ANSWER KEY FOR ENGLISH – MODEL PAPER I, II AND III ( SSC 2026)

SSC – CLASS X

ENGLISH – MODEL PAPER I
ANSWER KEY

SECTION – A

READING COMPREHENSION

Q.1–5 (A Letter to God)

1. Where was the house?
   The house was situated on the crest of a low hill.
2. What did the ripe corn field promise?
   It promised a good harvest.
3. Why was Lencho eagerly looking at the north-east sky?
   Answer: B) Because he was looking forward for rain or a shower.
4. “Now we’re really going to get some water, woman.” These words prove
   Answer: A) His hope for a shower of rain.
5. Figure of speech in “huge mountains of clouds”
   Answer: A) Metaphor

Q.6–10 (A Tiger in the Zoo)

6. Where is the tiger?
   The tiger is locked in a concrete cell in the zoo.
7. Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?
   Because he is frustrated and restless in captivity.
8. How do you know that the tiger is awake at night?
   Answer: C) He hears the last voice and patrolling cars at night.
9. What is common between the tiger’s eyes and the stars?
   Answer: A) Brilliance
10. What is the state of the tiger in the zoo?
    Answer: B) Captivity

Q.11–15 (The Necklace)

11. Story of distress of Mme Loisel
    Answer: A) She had no suitable dress or jewellery for the party.
12. Speciality of Mme Forestier’s jewellery
    Answer: B) The jewels were of admirable workmanship.
13. How did Mme Loisel feel wearing the jewels?
    Answer: B) She felt proud.
14. What attracted Mme Loisel?
    Answer: C) A diamond necklace.
15. Nature of Mme Loisel
    Answer: C) Greedy.

Q.16 Bar Chart

i) What does the bar chart show?
It shows the number of people watching movies on different days of the week.

ii) How many people watch movies on Monday?
35 people.

iii) On which day do more people watch movies?
Answer: C) Saturday

iv) Least number of people watching movies
Answer: C) 15

v) Correct statement
Answer: B) Maximum number of people watch movies on Saturday.

 

Q.17 Sequencing

Correct order:
a → b → c → d → e

SECTION – B

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

18. Using ‘whose’

Saranya is my friend whose eyes are very expressive.

19. Passive Voice

His homework had been completed perfectly by Rakesh.

20. Reported Speech

Rina told her friend that she would join the party later.

21. Prepositions

1. Rajesh is good at English.
2. He drove the car over the bridge.

22. Editing

a) me → myself
b) has → have
c) want → wanted
d) most → more

23. Articles

1. The moon looks beautiful tonight.
2. Can you pass me a pen?

24. Repeated Action

i) When I was a kid, I used to watch cartoons every day.
ii) I used to play football every weekend.

25. Noun Modifiers

i) Our teacher showed us a beautiful old valuable painting.
ii) I read an interesting heart-touching short story.

26. Advice

You should not make fun of others as it hurts their feelings.

27. Synonyms

a) grief → agony
b) common → ordinary
c) leads → guides
d) pain → misery

28. Antonyms

a) extraordinary → ordinary
b) generosity → misery
c) create → destroy
d) rich → poor

29. Correct Forms

a) remained
b) destroyed
c) sadness
d) left

30. Prefix / Suffix

i) unpredictable
ii) precious

 

31. Wrong Spelling

i) procesion → procession
ii) tremendus → tremendous

32. Dictionary

i) Part of speech: Noun
ii) Antonym: enjoyment

33. Sentences

i) Please calm down and listen to me.
ii) We laughed ourselves silly watching the movie.

34. Match the Following

i) homesick → c) missing home and family
ii) look for → a) search
iii) fly high → d) be successful
iv) stay in → b) remain inside

SECTION – C

 

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

35. A) Conversation

(Tea from Assam)

A Conversation between Pranjol and Rajvir during their train journey to Assam

Rajvir: Pranjol, look at the greenery outside. Assam is really beautiful.
Pranjol: Yes, Rajvir. These are tea gardens. You will see many more as we move ahead.
Rajvir: I read that tea was first discovered in China. Is it true?
Pranjol: Yes. Tea was drunk first in China and then it came to India through the British.
Rajvir: Amazing! I also heard a Chinese legend that tea leaves fell into hot water by accident.
Pranjol: That’s interesting. Assam tea is famous all over the world.
Rajvir: I can’t wait to visit your home and taste fresh tea.
Pranjol: You will enjoy it. My mother prepares excellent tea.
Rajvir: This journey itself feels special.
Pranjol: It’s just the beginning, Rajvir. Assam has much more to offer.

 

35. B) Diary Entry

(The Black Aeroplane)**

Diary Entry

Date: _______

Today was one of the strangest days of my life. I flew my Dakota through dark storm clouds when my fuel was almost over. Suddenly, a black aeroplane appeared and guided me safely to the runway. I landed safely in England and felt extremely relieved.

However, when I asked the woman at the control station about the other pilot, she said that no other plane had flown that night. I was shocked and confused. Who helped me in the storm? Was it a miracle or a guardian angel?

I am grateful to be alive today. This experience will stay with me forever.

 

36. A) Letter

(Stray Dogs Problem)                                                                                                                       03-02-2026,

                                                                                                                                                               Pithapuram.

From
Hans

#3-122/1,

Market street,

Raparthi.

 

To
The Municipal Commissioner,

Pithapuram Municipality Office,

Pithapuram.

 

Subject: Request for immediate action regarding stray dogs

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to bring to your notice the serious problem of increasing stray dogs in our area. Recently, my sister was attacked by a stray dog and had to undergo medical treatment. Many residents are living in fear, especially children and elderly people.

I am relieved to learn that stray dogs are being removed from sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, and bus stations. I kindly request you to extend these measures to residential areas also. Awareness programmes about safety and vaccination of stray dogs should be conducted.

I hope you will take immediate steps to ensure public safety.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,
Hans

 

36. B) Speech

(Pet Animals)

Speech on Rearing Pet Animals

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

Pets bring joy and companionship into our lives. Animals like dogs, cats, and birds are loyal and loving. Rearing pets teaches us responsibility and kindness.

Proper care of pets is very important. They should be given nutritious food and clean water. Regular vaccination protects them from diseases. Pets also need daily exercise to stay healthy and active.

Clean surroundings and regular medical checkups ensure a long and happy life for pets. When we take good care of animals, they become our best friends.

Thank you.

 

37. A) Character Sketch

(Mrs. Pumphrey – A Triumph of Surgery)

Mrs. Pumphrey was deeply attached to her pet dog Tricki. When the doctor suggested hospitalising Tricki, she was extremely worried and emotional. She believed that Tricki could not live without her care and love.

She almost fainted at the thought of being separated from him. Her excessive affection made her overfeed Tricki, which caused his illness. However, her concern showed her kind and loving nature. She truly believed she was doing the best for her pet.

 

37. B) Paragraph

(Based on the Table)

The table shows the marks obtained by students of different classes in a reasoning test. Vennala of Class 8 scored the highest marks with 98, followed by Srikanth of Class 10 who scored 92. Kalpana secured 87 marks in Class 10. Rajesh of Class 8 scored 75 marks, while Rakesh of Class 9 scored 74. Sarada obtained 65 marks and Rohan scored the lowest with 60 marks. Overall, students from Class 10 performed well in the test.

SSC CLASS X – ENGLISH – MODEL PAPER II.

SECTION – A

READING COMPREHENSION

 

Q.1–5 (Madam Rides the Bus)

1. Who didn’t get down the bus? Why?
   Valli did not get down the bus because she wanted to return on the same bus.
2. How much did it cost Valli for the onward and return journey?
   It cost her sixty paise in total (thirty paise each way).
3. What amused the conductor about Valli?
   Answer: A) Her way of speaking
4. What did the conductor offer Valli?
   Answer: B) A cool drink
5. Guess Valli’s nature based on the passage.
   Answer: A) Obstinate and careful

 

Q.6–10 (Fire and Ice)

6. What brings the world to an end?
   Fire and ice can bring the world to an end.
7. What do fire and ice stand for?
   Fire stands for desire and ice stands for hatred.
8. Who does the poet favour?
   Answer: B) Fire
9. What does hatred lead to?
   Answer: C) Destruction of the world
10. What is the tone of the poem?
    Answer: A) Strength of individual in destroying the world

 

Q.11–15 (A Question of Trust)

11. What was Horace Danby to the outside world?
    Answer: C) Good and honest
12. What worried the housekeeper about Horace Danby?
    Answer: A) His health
13. How successful was Horace Danby in his business?
    Answer: B) He had two helpers and was respected by everyone
14. How did the imprisonment in prison library help Horace?
    Answer: A) He became a lover of rare, expensive books
15. What did Horace do with the stolen money?
    Answer: C) He bought books through an agent

 

Q.16 (Pie Chart – Free Time Games)

i) Which game has the highest number of participants?
Answer: C) Candyland

ii) How many percent of participants play Chess?
Answer: B) 15%

iii) Which two games together make up 30% of the participants?
Answer: A) Jenga and Poker

iv) Difference between Candyland and Jenga
Answer: B) 12%

v) Correct statement
Answer: B) Twister has the second-highest number of participants

 

Q.17 (Sequencing – Water Conservation)

Correct order:
a → b → c → d → e

 

SECTION – B

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

18. Combine using ‘who’

I was sitting on a chair which collapsed.

19. Passive Voice

My old Dakota aeroplane was being flown by me.

20. Reported Speech

He asked what I was doing with those keys.

21. Prepositions

i) The air breathes of invigorating coffee.
ii) We have a dessert after dinner.

22. Editing

a) drive → driving
b) used → use
c) mobility → mobile
d) entailing → entails

23. Articles

i) Kisa Gotami had an only son, and he died.
ii) You can see from the documents.

24. Repeated Action (would / used to)

i) During my previous interview, I used to be shy.
ii) When we were children, we used to play hide and seek every evening.

25. Noun Modifiers

i) The Government announced a girls-education policy.
ii) I found an intricately designed vintage clock.

26. Advice

You should be careful and follow traffic rules while crossing the busy street.

27. Synonyms

a) found → discovered
b) absolutely → completely
c) repulsive → disgusting
d) ugly → unattractive

28. Antonyms

a) finally → initially
b) under → above
c) vowed → refused
d) enlightenment → ignorance

29. Correct Forms

a) exclaimed
b) quickly

30. Prefix / Suffix

i) virtuous
ii) pre-justice

31. Wrongly Spelt Words

i) thretning → threatening
ii) leadge → ledge

32. Dictionary

i) Part of speech: Adjective
ii) Antonym: rude

33. Sentences

i) The boat flew along the river smoothly.
ii) I was quaking in my boots before the exam.

34. Match the Following

i) hand in → a) submit to an authority
ii) move up → d) be promoted
iii) plunge in → c) go straight to the topic
iv) make up for → b) compensate

 

SECTION – C

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

35. A) Conversation

(The Black Aeroplane)

A Conversation between the Narrator and His Friend

Friend: You look disturbed. What happened during your flight?
Narrator: I went through a terrible storm. My fuel was almost over.
Friend: That sounds dangerous. How did you manage to land?
Narrator: A black aeroplane suddenly appeared and guided me safely.
Friend: Really? Who was the pilot?
Narrator: That’s the mystery. The control centre said no other plane flew that night.
Friend: That’s unbelievable. Do you think it was a miracle?
Narrator: I don’t know, but someone saved my life.
Friend: You are lucky to be alive.
Narrator: Yes, I will never forget that strange experience.

 

35. B) Diary Entry

(Rajvir – Tea from Assam)

Diary Entry

Date: _______

Today I visited Assam for the first time, and it was an unforgettable experience. As our train passed through Assam, I saw vast green tea gardens on both sides. The sight was breathtaking. Workers were busy plucking fresh tea leaves with great care.

I learned many interesting facts about tea—its discovery, processing, and importance to the people of Assam. Tea is not just a drink here; it is a way of life. The cool breeze, greenery, and scenic beauty made me feel peaceful and happy.

This journey has given me memories that I will cherish forever.

 

36. A) Letter

(Drug Abuse Awareness Programme)**

Pithapuram,

03-02-2026.

 

Dear Friend,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about an awareness programme conducted in our school on drug abuse. It was a very useful and eye-opening event. Teachers explained how drug addiction affects students’ health, studies, and future careers.

We made posters, wrote essays, and gave speeches on the topic. The programme helped us understand the importance of staying away from drugs. I advise you to conduct similar programmes in your school. Students should be guided properly and encouraged to say “no” to drugs.

Convey this message to your teachers and friends.

Yours lovingly,
Hans

 

36. B) Speech

(Importance and Advantages of Tourism)

Speech on Tourism

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

Tourism plays a vital role in a country’s development. Lessons like A Baker from Goa, Coorg, and Tea from Assam inspire us to travel and explore new places. Tourism creates employment and improves local economies.

It helps us understand different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Tourists bring income to hotels, transport services, and local craftsmen. Tourism also promotes national integration and global understanding.

Thus, tourism is not only enjoyable but also beneficial to society and the economy. We must promote responsible and eco-friendly tourism.

Thank you.

 

37. A) Character Feelings

(A Question of Trust)

Horace Danby felt shocked and humiliated after being tricked by the woman. He believed that he was clever and careful, but he realised that he had been outsmarted. The incident made him feel guilty and helpless.

He understood that dishonesty always leads to trouble. Trusting a stranger blindly proved costly for him. This experience taught him an important lesson about honesty and trust. True peace in life comes only through honest living, not through clever tricks or theft.

 

37. B) Paragraph

(Bar Graph – Vehicle Colours and Accidents)

The bar graph shows the frequency of vehicle colours involved in total-loss collisions. Green vehicles have the highest number of accidents, followed by red and black vehicles. White vehicles also show a considerable number of collisions. Blue vehicles have fewer accidents, while grey vehicles have the least number of accidents. The graph clearly indicates that vehicle colour may have an impact on accident frequency. Green and red vehicles are involved in more collisions compared to other colours.

 

MODEL PAPER – III

CLASS X – ENGLISH
ANSWER KEY

SECTION – A

READING COMPREHENSION

Q.1–5 (Mijbil the Otter)

1. What did Maxwell name his pet, the otter?
   Maxwell named his pet otter Mijbil.
2. How was the otter for the first day?
   For the first day, the otter was aloof and indifferent.
3. What proves that the otter came closer to the narrator?
   Answer: A) Mijbil slept in the crook of the narrator’s knees.
4. What was the most joyful pastime activity of Mijbil?
   Answer: A) Playing with water.
5. What will Mijbil do if a bowl is not overturned?
   Answer: C) He will sit in and splash in it until it overflows.

 

Q.6–10 (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

6. Who was Custard?
   Custard was Belinda’s pet dragon.
7. How did Custard act when he saw the pirate?
   Custard became brave and attacked the pirate fiercely.
8. What is the figure of speech in the poem?
   Answer: A) Simile
9. What made the pirate courageous?
   Answer: C) Some kind of spirit (grog).
10. What happened to the pirate?
    Answer: A) He was eaten by the dragon.

 

Q.11–15 (A Triumph of Surgery)

11. Why was Mrs. Pumphrey distraught?
    Answer: B) Because Tricki ate nothing.
12. How was Tricki affected by overeating?
    Answer: A) Tricki had severe vomiting and became immovable.
13. What did Dr. Herriot suggest for Tricki’s treatment?
    Answer: B) To keep away from Mrs. Pumphrey for a period.
14. What did the woman believe about Tricki if kept away from her?
    Answer: C) Tricki would miss the woman and die for her.
15. Where did Dr. Herriot take Tricki?
    Answer: B) To his surgery.

 

Q.16 (ICC Women’s World Cup Standings – Table)

i) What does the above table show?
It shows the ICC Women’s World Cup standings 2025.

ii) How many matches has India Women’s team won so far?
India Women have won 3 matches.

iii) South Africa Women have ______ points.
10 points

iv) Which team has an NRR of +0.628?
Answer: a) India Women

v) Correct statement
Answer: a) India Women have a higher Net Run Rate than South Africa Women.

 

Q.17 (Sequencing – Cyclones in Andhra Pradesh)

Correct order:
a → b → c → d → e

 

SECTION – B

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

 

18. Combine using ‘which’

He bought a new phone which has an excellent camera.

19. Passive Voice

The results will be announced tomorrow.

20. Reported Speech

He told me that he would call me the next day.

21. Prepositions

i) The book is full of interesting stories.
ii) She is good at playing chess.

22. Editing

a) relieve → relief
b) made → make
c) for → to
d) joyful → joy

23. Articles

1. He is the best player in the team.
2. I bought a new dress yesterday.

24. Repeated Action (would / used to)

i) Every evening, my grandfather used to tell us stories.
ii) When I was young, I used to play cricket.

25. Noun Modifiers

i) This is a red-roofed house.
ii) I bought a wooden table.

26. Advice

You should avoid using the mobile phone late at night and sleep early.

27. Synonyms

a) valour → bravery
b) linked → connected
c) covered → filled
d) renowned → famous

28. Antonyms

a) private → public
b) famous → unknown
c) strong → weak
d) hope → despair

29. Correct Forms

a) discrimination
b) inspiration

30. Prefix / Suffix

i) unable
ii) maddening

31. Wrongly Spelt Words

i) feild → field
ii) fortell → foretell

32. Dictionary

i) Part of speech: Noun
ii) Synonym for journey: trip / travel

33. Sentences

i) Please hand in your assignments on time.
ii) I can’t bring myself to hurt anyone’s feelings.

34. Match the Following

i) Plunge in → c) go straight to the topic
ii) Stay in → d) stay indoors
iii) Move up → b) go to the next grade
iv) Kept back → a) not promoted

SECTION – C

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

35. A) Conversation (Coorg)

You: This place is beautiful. Can you tell me about Coorg?
Coorgi: Coorg is called the coffee country of India.
You: The climate feels pleasant and fresh.
Coorgi: Yes, we receive heavy rainfall and have dense forests.
You: I heard Coorgis are brave soldiers.
Coorgi: That’s true. Many serve in the Indian Army.
You: The coffee plantations look amazing.
Coorgi: Coffee is our main livelihood.
You: Thank you for sharing Coorg’s history.
Coorgi: You are always welcome here.

 

35. B) Diary Entry (His First Flight)

Diary Entry

Date: _______

Today I finally flew. Fear had held me back, but hunger and my mother’s encouragement pushed me forward. As I jumped, I felt terrified at first, but soon my wings supported me. I was flying! The joy was beyond words. I realised that courage comes when we face fear. This first flight changed my life forever.

 

36. A) Letter (Green Passport Programme)

Dear Friend,

Our government has launched a wonderful programme called Green Passport. Each student plants a sapling and records its growth. This teaches us responsibility towards nature. As young eco-warriors, we must protect trees, save water, and reduce plastic use. Small actions today will create a greener tomorrow.

Yours lovingly,
Hans

 

36. B) Speech (Benefits of Tea)

Respected teachers and dear friends,

Tea is not just a refreshing drink but also has medicinal benefits. It improves digestion, reduces stress, and boosts energy. Tea plantations provide employment to thousands of people. Drinking tea in moderation keeps the body active and the mind fresh. Thus, tea is both healthy and beneficial.

Thank you.

 

37. A) Character Sketch (Bholi)

Bholi was a shy and frightened girl, neglected because of her looks and stammer. Education transformed her life. School gave her confidence, courage, and self-respect. She learned to speak boldly and stand against injustice. Bholi’s character proves that education is a powerful tool for personal and social transformation.

 

37. B) Paragraph (Pie Chart)

The pie chart shows monthly household expenditure. Education accounts for the highest share at 25%, followed by grocery expenses at 20%. Electricity consumes 19%, while phone usage takes 10%. Fuel accounts for 12%, milk for 8%, and investment for 6%. The chart highlights the importance given to education and essential needs in household spending.