over many days and months, Valli listened carefully to the conversation between her neighbour and people who regularly used the bus and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way - ‘which is almost nothing at all’, she heard one well-dressed man say, but to Valli, who scarcely saw that much money from one month to the next, it seemed a fortune. The trip to the town took forty-five minutes. On reaching town, if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise, she could return home on the same bus. This meant that she could take the one o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five.
On and on Valli went her thoughts as she calculated and recalculated, panned
and preplanned.
Questions:
(i) What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
(ii) What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Answers:
(i) Valli found out about the bus journey that the town was six miles from her village and the fare was thirty paise one way.
Over many days and months, Valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly took bus journey from the village to the town. She also asked a few questions here and there. In this way, she found out the details about the bus journey.
(ii) Valli was planning to take a bus journey from her village to the town.
She came to know that it took thirty paise to go and another thirty paise to
come back by bus. So she saved some sixty paise and planned to take her
journey by bus.
Q. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that
follow:
In life every man has twin obligations: obligation to his family, to his
parents, to his wife and children and he has an obligation to his people, his
community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to
fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But
in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth
and colour to fulfil those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who
attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa,
a man who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his
family and home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of
secrecy and rebellion. I did not, in the beginning, choose to place my people
above my family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was
prevented from fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a
husband.
Questions:
(i) What was done to a man of colour in South Africa who
attempted to live as a human being?
(ii) What are the twin obligations that every man has in life?
(iii) What did the speaker find when he attempted to serve his people?
Answers:
(i) A man of colour in South Africa who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated.
(ii) The twin obligations that every man has in life are: first, obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children and secondly, obligations to his people, to his community and to his country.
(iii) When the speaker attempted to serve his people he found that he was
prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a
husband.
(c)
The various sports favorite
with the visitors are river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and
mountain biking. The trekkers like the numerous walking trails of this region.
0 comments:
Post a Comment