Kerala SSLC Model Question Paper 2026 English

Kerala Board

Sample
Papers

Set A
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT III 2025-26
(MODEL QUESTION PAPER)
ENGLISH
Time: 2½ hrs
STD: X Maximum Score: 80

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Instructions:

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1. The cool-off time of the first 15 minutes is to be used for reading the question paper.
2. You are not supposed to write anything during the cool off time.

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3. Attempt the questions according to the instructions.

Questions 1-5: Read the excerpt from Trills and Thrills: Birdwatching in India and

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answer the questions that follow. (5×1=5)
We reached Parambikulam just as it was getting dark. In the verandah of the forest

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bungalow, I found a large group of Kadar adivasis, and in their midst, a bare-footed
‘topless’ European male in crumpled khaki shorts.

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We soon introduced ourselves. He was an Austrian anthropologist, Baron Omar Rolf.
He claimed ornithology to be his second love and expressed great keenness on
accompanying me the next morning. Led by a forest guard, we were stalking along a
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narrow animal trail through dense tall grassland above five feet high – the right kind of
habitat for the Broad-tailed Grass Warbler.
tC

Upon turning a bend in the path, the forest guard suddenly ducked, excitedly pointing
in front. I just glimpsed the head of a tusker striding down the same path from the
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opposite direction, and turned to flee as fast as I could, motioning to Omar, who was
ten yards behind me, to do likewise.
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1. Who did Dr. Salim Ali meet in the forest bungalow?
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2. What did the narrator do when he saw the tusker?
3. What does the narrator’s and Omar’s reaction to the tusker suggest about the wild?
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A. The beauty of untouched wild
B. The unpredictability and danger of the wild
C. The need for exploration in the wild
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D. The bond between humans and animals in the wild
4. What does the description “a bare-footed ‘topless’ European male in crumpled
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khaki shorts” reveal about Baron Omar Rolf?
5. What does the word ‘anthropologist’ mean in this passage?
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A. A person who studies plants and trees
B. A person who studies human societies and cultures
C. A person who protects wildlife
D. A photographer who travels to different countries

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Questions 6-9: Read the lines from the dramatic speech Friends, Romans,
Countrymen... and answer the questions that follow. (4×1=4)
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man.

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He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?

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When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept:

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Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;

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And Brutus is an honourable man.

6. What claim does Brutus make about Caesar in the extract?

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7. Which of the following best describes Mark Antony’s tone in the line “And Brutus
is an honourable man”?

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A. Genuine praise
B. Bitter sarcasm
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C. Indifference
D. Fearful obedience
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8. Which of the following arguments are used by Antony to question the claim that
Caesar was ambitious?
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A. Caesar brought captives home to Rome.
B. Caesar rejected the crown offered by the Senate.
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C. Caesar wept when the poor cried.
D. Caesar filled the public treasury with ransom money.
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Choose the correct option from the following:
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i) A, B, C, and D
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ii) A, C, and D
iii) A and D only
iv) B, C, and D
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9. Identify the literary device used in the repeated line “And Brutus is an honourable
man.”
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10. [A] Read the lines given below from the poem The Mirror and prepare an
appreciation focusing on its theme and poetic techniques. (1×5=5)
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Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.
I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.

2

She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands.
I am important to her. She comes and goes.
Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.
In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman
Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.

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OR
10. [B] Given below are the lines from the songs Another Day in Paradise by Phil

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Collins and Heal the World by Michael Jackson. Read the lines and write a
paragraph comparing the themes of both the songs.

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Another day in Paradise Heal the World

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You can tell from the lines on her face Heal the world
You can see that she's been there Make it a better place

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Probably been moved on from every place For you and for me
'Cos she didn't fit in there And the entire human race
Oh think twice, cause it's another day for There are people dying

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You and me in paradise If you care enough for the living
Make a better place
For you and for me
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tC

Questions 11-14: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
follow. (4×1=4)
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Robotics is the branch of science and technology that deals with the design,
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construction, and operation of robots. A robot is a machine that can perform tasks
automatically, often with the help of computer programming. Robots are designed to
make human life easier, safer, and more efficient.
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The field of robotics combines knowledge from mechanics, electronics, computer
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science, and artificial intelligence. Some robots are controlled by humans and they act
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according to the instructions given, while others are autonomous, meaning they can
make decisions on their own using sensors and software. Robots are utilised in various
aspects of our daily lives. In factories, industrial robots assemble cars and electronic
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devices with great precision. In medicine, robotic arms assist doctors in performing
delicate surgeries. Robots are also used in space exploration, underwater research, and
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disaster management.
In recent years, humanoid robots, machines that resemble and behave like humans, have
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gained popularity. Educational robots are used to teach programming and problem-
solving skills to students. Robotics continues to grow rapidly, shaping the future of work
and learning. As technology advances, robots will become even more intelligent and
helpful.

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11. What are the main fields combined in robotics?
12. How do humanoid robots differ from human-controlled robots?
13. Which of the following statements best describes a robot?
a) A non-living creature that imitates humans

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b) A machine that can perform tasks automatically
c) A computer program that plays games
d) A tool used only in factories

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14. Which of the following statements about robots are NOT TRUE?

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A. All robots are controlled entirely by humans
B. Robots are used in industries, medicine, and space exploration

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C. Humanoid robots are designed to look and act like humans
D. Educational robots help students learn programming skills

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Choose the correct option from the following:
i. Only A

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ii. Both A and D
iii. Both A and C
iv. A, C and D
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Questions 15-18: Answer either A or B.
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15. [A] The story The Old Man with Enormous Wings portrays how people often
respond to the miraculous with curiosity, greed, and cruelty instead of
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compassion or understanding. Prepare a write-up on the topic ‘The Old Man’s
Wings: Burden or Blessing?’, using evidence from the story to discuss human
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reactions such as fear, exploitation, mockery, and the mystery surrounding the
angel’s presence. (1×7=7)
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(Hints:- confusion and fear – villagers’ curiosity and greed – Pelayo and
Elisenda’s exploitation – mockery and imprisonment – mystery of the old man
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– reflection on human nature – suspicion and selfishness – lack of compassion
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– human reaction to the miraculous – the angel’s eventual freedom)
OR
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15. [B] In the story A Piece of String by Guy de Maupassant, the writer presents how
suspicion and public opinion can distort truth and destroy an individual’s
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peace. Based on your reading of the story, prepare a short review focusing on
its themes, characterisation, and moral lesson.
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(Hints:- Hauchecorne – honest but humiliated – Malandain – suspicious and
vengeful – villagers – quick to judge – false accusation and injustice – cruelty
of public opinion – misunderstanding and ruin – irony of village life)

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16. [A] Prepare a character sketch of the grieving mother (the lady) in Luigi
Pirandello’s short story War. Describe her appearance, emotions, and
behaviour throughout the journey. Explain how her final question to the
traveller reveals the depth of her sorrow and the true theme of the story.
(1×6=6)
OR

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16. [B] Władysław Szpilman, the Holocaust survivor and renowned pianist writes a
heartfelt letter to a close friend, describing how music sustained his spirit and

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resilience during the darkest moments of World War II. Prepare the likely

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letter.
17. [A] Srikanth faced severe societal and institutional barriers that prevented him

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from pursuing science despite his outstanding performance in the board
examinations. The issue was widely covered by major newspapers. Prepare a
news report highlighting the legal hurdles and challenges he overcame before

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finally securing admission to study science. (1×6=6)
OR

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17. [B] Heavy rains caused widespread devastation in Uttarakhand, leading to
significant flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure. Prepare a news
report detailing the impact of the floods, the affected areas, and the ongoing
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rescue and relief efforts.
(Hints:- Uttarakhand - heavy monsoon rains –cloudbursts and flash floods –
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widespread destruction – homes and cars swept away – severe property
damage – rivers overflowed – hundreds stranded – dozens killed– roads and
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bridges damaged – IMD issues red alert – NDRF, SDRF, and fire brigade
deployed – landslides caused fatalities – government announces relief
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packages – rescue continues amid challenges)
18. [A] Your school's film club is producing a short film highlighting the dangers and
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impacts of rising drug and substance abuse among youth. Prepare two catchy,
rhythmic sentences that could serve as promotional tag lines for the film.
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(1×4=4)
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OR
18. [B] Write a paragraph on the theme of prejudice and discrimination in Préférence
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Nationale. Explain how the author uses personal encounters to highlight
issues of racism, inequality, and human dignity.
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Questions 19-21: Answer all the questions.
19. Using the clues given below, write a biographical sketch of Gabriel García
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Márquez.
Early Life:
• Born on March 6, 1927, in Aracataca, Colombia
• Studied law at the National University of Colombia but chose journalism

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Major Events:
• Worked as a journalist and short story writer
• Published One Hundred Years of Solitude in 1967 — brought worldwide fame
• Active in political and social issues of Latin America
Accomplishments:

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• Pioneer of magical realism
• Wrote celebrated novels: Love in the Time of Cholera, Chronicle of a Death

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Foretold

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• Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982

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Interesting Facts:
• Known affectionately as “Gabo”

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• His writings were inspired by his grandmother’s storytelling
• Died on 17 April, 2014, in Mexico City

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20. With the support of the Young Innovators Programme, you have developed an
innovative device named ‘EcoClean Extractor’ to remove plastic waste from the
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environment. You are planning a grand launch of the product and have invited
Srikanth Bolla as a special guest. Prepare an event invitation requesting nearby
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educational institutions to attend the ceremony. Include details such as the date,
time, venue, and a brief note about the innovation. (1×4=4)
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21. Read the passage given below and frame four appropriate wh-questions based on
it. (1×4=4)
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And he felt it his duty to explain to his travelling companions that the poor woman
was to be pitied. The war was taking away from her their only son, a boy of twenty.
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Both of them had devoted their entire life to him. They had even broken up their
home at Sulmona to follow him to Rome, where he had to go as a student. They
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allowed him to volunteer for war with an assurance that for at least six months he
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would not be sent to the war front. And now, all of a sudden, they received a wire
from him saying that he was due to leave in three days’ time. They were now going
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to see him off.
Questions 22-26: Find below the blurbs of three world best sellers, read them
carefully and answer the questions that follow. (5×1=5)
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1. The Alchemist
Some books are meant to be read, loved, and passed on. The Alchemist by Paulo
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Coelho is one of those books. It tells the story of a shepherd boy from the Spanish
region of Andalusia who journeys to the exotic markets of North Africa and then
into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him.

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2. A Brief History of Time
Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe
infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions explored
in an internationally acclaimed masterpiece by Stephen Hawking.

3. The God of Small Things

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“Some lives are shaped by the smallest things.”
Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things tells the unforgettable story of
fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha, growing up in the town of Ayemenem in Kerala.

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Their lives are forever altered by family secrets, forbidden love, and the strict
social rules of caste and tradition.

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22. Which literary piece tells the story of a shepherd boy?

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23. Who wrote the book that explores questions about time, the universe, and its
boundaries?

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a) Arundhati Roy
b) Paulo Coelho
c) Stephen Hawking

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d) Albert Einstein
24. Why are Rahel and Estha’s lives forever changed in The God of Small Things?
25. Where does the protagonist in The Alchemist travel to?
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26. Which author’s work emphasizes that “some lives are shaped by the smallest
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things”?
a) Stephen Hawking
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b) Paulo Coelho
c) Albert Einstein
d) Arundhati Roy
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27. Edit the passage. Errors are underlined. (6×½=3)
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Parentel (a) love is not like bread that can be break (b) in pieces and split amongst
the children in equal shares. A father give (c) all his love to each one of their (d)
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children without discrimination, weather (e) it be one or ten. If I am suffering now
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for my two sons, I am not suffering half for each of they (f) but double...
28. Complete the paragraph using appropriate forms of the phrasal verbs given in
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bracket. (5×1=5)
Hauchecome .............(a)................ to the tavern one day, determined to clear his
name. He was ..............(b)................... when a group of villagers still doubted him.
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They ............(c)............... mocking and laughing at his attempts to prove his
innocence. He could not ..............(d).............. their cruel remarks and humiliation.
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But he refused to ............(e)............ proving his honesty, no matter how hopeless
it seemed.
(go on, give up, taken aback, put up with, set out)

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29. Complete the following passage choosing the right words from the bracket.
(6×½=3)
Led ........(a)......... a forest guard, we were stalking .......(b)........ a narrow animal
trail ..........(c)............ dense tall grassland ..........(d)........... five feet high – the right
kind .......(e)........habitat ........(f)......... the Broad-tailed Grass Warbler.

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(of, along, above, by, for, through, on)
30. Complete the conversation between Bablu and his wife Gowri. (5×1=5)

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Bablu : Gowri, guess what! I have got something special for you today.

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Gowri : Really? .......................................(a).............................................?
Bablu : It’s a pack of sanitary napkins.

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Gowri : Sanitary napkins? But, I have heard they are very expensive,
.......... (b)............?

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Bablu : Yes, forty rupees a pack. You had better ..................(c).....................
Gowri : I know they are healthier than rags. But, if Shalu and I start buying
these every month, ................... (d).................................

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Bablu : That’s true, we may not have money to buy household goods.
Would you mind ..................................(e)...................................?
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Gowri : No. That impossible! I cannot support you in making sanitary napkins
at home.
tC

31. Report the following dialogue. (2×1=2)
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Szpilman : Please don’t shoot! I’m Polish!
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Polish lieutenant : What are you doing in the German coat?
a. ...............................................................................................................
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b. ..............................................................................................................
32. Complete the passage choosing appropriate homonyms from the brackets.
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(4×½=2)
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(watch, ring, fair)

Ravi woke up early one morning to get ready for the village ............ (a) ........... He
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looked at his ............ (b)............. to check the time. It was seven o’clock. He had
to ............(c)............. out for traffic and cycle as fast as he could to purchase the
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tickets. He was happy to know that the cost of the tickets was ...........(d)............,
so he could enjoy all the rides and games.
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-----------------------------------------

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(Set A)
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT III 2025-26
Std X
English
ANSWER KEY

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Item/Qn No Score Answer/Value Points Further Information
1 1 He met an Austrian anthropologist named Baron

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Omar Rolf.
2 1 He turned to flee as fast as he could, motioning

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to Omar to do the same.

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3 1 B. The unpredictability and danger of the wild

4 1 It suggests that he was unconventional,

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adventurous, and carefree. He was comfortable
in the wild and unconcerned about appearances.

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5 1 B. A person who studies human societies and
cultures ell
6 1 Brutus claims that Caesar was ambitious.
7 1 B. Sarcasm
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8 1 ii) A, C, and D
9 1 Irony
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10[A] 5 Appreciation
Introduces the author and the theme of the
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1
poem
Paraphrase of the poem and interpretation of 2
the theme
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Explanation of the poetic devices 2
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10{B} 5 Paragraph
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Begins with a striking idea. 1
Ideas are presented using specific and clear
language. 1
1
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Ideas are organised in a suitable form.
Uses variety of sentences. 1
Uses language that shows the writer's command 1
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over the topic.

11 1 Mechanics, electronics, computer science, and
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artificial intelligence.
12 1 Humanoid robots resemble and behave like
humans, while human-controlled robots act only
according to human instructions.

13 1 b) A machine that can perform tasks
automatically
14 1 ii. Both A and D
15[A] 7 Write-up
Begins with a striking idea. 1

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Presents ideas using specific and clear language. 2
Organises ideas in a sequential manner. 1
Uses a variety of sentences. 2

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Gives an appropriate conclusion. 1
15[B] 7 Review

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1
Identifies the theme.
1
Interprets different shades of meaning in the
1

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text.
1
Analyses the character well.
Identifies images, symbols, catchy expressions
1

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etc.
Writes personal observations and views.
1
Organises ideas.

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Uses well-formed sentences and appropriate
1
language.
16[A] 6 Character Sketch
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Describes the character's personality. 1
Describes the character's physique/appearance.
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Uses a variety of words and expressions. 1
Includes examples of how the character is 1
developed throughout the story. 2
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Sequences the ideas well. 1
16[B] 6 Letter
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Maintains the format of a letter. 1
Uses language suitable for a letter. 2
Conveys the main idea or purpose/message 2
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Uses proper salutation and complimentary 1
close
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17[A] 6 News Article
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1
Headline: Informative and engaging
Lead Paragraph: Provides a strong opening with 2
key facts.
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Organisation: Ideas are logically structured with 1
clear paragraphs
Content: Includes relevant data from the hints 1
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given
Language Used: Clear, formal, and objective. 1
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17[B] 6 News Report
Headline: Short and catchy. 1
Lead paragraph: Factual details like time, 2
place, major events included.
1

Organisation: Main points are clearly stated
and explained. 1
Content: Evidences are clearly and logically
presented. 1
Language used: Suitable for reporting.
18[A] 4 Promotional Tag Lines

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Language – Rhythmic and catchy 2
Idea conveyed – Relevant to the context 2

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Paragraph
18[B] 4 Ideas are presented using specific and clear 2

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language.
Ideas are organised in a suitable form. 1
Uses variety of sentences. 1

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19 6 Biographical Sketch 1
Gives an appropriate title.
Writes an effective introduction and 1

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conclusion. 1
Organises important details. 1
Uses appropriate descriptive vocabulary. 1

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Uses proper linkers for connecting the ideas.
Uses precise and concise language. 1
20 4 Event Invitation
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Gives details about the programme. 1
Uses proper salutation. Mentions the date, time 1
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and venue of the programme.
Uses appropriate layout and format. 1
Uses clear and brief language. 1
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21 4 Question Framing
Four appropriate questions 4
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22 1 The Alchemist
23 1 c) Stephen Hawking
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24 1 Their lives are forever altered by family
secrets, forbidden love, and strict social rules of
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caste and tradition.
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25 1 He travels from Andalusia in Spain to the
exotic markets of North Africa and then into
the Egyptian desert.
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26 1 d) Arundhati Roy
27 3 a) Parental 1/2
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b) broken 1/2
c) gives 1/2
d) his 1/2
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e) whether 1/2
f) them 1/2
28 5 a) set out 1
b) taken aback 1
c) went on 1

d) put up with 1
e) give up 1
29 3 a) at 1/2
b) towards 1/2
c) over 1/2
d) the 1/2

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e) in 1/2
f) a 1/2

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30 5 a) What is it? 1
b) aren’t they? 1

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c) use them as they are healthier than rags. 1
d) we will not have enough money to buy 1
household goods. 1

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e) supporting me in making sanitary napkins at
home?
31 2 a) Szpilman requested the Polish lieutenant not 1

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to shoot.
b) Polish lieutenant asked him what he was
doing in the German coat. 1

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32 2 a) fair 1/2
b) watch 1/2
c) watch 1/2
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d) fair 1/2
tC
en
sm
s es
As
ate
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©

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