Here is the complete, solved version of the 2020 English HSLC Examination Paper.
English HSLC Examination Paper – 2020 (Solved)
Full Marks: 90
Time: 3 hours
SECTION – A
1. (a) Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence from among the alternatives given in the brackets : (1)
All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt.
(light and vain / abnormal / deep and strong)
Answer: deep and strong
(b) State whether the following statements are True or False : (1+1=2)
(Reference: Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
(i) On the day of inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of freedom.
Answer: False
(ii) On the day of inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
Answer: True
(c) Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence given below : (1)
Mandela’s country is rich ______.
(i) in forests and lakes
(ii) in minerals and gems
(iii) in agriculture
Answer: (ii) in minerals and gems
2. What was the one hope of Lencho ? (1)
Answer: The one hope of Lencho was help from God.
3. What is a Kuffia? Who wears it? (1+1=2)
Answer: A Kuffia is a traditional Arab garment, which is a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt. It is worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
4. When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom? (2)
Answer: Mandela began to hunger for freedom when he discovered as a young man that his boyhood freedom was an illusion and that his freedom, along with the freedom of his people, had already been taken from him.
5. What did Lencho say to his sons after the hailstorm ? (1)
Answer: After the hailstorm, Lencho told his sons that even a plague of locusts would have left more than what the hail had left.
6. Give a description of the magnificent view of a tea garden seen by Rajib from the railway train. (3)
Answer: The view from the railway train was magnificent and green everywhere. Rajvir (incorrectly named Rajib in the question) saw a sea of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye could see against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. Among the orderly rows of tea bushes, tall, sturdy shade-trees stood, and doll-like figures of tea-pluckers were busy picking leaves.
7. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh? (2)
Answer: On her way, Valli saw a young cow running very fast in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus, with its tail high in the air. The more the driver honked, the faster the cow galloped, which Valli found very funny and made her laugh.
8. What does the writer say about the Coorg Regiment ? (2)
Answer: The writer says that the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. He also mentions that the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
9. What did the postmaster do after he had received Lencho’s letter ? (2)
Answer: After receiving Lencho’s letter, the postmaster first laughed, but then he became serious and was impressed by Lencho’s faith. To not shake this faith, he decided to collect money from his employees and from his own salary to send to Lencho.
10. Why did Valli find the old woman who sat beside her in the bus “absolutely repulsive” ? (2)
Answer: Valli found the old woman absolutely repulsive because she had big, ugly holes in her ear lobes with unattractive earrings. Moreover, she was chewing betel nut, and the betel juice was threatening to spill over her lips at any moment, which Valli found disgusting.
SECTION – B
11. Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the following : (1×2=2)
dragon, rage
[grey, wagon stairs, bears, cage, cries]
Answer:
- dragon – wagon
- rage – cage
12. Choose the meaning of the underlined words from the alternatives given in the brackets: (1×2=2)
(a) ……. they are so placid and self-contained. (irritated/ trouble some/ unruffled)
Answer: unruffled
(b) ….. not one is demented with the mania… (mad/ dishonest/ displeased)
Answer: mad
13. Is Amanda a student ? How do you know? (1+1=2)
Answer: Yes, Amanda is a student. We know this because her mother asks her, “Did you finish your homework, Amanda?”, which is something typically asked of a student.
14. What would the tiger have done if he were in his natural habitat, the forest ? (2)
Answer: If the tiger were in his natural habitat, he would be lurking in the shadow of long grass near a water hole to hunt a plump deer. He would also be snarling around houses at the jungle’s edge, terrorising the villagers.
15. What is a harbour and how is it related to fog ? (2)
Answer: A harbour is a port or a place on the coast where ships may shelter. In the poem “Fog,” the fog is personified as a cat that comes and sits silently on its haunches, looking over the harbour and the city before moving on.
16. How did Custard the Dragon save Belinda from the pirate ? (2)
Answer: Custard saved Belinda by bravely attacking the pirate when everyone else fled in fear. He charged at the pirate, clashing his tail, and gobbled him up in a single bite, thus saving Belinda and the other pets.
SECTION – C
17. (a) Between Ausable and Max, who do you think is more intelligent and why ? (1+4=5)
Answer: Between Ausable and Max, Ausable is undoubtedly more intelligent.
Max relies on conventional methods of espionage, using a pistol to threaten someone. He is easily fooled and lacks the quick thinking required for a spy. Ausable, on the other hand, uses his sharp mind as his greatest weapon. Despite his unimpressive physical appearance, he remains calm under pressure and brilliantly invents a story about a non-existent balcony. He uses this clever lie to manipulate Max, making him jump out of the window to his death without Ausable having to lift a finger. This demonstrates his superior intelligence and wit.
OR
(b) Who is Horace Danby? What type of a man is he? (1+4=5)
Answer: Horace Danby is a fifty-year-old man who is a successful locksmith.
He is a man of contradictions. By profession, he is a respectable citizen, but once a year, he commits a robbery to finance his expensive hobby of buying rare books. He is a meticulous planner who gathers all necessary information before a theft. However, he is not a hardened criminal; he dislikes the thought of prison and is easily tricked. His trust in the “charming lady” and his overconfidence in his plan ultimately lead to his downfall, showing that he is naive despite his criminal activities.
18. (a) Describe Griffin’s experience in Drury Lane. (5)
Answer: Griffin’s experience in Drury Lane was one of desperation and chaos. After becoming invisible and finding himself cold and homeless in London, he went to Drury Lane, the centre of the theatre world, hoping to find clothes and other items to cover himself. He found a suitable theatrical shop and went inside. There, he equipped himself with bandages for his forehead, dark glasses, a false nose, big bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat. To escape, he callously attacked the shopkeeper from behind and robbed him of all the money he could find before leaving.
OR
(b) Who is Bill? How did he befool the young lawyer ? (1+4=5)
Answer: Bill Magnuson is the hack driver in New Mullion, but he is actually Oliver Lutkins himself.
He befooled the young lawyer with great cleverness. When the lawyer arrived looking for Lutkins, Bill (Lutkins) pretended to be a helpful hack driver. He offered to help find Lutkins and drove the lawyer all over the village for the entire day, taking him to various places like Fritz’s shop and Gustaff’s barber shop. He introduced the lawyer to his friends and neighbours, who were all in on the joke. He charged the lawyer for his time and even got him to buy him lunch, all while enjoying the spectacle of a man searching for him.
SECTION – D
19. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with the right determiners : (½x4=2)
(a) They won the match without any difficulty.
(b) Reading is a useful hobby.
(c) I gave him the few books I had.
(d) Kalidas is the Shakespeare of India.
20. Fill in the gaps with the correct preposition from among the choices given in the brackets: (½x4=2)
(a) They are satisfied with your works.
(b) Man does not live by bread alone.
(c) Rita excels in dancing.
(d) He is looking for a domestic help.
21. Rewrite the following sentences putting the verbs in the brackets in their correct tense form: (1×3=3)
(a) I (go) there before she went.
Answer: I had gone there before she went.
(b) Ten years (pass) since I met you last.
Answer: Ten years have passed since I met you last.
(c) When she came I (write) a letter.
Answer: When she came I was writing a letter.
22. Change the narration of the following : (1×2=2)
(a) Rashid asked me if I knew Rahim.
Answer: Rashid said to me, “Do you know Rahim?”
(b) Mother said to me, “What will you do after the examination ?”
Answer: Mother asked me what I would do after the examination.
23. Change the voice of the following : (1×2=2)
(a) I do not know his brother.
Answer: His brother is not known to me.
(b) English is spoken by many people all over the world.
Answer: Many people all over the world speak English.
24. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence : (1×2=2)
(a) Where has he gone? Do you know it ?
Answer: Do you know where he has gone?
(b) I finished the work. I was taking rest.
Answer: Having finished the work, I was taking rest.
25. Choose the correct alternative from the choices given in the brackets and write out the sentences: (1×2=2)
(a) The tiger is a beast of (pray/prey).
Answer: The tiger is a beast of prey.
(b) This medicine will (relief/relieve) you of your pain.
Answer: This medicine will relieve you of your pain.
26. Make sentences to illustrate the meaning of any two of the following: (1×2=2)
make out, give away, deal in, carry out
- make out: I could not make out what he was saying in the crowd.
- give away: The chief guest will give away the prizes.
- deal in: My uncle deals in electronic goods.
- carry out: You must carry out the orders of your superior.
27. Correct any three of the following sentences : (1×3=3)
(a) Her son-in-laws are rich men.
Answer: Her sons-in-law are rich men.
(b) It is raining since morning.
Answer: It has been raining since morning.
(c) How you know him?
Answer: How do you know him?
(d) I and he are brothers.
Answer: He and I are brothers.
(e) He is senior than me in age.
Answer: He is senior to me in age.
(f) I do not know to do it.
Answer: I do not know how to do it.
SECTION – E
28. Translate into English (any one group) of the following : (1×6=6)
(Assamese Group)
(i) আকাশত মেঘ নাছিল।
Answer: There was no cloud in the sky.
(ii) শিক্ষকজনে কৈছিল, “সদায় সঁচা কথা কবা।”
Answer: The teacher said, “Always speak the truth.”
(iii) তুমি নৈখন সাঁতুৰি পাৰ হ’ব পাৰিবানে?
Answer: Can you swim across the river?
(iv) প্রতিজ্ঞা ৰক্ষা কৰিব লাগে।
Answer: Promises should be kept.
(v) মৌ খাবলৈ মিঠা।
Answer: Honey is sweet to taste.
(vi) মোৰ এটা কলমৰ প্ৰয়োজন।
Answer: I need a pen.
OR
Give substance of the following passage : (6)
Man is the maker of his fortune…
Substance:
Success in life depends on hard work, not luck. Man is the architect of his own fortune. Great scientific inventions and the comforts of modern life are the results of tireless labour. Life becomes miserable if we avoid work. Industry is the secret to success for both individuals and nations, as proven by powerful countries like China and America. Therefore, to raise the prestige of our country, we Indians must also work hard.
29. Write an essay, in about 150 words, on any one of the following topics : (6)
(a) Science in everyday life.
(This essay is identical to the one provided in the 2023 solved paper. Please refer to that solution.)
OR
Write a story in about 150 words using the outlines given below. Add a title to it. (6)
A hungry fox sees a crow with a piece of meat…
(This story is very similar to the “Cunning Monkey” story. Here is the version with the fox and crow.)
The Foolish Crow and the Cunning Fox
Once, a hungry fox was wandering in the forest in search of food. Suddenly, he saw a crow sitting on the branch of a tree with a juicy piece of meat in its beak. The fox’s mouth began to water, and he immediately wanted to get that piece of meat.
He knew he couldn’t climb the tree, so he thought of a clever plan. He went and sat under the tree and said to the crow, “Oh, dear crow, you are such a beautiful bird! I have heard that your voice is as sweet as your looks. Won’t you please sing a song for me?”
The foolish crow was very flattered by the fox’s praise. Forgetting all about the meat in its beak, it puffed up its chest and opened its mouth to sing, “Caw, caw!” The moment it opened its beak, the piece of meat fell down. The cunning fox quickly picked it up and ran away, leaving the foolish crow to regret its vanity.
30. Answer either (a) or (b) : (5)
(a) Write an application to the Principal requesting him to grant a half holiday on the occasion of the Kali Bihu Festival.
To
The Principal
[Your School’s Name]
[School’s Address]
Date: [Date of Kati Bihu]
Subject: Request for a half-holiday for Kati Bihu
Respected Sir/Madam,
With due respect, we, the students of your esteemed institution, would like to request you to grant us a half-holiday on the occasion of the Kati Bihu festival.
Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is an important festival for the people of Assam. It is a solemn occasion when we light earthen lamps (saki) in our paddy fields and near the tulsi plant at home, praying for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of our families. A half-holiday would allow us to go home in time to participate in these important evening rituals with our families.
We would be very grateful if you could kindly grant our request.
Thank you.
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
General Secretary
Students’ Union
(b) Write a report for a local daily on the basis of the information given below.
Annual Prize Day Held at [School Name]
By a Staff Reporter
Guwahati, Feb 16, 2020: [Your School’s Name] celebrated its Annual Prize Day today with great enthusiasm in a festive atmosphere. The Honourable Education Minister was the Chief-guest for the occasion.
The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a welcome address from the school Principal. The main event of the day was the prize distribution ceremony, where the Chief-guest gave away the prizes to the students who had excelled in academics, sports, and other co-curricular activities.
In his encouraging speech, the Education Minister congratulated the winners and motivated all students to work hard and bring laurels to the school and the state. The event was interspersed with cultural performances by the students, which added to the festive mood. The day concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving parents and students with a sense of pride and happiness.
31. (a) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(i) How much of our planet is not covered by the sea ? (1)
Answer: One-fourth of our planet is not covered by the sea.
(ii) How does the sea help man? (2)
Answer: The sea helps man by acting as a great highway for travel and trade. It also appeals to his love for adventure, conquest, knowledge, and wealth.
(iii) In what way does the sea appeal to man? (2)
Answer: The sea appeals to man’s love of the perilous and the unknown, his love of conquest, his love of knowledge, and his love of gold.
(b) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(i) From where does the river Kaveri obtain its water ? (1)
Answer: The river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg.
(ii) How do the various birds and beasts enjoy in the stream of Kaveri ? (2)
Answer: In the stream of Kaveri, kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit to enjoy the splash. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.
(iii) Name the various sports favourite with the visitors to this place. (2)
Answer: The various sports favourite with the visitors are river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock-climbing, and mountain biking.