KARNATAKA
SCHOOL EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT BOARD
6th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru – 560 003
S.S.L.C. MID-TERM EXAMINATION
FOR THE YEAR – 2025–26
Subject: First Language — ENGLISH
Subject Code:14-E Date:
12.09.2025
Time: 10:30 A.M. to 1:45 P.M. Max. Marks:
100
General Instructions to the Candidate:
1.
This
question paper consists of 45
questions.
2.
Follow
the instructions given against each question.
3.
Figures
in the right-hand margin indicate the maximum marks for the questions.
4.
The
maximum time allotted to answer the paper is given at the top of the question
paper. It includes 15 minutes for reading the
question paper.
I. Choose the correct alternative:
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 the alphabet. 6 × 1 = 6
1. .................... Titanic was sunk in
..................Ocean.
The
appropriate articles to be filled in the blanks are:
(A) A, the (B)The,
the (C) A, a (D) A, an
Ans: (B) The, the
2. Let’s be happy on this Christmas Eve,
................... .
The
appropriate question tag to be added is:
(A)shan’t we? (B)shall
we? (C)shall I? (D)should we?
Ans:
(B) shall we?
3. A proud neck was humbled to lie like dirty linen.
The figure
of speech used here is:
(A)Metaphor (B) Simile (C)
Personification (D) Alliteration
Ans: (B) Simile
4. Please convey my best wishes ....................him,
............ his birthday.
The appropriate
prepositions to be filled in the blanks are:
(A)on, to (B)
to, on (C) for, of (D)
with, for
Ans: (B) to, on
5. You must reduce your expenses.
The suitable
phrasal verb to replace the underlined word is:
(A)cut down (B) cut off (C)
cut into (D) cut
out
Ans: (A) cut down
6. By the time we arrived, they .......................
.
The correct
form of the verb to be used here is:
(A)has leave (B) had
leave (C) has left (D)
had left
Ans: (D) had left
II. Observe the relationship in the first pair of words and complete
the second pair accordingly: 4 × 1 = 4
7.Possible :
Impossible :: Regular : ......................... .
8.Bliss :
Ecstasy :: Cascade : ..................... .
9.Knight :
Night :: Bare : ........................... .
10.Teeth :
Dentist :: Eye : ............................. .
Ans:
7.Possible
: Impossible :: Regular : Irregular
8.Bliss
: Ecstasy :: Cascade : Waterfall
9.Knight
: Night :: Bare : Bear
10.Teeth
: Dentist :: Eye : Ophthalmologist
III. Rewrite as directed: 3 × 1 = 3
11. Frame a
question to get the underlined words as the answer:
Swami Vivekananda was a follower ofRamakrishna
Paramahamsa.
Ans:
Whose follower was Swami Vivekananda?
12. Change the voice of the following
sentence:
Machines are
replacing the workers.
Ans: The
workers are being replaced by machines.
13. Rewrite the following sentence using “not
only ... but also”:
Besides
being intelligent, she is hardworking.
Ans: She
is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
IV. Answer the following questions in a sentence each: 4 × 1 = 4
14. Why did the
“girl of the silent torrent” feel sorry for the man?
Ans:The girl felt sorry for the man because he had no
work to do and was sitting idle.
15. What did
Della buy for Jim?
Ans: Della bought a platinum fob chain for Jim’s gold
pocket watch.
16. When was
the male sarus crane shot?
Ans: The male sarus crane was shot while it was trying
to pull the reluctant sun out of the rim of the horizon.
17. What is a
non-moral action?
Ans: An action done for materialistic or selfish gains
is called a non-moral action.
V. Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each: 7 × 2 = 14
18. Why
does Sir C. V. Raman say that Egypt, in fact, was made by its river?
Ans:Sir C. V. Raman says that Egypt was made by the
River Nile because the river provides water and makes the land fertile. The
prosperity and civilization of Egypt developed along the banks of the Nile.
19. As a
scientist, how was Louis Pasteur unique?
Ans:Louis Pasteur was unique because he combined
scientific knowledge with practical experiments. He used careful observation
and experiments to discover the causes of diseases and develop methods to
prevent them.
20. How did the
female sarus crane try to bring its male partner back to life?
Ans:The female sarus crane tried to bring her dead
partner back to life by touching and kissing his feathers with her beak. She
also cried out in grief and tried to awaken him.
21. What kind
of a listener does the father poet, Abraham Lincoln, want his son tobe?
Ans:Abraham Lincoln wants his son to be a good and
patient listener. He wants him to listen carefully to everyone but also to
distinguish between truth and falsehood.
22.
“Things standing shall fall,
But the
moving ever shall stay.”
Briefly
explain the message that these two lines convey.
Ans:The lines convey that things which remain stagnant
will eventually decline or perish. Progress and continuous movement, however,
lead to growth and lasting success.
23. Explain the
encounter between Billy and the mysterious seafaring man.
Ans:Billy encountered a mysterious seafaring man who
appeared suddenly and behaved strangely. The man gave Billy a warning about the
dangers that awaited him and left him curious and frightened.
24. How did
Bhima ridicule Karna?
Ans:Bhima ridiculed Karna by reminding him of his
lowly birth and questioning his right to challenge Arjuna. He mocked Karna for
aspiring to compete with a prince despite his humble background.
VI. Rewrite as directed: 3 × 2 = 6
25. Change the following sentence into
reported speech:
He said to
him, “Please wait here till I return.”
Ans: He requested him to wait there till he returned.
26. Change the following sentence into the
other two degrees of comparison:
No other
substance is as hard as diamond.
Ans: Comparative Degree: Diamond is harder than any
other substance.
Superlative Degree: Diamond is the hardest substance.
27. Combine the following sentences using:
a) As soon as
b) No sooner ... than
He saw the
warden. He ran away.
Ans: a) As soon as he saw the warden, he ran away.
b) No sooner did he see the warden than he ran away.
VII. Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each:6 × 3 = 18
28. C. V. Raman
says that water is the real elixir of life. Justify.
Ans: Water is the real elixir of life because it is
essential for all living beings. It helps plants grow and makes the soil
fertile. Rivers provide water for agriculture and support human civilization.
Water is also necessary for industries and many other activities. Therefore,
water is one of the most valuable natural resources.
29. How does
the poet bring out the agony and desperation of the female crane in the poem?
Ans: The female sarus crane is deeply distressed after
her mate is shot dead. She tries desperately to bring him back to life by
touching and kissing his feathers with her beak. She cries out in grief and
refuses to leave his body. Her repeated attempts to awaken him show her deep
love and helplessness. The poet presents her suffering in a very moving manner.
30. How does
Basavanna convince us through his Vachanas that spiritual things are
long-lasting?
Ans:Basavanna says that worldly and material things
are temporary and do not last forever. Wealth, possessions and physical
structures may disappear with time. However, spiritual values and devotion to
God remain everlasting. Through his Vachanas, he stresses the importance of
inner purity and devotion. Thus, he convinces us that spiritual things are more
lasting than material things.
31. “Only the
brave deserve the fair.” Justify the statement with reference to thepoem Londonderry Air.
Ans:Lochinvar is brave, courageous and determined. He
rides alone into Netherby Hall to claim Ellen, whom he loves. Although Ellen is
about to marry another man, Lochinvar boldly declares his love for her. He
dances with her and cleverly takes her away on his horse. His courage and
determination enable him to win Ellen. Thus, Lochinvar proves that only the
brave deserve the fair.
32. Describe
how and why Indra approached Karna.
Ans:Indra was worried about the safety of his son
Arjuna because Karna possessed the divine armour and earrings. He knew that
Karna would be almost invincible as long as he possessed them. Therefore, Indra
approached Karna in the disguise of a Brahmin. He asked Karna to give him his
armour and earrings as alms. Karna recognized Indra but willingly gave them
away because of his generosity and commitment to charity.
33. Why does
Gandhiji say that Alexander’s conquests cannot be called moralactions?
Ans:Gandhiji says that Alexander conquered countries
by force and violence. His actions were motivated by the desire for power and
conquest rather than moral duty. A moral action must be performed voluntarily
and without compulsion. Therefore, Alexander’s conquests cannot be considered
moral actions.
OR
Explain how
the girl examined the painted pitcher at home. What was the impacton her?
Ans: The girl carefully examined the painted pitcher
after taking it home. She looked at its paintings and admired its beauty with
great curiosity. The pitcher created a strong impression on her mind. She
became fascinated by it and kept thinking about its beautiful pictures. The
experience affected her deeply.
VIII. Explain with reference to the context: 5 × 3 = 15
34. “You want
to draw water from the torrent?”
Ans:Lesson: A Wrong Man in Workers’ Paradise
Author: Rabindranath Tagore
Context: The girl of the Workers’
Paradise says this to the idler. Every day, she goes to the torrent to fetch
water, while the idler simply stands near the stream. Feeling pity for him, she
asks whether he wants to draw water from the torrent and offers to give him a
pitcher.
35. “If Jim
doesn’t kill me.”
Ans:Lesson: The Gift of the Magi
Author: O. Henry
Context: Della says these words to
herself after cutting and selling her beautiful hair to buy a Christmas present
for Jim. She worries that Jim may be shocked or dislike her new short
hairstyle. However, she had sacrificed her hair because she loved Jim and
wanted to give him a special present.
36. “What have
I done for my education?”
Ans:Louis Pasteur, Conqueror of Disease
Author: E. H. Carter
Context: Louis Pasteur asks the
students to question themselves about what they have done for their education.
He advises them to work for their own development and, as they advance in life,
to ask what they have done for their country. He emphasizes contributing to the
progress and welfare of humanity.
37. “With her
beak she kissed a few feathers.”
Ans:Poem: To a Pair of Sarus Cranes
Poet: Manmohan Singh
Context: These words describe the
female Sarus crane after her male partner has been killed. She comes near his
dead body and lovingly touches and kisses some of his feathers with her beak.
This action shows her deep love, grief and desperation for her lost partner.
38. “I long
woo’d your daughter, my suit you denied.”
Ans:Poem: Lochinvar
Poet: Sir Walter Scott
Context: Lochinvar says these words
to Ellen’s father when he reaches Netherby Hall. Ellen’s father asks whether he
has come in peace, in war, or to dance at the wedding. Lochinvar replies that
he had loved Ellen for a long time, but her father had rejected his proposal. He
has now come to meet Ellen and dance with her before taking her away.
IX. Quote from memory: 1 × 4 = 4
39.
The rich
..................................
.................................................
.................................................
....................................of gold.
Ans:
The rich will make temples for Siva.
What shall I, a poor man, do?
My legs are pillars, the body the shrine,
The head a cupola of gold.
OR
And I water’d ............................
..................................................
...................................................
.......................... deceitful wiles.
Ans:
And I watered it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
X. Answer the following questions in seven to eight sentences each:3 × 4 = 12
40. List the
values which the poet-father wants the teacher to teach his son.
Ans:The poet-father wants the
teacher to teach his son several important values.
He wants him to learn that not all people are honest and good.
He should learn to have faith in himself and his own ideas.
He should learn to be brave and face difficulties with courage.
He should learn to accept defeat gracefully and enjoy victory humbly.
He should love books and learn the secrets of nature.
He should be kind to good people and firm with bad people.
He should learn to listen to everyone but follow only what is right.
He should learn to value hard work and never lose his self-respect.
41. What are
the various causes of soil erosion? How can we prevent it?
Ans:Soil erosion is caused by the removal of the top
layer of soil by wind and water.Deforestation is one of the major causes of
soil erosion.Overgrazing by cattle also exposes the soil to erosion.Mining,
construction and improper agricultural practices contribute to it.Heavy
rainfall and floods wash away fertile soil from the land.We can prevent soil
erosion by planting more trees and protecting forests.We should practice
afforestation, controlled grazing and proper farming methods.Contour ploughing,
building bunds and preventing excessive cutting of trees can also reduce soil
erosion.
OR
How did
Della try to fix her hair before Jim got home?
Ans:Della was worried about how Jim would react to her
short hair.She looked at herself carefully in the mirror and tried to arrange
her hair attractively.She used a curling iron to make her short hair look
better.She tried different hairstyles to make herself presentable.She hoped
that Jim would not be angry or disappointed with her.She repeatedly looked at
herself in the mirror while waiting for him.She thought that Jim would probably
be shocked when he saw her.However, she was happy because she had sacrificed
her beautiful hair to buy a Christmas gift for Jim.
42. Explain the
experiment done by Louis Pasteur to prove that animals could not have anthrax
twice.
Ans:Louis Pasteur wanted to find out whether an animal
could get anthrax more than once.He selected a group of sheep and divided them
into two groups.He injected some sheep with a mild form of anthrax.The sheep
became ill but recovered from the disease.Later, he exposed these recovered
sheep to a strong dose of anthrax germs.They did not develop anthrax again
because they had become resistant to the disease.Some untreated sheep were also
exposed to the strong germs and they died.Thus, Pasteur proved that an animal
which had recovered from anthrax could not get the disease again.
OR
Why does
Gandhi say that a moral act should be done without compulsion?
Ans:Gandhi believes that a moral act must come from
one's own free will.An action cannot be called truly moral if it is done
because of fear or compulsion.A person should choose to do what is right
voluntarily.He should act according to his conscience and sense of duty.If a
person is forced to do a good deed, there is no real moral value in it.True
morality requires freedom of choice.Gandhi therefore says that a moral act
should be performed willingly and without any external pressure.
XI. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given
below: 1 × 4 = 4 (2 + 2)
43. It is an indisputable fact that the
world has gone too far with the advancement of new technologies such as mobile
phones, the Internet, and so on, due to which people are able to tour the
cosmos virtually while sitting in one place using their smart devices or other
technological gadgets. Though mobile Internet access is ten times faster and
shorter, it can still provide common Internet features like alerts, weather
data, email, search engines, instant messages, games, and music downloading.
Due to the
easy access to smartphones, communication has become very effective and
instant.
People are
able to convey their messages all around the globe to their loved ones without
spending hefty sums of money. Young people have been able to broaden their
minds and improve their skills by doing research on the Internet. They use
smartphones to look up any new word they come across, and smartphones assist
students in completing their assignments on time.
Questions:
a) How are
smartphones helpful in communication?
Ans:Smartphones make communication very effective and
instant. They help people convey messages to their loved ones all around the
globe without spending a lot of money.
b) What are
the benefits of mobile phones for the younger generation?
Ans:Mobile phones help young people broaden their
minds and improve their skills through Internet research. They also help
students look up new words and complete their assignments on time.
XII. Write an essay of about 18–20 sentences on any one of the
following topics: 1 × 5 = 5
44.
a) The Effects
of Global Warming — Measures to Be Taken.
Ans:Global warming is one of the major environmental
problems facing the world today.It refers to the gradual increase in the
average temperature of the Earth.The excessive use of fossil fuels is one of
the main causes of global warming.Deforestation, industrial pollution and the
increasing number of vehicles also contribute to it.Global warming causes the
melting of glaciers and polar ice.It leads to a rise in sea levels and threatens
coastal areas.It also causes changes in rainfall patterns and extreme weather
conditions.Farmers may face difficulties because of droughts, floods and
changing seasons.Global warming also affects animals and plants by destroying
their natural habitats.Therefore, immediate measures must be taken to protect
the environment.We should plant more trees and prevent unnecessary
deforestation.People should use public transport, bicycles and other
eco-friendly means of travel.The use of renewable energy such as solar and wind
power should be encouraged.Industries must reduce harmful emissions and follow
environmental regulations.We should save electricity and avoid unnecessary
consumption of energy.The use of plastic should also be reduced and proper
waste management should be followed.Schools and colleges should create
awareness about environmental protection.Governments and citizens must work
together to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.Every individual has a
responsibility to protect nature for future generations.Thus, timely action and
responsible behaviour can help control global warming.
b) The
Successful Launch of Chandrayaan-3.
Ans:Chandrayaan-3 was an important lunar mission of
India.
It was developed and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The spacecraft was launched on 14 July 2023 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Its main objective was to achieve a safe landing on the surface of the Moon.
The mission consisted of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan.
After a long journey, the lander successfully reached the lunar surface.
On 23 August 2023, Vikram made a successful soft landing on the Moon.
India became the first country to land near the Moon's south polar region.
It also became the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
The rover Pragyan was deployed from the lander after the successful landing.
It carried out scientific experiments and collected valuable information about
the lunar surface.The mission helped scientists study the composition and
characteristics of the Moon.The successful mission demonstrated India's growing
capabilities in space science and technology.It was the result of the
dedication and hard work of thousands of scientists and engineers.The
achievement brought great recognition to India's space programme.It also
inspired students and young people to take an interest in science and
technology.Chandrayaan-3 showed the importance of determination, teamwork and
scientific research.It became a memorable achievement in India's space exploration
journey.The mission increased India's contribution to lunar exploration.Thus,
Chandrayaan-3 stands as a remarkable milestone in India's space programme.
XIII.
45. Imagine you are Daivik / Devi
of Government High School, Udupi.Write a letter to your father informing him
about the quiz competition in which you participated recently in your school.
Ans:
Daivik/ Devi
Government High School,
Udupi.
16 September 2025.
Dear Father,
I am very happy to inform you that I
recently participated in a quiz competition held in our school. Many students
from different classes took part in thecompetition. The quiz covered subjects
such as science, history, current affairs and general knowledge. I prepared
well for the competition with the help of my teachers and friends. I answered
many questions confidently in the preliminary round. Our team reached the final
round and performed well. Though we could not win the first prize, I gained
valuable knowledge and experience. The competition helped me improve my
confidence, memory and general awareness. I was very happy to participate in
such an interesting event.
Please convey my regards to mother.
Yours lovingly,
Sd/-
Daivik / Devi
OR
Imagine you
are Pavan / Paavani of
Government High School, Hassan.Write a letter to your Headmaster requesting him
to provide a good library in yourschool.
Ans:
Pavan
/ Paavani
Government High School,
Hassan.
16 September 2025.
To
The Headmaster,
Government High School,
Hassan.
Respected Sir/Madam,
Subject: Request for providing a good
library in our school.
I am a student of your school. I
would like to request you to provide a good library for the benefit of all the
students. At present, our school does not have enough books and suitable
reading facilities. A well-equipped library would help us improve our knowledge
and reading habits. It would provide textbooks, reference books, storybooks,
newspapers, magazines and competitive-examination materials. Students could use
the library to prepare for examinations and develop their general knowledge. A
quiet reading room would also encourage students to spend their free time
productively. Therefore, I kindly request you to take necessary steps to
establish a good library in our school.
Thank you.
Yours obediently,
Sd/-
Pavan / Paavani
Government High School, Hassan.
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