KARNATAKA
SSLC MIDTERM EXAMINATION 2026–27
MODEL QUESTION PAPER
- 1
FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH (14-E)
Class:SSLC / Class 10 Max. Marks:100 Time:3 Hours
15 Min.
General
Instructions:
1.
Answer all the questions.
2.
Follow the instructions given for each section.
3.
Figures in the right margin indicate marks.
4.
Write the question numbers correctly.
I. Choose the correct alternative and write
the complete answer. 6 × 1 = 6
1. The appropriate article to be filled
in the blank is:
He is
_____ honest man.
A) a B)
an C) the D) no article
Ans: B) an
2. Choose
the correct question tag:Pasteur founded bacteriology, _____?
A) did he? B)
didn't he? C) does he? D) wasn't he?
Ans: B) didn’t he?
3.
Identify the figure of speech: “My
legs are pillars.”
A) Simile B)
Metaphor C) PersonificationD)
Hyperbole
Ans: B) Metaphor
4. Choose
the correct preposition: Lochinvar rode _____ Netherby Hall.
A) to B)
by C) in D) over
Ans: A) to
5. Choose
the correct phrasal verb:Della could not _____ the combs immediately.
A) put off B)
make out C) use up D) put away
Ans: B) make out
6. Choose
the correct form of the verb:The boy _____ by the mad dog.
A) bites B)
was bitten C) has bite D) bitten
Ans: B) was bitten
II. Observe the relationship in the first pair
and complete the second pair. 4×1=4
7.Della :
hair :: Jim : __________
8.Water :
elixir of life :: anger : __________
9.Lochinvar
: Ellen :: Karna : __________
10.Pasteur
: bacteriology :: Basavanna : __________
Ans:
7.Della : hair :: Jim : Gold watch
8.Water : elixir of life :: anger : poison
9.Lochinvar : Ellen :: Karna : Kunti
10.Pasteur : bacteriology :: Basavanna : Vachanas
III. Rewrite as directed 3 × 1 = 3
11. Frame
a question to get the underlined words as the answer:
Della sold her hair for twenty dollars.
Ans: How much did Della sell her hair for?
12. Change
into passive voice:
Jim
bought a set of combs.
Ans: A set of combs was bought by him.
13.
Combine the following sentences using “not only … but also”:
Pasteur
helped wine-growers.
Pasteur helped cattle owners.
Ans: Pasteur helped not only win-growers but
also cattle owners.
IV. Answer the following questions in one
sentence each. 4 × 1 = 4
14. Why is
the torrent in Workers' Paradise silent?
Ans: The torrent in silent because it does
not waste its energy on useless things.
15. What
did Jim buy for Della?
Ans: Jim bought a set of combs for Della.
16. What
is pasteurization?
Ans: Pasteurization is the process of heating
a food or beverage to a specific temperature for a set period of time to kill
harmful bacteria or germs.
17. What
did the poison tree bear?
Ans: The poison tree bore an apple.
V. Answer the following questions in two or
three sentences each 7 × 2 = 14
18. How
does prevention of soil erosion serve a double purpose?
Ans:Prevention of
soil erosion helps to conserve soil and maintain its fertility. It also
prevents the silting of rivers, lakes and reservoirs and thereby helps to
conserve water.
19. Why is it difficult to judge the morality of a man's
action?
Ans:It is difficult
to judge the morality of a man's action because the same action may appear
right in one situation and wrong in another. The intention and circumstances
behind an action must also be considered.
20. How did the female Sarus crane try to bring her male
partner back to life?
Ans:The female Sarus
crane tried to bring her male partner back to life by calling out to him and
moving around him in great distress. She tried to awaken him and could not
accept that he was dead.
21. What kind of a listener does Lincoln want his son to be?
Ans:Lincoln wants his
son to be a good listener who listens to all people carefully and patiently. He
wants him to listen to both sides and learn from different opinions.
22. What do “standing” and “moving” refer to in the poem Vachana?
Ans:“Standing” refers
to material things that are temporary and do not last forever. “Moving” refers
to spiritual and divine values that continue to exist and are everlasting.
23. What was John Silver's treacherous plan?
Ans:John Silver
planned to betray his companions and take the treasure for himself. He intended
to kill those who stood in the way of his plan and escape with the treasure.
24. Why did Indra go to Karna? What did he ask Karna?
Ans:Indra went to
Karna in the disguise of a Brahmin because he wanted to obtain Karna's
protective armour and earrings. He asked Karna to give them to him as a gift.
VI. Rewrite as directed 3 × 2 = 6
25. Change
the following into reported speech:
Jim
said to Della, “You have cut off your hair.”
Ans: Jim told Della that she had cut off her
hair.
26. Change
the following into the other two degrees of comparison:
The
Nile is one of the most useful rivers in the world.
Ans: Comparative Degree: The Nile is more
useful than most other rivers in the world.
Positive Degree: Very few rivers in the world
are as useful as the Nile.
27.
Combine the following sentences using “no sooner … than”:
The
bell rang. The students entered the hall.
Ans: No sooner did the bell ring than the
students entered the hall.
VII. Answer the following questions in five
or six sentences each 6 × 3 = 18
28. How does C. V. Raman describe the rain-fed tanks?
Ans:C. V. Raman
describes rain-fed tanks as important sources of water in rural India. They
collect and store rainwater during the rainy season. They provide water for
agriculture and help people during dry periods. The tanks also support the
growth of vegetation and maintain the fertility of the soil. Raman considers
them valuable natural resources that should be protected and maintained. He
stresses the importance of conserving water for the welfare of society.
29. How did Pasteur develop the idea of immunity?
Ans:Louis Pasteur
developed the idea of immunity through his experiments with microorganisms and
vaccines. He observed that exposure to a weakened or attenuated form of a
pathogen could protect an organism from future infections by the same pathogen.
For example, Pasteur developed vaccines for diseases like chicken cholera and
rabies by weakening the disease-causing agents and then using them to immunize
animals and humans. This process trained the immune system to recognize and
fight the real pathogen, thus establishing the concept of acquired immunity.
30. Why are the gifts of Della and Jim compared to those of
the Magi?
Ans:Della and Jim
sacrificed their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other. Della
sold her beautiful hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch. Jim sold his watch to
buy beautiful combs for Della's hair. Although their gifts became temporarily
useless, their sacrifices showed their deep love. Like the Magi, who brought
precious gifts with love, Della and Jim gave gifts out of selfless affection.
Therefore, they are described as the true Magi.
31. How does the poet bring out the agony and desperation of
the female Saruscrane?
Ans:The poet presents
the female Sarus crane as deeply shocked and heartbroken after her mate is
killed. She moves around his lifeless body in great agony. She cries out
repeatedly and tries desperately to bring him back to life. She cannot
understand or accept the sudden loss of her companion. Her helpless movements
and sorrowful cries reveal the depth of her grief. Through her suffering, the
poet shows the pain caused by the killing of an innocent creature.
32. “Lochinvar finally won Ellen for himself.” Justify.
Ans:Lochinvar arrives
at Netherby Hall just before Ellen's marriage to another man. He boldly asks
for permission to dance with her and behaves confidently in front of her
family. During the dance, Ellen responds warmly to Lochinvar, showing that she
loves him. At the right moment, Lochinvar takes Ellen away on his horse. He
escapes successfully with her before the bridegroom's men can stop them. Thus,
Lochinvar finally wins Ellen for himself through his courage, confidence and
quick action.
33. How does C. Rajagopalachari justify the killing of
Karna?
Ans:. Rajagopalachari
justifies Karna's killing by showing that Karna had supported Duryodhana
despite knowing that the Kauravas were on the wrong side. Karna had
participated in the humiliation of Draupadi and had fought against the
Pandavas. During the final battle, Karna's chariot wheel became stuck in the
ground. Although he appealed to Arjuna to follow the rules of warfare, Krishna
reminded Arjuna of Karna's earlier actions. Karna had not shown mercy to others
when they were helpless. Therefore, Krishna considered it just for Arjuna to
kill Karna at that moment.
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:
These words are spoken by the girl of the Workers’ Paradise to the idler. The
girl regularly 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 him a pitcher. The question shows the difference
between the hardworking people of the Workers’ Paradise and the idle painter.
35.
“Twenty dollars,” said Madame.
Ans:Lesson: The Gift
of the Magi
Author: O. Henry
Context:
Madame Sofronie says these words to Della when she visits her shop to sell her
beautiful hair. Madame examines Della’s long hair and offers her twenty dollars
for it. Della accepts the money because she wants to buy a Christmas gift for
Jim. The incident marks Della’s selfless sacrifice for her husband.
36. “That
a dollar earned is of far more value than five found.”
Ans:Poem: Abraham
Lincoln’s Letter to His Son’s Teacher
Poet: Abraham Lincoln
Context:
These words occur in the poem/lesson presenting Abraham Lincoln’s advice to his
son. Lincoln wants his son to understand the value of honest work and earning
through one’s own effort. He teaches him that money earned honestly is more
valuable than money obtained without effort. The line emphasizes the importance
of hard work, self-reliance and honesty.
37. “With
her beak she kissed a few feathers.”
Ans:Poem: Sarus Crane
Poet: Manmohan Singh
Context:
These words describe the female Sarus crane after her male partner has been
shot dead. She approaches his lifeless body and expresses her grief through her
movements. She tenderly kisses a few of his feathers with her beak. The action
shows her deep love, sorrow and desperation after losing her mate. The poet
uses the scene to reveal the emotional suffering caused by the killing of the
innocent bird.
38. “There
are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far.”
Ans:Poem: Lochinvar
Poet: Sir Walter Scott
Context:
Lochinvar says these words when Ellen’s father asks whether he has come in
peace, in war, or to attend the wedding. Lochinvar cleverly pretends that he
has lost interest in Ellen and says that there are many more beautiful maidens
in Scotland. In reality, he loves Ellen and has come to take her away from the
unwanted marriage. His statement is part of his clever plan to conceal his real
intention.
IX. Quote from Memory 1 × 4 = 4
39. Quote
from memory:
a) “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
b) “And
it grew both day and night,
........................................
And he knew that it was mine.”
Ans:
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.
X. Answer the following questions in seven or
eight sentences each3 × 4 = 12
40. What
ethical values does Abraham Lincoln want his son to learn in school while
dealing with different kinds of people in society?
Ans:Abraham Lincoln
wants his son to understand that all people are not just and truthful. He
should also learn that for every dishonest person, there is an honest and good
person. Lincoln wants him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough
people. He should listen to everyone but examine what he hears through the
screen of truth. He should have faith in his own ideas and should not blindly
follow the crowd. He must learn to be honest, courageous and self-confident. He
should be kind and courteous but also have the courage to stand alone for what
is right. Thus, Lincoln wants his son to become a truthful, brave and responsible
human being.
41. What
are the various causes of soil erosion? How can it be prevented?
Ans:The main cause of
soil erosion is heavy rainfall that produces a large flow of water over the
land. The slope of the land also increases the speed of the flowing water.
Removal of vegetation leaves the soil exposed to rain and wind. Ruts and
channels on the land allow water to flow rapidly and carry away the soil. Soil
erosion can be prevented by constructing bunds and terraces to check the flow
of water. Contour cultivation and the planting of suitable trees can also
prevent soil erosion. Thus, proper conservation of soil and water is essential
for maintaining the fertility of the land.
OR
Write
on the appropriateness of the title “The Gift of the Magi.”
Ans:The title The Gift of theMagi is appropriate because the story is about
the selfless gifts exchanged by Della and Jim. Della sells her beautiful hair
to buy a chain for Jim's precious watch. Jim sells his watch to buy beautiful
combs for Della's hair. Their gifts become temporarily useless because each has
sacrificed the possession needed to use the other's gift. However, their
sacrifices show their deep love and unselfishness. The Magi were wise men who
brought precious gifts, but Della and Jim give gifts with even greater love and
sacrifice. Therefore, O. Henry appropriately calls them the true Magi.
42. “All
the research which Pasteur did in his laboratories was meant to help his fellow
human beings.” Elucidate.
Ans:Louis Pasteur
devoted his scientific research to the welfare of humanity. He studied diseases
affecting people, animals and useful industries. He helped wine-growers by
finding a way to prevent wine from spoiling. He also worked on diseases
affecting silkworms and cattle. His research led to important discoveries about
germs, fermentation and immunity. He developed vaccines that helped protect
people and animals from deadly diseases. Pasteur did not conduct research
merely for personal fame or wealth. His scientific work was mainly intended to
reduce suffering and improve the lives of his fellow human beings.
OR
Why
does Gandhi say that a moral act should be done without compulsion?
Ans:Gandhi says that
an action cannot be considered truly moral if it is performed because of fear
or compulsion. For example, a person who gets up early only because he fears
losing his job is not performing a moral act. Similarly, simple living is not
necessarily moral if a person lives simply only because he cannot afford
luxury. An employer who treats his workers well only because he fears that they
may leave him is also acting out of self-interest. Such actions may appear good
but lack genuine moral intention. A truly moral act should arise from one's own
conscience and goodwill. Therefore, Gandhi says that morality requires freedom
from fear and compulsion.
XI. Read the
following passage and answer the questions that follow. 4 × 1 = 4
Books are quiet companions. They do not force us to
listen, yet they are ready whenever we seek them. A good book can make a lonely
hour cheerful, can widen our experience and can help us understand people who
live in different places and times. But reading is useful only when we read
with attention. A careless reader remembers words but misses meaning. A
thoughtful reader asks questions, compares ideas and carries something valuable
into life.
43. Answer the following questions:
a) What
are books called in the passage?
Ans:Books are called quiet companions.
b) When
is reading useful?
Ans:Reading is useful when we read with attention.
c) What
does a careless reader miss?
Ans:A careless reader misses meaning.
d) Pick
out the word from the passage which means “happy.”
Ans:Cheerful
XII. Write an
essay on any one of the following 1
× 5 = 5
44.a)
Importance of Water Conservation
Ans:Water is one of
the most important natural resources on earth. All living beings need water for
survival. We use water for drinking, agriculture, cooking, cleaning and
industries. Due to increasing population, pollution and excessive use, water
resources are becoming scarce. Therefore, we must conserve water by avoiding
wastage, repairing leaking taps and using rainwater harvesting methods. Farmers
can also use modern irrigation methods to save water. We should keep rivers,
lakes and ponds clean. Saving water today will help future generations. Hence,
every person should understand the value of water and use it carefully.
44. b)
National Festivals
Ans:National
festivals are important occasions that remind us of the history and values of
our country. India celebrates three major national festivals: Independence Day,
Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August to
remember India's independence. Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January to mark
the adoption of the Constitution of India. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2
October to remember Mahatma Gandhi and his message of truth and non-violence.
Schools and public institutions organise flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural
programmes on these occasions. National festivals create a feeling of unity,
patriotism and responsibility among citizens.
44. c) Uses and Misuses of
Mobile Phones
Ans:Mobile phones
have become an important part of modern life. They help us communicate with
family and friends quickly and provide access to educational information and
useful services. Students can use mobile phones for online classes,
dictionaries, educational videos and learning materials. However, excessive use
can waste time and affect studies, sleep and concentration. Playing games
continuously and using social media without limits can become harmful habits.
Mobile phones may also be misused for spreading false information and
inappropriate content. Therefore, we should use mobile phones responsibly and
mainly for useful purposes. A mobile phone is beneficial when it is used wisely
and within reasonable limits.
XIII. Write a
letter using the information given below 1
× 5 = 5
45. Imagine that you are Preetham / Preethi, Government High
School, Mysuru. Write a letter to your friend describing how you prepared for
the Midterm Examination.
Ans:
Preetham/ Preethi,
Government High
School
Mysuru
19 September 2026
Dear
Ananya,
I
hope you are fine. I am writing this letter to tell you how I prepared for my
Midterm Examination. I prepared a simple study timetable and followed it
regularly. I revised all the lessons and practiced important questions every
day. I also solved previous question papers to improve my writing speed and
time management. Whenever I found a difficult topic, I asked my teachers for
clarification. I took short breaks and got enough sleep so that I could
concentrate better. I am confident that my preparation will help me perform
well in the examination.
Convey
my regards to your parents.
Yours
lovingly,
Sd/-
Preethi
OR
Write a
letter to the Headmaster of your school requesting three days' leave as you are unwell.
Ans:
Preetham
/ Preethi
Class X
Government High School
Mysuru
19
September 2026
To
The Headmaster
Government High School
Mysuru
Subject:
Request for three days' leave
Respected
Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class X in your school. I
am unwell and the doctor has advised me to take rest for three days. Therefore,
I request you to kindly grant me leave for three days from 19 September to 21
September 2026. I will attend school regularly after I recover and complete all
the lessons and classwork that I miss during my absence.
Thank
you.
Yours
obediently,
Sd/-
Preetham / Preethi
Class X
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