Here is the complete, solved version of the 2021 English HSLC Examination Paper.
English HSLC Examination Paper – 2021 (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)
Send me the rest, since I need it very much.
( relaxing / remaining part / remaining idle )
Answer: remaining part
(b) State whether the following statements are True or False : (2)
(i) Lencho was a trader.
Answer: False
(ii) Lencho was a farmer.
Answer: True
(c) Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence : (1)
The field was white, as if covered with ______.
(i) snow
(ii) flour
(iii) salt
Answer: (iii) salt
2. How many cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world? (1)
Answer: Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world.
3. Write the names of two patriots before Mandela. (1+1=2)
Answer: Two patriots before Mandela were Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu.
4. Why did Lencho go out when the big drops of rain were falling? (2)
Answer: Lencho went out when the big drops of rain were falling to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body. He considered the raindrops to be like new coins that would bring a good harvest.
5. Who is the writer of Tea from Assam? Who is Mr. Barua mentioned in the lesson? (1+1=2)
Answer: The writer of Tea from Assam is Arup Kumar Datta. Mr. Barua is Pranjol’s father and the manager of the Dhekiabari Tea Estate.
6. Why did Lencho become angry when he counted the money? (1)
Answer: Lencho became angry because he received only seventy pesos instead of the one hundred pesos he had asked God for.
7. “Freedom is indivisible.” How does Mandela explain this observation of his? (2)
Answer: Mandela explains this by stating that the chains on any one of his people were like chains on all of them, and the chains on all of his people were chains on him. He believed that freedom cannot be divided; if any part of a community is not free, then no one is truly free.
8. What does Mandela mean by courage? Who, according to him, is a brave man? (1+1=2)
Answer: According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
9. What does Mandela say about the inauguration gathering? (2)
Answer: Mandela says that the inauguration gathering was the largest ever gathering of international leaders on South African soil. He describes it as a “rainbow gathering” for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.
10. Give a description of Dhekiabari Tea Estate as seen by Rajvir. (3)
Answer: As seen by Rajvir, on both sides of the gravel road of Dhekiabari Tea Estate, there were acres upon acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. In the distance, there was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall chimneys.
SECTION – B
11. Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the following : (1×2=2)
wagon, ink
[cannon, dragon, ring, blink, king]
Answer:
- wagon – dragon
- ink – blink
12. Where should the tiger be snarling around and how should it be terrorising the village? (1+1=2)
Answer: The tiger should be snarling around the houses at the jungle’s edge. It should be terrorising the village by baring its white fangs and claws.
13. Why did Custard cry for a new cage? (2)
Answer: Custard cried for a new cage because he was a coward and was always looking for safety. He did not have the courage of the other pets and felt that a cage would be a nice, safe place for him.
14. “He stalks in his vivid stripes.” Who is meant by ‘He’ in the above line? What is meant by ‘vivid stripes’? (1+1=2)
Answer:
- ‘He’ in the above line refers to the tiger.
- ‘Vivid stripes’ refers to the bright, clear, and distinct black stripes on the tiger’s yellow coat.
15. How did Custard the Dragon attack the pirate? (2)
Answer: Custard attacked the pirate fiercely. He jumped up, snorting like an engine, and clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon. He then went at the pirate “like a robin at a worm” and gobbled him up in one bite.
16. What is meant by ‘quiet rage? (1)
Answer: ‘Quiet rage’ refers to the intense but suppressed anger of the tiger, who is helpless in his cage and cannot express his fury openly.
17. Where did Belinda live? (1)
Answer: Belinda lived in a little white house.
SECTION – C
18. (a) Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. (5)
Answer: Ausable, a clever secret agent, defeated Max’s scheme by using his intelligence and wit. When confronted by Max with a pistol, Ausable remained calm and invented a story about a non-existent balcony outside his window, claiming it was a nuisance. He then created further tension by mentioning that the police would be arriving shortly to check on him. When there was a knock at the door (which was actually a waiter), the nervous Max, believing it was the police, jumped out of the window to hide on the “balcony.” As there was no balcony, Max fell to his death, and Ausable successfully got rid of him without using any physical force.
Or
(b) How does Ausable make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? (5)
Answer: Ausable makes Max believe there is a balcony by creating a very detailed and convincing story. He complains to Max that the balcony, which belongs to the next apartment, is a nuisance and that this is the second time someone has entered his room through it. He speaks with such annoyance and normalcy that Max does not doubt him. Ausable’s story is so believable that when there is a knock at the door, Max’s immediate reaction is to escape onto this imaginary balcony.
19. (a) Briefly describe the extraordinary behaviour of Mrs. Hall’s furniture. (5)
Answer: The behaviour of Mrs. Hall’s furniture was extraordinary and terrifying. When she and her husband entered the scientist’s empty room, the furniture suddenly came alive. The bedclothes became a hat and dashed itself into her face. Then, the bedroom chair sprang into the air and charged straight at her, legs foremost. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then slammed and locked the door after them.
Or
(b) Who was Griffin? Why and how did he become invisible? How did he become a homeless wanderer? (1+2+2=5)
Answer:
- Who was Griffin? Griffin was a brilliant scientist.
- Why and how did he become invisible? He became invisible to escape his landlord, who disliked him and tried to eject him. He achieved this by swallowing certain rare drugs that made his body as transparent as a sheet of glass.
- How did he become a homeless wanderer? He became a homeless wanderer after he set fire to his landlord’s house in revenge. Being invisible without clothes, he had to wander the streets of London in the cold without money or a place to live.
SECTION – D
20. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with right determiners : (½×4=2)
(a) Mr. Barua is a man of few words.
(b) Ms. Manisha married a European gentleman.
(c) I want only a little encouragement from you.
(d) Each of the participants will be given a certificate.
21. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from among the choices given in the brackets : (½×4=2)
(a) They are sitting at the dining table.
(b) Ravi is senior to me by two years.
(c) He was prevented from going to Delhi.
(d) Flour is made from wheat.
22. Rewrite the sentences given below putting the verbs in the brackets in their correct tense form : (1×3=3)
(a) He (ring) the bell when I was reading.
Answer: He rang the bell when I was reading.
(b) Nobody (know) where he lives.
Answer: Nobody knows where he lives.
(c) The guests (arrive) before the dinner was set.
Answer: The guests had arrived before the dinner was set.
23. Change the narration of the following : (1×2=2)
(a) Mitali asked me if I had a pen to spare.
Answer: Mitali said to me, “Have you a pen to spare?”
(b) Mother said to Rafique, “Do not keep evil company in your life.”
Answer: Mother advised Rafique not to keep evil company in his life.
24. Change the voice of the following sentences : (1×2=2)
(a) Shakespeare wrote the play, Hamlet.
Answer: The play, Hamlet, was written by Shakespeare.
(b) My pen has been stolen.
Answer: Someone has stolen my pen.
25. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence : (1×2=2)
(a) He is not sincere. He is not honest.
Answer: He is neither sincere nor honest.
(b) The earth moves round the sun. Everybody knows it.
Answer: Everybody knows that the earth moves round the sun.
26. Choose the correct alternatives from the choices given in the brackets and rewrite the sentences : (1×2=2)
(a) Nobody likes his ( child-like / childish ) behaviour.
Answer: Nobody likes his childish behaviour.
(b) The two men arrived at an ( amiable / amicable ) settlement.
Answer: The two men arrived at an amicable settlement. (Note: While ‘amiable’ means friendly, ‘amicable’ specifically refers to a friendly agreement/settlement. ‘Amicable’ is the more appropriate word here.)
27. Make sentences to illustrate the meaning of any two of the following: (1×2=2)
deal in, bring up, put up, look after
- deal in: The shopkeeper deals in stationery items.
- bring up: She was brought up by her grandparents.
- put up: Where are you putting up in Guwahati?
- look after: We must look after our aged parents.
28. Correct any three of the following sentences : (1×3=3)
(a) Haren was appointed in the post.
Answer: Haren was appointed to the post.
(b) It is raining since last night.
Answer: It has been raining since last night.
(c) How much money you need?
Answer: How much money do you need?
(d) Five kilograms are not so heavy to carry.
Answer: Five kilograms is not so heavy to carry.
(e) The old man died from COVID-19.
Answer: The old man died of COVID-19.
SECTION – E
29. Translate into English (any one group) of the following : (1×6=6)
(Assamese Group)
(a) অসমৰ চাহপাত জগত বিখ্যাত।
Answer: The tea of Assam is world-famous.
(b) মানুহজন সিমান চহকীও নহয় নাইবা সিমান দুখীয়াও নহয়।
Answer: The man is neither so rich nor so poor.
(c) গুৱাহাটীত এখন চিৰিয়াখানা আছে।
Answer: There is a zoo in Guwahati.
(d) ৰমেন ক’ত থাকে তুমি জানানে?
Answer: Do you know where Ramen lives?
(e) চোৰটোক গাঁৱৰ পৰা খেদি দিয়া হৈছিল।
Answer: The thief was driven out of the village.
(f) ৰূপ সোণৰ সমান মূল্যবান নহয়।
Answer: Silver is not as precious as gold.
Or
Give the substance of the following passage : (6)
Examinations are an integral part of academic life…
Substance:
Examinations are a conventional but essential part of academic life, used to test a student’s talent, understanding, and career prospects. Success in examinations, from school to competitive levels for administrative services, is crucial for a better future. Therefore, one must face them with serious preparation and conviction. While repeated failures provide experience, one should not rely on the adage “failures are the pillars of success,” because student life is a limited period that forms the basis for one’s entire career.
30. Write, in about 150 words, an essay on any one of the following topics : (6)
(b) COVID-19
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus, emerged as one of the most significant global health crises in modern history. Originating in late 2019, it rapidly spread across the world, leading to millions of deaths and unprecedented disruption to daily life. The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia and death.
The pandemic forced governments worldwide to implement drastic measures like lockdowns, social distancing, and mandatory mask-wearing to curb its spread. This had a profound impact on the global economy, education, and social fabric. Businesses shut down, schools moved to online learning, and people were isolated from their loved ones.
However, the crisis also spurred remarkable scientific collaboration, leading to the rapid development and deployment of vaccines. It highlighted the importance of public health infrastructure, personal hygiene, and global cooperation. While the world is slowly recovering, the pandemic has left a lasting legacy, changing the way we work, learn, and interact, and reminding us of our collective vulnerability and the need for resilience.
Or
Write a story in about 150 words using the outlines given below and add a title to it : (6)
A speedy car hit an old man—escaped—…
The Good Samaritans
It was a busy afternoon when a speedy car came racing down the road, hit an old man trying to cross, and sped away without stopping. The old man lay on the road, grievously injured and bleeding. A crowd of people quickly gathered around him. They spoke about the evils of rash driving and criticized the heartless driver, but tragically, no one bothered to help the injured man. They were mere spectators.
Just then, two school boys, Rohan and Amit, arrived on their bicycles. Seeing the pathetic condition of the old man, they did not waste a moment. They immediately stopped a passing auto-rickshaw, carefully lifted the old man with the help of the driver, and took him to the nearest hospital. They informed the hospital authorities and waited until the man’s family was contacted. Their quick and selfless action saved a precious life, proving that compassion is more valuable than empty words.
31. Answer either (a) or (b) : (5)
(a) Write an application to the Headmaster/Principal requesting him to grant a half-holiday…
To
The Headmaster/Principal
[Your School’s Name]
[School’s Address]
Date: [Date]
Subject: Request for a half-holiday
Respected Sir/Madam,
With due respect, we, the students of your school, would like to state that a friendly cricket match has been organized today in the school field between our school team and [Opponent’s School Name]. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
All the students are very eager to watch the match and cheer for our school team. This will not only be a source of entertainment but also a great encouragement for our players.
Therefore, we kindly request you to grant us a half-holiday from 12:30 p.m. onwards to enable all students to enjoy the cricket match. We would be very grateful for your kind consideration.
Thank you.
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
General Secretary
Students’ Union
(b) Write a report for a local daily on the information given below :
Devastating Fire Guts Over Ten Shops in Nalbari
By a Staff Reporter
Nalbari, March 15, 2021: A devastating fire broke out near Bata Chawk in Nalbari at around 2:30 p.m. today, gutting more than ten shops. The fire, believed to have started from a short circuit in one of the shops, spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable materials.
Thick black smoke engulfed the entire area, causing panic among the local people. Firefighters from the Nalbari fire station rushed to the spot. They, along with local people, battled for hours to douse the massive blaze.
Although the fire was eventually brought under control, property worth an estimated three crore rupees was burnt to ashes. Fortunately, no human life was lost in the incident. The local authorities have started an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
32. (a) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(i) Who discovered electric power? (1)
Answer: Michael Faraday discovered electric power.
(ii) How is electric power generated through hydroelectric power projects? (2)
Answer: In hydroelectric power projects, wheels are run with the help of water currents from rivers and streams. These wheels, propelled by the water current, generate electric power.
(iii) What are the other sources of generating electric power? Name at least two sources. (2)
Answer: Other sources of generating electric power are thermal power (by burning coal), portable generators (by burning diesel or kerosene), sunshine (solar power), and wind power. Two sources are solar power and wind power.
(b) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(i) Where were the Union Buildings situated? (1)
Answer: The Union Buildings were situated in Pretoria.
(ii) How did the speaker remain busy during the ‘past few days’? Why were the dignitaries and world leaders coming? (1+1=2)
Answer: The speaker remained busy by being pleasantly besieged by (or receiving) dignitaries and world leaders. They were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration.
(iii) What was the seat of white supremacy for decades? (2)
Answer: The lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria was the seat of white supremacy for decades.