BSEB Class 10 English 2026 Model Previous Year Question Paper

BSEB Class 10th Board Exam 2026

English (Compulsory) — Complete Solved Model / Expected Paper

Official Pattern • 100 Objectives + All Subjective Q&A

1. Who wrote the essay 'The Pace for Living'?

(A) Toni Morrison

(B) R.C. Hutchinson

(D) Humayun Kabir

Correct Answer: (B) R.C. Hutchinson
Explanation: The British novelist R.C. Hutchinson wrote 'The Pace for Living'.

2. The elderly corn-merchant in 'The Pace for Living' lived in:

(A) A small Irish country town

(B) London

(D) Edinburgh

Correct Answer: (A) A small Irish country town
Explanation: The corn-merchant was from a small Irish country town.

3. In 'The Pace for Living', who was taking financial advantage of the corn-merchant?

(A) His nephew

(B) His son

(D) His brother

Correct Answer: (A) His nephew
Explanation: His nephew was regularly cheating him out of money.

4. The author in 'The Pace for Living' admits that he belongs to the category of:

(A) Fast thinkers

(B) Slow thinkers

(D) Modern thinkers

Correct Answer: (B) Slow thinkers
Explanation: Hutchinson identifies himself with the tribe of slow thinkers.

5. 'Me and the Ecology Bit' was written by:

(A) John Lexau

(B) Toni Morrison

(D) Leo Tolstoy

Correct Answer: (A) John Lexau
Explanation: John Lexau is the author of 'Me and the Ecology Bit'.

6. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Jim urges Mr. Williams to make:

(A) A bonfire

(B) A compost pile of leaves

(D) A garden pond

Correct Answer: (B) A compost pile of leaves
Explanation: Jim told Mr. Williams to compost leaves instead of burning them.

7. In 'Me and the Ecology Bit', Mr. Johnson was driving his car to:

(A) The post office

(B) The cinema

(D) The train station

Correct Answer: (A) The post office
Explanation: Mr. Johnson was driving to the post office two blocks away.

8. What animal was Gillu in Mahadevi Varma’s story?

(A) A squirrel

(B) A mongoose

(D) A sparrow

Correct Answer: (A) A squirrel
Explanation: Gillu was a tiny baby squirrel rescued by the author.

9. Who attacked Gillu before he was rescued?

(A) Two crows

(B) A stray cat

(D) A dog

Correct Answer: (A) Two crows
Explanation: A pair of crows poked their beaks at the wounded squirrel.

10. What was Gillu’s favorite delicacy?

(A) Kaju (Cashew nuts)

(B) Bread crumbs

(D) Apples

Correct Answer: (A) Kaju (Cashew nuts)
Explanation: Kaju was Gillu’s favorite food item.

11. Gillu was buried under the roots of the:

(A) Sonjuhi creeper

(B) Rose plant

(D) Mango tree

Correct Answer: (A) Sonjuhi creeper
Explanation: Gillu was buried under the Sonjuhi plant he loved.

12. 'What is Wrong with Indian Films' was written by:

(A) Satyajit Ray

(B) Premchand

(D) Rabindranath Tagore

Correct Answer: (A) Satyajit Ray
Explanation: World-renowned director Satyajit Ray wrote the essay.

13. In Ray’s view, the primary raw material of cinema is:

(A) Real life itself

(B) Modern cameras

(D) Expensive costumes

Correct Answer: (A) Real life itself
Explanation: Ray insisted that authentic cinema must draw from everyday life.

14. Aung San Suu Kyi led the democratic movement in:

(A) Burma (Myanmar)

(B) Thailand

(D) Tibet

Correct Answer: (A) Burma (Myanmar)
Explanation: She was the leader of the democratic movement in Burma.

15. Aung San Suu Kyi received the Nobel Peace Prize in:

(A) 1991

(B) 1989

(D) 2000

Correct Answer: (A) 1991
Explanation: The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to her in 1991.

16. The Nobel acceptance speech for Aung San Suu Kyi was delivered by:

(A) Her son, Alexander Aris

(B) Her husband

(D) Her daughter

Correct Answer: (A) Her son, Alexander Aris
Explanation: Alexander delivered the speech as Suu Kyi was under house arrest.

17. Toni Morrison won the Nobel Prize in Literature in:

(A) 1993

(B) 1990

(D) 2002

Correct Answer: (A) 1993
Explanation: Toni Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.

18. In 'Once Upon a Time', the old woman was:

(A) Blind and wise

(B) Deaf and arrogant

(D) Cruel and wealthy

Correct Answer: (A) Blind and wise
Explanation: She was an old African-American woman known for wisdom.

19. In Morrison’s speech, the bird represents:

(A) Language

(B) Money

(D) Nature

Correct Answer: (A) Language
Explanation: Morrison uses the bird to symbolize the fragile nature of living language.

20. Humayun Kabir delivered his address on Indian culture at:

(A) Baroda University

(B) Patna University

(D) Calcutta University

Correct Answer: (A) Baroda University
Explanation: Humayun Kabir spoke to students at Baroda University.

21. Humayun Kabir highlights the core strength of Indian culture as its:

(A) Underlying unity and continuity

(B) Strict military discipline

(D) Rigid traditions

Correct Answer: (A) Underlying unity and continuity
Explanation: Kabir notes the capacity of Indian civilization to unite diverse elements.

22. 'Little Girls Wiser Than Men' was written by:

(A) Leo Tolstoy

(B) Anton Chekhov

(D) Guy de Maupassant

Correct Answer: (A) Leo Tolstoy
Explanation: Russian writer Leo Tolstoy penned this moral fable.

23. In Tolstoy's story, the two girls were celebrating:

(A) Easter

(B) Christmas

(D) Thanksgiving

Correct Answer: (A) Easter
Explanation: The girls wore new frocks for Easter.

24. Who splashed muddy water on Akoulya's new dress?

(A) Malasha

(B) Her brother

(D) An old man

Correct Answer: (A) Malasha
Explanation: Malasha stamped in the puddle, splashing Akoulya's dress.

25. Who composed the poem 'God Made the Country'?

(A) William Cowper

(B) Alexander Pope

(D) John Keats

Correct Answer: (A) William Cowper
Explanation: William Cowper composed 'God Made the Country'.

26. In Cowper's poem, health and virtue are least threatened in:

(A) Fields and groves (villages)

(B) Crowded cities

(D) Industrial towns

Correct Answer: (A) Fields and groves (villages)
Explanation: The countryside fosters health and virtue far better than towns.

27. 'Ode on Solitude' was composed by:

(A) Alexander Pope

(B) William Cowper

(D) John Dryden

Correct Answer: (A) Alexander Pope
Explanation: Alexander Pope composed 'Ode on Solitude' in his youth.

28. A happy man in Pope’s poem is satisfied with:

(A) A few paternal acres of land

(B) Wealth and overseas titles

(D) High political rank

Correct Answer: (A) A few paternal acres of land
Explanation: The poem begins: "Happy the man, whose wish and care / A few paternal acres bound."

29. 'Polythene Bag' was composed by:

(A) Durga Prasad Panda

(B) Vidyapati

(D) Walter de la Mare

Correct Answer: (A) Durga Prasad Panda
Explanation: Durga Prasad Panda wrote 'Polythene Bag'.

30. When burnt, a polythene bag exudes a:

(A) Pungent smell

(B) Sweet aroma

(D) Pleasant perfume

Correct Answer: (A) Pungent smell
Explanation: "When burnt it exudes a pungent smell."

31. 'Thinner Than a Crescent' was written by:

(A) Vidyapati

(B) Surdas

(D) Mirabai

Correct Answer: (A) Vidyapati
Explanation: Maithili poet Vidyapati wrote 'Thinner Than a Crescent'.

32. In 'Thinner Than a Crescent', Radha is grieving over separation from:

(A) Lord Krishna

(B) Lord Rama

(D) Her village friend

Correct Answer: (A) Lord Krishna
Explanation: Radha weeps from longing for Krishna.

33. 'The Empty Heart' was authored by:

(A) Periasamy Thooran

(B) Subramania Bharati

(D) Sarojini Naidu

Correct Answer: (A) Periasamy Thooran
Explanation: Tamil poet Periasamy Thooran composed 'The Empty Heart'.

34. How many pitchers of gold were given to the greedy man by Kalpataru?

(A) Seven

(B) Five

(D) Ten

Correct Answer: (A) Seven
Explanation: The wish-granting tree presented seven pitchers of gold.

35. What was the state of the eighth pitcher given to the rich man?

(A) Half-full

(B) Empty

(D) Broken

Correct Answer: (A) Half-full
Explanation: The eighth pitcher was half-full, obsessing the man until his death.

36. The poem 'Koel' was composed by:

(A) Puran Singh

(B) Toru Dutt

(D) William Cowper

Correct Answer: (A) Puran Singh
Explanation: Puran Singh wrote 'Koel', celebrating the cuckoo's longing song.

37. Where does the Koel hide while singing?

(A) In the mango leaves

(B) Near the well

(D) In the wheat fields

Correct Answer: (A) In the mango leaves
Explanation: The Koel hides within thick mango leaves.

38. 'The Sleeping Porter' was written by:

(A) Laxmi Prasad Devkota

(B) Walter de la Mare

(D) Vidyapati

Correct Answer: (A) Laxmi Prasad Devkota
Explanation: Nepalese poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota wrote 'The Sleeping Porter'.

39. The load carried by the sleeping porter weighed:

(A) 54 lb

(B) 40 lb

(D) 70 lb

Correct Answer: (A) 54 lb
Explanation: The poem states: "A 54 lb load on his back, his bones flesh-less."

40. In 'The Sleeping Porter', the porter’s head is covered by:

(A) A dirty sweat-stained cap

(B) A woolen turban

(D) A straw hat

Correct Answer: (A) A dirty sweat-stained cap
Explanation: He wears a dirty, sweat-stained cap while climbing.

41. 'Martha' was written by:

(A) Walter de la Mare

(B) John Masefield

(D) Robert Frost

Correct Answer: (A) Walter de la Mare
Explanation: Walter de la Mare wrote 'Martha'.

42. Martha narrated her stories in the:

(A) Hazel glen

(B) City garden

(D) Churchyard

Correct Answer: (A) Hazel glen
Explanation: Martha gathered children in the hazel glen to narrate tales.

43. Munshi Premchand wrote the classic story:

(A) January Night

(B) The Bet

(D) Two Horizons

Correct Answer: (A) January Night
Explanation: Munshi Premchand wrote 'January Night' ('Poos Ki Raat').

44. In 'January Night', who was Jabra?

(A) Halku’s dog

(B) Halku’s brother

(D) The village headman

Correct Answer: (A) Halku’s dog
Explanation: Jabra was Halku's dog, who accompanied him to the field.

45. How much money had Halku saved to buy a blanket?

(A) Three rupees

(B) Five rupees

(D) Two rupees

Correct Answer: (A) Three rupees
Explanation: Halku had saved three rupees to purchase a winter blanket.

46. The money Halku saved for a blanket was demanded by:

(A) Sahna, the landlord

(B) A blanket merchant

(D) The village doctor

Correct Answer: (A) Sahna, the landlord
Explanation: Sahna demanded payment for unpaid rent arrears.

47. 'Allergy' was written by:

(A) Dr. Rana S.P. Singh

(B) Premchand

(D) John Galsworthy

Correct Answer: (A) Dr. Rana S.P. Singh
Explanation: Dr. Rana S.P. Singh authored the essay 'Allergy'.

48. Allergens in the human body trigger excessive levels of:

(A) IgE antibodies

(B) Hemoglobin

(D) Insulin

Correct Answer: (A) IgE antibodies
Explanation: Allergens provoke an overproduction of IgE antibodies.

49. Anton Chekhov was a prominent writer from:

(A) Russia

(B) France

(D) England

Correct Answer: (A) Russia
Explanation: Anton Chekhov was a renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer.

50. In 'The Bet', the confinement period was agreed for:

(A) 15 years

(B) 10 years

(D) 20 years

Correct Answer: (A) 15 years
Explanation: The bet stipulated fifteen years of solitary confinement.

51. The amount staked in 'The Bet' was:

(A) Two millions

(B) One million

(D) Five hundred thousand

Correct Answer: (A) Two millions
Explanation: The banker staked two million rubles on the bet.

52. 'Quality' was authored by:

(A) John Galsworthy

(B) Katherine Mansfield

(D) Binapani Mohanty

Correct Answer: (A) John Galsworthy
Explanation: John Galsworthy wrote the short story 'Quality'.

53. The Gessler Brothers made high quality:

(A) Leather boots

(B) Wooden furniture

(D) Woolen coats

Correct Answer: (A) Leather boots
Explanation: The Gessler brothers crafted durable handmade boots.

54. Katherine Mansfield wrote the short story:

(A) Sun and Moon

(B) Two Horizons

(D) Quality

Correct Answer: (A) Sun and Moon
Explanation: Katherine Mansfield composed 'Sun and Moon'.

55. 'Two Horizons' was written by:

(A) Binapani Mohanty

(B) Mahadevi Varma

(D) Giridhar Jha

Correct Answer: (A) Binapani Mohanty
Explanation: Odia writer Binapani Mohanty authored 'Two Horizons'.

56. 'Two Horizons' is presented in the format of:

(A) Letters between a mother and daughter

(B) A courtroom trial

(D) A diary

Correct Answer: (A) Letters between a mother and daughter
Explanation: The story unfolds through letters between mother and daughter.

57. The author of 'Love Defiled' is:

(A) Giridhar Jha

(B) Premchand

(D) Anton Chekhov

Correct Answer: (A) Giridhar Jha
Explanation: Giridhar Jha wrote 'Love Defiled'.

58. The lawyer in 'The Bet' renounced the prize money by leaving his room:

(A) Five minutes before the time expired

(B) One year earlier

(D) Two days later

Correct Answer: (A) Five minutes before the time expired
Explanation: He intentionally walked out five minutes early to forfeit the millions.

59. Mr. Gessler died as a result of:

(A) Slow starvation

(B) A heart attack

(D) High fever

Correct Answer: (A) Slow starvation
Explanation: Gessler spent all his money on leather, dying of slow starvation.

60. Who ate and destroyed Halku's entire crop in 'January Night'?

(A) Nilgais (blue bulls)

(B) Wild pigs

(D) Locusts

Correct Answer: (A) Nilgais (blue bulls)
Explanation: A herd of nilgais ate and trampled Halku's field during the night.

61. Choose the correct passive voice: "He delivers the mail."

(A) The mail is delivered by him.

(B) The mail was delivered by him.

(D) The mail is being delivered by him.

Correct Answer: (A) The mail is delivered by him.
Explanation: Simple present active converts to 'is + V3' (is delivered).

62. Choose the correct passive voice: "The girl drew a lovely portrait."

(A) A lovely portrait was drawn by the girl.

(B) A lovely portrait is drawn by the girl.

(D) A lovely portrait drew by the girl.

Correct Answer: (A) A lovely portrait was drawn by the girl.
Explanation: Simple past active 'drew' converts to 'was + V3' (was drawn).

63. Choose the correct passive voice: "They are painting the school hall."

(A) The school hall is being painted by them.

(B) The school hall was painted by them.

(D) The school hall has been painted by them.

Correct Answer: (A) The school hall is being painted by them.
Explanation: Present continuous active changes to 'is/are + being + V3'.

64. Choose the correct passive voice: "Clean the blackboard."

(A) Let the blackboard be cleaned.

(B) The blackboard is cleaned.

(D) Let clean the blackboard.

Correct Answer: (A) Let the blackboard be cleaned.
Explanation: Imperatives use 'Let + object + be + past participle'.

65. Choose the correct active voice: "The glass was broken by Rohan."

(A) Rohan broke the glass.

(B) Rohan breaks the glass.

(D) Rohan was breaking the glass.

Correct Answer: (A) Rohan broke the glass.
Explanation: 'Was broken' converts back to simple past 'broke'.

66. Choose the correct passive voice: "Who wrote this essay?"

(A) By whom was this essay written?

(B) By whom is this essay written?

(D) By who was this essay wrote?

Correct Answer: (A) By whom was this essay written?
Explanation: 'Who' becomes 'By whom', followed by aux + subject + past participle.

67. Choose the correct passive voice: "She has completed the project."

(A) The project has been completed by her.

(B) The project was completed by her.

(D) The project had completed by her.

Correct Answer: (A) The project has been completed by her.
Explanation: Present perfect passive uses 'has/have + been + V3'.

68. Choose the correct active voice: "The match was won by India."

(A) India won the match.

(B) India wins the match.

(D) India had won the match.

Correct Answer: (A) India won the match.
Explanation: 'Was won' converts back to simple past 'won'.

69. Choose the correct indirect speech: He said, "I am doing my best."

(A) He said that he was doing his best.

(B) He said that he is doing his best.

(D) He said he has been doing his best.

Correct Answer: (A) He said that he was doing his best.
Explanation: Present continuous shifts to past continuous with a past reporting verb.

70. Choose the correct indirect speech: The teacher said, "Light travels in a straight line."

(A) The teacher said that light travels in a straight line.

(B) The teacher said that light traveled in a straight line.

(D) The teacher says light travels straight.

Correct Answer: (A) The teacher said that light travels in a straight line.
Explanation: Scientific truths retain simple present tense in indirect speech.

71. Choose the correct indirect speech: He said to me, "Where is your book?"

(A) He asked me where my book was.

(B) He asked me where was my book.

(D) He asked where is your book.

Correct Answer: (A) He asked me where my book was.
Explanation: Wh-questions change to assertive word order: question word + subject + verb.

72. Choose the correct indirect speech: Mother said to me, "Take care of your health."

(A) Mother advised me to take care of my health.

(B) Mother told me take care of health.

(D) Mother asked that I take care of health.

Correct Answer: (A) Mother advised me to take care of my health.
Explanation: Imperatives use 'advised/ordered... to + base verb'.

73. Choose the correct indirect speech: The priest said, "May God grant you peace!"

(A) The priest prayed that God might grant me peace.

(B) The priest wished God may grant me peace.

(D) The priest exclaimed God will grant peace.

Correct Answer: (A) The priest prayed that God might grant me peace.
Explanation: Optative sentences use 'prayed/wished that + subject + might + V1'.

74. Choose the correct direct speech: She asked me why I was laughing.

(A) She said to me, "Why are you laughing?"

(B) She said to me, "Why were you laughing?"

(D) She said, "Why am I laughing?"

Correct Answer: (A) She said to me, "Why are you laughing?"
Explanation: Past continuous in indirect speech reverses to present continuous interrogative.

75. Choose the correct indirect speech: The captain said, "Hurrah! We have won the cup."

(A) The captain exclaimed with joy that they had won the cup.

(B) The captain cried with sorrow that they won the cup.

(D) The captain said that they won the cup.

Correct Answer: (A) The captain exclaimed with joy that they had won the cup.
Explanation: 'Hurrah' indicates joy; present perfect changes to past perfect.

76. Choose the correct indirect speech: He says, "I am a student."

(A) He says that he is a student.

(B) He says that he was a student.

(D) He told that he is a student.

Correct Answer: (A) He says that he is a student.
Explanation: Present reporting verbs preserve the reported verb's tense.

77. She is fond ______ reading poetry. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) of

(B) for

(D) with

Correct Answer: (A) of
Explanation: The adjective 'fond' takes the fixed preposition 'of'.

78. The cat jumped ______ the kitchen counter. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) onto / upon

(B) into

(D) at

Correct Answer: (A) onto / upon
Explanation: Movement to an elevated surface takes 'onto' or 'upon'.

79. He died ______ cholera. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) of

(B) from

(D) by

Correct Answer: (A) of
Explanation: Dying from a disease takes the preposition 'of'.

80. The child fell ______ the swimming pool. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) into

(B) in

(D) on

Correct Answer: (A) into
Explanation: Movement into a body of water takes 'into'.

81. Listen ______ what your teachers explain. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) to

(B) at

(D) for

Correct Answer: (A) to
Explanation: The verb 'listen' is followed by 'to'.

82. He has been studying ______ two hours. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) for

(B) since

(D) by

Correct Answer: (A) for
Explanation: A duration of time takes 'for'.

83. You must abide ______ school discipline. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) by

(B) with

(D) on

Correct Answer: (A) by
Explanation: The idiom 'abide by' means to comply with rules.

84. Distribute these books ______ the two students. (Choose correct preposition)

(A) between

(B) among

(D) with

Correct Answer: (A) between
Explanation: Division between two entities takes 'between'.

85. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Committee

(B) Commitee

(D) Comite

Correct Answer: (A) Committee
Explanation: Contains double 'm', double 't', and double 'e': C-o-m-m-i-t-t-e-e.

86. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Environment

(B) Enviroment

(D) Environmant

Correct Answer: (A) Environment
Explanation: The correct spelling is E-n-v-i-r-o-n-m-e-n-t.

87. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Accommodation

(B) Acommodation

(D) Acomodation

Correct Answer: (A) Accommodation
Explanation: Contains double 'c' and double 'm': A-c-c-o-m-m-o-d-a-t-i-o-n.

88. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Necessary

(B) Neccessary

(D) Necassary

Correct Answer: (A) Necessary
Explanation: Single 'c' and double 's': N-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-y.

89. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Separate

(B) Seperate

(D) Sepparate

Correct Answer: (A) Separate
Explanation: Spelt with '-par-': S-e-p-a-r-a-t-e.

90. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Privilege

(B) Privilage

(D) Prevelege

Correct Answer: (A) Privilege
Explanation: Spelt with two 'i's: P-r-i-v-i-l-e-g-e.

91. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Grammar

(B) Grammer

(D) Graamar

Correct Answer: (A) Grammar
Explanation: Ends in '-ar': G-r-a-m-m-a-r.

92. Choose the correctly spelt word:

(A) Occurrence

(B) Occurence

(D) Occurrance

Correct Answer: (A) Occurrence
Explanation: Double 'c' and double 'r': O-c-c-u-r-r-e-n-c-e.

93. Slow and steady ______ the race. (Choose correct verb)

(A) wins

(B) win

(D) are winning

Correct Answer: (A) wins
Explanation: The compound subject functions as a singular concept, taking 'wins'.

94. Either you or he ______ mistaken. (Choose correct verb)

(A) is

(B) are

(D) have

Correct Answer: (A) is
Explanation: In 'either... or', the verb agrees with the closer subject ('he' -> 'is').

95. Each of the boys ______ present in the class. (Choose correct verb)

(A) was

(B) were

(D) have been

Correct Answer: (A) was
Explanation: 'Each' takes a singular verb ('was').

96. We ______ respect our teachers. (Choose correct modal)

(A) should / ought to

(B) can

(D) might

Correct Answer: (A) should / ought to
Explanation: Moral obligation or duty is expressed with 'should' or 'ought to'.

97. Choose the correct translation: "सूर्य पूरब में उगता है।"

(A) The Sun rises in the east.

(B) The Sun rose in the east.

(D) Sun rises east.

Correct Answer: (A) The Sun rises in the east.
Explanation: Universal daily facts take simple present tense with 'The'.

98. Choose the correct translation: "ईमानदारी सबसे अच्छी नीति है।"

(A) Honesty is the best policy.

(B) Honesty was best policy.

(D) Honesty is best policy.

Correct Answer: (A) Honesty is the best policy.
Explanation: Proverbs use 'the' before superlative 'best'.

99. Choose the correct translation: "मुझे तैरना आता है।"

(A) I know how to swim.

(B) I can swimming.

(D) I am swimming.

Correct Answer: (A) I know how to swim.
Explanation: Expressing a physical skill uses 'know how to + base verb'.

100. Choose the correct translation: "पटना बिहार की राजधानी है।"

(A) Patna is the capital of Bihar.

(B) Patna was the capital of Bihar.

(D) Patna is capital Bihar.

Correct Answer: (A) Patna is the capital of Bihar.
Explanation: Present geographical fact uses simple present 'is'.

Passage 1 (Story Based)

Two close friends, Raman and Mohan, were journeying through a dense forest path when they suddenly saw a huge bear emerge from the thickets and head directly toward them. In a panic, Raman, who was agile and swift, instantly climbed up a nearby tree to safety, without sparing a thought for his companion. Mohan, unable to climb trees quickly, recalled what he had once heard about animals: bears do not touch a motionless body. Acting quickly on his instincts, Mohan dropped flat on his face upon the cold earth, holding his breath completely. The bear lumbered over to him, sniffed closely around his ears, nose, and chest, and, believing the boy to be dead, quietly wandered away into the woods. Once the danger had passed, Raman climbed down from the tree and asked jokingly, "What did the bear whisper into your ear, friend?" Mohan looked him in the eye and replied calmly, "The bear advised me never to trust a friend who abandons you in times of danger."

Q1. What danger did Raman and Mohan encounter in the forest?

Ans: While walking through a dense forest path, they suddenly encountered a large bear advancing toward them.

Q2. How did Raman react when he saw the bear?

Ans: Panicking, Raman quickly scrambled up a nearby tree to save himself, leaving his friend Mohan behind on the ground.

Q3. What clever strategy did Mohan employ to protect his life?

Ans: Knowing that bears avoid motionless bodies, Mohan lay completely flat on the earth and held his breath, feigning death until the bear walked away.

Q4. What moral truth did Mohan convey in his response to Raman?

Ans: He conveyed that a true friend never abandons a companion in times of crisis, and one must never rely on fair-weather friends.

Passage 2 (Story Based)

In a bustling trade market in medieval Pataliputra, a wealthy merchant named Dhaniram accidentally dropped a heavy leather pouch containing fifty gold dinars. Distressed by the loss, he announced through a town crier that anyone who returned the purse intact would receive a reward of ten gold coins. A humble blacksmith named Shankar found the pouch beside his workshop anvil later that evening. Recognizing the merchant's emblem, Shankar walked to Dhaniram’s mansion and handed the purse over without opening it. However, the greedy merchant, unwilling to part with ten gold coins, counted the money and untruthfully claimed, "There were sixty coins in this pouch; you have already taken your ten-coin reward!" The honest blacksmith took the dispute before the city magistrate. The wise judge inspected the purse and asked the merchant, "How many coins were in the pouch you lost?" "Sixty," replied Dhaniram. The judge turned to Shankar and asked, "How many were inside when you found it?" "Exactly fifty," Shankar replied. The judge ruled: "Since Dhaniram lost a pouch with sixty coins, and this pouch contains only fifty, it does not belong to him. Shankar may keep the purse until the true owner arrives, while Dhaniram must wait until his sixty-coin pouch is found."

Q1. What did the merchant Dhaniram lose in the marketplace?

Ans: Dhaniram accidentally lost a heavy leather pouch containing fifty gold dinars in the busy market.

Q2. What false claim did the merchant make after receiving his pouch?

Ans: To avoid paying the promised reward, Dhaniram falsely claimed that the pouch originally contained sixty coins and that Shankar had stolen ten.

Q3. How did the wise magistrate resolve the dispute?

Ans: The magistrate ruled that since Dhaniram lost sixty coins and the found pouch contained fifty, it wasn't his; hence Shankar was allowed to keep it.

Q4. What is the moral of this story?

Ans: The story proves that dishonesty and greed lead to self-ruin, while honesty is ultimately rewarded.

Poetry Comprehension

"The man was rich, but not content,
Morning, noon and night he went
To the wish-yielding tree and prayed:
‘O Kalpataru, I want your aid;
Put a pot of gold into my lap!’
His prayer was granted to a tittle:
Barely had the words been spoken
When a pot of gold was placed before him.
Seven pots of gold the tree bestowed,
All brimming to the brim with gold."

Q1. Why was the man unhappy despite having immense riches?

Ans: The man was not content because his heart was gripped by boundless, insatiable greed for more wealth.

Q2. To whom did he go morning, noon, and night to pray?

Ans: He prayed continuously to the wish-yielding divine tree, Kalpataru, asking for gold.

Q3. How many pitchers of gold did the tree grant him initially?

Ans: Kalpataru granted him seven pots of gold, each filled to the brim with coins.

Q4. Name the poem and poet from which these lines are taken.

Ans: These lines are extracted from 'The Empty Heart' composed by Periasamy Thooran.

1. How does rapid modern movement affect human mental faculties in 'The Pace for Living'?

Ans: In 'The Pace for Living', R.C. Hutchinson argues that modern speed places undue pressure on human nerves and thinking speed. While machines enable fast physical transit, human intellect and emotional stability are often overwhelmed, leaving thoughtful, unhurried minds at a distinct disadvantage.

2. Why does Jim consider his ecology work to be thankless in 'Me and the Ecology Bit'?

Ans: Jim considers it thankless because although people readily agree that protecting the environment is necessary, nobody wants to alter their own habits. Instead of cooperating, neighbors criticize his dog, complain about compost odor, or make excuses for driving short distances.

3. Describe the relationship between Mahadevi Varma and her pet squirrel Gillu.

Ans: Mahadevi Varma shared a tender bond with Gillu. She nursed him from near death, provided him with a swinging basket, and allowed him to eat cashews beside her plate. Gillu reciprocated by staying close to her and comforting her when she was unwell.

4. What fundamental flaw did Satyajit Ray point out regarding contemporary Indian cinema?

Ans: Satyajit Ray criticized Indian cinema for relying heavily on foreign Hollywood cliches, superficial glamour, and repetitive music. He argued that directors must look to the rich, authentic textures of everyday Indian life to tell meaningful visual stories.

5. What was the central plea delivered by Alexander Aris during the Nobel Ceremony in Oslo?

Ans: Alexander Aris emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize was a recognition of all the brave citizens of Burma who were peacefully resisting totalitarian military oppression, urging the world not to forget their ongoing struggle for human dignity and freedom.

6. How did the dispute between the two Russian girls conclude in Tolstoy’s moral tale?

Ans: While their parents engaged in a bitter quarrel in the village street, Akoulya and Malasha let go of their anger and used wood chips to dig a channel for the puddle water. Their ability to forgive demonstrated an innocence that the adults lacked.

7. Why did Halku feel a strange sense of relief after the nilgais destroyed his crop?

Ans: Although the loss of his crop meant financial ruin, Halku felt relieved because he would no longer have to spend freezing winter nights guarding the field in the bitter cold.

8. What lesson does Periasamy Thooran impart through the story of the eighth pitcher in 'The Empty Heart'?

Ans: The poem warns that unrestrained greed can lead to self-destruction. The rich man had seven jars filled with gold, but his obsession with filling a half-empty eighth jar drove him to starve himself and die in misery.

1. Role of AI and Technology in Education

Artificial Intelligence and modern digital tools are transforming contemporary classrooms. Intelligent learning platforms provide personalized explanations, instant grammar checks, and interactive simulations that make complex subjects easier to understand. Students in remote areas can access high-quality lectures from home. However, technology should complement rather than replace teachers, who provide essential moral guidance, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

2. Preservation of Forests and Wildlife

Forests are the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and preserving ecological stability. They prevent soil erosion, regulate the water cycle, and provide habitats for diverse wildlife species. Uncontrolled deforestation and poaching disrupt ecosystems and accelerate climate change. Protecting forests through afforestation drives and strict conservation laws is vital to securing a sustainable future for the planet.

3. Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being

A healthy body fosters a sound mind. Regular exercise, morning walks, yoga, and outdoor games stimulate blood circulation, relieve academic anxiety, and improve concentration. In contrast, prolonged sedentary routines and excessive screen exposure can lead to physical fatigue and mental stress. Balancing daily study sessions with wholesome nutrition and physical activity helps students maintain energy, focus, and overall well-being.

4. My Role Model in Life

My role model in life is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President and renowned scientist of India. Rising from humble beginnings in Rameswaram through discipline and dedication, he made pioneering contributions to India's space and missile programs. His humility, devotion to education, and inspiring words continue to encourage students to work diligently, dream boldly, and serve the nation with integrity.

5. Clean River Ganga (Namami Gange Project)

The sacred River Ganga sustains millions of people across northern India, supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and cultural traditions. However, industrial effluents and untreated sewage have contaminated its waters. The Namami Gange project aims to restore the river through sewage treatment facilities, riverbank development, and public awareness campaigns. Every citizen must support these efforts by avoiding dumping waste into waterways.

(i) Notice Writing: Annual Literature & Book Exhibition

Zila School, Muzaffarpur

NOTICE

Ref No: ZSM/LIB/2026/04 Date: 12th January 2026

ANNUAL LITERATURE & BOOK EXHIBITION 2026

All students from Classes 8 to 10 are hereby informed that the Literary Society of our school is organizing its Annual Book Exhibition from 22nd to 24th January 2026 in the School Central Auditorium. The exhibition will feature classic novels, science journals, reference texts, and competitive exam materials from major publishers at discounted rates.

An interactive session with local authors will take place on the opening day at 11:00 AM. Students are encouraged to visit during library and recess hours.

Pooja Kumari
Secretary, Literary Society
Class 10 'A'

(ii) Report Writing: Cleanliness & Plantation Drive on Gandhi Jayanti

GANDHI JAYANTI CLEANLINESS & TREE PLANTATION DRIVE

By: Rakesh Ranjan, Student Reporter | Patna | 3rd October 2026

High School, Gardanibagh, Patna, organized a comprehensive Cleanliness and Tree Plantation drive on 2nd October 2026 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The initiative was inaugurated by the local Ward Councillor and the school Principal at 8:00 AM.

Equipped with gloves and brooms, student volunteers from NCC and Scouts swept the campus pathways, cleared weeds, and segregated plastic waste. Simultaneously, the Eco-Club planted over 150 neem and fruit-bearing saplings along the boundary wall. During the assembly, speakers recalled Gandhiji’s belief that cleanliness is essential to self-reliance. The day concluded with a collective hygiene pledge and the distribution of refreshments.

(iii) Message Writing: Telephonic Message from Aunt

MESSAGE

Date: 15th February 2026 Time: 05:45 PM

Dear Mother,

Aunt Sunita called from Gaya while you were visiting grandmother at the hospital. She informed that she and uncle will be arriving in Patna on Saturday morning via the Vande Bharat Express to attend cousin Meera’s engagement. She requested that you keep the guest room ready and let her know if she should bring anything from home.

I am heading to coaching class and will return by 7:30 PM.

Nitin

(iv) Application Writing: Application for Full Fee Concession

To,
The Headmaster,
Rajendra High School, Chhapra.

Date: 2nd February 2026
Subject: Application for grant of full tuition fee concession.

Respected Sir,

Most respectfully, I beg to state that I am a regular student of Class 10th 'A' in your school. My father is a landless agricultural laborer whose meager seasonal earnings have dropped significantly due to recent unseasonal floods. With four school-going siblings to support, my family is facing acute financial distress and cannot afford my tuition fees.

I have maintained an excellent academic record, consistently scoring in the top three of my class, and I regularly participate in inter-school debates.

I therefore request you to grant me a full fee concession for this academic session so that I may continue my education without disruption.

Thanking you.

Yours obediently,
Manish Kumar
Class 10 'A', Roll No: 09

(v) Letter Writing: Letter to Father Seeking Permission for an Educational Tour

Boys' Hostel, Room No. 18,
Netarhat Residential School, Ranchi.
Date: 18th March 2026

Respected Father,

I hope this letter finds you, dear Mother, and little Golu in good health. I received your letter last week and was glad to hear that everything at home is well.

Our school is organizing a four-day educational excursion to historical and scientific sites across Kolkata, including the Science City, Victoria Memorial, and the Indian Museum, from 5th to 8th April 2026. The tour will be supervised by our history and science teachers. The fee is ₹2,500, which covers travel, lodging, and meals.

Visiting these historic landmarks will help broaden my understanding of our curriculum. I kindly request your permission to join the tour and ask that you send the amount via bank transfer at your convenience.

Your dutiful son,
Abhishek

(vi) Speech Writing: The Power of Self-Discipline in Morning Assembly

TOPIC: THE POWER OF SELF-DISCIPLINE

Respected Principal, esteemed teachers, and my fellow students,
A warm good morning to everyone present here today. I stand before you to speak on: The Power of Self-Discipline.

There is a well-known saying: "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." Talent and ambition are valuable assets, but without self-discipline, potential often remains unrealized. Discipline is not about following rules out of fear; it is about taking charge of our daily habits, managing our time wisely, and focusing on priorities rather than distractions.

For students preparing for board examinations, self-discipline means maintaining regular study hours, getting sufficient sleep, and balancing screen time with physical activity. Practicing self-control today lays the foundation for personal integrity and dependable citizenship tomorrow. Let us commit to building disciplined habits in our everyday lives. Thank you!

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BSEB 10 English PYQs 2026