SSLC FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH SOLVED STATE LEVEL SSLC PREPARATORY EXAMINATION – 3, 2026- SOLUTIONS

 

STATE LEVEL SSLC PREPARATORY EXAMINATION – 3, 2026

Subject: First Language ENGLISH

Subject Code: 14-E Date: 23-02-2026

Time: 10-00 A.M. to 1-15 P.M. Max. Marks: 100

General Instructions to the Candidate

1. This Question Paper consists of 45 questions.

2. Follow the instructions given against the questions.

3. Figures in the right hand margin indicate maximum marks for the questions.

4. The maximum time to answer the paper is given at the top of the question paper. It includes 15 minutes for reading the question paper.

 

I. Four alternatives are given for each of the following questions/ incomplete statements. Choose the correct alternative and write the complete answer along with its letter of alphabet. 6x1=6

1. The thunderbolt struck him in the midriff like a red hot cannon ball.

(A) Simile (B) Metaphor (C) Personification (D) Alliteration

Ans: (A) Simile

 

2. In olden days people were strong and sturdy they used to do ____ lot of physical work now, ____ trend has changed.

(A) an, a (B) a, the (C) the, a (D) a, a

Ans: (B) a, the

www.educsector.com

3. You are like good earth to the seed, ____.

(A) weren’t you ? (B) are you ? (C) aren’t you ? (D) wasn’t you ?

Ans: (C) aren’t you?

 

4. Mother told Raju to ____ sweater, as it is very cold outside.

(A) put down (B) put off (C) put out (D) put on

Ans: (D) put on

 

5. She went ____ the classroom.

(A) on (B) into (C) onto (D) at

Ans: (B) into

 

6. “Janaki ____ the award for the best behaviour”, said the headmaster.

(A) was won (B) is won (C) winning (D) has won

Ans: (D) has won

 

II. Observe the relationship in the first pair of words and complete the second pair accordingly in the following: 4x1=4

7. Denunciation : Condemnation :: Indictment : ______

Ans: Accusation

8. Disease of the eye : Ophthalmology :: Disease of children : ______

Ans: Pediatrics

 

9. Right : Write :: Great : ______

Ans: Grate

www.educsector.com

10. Elegant : Elegance :: Calm : ______

Ans: Calmness

 

III. Rewrite as directed 3x1=3

11. Change the voice:

The pilot inspected the plane before takeoff.

Ans: The plane was inspected by the pilot before takeoff.

 

12. Frame a question for the underlined words:

Mahatma Gandhi went to England in 1888 to study law.

Ans: Why did Mahatma Gandhi go to England in 1888.

www.educsector.com

13. Change to Exclamatory:

Indian women cricket team achieved a great victory.

Ans: What a great victory the Indian women cricket team achieved.

 

IV. Answer the following questions in a sentence each: 4x1=4

14. What made Otto Frank to emigrate to hospitable Netherlands?

Ans: The rise of Nazism and persecution of Jews in Germany made Otto Frank emigrate to the hospitable Netherlands.

 

15. What is the revenue earned by the manufacturers of Pepsi and Coca-Cola?

Ans: The manufacturers of Pepsi and Coca-Cola earn millions of dollars as revenue.

www.educsector.com

16. Why was Pierre pinched?

Ans: Pierre was pinched by the police for begging in the streets of Paris.  

 

17. What is the bird’s cry compared to in the poem “To a Pair of Sarus Cranes”?

Ans: The female bird’s cries of sorrow are compared to the Morse Code of birds’ sorrow.

www.educsector.com

V. Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:7x2=14

18. What fatal mistake did Hodge make?

Ans: Hodge made the fatal mistake of shooting one of the Sarus cranes. The female crane died, and the male crane cried in deep sorrow, which moved the poet greatly.

 

19. What thrills the present day Indian shoppers?

Ans: The present day Indian shoppers are thrilled by modern shopping malls, colourful advertisements, and a variety of attractive foreign goods. They enjoy the excitement of buying branded products.

 

20. How does the poet contrast the death of the male and female cranes?

Ans: The female crane dies immediately after being shot. The male crane does not die at once but cries in deep sorrow and loneliness before finally dying of grief.

www.educsector.com

21. Describe the autumn in the speaker’s life at this point.

Ans: The speaker feels that he is in the autumn of his life, meaning he is growing old. He feels weak and lonely and realizes that his life is slowly coming to an end.

 

22. Why does the speaker resent the wall? What does he want?

Ans: The speaker resents the wall because it separates him from his neighbor without any real reason. He wants friendship and openness instead of a wall between them.

 

23. Why and how was Ben left marooned on the island?

Ans: Ben was left marooned on the island because he had tried to murder Captain Flint. As a punishment, the pirates abandoned him alone on the island with very little food.

www.educsector.com

24. How did Ulysses help his men to escape from the cave?

Ans: Ulysses made a clever plan to escape from the Cyclops’ cave. He tied his men under the bellies of the sheep so that when the sheep went out of the cave, the Cyclops could not see them.

 

VI. Rewrite as directed 3x2=6

25. Combine using "As soon as" and "No sooner...than":

The ambulance reached the hospital. The patient recovered slowly.

Ans: As soon as: As soon as the ambulance reached the hospital, the patient recovered slowly.

As soon as the ambulance reached the hospital, the patient recovered slowly.

 

No sooner…than: No sooner did the ambulance reach the hospital than the patient recovered slowly.

No sooner did the ambulance reach the hospital than the patient recovered slowly.

www.educsector.com

26. Change to other two degrees:

Few other sights in nature are as beautiful as a rainbow.

Ans: Comparative: A rainbow is more beautiful than most other sights in nature.

Positive: Very few sights in nature are as beautiful as a rainbow.

 

27. Change to reported speech:

Deeksha said, “If the teacher permits me, I can try to solve the problem.”

Ans: Deeksha said that if the teacher permitted her, she could try to solve the problem.

www.educsector.com

VII. Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each: 6x3=18

28. How did Anne describe her life in Annexe?

Ans: Anne Frank described her life in the Secret Annexe as a suffocating mix of fear, boredom, and intense emotional isolation. She felt like a "songbird whose wings have been brutally clipped," living under the constant threat of discovery by the Gestapo. To cope with the lack of privacy and the tension between the residents, she turned to her diary, Kitty, as her only true confidant. Despite the gloom, she maintained a sense of hope, documenting her personal growth and her changing perspectives on the world outside. Ultimately, her description reflects a courageous attempt to find beauty and identity while trapped in a "hiding hole."

 

29. According to Basavanna, how does a poor man and rich man express their devotion to God?

Ans: In his vachana "The Rich Shall Make Temples for Shiva," Basavanna contrasts the external displays of the wealthy with the internal devotion of the poor. He explains that a rich man expresses his piety by building grand, physical temples made of stone and mortar. In contrast, a poor man, who lacks the means for such construction, offers his own body as a living temple for God. For the poor devotee, his legs are the pillars, his body is the shrine, and his head is a cupola of gold. Basavanna concludes that while physical buildings will eventually fall, the "moving" temple of the soul is eternal.

www.educsector.com

30. Explain how the narrator was haunted by a mysterious presence within him after the stolen boat experience.

Ans: After the stolen boat experience, the narrator’s mind was clouded by a "dark / Call it solitude or blank desertion." The sight of the "huge peak, black and huge," which seemed to follow him with a purpose of its own, shattered his peaceful view of nature. For many days, his brain worked with a dim and undetermined sense of unknown modes of being. No pleasant images of trees, sea, or sky remained; instead, he was haunted by "huge and mighty forms" that did not live like living men. This experience transformed his childhood innocence into a solemn awareness of the sublime and terrifying power of nature.

 

31. What justification did Drona give for his unfair demand?

Ans: Dronacharya justified his demand for Ekalavya’s right thumb by citing his prior commitment to Arjuna. He had promised Arjuna that he would make him the greatest archer in the world, and Ekalavya’s superior skill threatened that promise. Drona also used the social hierarchy of the time to validate his action, treating Ekalavya’s self-taught mastery as an infringement on the rights of the Kshatriya princes. By taking the thumb, he ensured that Ekalavya could never shoot an arrow again, thereby "protecting" his royal pupils. Essentially, his justification was rooted in favoritism and the preservation of the existing social order.

www.educsector.com

32. What was the curse Parasurama pronounced in his anger on Karna?

Ans: When Parasurama realized that Karna had lied about being a Brahmana to gain his teachings, he flew into a terrible rage. He pronounced a curse stating that the "Brahmastra" and all the divine knowledge Karna had acquired would fail him at his moment of greatest need. Parasurama declared that since the knowledge was obtained through deceit, Karna would not be able to recall the necessary incantations when facing a life-threatening situation. This curse proved fatal during the Kurukshetra war when Karna’s memory failed him while facing Arjuna. It served as a reminder of the gravity Parasurama placed on truth and the sanctity of the teacher-disciple relationship.

 

33. Why does Gandhi say that Alexander’s conquests cannot be called moral action?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi argued that Alexander’s conquests cannot be called moral because they lacked the essential ingredient of "moral intent." According to Gandhi, a moral act must be done with the intention of doing good to others, free from fear or compulsion. Alexander was driven by a thirst for power, fame, and territorial expansion rather than a selfless desire to serve humanity. While his bravery might be undeniable, his actions resulted in mass destruction and the subjugation of various peoples. Therefore, since the motive was self-aggrandizement and the outcome was suffering, Gandhi disqualified it from being a moral action.

www.educsector.com

OR

How did Pasteur develop the idea of immunity?

Ans: Louis Pasteur developed the idea of immunity through his experiments with chicken cholera. He accidentally discovered that when chickens were injected with a weakened or "stale" culture of the germs, they became only slightly ill and recovered. When he later exposed these same chickens to a fresh, deadly dose of the bacteria, they did not die; they had become "immune." Pasteur realized that the weakened germs acted as a "vaccine," preparing the body's natural strength to fight off stronger attacks. This discovery led him to develop vaccines for other diseases like anthrax and rabies, changing the course of medical history.

www.educsector.com

VIII. Explain with reference to context: 5x3=15

34. “We have our hands full,”

Ans: Lesson: A Wrong Man in Worker’s Paradise

Author: Rabindranath Tagore

Context: These words are spoken by the busy people/workers of Worker's Paradise to the "Wrong Man" (the idler) when he asks them for some work to do.

Explanation: In Worker's Paradise, everyone is obsessed with being productive and useful. They take pride in having no time to waste. When the idler, who had been sent there by mistake, asks for work, they reply that they have no time to spare because their hands are always full with meaningful tasks. It highlights the contrast between the utility-driven world of the workers and the artistic, "useless" world of the idler.

www.educsector.com

35. “Cut it off and sold it,”

Ans: Lesson: The Gift of the Magi

Author: O. Henry

Context: Della says this to her husband, Jim, when he returns home on Christmas Eve and stares at her in shock.

Explanation: Della had very little money to buy a Christmas gift for Jim. She decided to sell her most prized possession—her long, beautiful hair—for twenty dollars to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim’s watch. She says this to reassure him that although her hair

www.educsector.com

36. “She was an interesting girl,”

Ans: Lesson: The Eyes are Not Here

Author: Ruskin Bond

Context: The narrator says this to the new male passenger who enters the train compartment after the girl gets off at Saharanpur.

Explanation: The narrator, who is blind but trying to hide it, wants to know if the girl kept her hair long or short. He strikes up a conversation by making a general remark about her personality. This is ironic because the narrator spent the whole journey pretending he could see her, only to find out later from the new passenger that the girl was also completely blind.

 

 

37. “There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far,”

Ans: Lesson: Lochinvar (Poem)

Author: Sir Walter Scott

Context: Lochinvar says this to the Bride’s father (the Lord of Netherby) when he arrives at the wedding feast at Netherby Hall.

Explanation: Lochinvar is pretending that he is no longer in love with Ellen. He claims he has come only to drink a cup of wine and dance one last measure. He says this to trick the father into lowering his guard, suggesting that he could easily find a more beautiful girl in Scotland. It was a clever ruse to get close to Ellen so he could eventually rescue her.

www.educsector.com

38. “If the grave’s gates could be undone, she would not know her little son,”

Ans: Lesson: C.L.M. (Poem)

Author: John Masefield

Context: These lines are spoken by the poet while reflecting on the debt he owes to his deceased mother.

Explanation: The poet explains that he has grown into a man, but his mother died giving him life. He feels guilty because he has not lived a life that would make her proud or shown enough respect toward women. He suggests that if she were to rise from the grave, she wouldn't recognize him because of how much he has changed and how he has failed to repay her sacrifice. It emphasizes his deep sense of remorse and melancholy.

www.educsector.com

IX. Quote from memory

39. And into my __________

__________ __________ ___

__________ __________ ___

__________ __________ the tree.

Ans:

And into my garden stole

When the night had veiled the pole;

In the morning glad I see

My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

OR

The rich __________

__________ __________ ___

__________ __________ ___

__________ _______of gold.

Ans: The rich shall 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.

www.educsector.com

X. Answer the following questions in seven to eight sentences each: 3x4=12

40. What does Abraham Lincoln want his son to be taught, to make him a positive and optimistic person?

Ans: Abraham Lincoln asks the teacher to instill in his son the courage to be different and the resilience to handle both success and failure. He wants his son to learn that for every "scoundrel" there is a hero, and for every "selfish politician" there is a dedicated leader. To build optimism, Lincoln suggests teaching him that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found, and that it is much more honorable to fail than to cheat. He asks the teacher to teach the boy the "mystery of books" but also to give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky and flowers on a hillside. He emphasizes teaching his son to have faith in his own ideas even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Finally, he wants him to be taught to be gentle with the gentle and tough with the tough, ensuring he grows into a balanced and positive individual.

www.educsector.com

41. How does C. V. Raman show that water is the real elixir of life?

Ans: Sir C.V. Raman argues that water is the real elixir of life because it is the most potent and wonderful thing on the face of our earth. He illustrates this by comparing the Libyan Desert with the Nile Valley in Egypt; while one is a sea of sand, the other is the most fertile land, and this difference is created solely by the water of the Nile. Water carries silt and fine soil, which is the fundamental cause of the fertility of the land and the basis of all agriculture. He explains that water is necessary for the existence of animal and plant life, and it adds beauty to the countryside in the form of small ponds and streams. Raman also points out that the harnessed power of water can be used for electricity and internal navigation. Therefore, instead of seeking a mythical "divine" elixir, man should realize that common water is the true source of life and prosperity.

www.educsector.com

OR

Write on Mahatma Gandhiji’s comment on action prompted by motive of happiness in another world.

Ans: In the chapter "What is Moral Action?", Mahatma Gandhi clarifies that an action is not moral if it is done simply out of fear or out of a selfish desire for a reward. This principle also applies to religious motives.

Selfishness in Religion: Gandhi states that if an action is prompted by the motive of attaining happiness in another world (such as seeking a place in heaven or avoiding hell), it ceases to be a moral action.

Lack of Moral Worth: He argues that such an act is essentially a "bargain" where the person does good only because they expect a personal benefit in the afterlife.

True Moral Intent: According to Gandhi, a moral act must be performed because it is our duty and because it helps others, without any thought of reward, whether in this world or the next.

Conclusion: Therefore, any action driven by the "fear of the other world" or the "desire for celestial rewards" is considered a non-moral act, as it lacks the purity of selfless intention.

www.educsector.com

42. Describe the experiment conducted by Louis Pasteur to show the difference between pure and stale air.

Ans: Louis Pasteur conducted a famous experiment using several glass flasks filled with soup to prove that germs are carried in the air. He took some flasks to a dusty, "stale" environment like a hotel bedroom or a crowded hall and opened them briefly. He took other flasks to the Alps, where the air was "pure," and opened them there. After sealing the flasks again, he observed that the soup in the flasks opened in the dusty air quickly turned moldy and full of germs. However, the soup in the flasks opened in the clean mountain air remained fresh and free from organisms for a long time. This experiment proved that germs do not move of their own accord but are carried by dust particles in stale air. This discovery was revolutionary for surgery and general hygiene.

OR

Write a short note on the views expressed by the writer on the tragic comedy of development. Why does he call it tragic comedy?

Ans: The writer describes the current model of development as a "tragic comedy" because it focuses on material growth while destroying the very environment that sustains life. It is "tragic" because we are witnessing the large-scale destruction of forests, the pollution of rivers, and the extinction of species in the name of progress. It is a "comedy" because man, who considers himself the most intelligent creature, is foolishly sawing off the very branch on which he is sitting. The writer points out the irony that "civilized" humans are causing more damage to the Earth than "primitive" people ever did. The pursuit of luxury has led to a situation where we have "everything to live with, but nothing to live for." Ultimately, the writer warns that unless we change our definition of development, we are heading toward a self-inflicted disaster.

www.educsector.com

XI. Read the following carefully and answer the questions given below: 1x4=4 (2x2)

Aryabhatta the great Indian astronomer and mathematician was born in 476 A.D. in Kerala. Aryabhatta went to the University of Nalanda near present Patna to pursue his education. He was the first to deduce that the earth is round and it rotates on its own axis, resulting in day and night. He declared that the moon has no light of its own, but reflects the sunlight. He discovered the reasons for solar and lunar eclipses. As a mathematician he was the first to find out the value of π ( pi ). In his book ‘Aryabhatiyam’ he dealt with other aspects of mathematics such as geometry, mensuration, square root, cube root and progression. In April, 1975 when India launched its first satellite. India entered the space age and named its first satellite as ‘Aryabhatta’ showing tribute to great scientist Aryabhatta.

 

a) When was Aryabhatta born? Where did he pursue his education?

Ans: When was Aryabhatta born? Where did he pursue his education? Ans: Aryabhatta was born in 476 A.D. He pursued his education at the University of Nalanda, which is located near present-day Patna.

www.educsector.com

b) What are the achievements of Aryabhatta? Mention any two.

Ans: Aryabhatta was a pioneer in both astronomy and mathematics. Two of his significant achievements are:

He was the first to deduce that the earth is round and rotates on its own axis, causing day and night.

He discovered the reasons for solar and lunar eclipses and was the first to find the value of (pi).

www.educsector.com

XII. Write an essay of about 18-20 sentences on any one of the following topics: 1x5=5

44. a) Educating girls empowers women.

Ans: "If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family." Education is the most powerful tool for the empowerment of women in society. When a girl is educated, she gains the knowledge and skills necessary to stand on her own feet and become financially independent. Education helps women understand their fundamental rights and gives them the courage to fight against social evils like child marriage and dowry. An educated woman can make informed decisions about her health, career, and the well-being of her children, leading to a healthier society. Moreover, women’s education is directly linked to the economic growth of a nation, as it increases the workforce and productivity. It breaks the cycle of poverty and narrow-mindedness that has hindered progress for centuries. By educating girls, we ensure that they have a voice in the political and social spheres of the country. Empowerment is not just about literacy; it is about providing girls with the confidence to lead and innovate. Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen and the government to ensure that "Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao" becomes a reality. In conclusion, educating girls is not just a moral obligation but a necessity for a progressive and balanced world.

www.educsector.com

Or

b) The harmful effects of overusing the cell phone.

Ans: In the modern era, the cell phone has become an indispensable part of our lives, but its overuse is leading to serious consequences. While it is a great tool for communication, excessive use of mobile phones often leads to "digital addiction," especially among students. One of the most significant harmful effects is on physical health, causing eye strain, neck pain, and a sedentary lifestyle. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue. Beyond physical health, overusing cell phones affects mental well-being, often causing anxiety, stress, and a lack of concentration. Many people prefer virtual interactions over face-to-face conversations, which weakens real-life social bonds and family relationships. Students often lose precious study time by scrolling through social media or playing addictive games, which negatively impacts their academic performance. There is also the rising concern of cyber bullying and the loss of privacy due to the constant sharing of personal data. Excessive phone use while walking or driving has also led to an increase in road accidents. To lead a healthy life, it is essential to practice "digital detox" and limit screen time. In conclusion, while technology is a boon, we must ensure that we control the cell phone and do not let the cell phone control us.

www.educsector.com

XIII. 45. Imagine you are Deeksha/ Deekshith, studying in Government High School, Madhugiri. 1x5=5

Write a letter to your elder brother congratulating him on his winning of a gold medal in the recent state athletic meet.

Ans:

Deekshith

Government

High School

Madhugiri

 

Date: 17th March 2026

 

Dear Brother,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. We were all overjoyed to receive the news of your brilliant performance at the recent State Athletic Meet.

I am writing this to heartily congratulate you on winning the Gold Medal! We always knew how hard you practiced, waking up early and training for hours. Your dedication and discipline have finally paid off, and you have made our entire family and school proud. It is truly an inspiration for me to see you succeed on such a big platform.

Mom and Dad are extremely happy and have already started sharing the news with all our relatives. We are eagerly waiting for you to come home so we can celebrate this grand achievement together.

Please keep up the same spirit and aim for the Nationals next. My best wishes are always with you.

 

Convey my regards to your friends and coach.

 

Yours affectionately,

(Signature)

Deekshith

www.educsector.com

Or

Imagine you are Lalith/ Lalitha, studying in Government High School, Yalahanka.

Write a letter to the Mayor of your area seeking a solution for water logging problem in your area.

Ans:

From,

Lalitha

Government

High School

Yalahanka,

Bengaluru.

 

Date: 17th March 2026

 

To,

The Mayor

BBMP Office

(Yalahanka Zone)

Bengaluru.

 

Subject: Seeking a permanent solution for the water logging problem in Yalahanka.

 

Respected Sir,

I am Lalitha, a student of Government High School, Yalahanka. I am writing this letter to bring to your kind notice the severe waterlogging problem that the residents and students of our area face during every monsoon.

Due to blocked drains and the lack of a proper sewage system, even a brief spell of rain leads to water stagnating on the main roads. This creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and causes a foul smell, posing a serious health risk. Furthermore, as students, we find it extremely difficult to commute to school as the streets become flooded and slippery.

I earnestly request you to direct the concerned authorities to clear the clogged drains and improve the drainage infrastructure in our locality before the next rains. A permanent solution to this issue would be a great relief to the entire community.

 

Thank you.

 

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)

Lalitha