KARNATAKA SCHOOL
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT BOARD
Malleshwaram,
Bengaluru-560003
S.S.L.C. MODEL
QUESTION PAPER-2: 2025-26
SUBJECT: First
Language English
Subject Code: 14E
Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Marks:
100
General Instructions to the Candidates
i.
This question paper contains a total of 45 questions.
ii.
Read and follow
the instructions given after each question carefully.
iii.
The figures
mentioned in the right-hand margin represent the maximum marks allotted
for each question.
iv.
The maximum
time for answering the paper is mentioned at the top of the question paper, which includes 15 minutes of reading time.
I. Four alternatives are
given for each of the following questions/incomplete statements. Only one of
them is correct or most appropriate. Choose the correct alternative and write
the complete answer along with its letter of the alphabet. 6×1
6
1. “Her voice had a sparkle
of mountain.”
The figure of speech used
here is:
a. Alliteration
b. Metaphor
c. Personification
d. Simile
Ans:
b. Metaphor
2. Sri Lanka is ______
island in ______ Indian Ocean.
The appropriate articles to
fill in the blanks are:
a. The, the
b. An, the
c. An, an
d. A, the
Ans:
b. An, the
3. He usually comes home
late night, ______?
The appropriate question
tag is:
a. does he?
b. did he?
c. didn’t he?
d. doesn’t he?
Ans:
d. doesn’t he?
4. My car ______ in the
middle of the road.
The correct form of the
phrasal verb is:
a. break up
b. broke down
c. break in
d. broke out
Ans:
b. broke down
5. The purse fell out ______
his pocket.
The appropriate preposition
is:
a. of
b. from
c. off
d. by
Ans:
a. of
6. They ______ sleeping
when the thief ______ the bedroom.
The correct forms of the
verbs are:
a. was, enter
b. were, entered
c. had, enter
d. had been, enter
Ans:
b. were, entered
II. Observe the relationship in the first pair and
complete the second pair: 4×1=4
7. Dentist : Teeth :: Dermatologist : ____________
8. Delight : Happy :: Wrath : ____________
9. Die : Dye :: Pray : ____________
10. Expand : Contract :: Prudence : ____________
Ans:
7.
Dentist : Teeth :: Dermatologist : Skin
8.
Delight : Happy :: Wrath : Anger
9.
Die : Dye :: Pray : Prey
10.
Expand : Contract :: Prudence : Carelessness
III. Rewrite as Directed: 3×1=3
11. Change the voice of the sentence:
Pasteur inoculated the young boy with some weak rabies germs.
Ans: The
young boy was inoculated with some weak rabies germs by Pasteur.
12. Frame a question to get the underlined word as the
answer:
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra.
Ans: Where
is the Taj Mahal located?
13. Change the following assertive sentence into an
exclamatory sentence:
The Chandrayana-3 is a very great space mission.
Ans: What a great space mission the Chandrayana-3 is!
IV. Answer the following questions in a sentence each: 4×1=4
14. What made Otto Frank emigrate to the Netherlands?
Ans: Otto Frank emigrated to the Netherlands because Germany was becoming
hostile to Jews.
15. Who opens the door of the cake-shop when Pierre
knocks for the first time?
Ans: Mr. Gaultier opens the door of the
cake-shop when Pierre knocks for the first time.
16. Which is the most sophisticated thought-control
project ever undertaken?
Ans: Global Advertising is the most
sophisticated thought-control project ever undertaken.
17. When did the hunter shoot the Sarus crane?
Ans: The hunter shot the Sarus crane during the early winter morning.
V. Answer the following questions in two to three
sentences each: 7×2=14
18. How does the poet contrast the deaths of the male and
the female cranes?
Ans: The
poet contrasts the deaths by describing the male crane dying instantly by the
hunter’s bullet, while the female dies slowly in grief. Her death is emotional,
not physical, showing deep devotion.
19. Why were the three batsmen running for a run?
Ans: All
three batsmen ran because they were confused by the call and each assumed the
others were running. Their poor communication led all three to end up at the
same crease.
20. The author is critical of present-day buyers.
Explain.
Ans: The
author criticizes buyers because they tend to bargain unfairly and expect
quality products at impossibly low prices. He feels they undervalue the skill
and labour of artisans.
21. What comparison does the poet give to show he is approaching
the night of his life?
Ans: The
poet compares his life to the setting sun and says he is approaching the
“night” of life. This means he is entering old age, a quiet phase before the
end.
22. Why does the speaker resent the wall? What does he want?
Ans: The
speaker resents the wall because he feels it is unnecessary and creates
separation. He wants openness and friendship instead of barriers.
23. What was Long John Silver’s treacherous plan?
Ans: Long
John Silver planned to betray his crew by joining the pirates and stealing the
treasure. His plan was to attack at the right moment and take control of the
ship.
24. “The habitation of the Cyclop showed more marks of
strength than skill.” Justify.
Ans: The Cyclop’s house was strong with huge rocks and a solid cave but
showed no signs of skillful design. It was built with brute strength instead of
craftsmanship.
VI. Rewrite as Directed: 3×2=6
25. Combine the sentences using—
a) As soon as
b) No sooner … than
He stood up to speak the people started shouting.
Ans: a) As soon as he stood up to speak,
the people started shouting.
b) No sooner did he stand up to speak than the people started shouting.
26.Change the following sentence to the other two degrees
of comparison:
Very few cities in Karnataka are as expensive as Bengaluru.
Ans: Comparative: Bengaluru is
more expensive than most other cities in Karnataka.
Superlative: Bengaluru is
one of the most expensive cities in Karnataka.
27. Change into Reported Speech:
“Do you know anything about micro-chips in computer?”,
the expert said to me.
Ans: The expert asked me whether I knew
anything about micro-chips in computers.
VII. Answer the following questions in five to six
sentences each: 6×3=18
28. Write down any five great qualities of Buttoo.
Ans: Buttoo was obedient, humble, hardworking,
disciplined, and dedicated to learning. He respected his master deeply and
sacrificed greatly for education. He valued knowledge above comfort and
displayed immense patience. His determination made him a true achiever. He
stands as an example of devotion to one’s teacher.
29. How did Anne describe her life in the Annexe?
Ans: Anne describes her life as confined and silent, with
constant fear of being discovered. She felt lonely but also found moments of
joy in diary writing. She had conflicts with her mother but shared a close
connection with her father. Despite hardships, she tried to remain cheerful.
She believed the Annexe shaped her personality.
30. What ideas of
spirituality emerge from the study of this well-known Vachana?
Ans: The Vachana teaches that true spirituality lies in
purity of mind, honesty, and self-control. External rituals are meaningless
without inner devotion. It stresses detachment, compassion, and the idea that
God lives in a clean heart. The poet highlights simplicity and righteousness as
paths to divine grace.
31. Why did Wordsworth say that his moving the boat is an
act of stealth? Why was he guilty of his act?
Ans: Wordsworth says he moved the boat as an act of stealth
because he took it secretly without permission. When he saw the huge black
mountain rising before him, he felt guilty and frightened. The experience
humbled him. He realized nature’s power and returned the boat silently.
32. How and why did Indra approach Karna?
Ans: Indra approached Karna disguised as a Brahmin to ask
for his divine armour and earrings. He feared Karna’s strength in the upcoming
battle. Karna, known for generosity, removed them and gave them to Indra. His
sacrifice showed nobility.
33. Explain how, according to Gandhiji, a good act should
be done with good intentions.
Ans: Gandhiji said a good act must be done with pure
intention, not for praise or fear. The deed must come from the heart, with
selflessness and truth. An action done without compulsion becomes morally
valuable.
OR
Describe the experiment conducted by
Louis Pasteur to cure Anthrax.
Ans: Pasteur injected weak anthrax germs into animals to
make them immune. After some time, he exposed them to strong anthrax germs. All
vaccinated animals survived, proving his method worked.
VIII. Explain with reference to the context: 5×3=15
34. “I brought a wrong man into this paradise.”
Ans:
Chapter: A Wrong Man in Worker’s Paradise
Author:
Rabindranath Tagore
Context: The Aerial Messenger (the one
who brought the man from Earth to the Paradise) said this statement to the
elders of Paradise. The Messenger is admitting that he made a mistake in
bringing the man (the artist) to the Paradise, thereby corrupting the orderly,
utility-focused life of the workers. The "wrong man" is the artist,
and the "paradise" is the Worker's Paradise, which values only hard
work and efficiency.
35. “Cut it off
and sold it.”
Ans:
Chapter:
The Gift of Magi
Author:
O Henry
Context: This statement was told by Della
Dillingham to her husband Jim Dillingham. Della had sold her most prized
possession—her long, beautiful hair—to Madame Sofronie for twenty dollars to
buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's gold watches as a Christmas present. Jim
comes home and is staring at her, unable to comprehend the change. Della,
trying to reassure him and defend her loving act, speaks this line, confirming
the ultimate sacrifice she made for him.
36. “Aunts are
usually formidable creatures.”
Ans:
Chapter:
The Eyes Are Not Here
Author:
Ruskin Bond
Context: The narrator says this
immediately after the girl in the train compartment tells him she is getting
down at Saharanpur and that her aunt will be meeting her there. He is
essentially saying that the presence of her strict, protective aunt will
prevent him from getting "too familiar" or continuing their
lighthearted conversation. The quote adds a humorous tone to the encounter and
shows the narrator's sharp wit.
37. “He rode all
unarm’d and he rode all alone.”
Ans:
Poem:
Lochinvar
Poet: Sir Walter Scott
Context: In this ballad, the poet describes the heroic entry of young Lochinvar. He was brave and
determined to meet his beloved Ellen. Even though he had no weapons and no
companions, he fearlessly rode alone into her wedding hall. This line
highlights his courage and romantic spirit.
38.
“For all my mouth less body leeched.”
Ans:
Poem:
C.L.M.
Poet:
John Masefield
Context: The line is part of the poet's
reflection on his mother's sacrifice, specifically the suffering and life force
she gave up to bring him into the world. This is a powerful, harsh metaphor. A
leech is a parasite that sucks blood. The poet feels that his own body, while
growing inside his mother, was leeching (sucking) the life, strength, and
perhaps the very essence or health from her body, leading to her suffering or,
in a broader interpretation of the poem, her early demise.
IX. Quote from memory: 1×4=4
39. And into ……………………………
………………………………………..
………………………………………..
…………………………… the tree.
Ans: And into my garden stole,
When the night had veild the pole;
In the morning glad I see;
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
OR
The rich ……………………………
………………………………………..
………………………………………..
………………………… of the gold.
Ans: The rich will make temples for Shiva,
What shall I a poor man do?
My legs are pillars, the body the shrine,
The head a cupola of gold.
X. Answer the following questions in seven to eight
sentences each: 3×4=12
40. What does
Abraham Lincoln want his son to be taught, to make him a positive and
optimistic person?
Ans: Lincoln wants his
son to learn honesty, courage, patience, and faith. He wishes him to be
positive, to appreciate beauty, and to stand firm even when alone. He asks the
teacher to help him avoid envy, learn to be gentle with kind people but tough
with the cruel. He wants him to learn the value of hard work and deep thinking.
Above all, he wants him to grow into an optimistic and responsible human being.
41. a) What
are the various causes of soil erosion? How can we prevent it?
Ans: Soil erosion is
caused by deforestation, heavy rainfall, overgrazing, wind, floods, and
improper farming. It removes topsoil and reduces fertility. Prevention includes
planting trees, constructing bunds, contour ploughing, and controlled grazing.
Terrace farming and Afforestation also protect soil. Awareness and sustainable
agriculture are key.
OR
b) Write about Gandhiji’s comment on
action prompted without fear and compulsion.
Ans: According to
Gandhiji, a truly good action must come from a pure and honest mind. He says
that any action done out of fear, pressure, threat, or compulsion has no real
value. If a person does something only because he is forced by others, it
cannot be called a moral act. Gandhiji believed that goodness must come from
within, with love and sincerity. A person must do the right thing because he
feels it is right, not because someone is watching. He also says that real
courage is shown when we follow truth even if we stand alone. When an action is
prompted by selfless intention, it becomes noble and meaningful. Gandhiji
reminds us that true morality is based on freedom, truth, and purity of heart.
42. a) Describe the
experiment conducted by Louis Pasteur to show the difference between pure air
and stale air.
Ans: Pasteur filled several bottles with soup
for his experiment. He placed some of these bottles in a hotel room where the
air was not fresh, broke their necks to let air enter, and then sealed them
again. Next, he carried a few bottles to a nearby field and repeated the same
steps. Finally, he went up a mountain and did the experiment once more. When he
checked the bottles later, he saw that the soup in the hotel room bottles had
become completely mouldy. The bottles kept in the field also had mould but not as
much. However, the bottles placed on the mountain had no germs at all. This
showed clearly that pure air and stale air are not the same.
OR
b) “All human beings have a
right to the basic material requirements for a life of dignity.” Explain.
Ans: Every human being deserves to live with
dignity, and for this, some basic needs must be fulfilled. These needs include
clean water, healthy food, proper shelter, clothing, education, and medical
care. Without these essentials, a person cannot live a safe or meaningful life.
Society must ensure that no one is deprived of these basic requirements. The
government also has the responsibility to provide support to the poor and
protect their rights. A life of dignity means that people should not suffer
from hunger, sickness, or homelessness. It also means giving equal
opportunities to everyone, regardless of caste, religion, wealth, or
background. When these basic needs are met, people can live with self-respect,
happiness, and hope for the future.
XI. 43. Read the following passage carefully and answer
the questions: (1×4=4) (2 ×2)
Passage:
Have you ever noticed the breaking of an electric bulb and the consequent bang?
This sound is produced by the air surrounding the bulb. The inside of an
electric bulb is vacuum. So, the pressure inside is lower than that of the
outer atmosphere. When the bulb is broken, air rushes in at high speed from all
sides to fill the vacuum. The sudden surge of air produces a bang. An electric
bulb produces light when its filament is heated at high temperature. The vacuum
inside the bulb prevents the filament from oxidizing with air.
Questions:
a) Why do you think a bang sound is
heard when a bulb is broken?
Ans: A bang is heard because outside air
rushes quickly into the vacuum inside the bulb, creating a sudden sound.
b) How does an electric bulb produce
light?
Ans: An electric bulb produces light when its
filament is heated to a high temperature.
XII. Write an essay of about 18–20 sentences on any ONE
of the following topics: 5x1×
5
a) The impact of climate change and environmental
degradation.
Ans: Climate change is one of the most serious problems
faced by the world today. It affects the balance of nature and creates many
environmental issues. The rise in global temperature has led to the melting of
glaciers and an increase in sea levels. This causes floods in coastal areas and
threatens the lives of people living there. Deforestation has destroyed forests
and the homes of wild animals. When trees are cut down, the amount of oxygen in
the air decreases and pollution increases. Industries and vehicles release
harmful gases that warm the atmosphere. Because of this, many countries
experience irregular rainfall, long droughts, and severe storms. Farmers suffer
a lot as their crops fail due to changing weather patterns. Many species of
birds and animals are becoming endangered because their natural habitats are
lost. Human health is also affected as polluted air causes asthma and other
breathing problems. Heatwaves and cyclones are becoming more common and
dangerous. Plastics and chemicals thrown into rivers and oceans harm marine
life. If these problems continue, future generations will face even greater
difficulties. To solve this, we must protect forests and plant more trees. Using
clean energy sources like solar and wind will reduce pollution. People should
recycle waste and avoid using plastics. It is the duty of every citizen to
protect the environment. Only through collective effort can we reduce the
impact of climate change and save our planet.
OR
b) Advantages of technology in
education.
Ans: Technology has changed the field of education in
many positive ways. It has made learning easier, faster, and more enjoyable for
students. With the help of smartphones, tablets, and computers, students can
access any information instantly. Digital classrooms allow teachers to use
videos, pictures, and animations to explain lessons clearly. This helps
students understand even difficult concepts without confusion. Online classes
give students an opportunity to learn from home during emergencies. Educational
apps provide quizzes, games, and practice tests that make learning fun and
interactive. Technology also helps teachers prepare creative and effective
teaching materials. Students can communicate with their teachers through
emails, chats, or online platforms whenever they need help. Virtual
laboratories help students perform experiments safely and learn through
simulation. E-books are available online and reduce the burden of carrying
heavy textbooks. Technology also connects students to the global world through
educational websites and online courses. They can learn new skills, attend
workshops, and take part in online competitions. Students with special needs
benefit greatly from audio-visual tools that support their learning needs.
Technology encourages independent learning and improves problem-solving skills.
It prepares students for future careers in a digital world. Overall, technology
has become an essential part of modern education and has made learning more
effective and meaningful.
XIII. 45. Write a letter on ONE of the following: 1×5=5
a) Imagine you are Shreya / Shreyas of Government
High School, Tumkur.
Write a letter to your friend mentioning what you found most exciting
about the place that you visited, and why you consider it an ideal place for a
vacation.
Ans:
From,
Shreya / Shreyas
Government High School
Tumkur
12 December 2025
Dear friend,
I hope you are doing
well. I am writing this letter to share my wonderful experience about the place
I recently visited. Last week, I went to Coorg, a beautiful hill station in
Karnataka.
The most exciting
thing about Coorg was its pleasant weather and green surroundings. The coffee
estates stretched endlessly and the fresh smell of coffee flowers made the
whole place refreshing. I also enjoyed visiting Abbey Falls, where the sound of
the rushing water was simply thrilling. The misty mountains and tall trees made
the entire place look magical.
It is perfect for anyone who wants to take a break from
busy city life. I am sure you would also love this place if you visit it
someday.
Convey my regards to your parents.
Yours lovingly,
Shreya / Shreyas
OR
b) Imagine you are
Aishwarya / Ayush of Government High School, Mysore.
Write a letter to the Corporator of your ward drawing attention to the urgent
need for constructing a well-equipped library in your ward.
Ans:
From,
Aishwarya / Ayush
Government High School
Mysore
12 December 2025
To,
The Corporator
28th Ward
Mysore
Respected Sir/Madam,
Subject: Urgent need for constructing a well equipped
library in our ward.
I am a student of
Government High School, Mysore, and a resident of your ward. I am writing this
letter to draw your kind attention to the urgent need for a well-equipped
library in our area.
Our ward has many school-going children and college
students who are in need of a quiet place to study. At present, we do not have
a proper library with books, newspapers, study materials, and a peaceful
reading environment. Students are finding it difficult to prepare for exams,
competitive tests, and project work.
Therefore, I request you to kindly take necessary action
for establishing a well-equipped library at the earliest. The residents of our
ward will be grateful for your valuable contribution towards education and
development.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Aishwarya / Ayush
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