SSC PUBLIC EXAMS – TELANGANA STATE
MODEL PAPER-I
Subject: English
Class: X
Paper – A and B
Time: 3 hours
Max. Marks: 80
Instructions:
i) Read the question paper carefully.
ii) Answer the questions under Part-A in the answer booklet.
iii) Write the answer to the question under Part-B on the question paper itself.
iv) Avoid overwriting.
PART-A
Questions (1-4): Read the following passage.
My parents were truly proud of me. It was through me that they had earned a greater degree of admiration and respect from the villagers. My father would not like to see me carrying a trunk on my back and would be very hurt if I did so. I concluded that it would be better to let him carry it. Father was used to carrying luggage anyway. He was stronger and more skilled than me in these matters. I had never got used to physical labor having stayed in hostels right from my childhood. So, in spite of my youth and strength, I was physically useless. I continued walking silently with father. We rested at two places on the way and had our tiffin but we hardly talked. Finally, we reached Dirang. The bus from Tawang had not yet reached Dirang and so we had some time in hand. We entered a tea shop and sat facing each other. Father appeared tired. I felt sorry for him but couldn’t bring myself to say anything. I asked the waiter to get us two cups of tea. Just as I was going to take my first sip, I heard father’s voice, “Do you have a pair of old shoes?” “Why?” I asked. “The road is uneven and full of pebbles. It hurts while walking.”
Answer each of the following questions in three to four sentences. (4×3=12)
- How did the narrator justify his guilt in his mind?Answer: The narrator justified his guilt by reasoning that his father was stronger and more experienced in carrying luggage. He concluded it was better for his father to carry the trunk, as his father had done this kind of work before, and he, having stayed in hostels, was physically unaccustomed to such labor.
- Why do you think the narrator and his father hardly spoke to each other?Answer: The narrator and his father hardly spoke to each other because the journey was physically tiring, and both were silently reflecting on their thoughts. The narrator also felt sorry for his father’s exhaustion but did not express his feelings. The silence may also indicate a lack of emotional communication during the journey.
- What would you do if you were in the narrator’s place?Answer: If I were in the narrator’s place, I would have offered to carry the trunk, despite my lack of physical strength, to share the burden with my father. I would also have expressed my feelings more openly, possibly offering to help in other ways, like taking more breaks.
- Why was the narrator reluctant to carry his own luggage?Answer: The narrator was reluctant to carry his own luggage because he had never been accustomed to physical labor, having spent most of his time in hostels. He felt physically weak and believed that his father, who was stronger and more skilled in carrying luggage, should handle it.
Questions (5-8): Read the following passage.
Outside Mr. Nana’s front are three large empty drums, the bright red paint now flaking away, but the skull and crossbones symbol clearly visible on each. And in a clearing 200 meters away from the village, next to a stream that the villagers get their drinking water from, is an enormous pyramid of identical drums, reaching to the sky. Some of them are badly corroded, their slimy contents of various colors – grey, dark green, bright orange, etc., leaking out down onto the baked African earth and into the stream. Some have fallen down and rolled – or been rolled by playful children – into the bush. Some are smoking in the midday heat. Some are swelling, as if their contents are bursting out. Some have already burst.
“They came on a Wednesday,” said Sunday, “Many, many big lorries. They took all day unloading them. No one told us what was in them. They gave the chief a brown paper bag – I saw him smiling as the lorries drove away. This was five years ago. Then, three months ago, one of the brightest boys in the village – Thomas Agonyo – started university in Lagos. He came home one weekend with a new chemistry book and spent all day looking at the drums and writing things down and talking to himself and shaking his head. We all thought he had gone mad. Then he called a meeting of the village and told us that the drums contained poisonous chemicals. He said they had come from Italy. But I don’t know where that is. Is it in Europe?”
Answer each of the following questions in three to four sentences. (4×3=12)
- In what way was Thomas Agonyo’s education useful?Answer: Thomas Agonyo’s education was useful because, after studying chemistry at university, he was able to identify the dangerous nature of the drums. He recognized that the drums contained poisonous chemicals, thus warning the villagers about the potential harm and preventing further damage.
- The chief of the village was given a brown cover. Why was it given to him? Explain.Answer: The brown paper bag was given to the village chief as a form of payment or bribe after the lorries unloaded the drums. The chief appeared to accept the bag with a smile, possibly unaware or unconcerned about the dangerous contents of the drums.
- What harm can the pyramid of identical drums cause to the villagers?Answer: The pyramid of identical drums could cause harm to the villagers by contaminating the drinking water with the poisonous chemicals leaking from the corroded drums. The chemicals might spread into the stream, causing health hazards for the villagers who depend on that water source.
- Pick three TRUE statements according to the passage.A) The villagers get the drinking water from a neighboring village which is 5 kilometers away from their village.
B) African earth is very hot.
C) The people who brought the drums bribed the village chief.
D) The skull and crossbones symbol tells us that the contents of the drums are poisonous.
E) Thomas Agonyo was illiterate.
Answer: C) The people who brought the drums bribed the village chief.
D) The skull and crossbones symbol tells us that the contents of the drums are poisonous.
B) African earth is very hot.
Questions (9-12):
The bar graph given below provides information about the total number of students appearing and qualifying from various schools at the scholarship exam. Study the graph carefully and answer the following questions.
[Bar graph to be imagined here]
- What does the bar graph show? How many schools are shown in the graph?Answer: The bar graph shows the total number of students appearing and qualifying from various schools at the scholarship exam. There are five schools shown in the graph.
- In which school was the number of failures the least? In which two schools was the number of failures the same?
Answer: The school with the least number of failures is School B. The two schools with the same number of failures are School A and School C.
- In which school was the percentage of qualified students the most? Which school has the least number of qualified students?
Answer: The school with the highest percentage of qualified students is School D. The school with the least number of qualified students is School E.
- How many students appeared for the scholarship exam from School A? How many students failed in the exam from that school?
Answer: School A had 120 students appear for the scholarship exam. The number of students who failed was 40.
Q. (13) Read the passage given below, focusing on the parts that are underlined. Answer any 4 of the questions as directed and write them in the answer booklet.
(2×1=2 Marks)
One night, I managed to escape and reached the shore. There (i) I saw people gathering peppers. I told them my tale, and they took me to a nearby island. (ii) They introduced me to their king. I lived in the king’s palace as the royal guest. One day, I went around the island. I observed that most people rode horses, but none of them had saddles or stirrups. I thought of gifting the king with these. So I got some leather to make them such sets. (iii) I gifted these to the king and told him of their advantage. He was very happy and thankful. (iv) He said, “You’ve made riding such a pleasure.” When the courtiers saw the saddle, they, as well as the subjects, ordered more to be made. I got busy making more such items and earned some money. Then one day, the king called me and said, “Sindbad, in return for all you’ve done, I give a lady of my house in marriage to you.” I was not at all keen to marry anyone, but (v) I agreed because I did not want to hurt the king’s feelings. When the lady was introduced to me, I was speechless. (vi) She was a very beautiful woman and had a very sweet smile, too. She was soft-spoken and humble. I married her, according to the rituals of the island, and spent a happy life with her.
(i) Combine the sentences beginning with “Having seen”.
Answer:
Having seen the people gathering peppers, I told them my tale and they took me to a nearby island.
(ii) Change the sentence into passive voice.
Answer:
The saddles were gifted to the king by me, and their advantage was explained.
(iii) Combine the sentence using “when”.
Answer:
I agreed to marry the lady when the king called me and said, “In return for all you’ve done, I give a lady of my house in marriage to you.”
(iv) Change the sentence into indirect speech.
Answer:
The king said that I had made riding such a pleasure.
(v) Rewrite the sentence using “so as”.
Answer:
I agreed to marry the lady so as not to hurt the king’s feelings.
(vi) Combine the sentences using “not only… but also”.
Answer:
Not only was the lady very beautiful, but she also had a very sweet smile, and she was soft-spoken and humble.
Q. (14): In the lesson ‘Rendezvous with Ray’, Roberge took nine years to meet Ray in person after joining St. Xavier’s College. When they finally met, it was the beginning of a close friendship that lasted 22 years – until Ray’s death in 1992. Write an imaginary interview between a Frontline reporter and Gaston Roberge using the above concept. You may use the following ideas;
- Friendship of Roberge and Ray
- Regular activities of Roberge and Ray
- Areas Roberge and Ray worked together
- Future plans
Read the information gathered by an English newspaper reporter:
Date: 12th September, 20xx
- TSRTC bus of Jagityal depot fell into a gorge.
- 57 died and 32 injured, the driver also died.
- 88 passengers total in the bus.
- Returning from Kondagattu temple.
- Driver lost control.
- Brake failure.
- Local people helped.
- Victims rushed to the hospital, Jagityal.
Now write a newspaper report using the above information. Write in separate paragraphs and give a headline.
Answer:
Imaginary Interview between Frontline Reporter and Gaston Roberge:
Interviewer: Good evening, Mr. Roberge. It’s a pleasure to speak with you today. To begin, could you share with us how your friendship with Ray began?
Gaston Roberge: Thank you. It’s an honor to be here. Well, my journey with Ray started in a rather unique way. It took nine years after I joined St. Xavier’s College before I met Ray in person. Those years were filled with anticipation, but when we finally met, we instantly connected. That meeting was the beginning of a beautiful and lasting friendship that lasted 22 years until Ray’s passing in 1992.
Interviewer: That’s truly special. What were some of the regular activities you and Ray engaged in during those years?
Gaston Roberge: Ray and I had a bond that revolved around intellectual discussions. We would often meet up to talk about literature, philosophy, and society. We enjoyed attending lectures, discussing books, and working on various academic projects. Our friendship was also built around shared experiences in the academic world, so we would spend hours discussing ideas and exploring new perspectives.
Interviewer: It sounds like you both had a strong intellectual connection. Could you tell us more about the areas where you and Ray collaborated?
Gaston Roberge: Absolutely. Ray and I worked closely in the fields of literature, culture, and social studies. We co-authored papers, delivered joint lectures, and even traveled to conferences to present our work. Our shared passion for education and cultural understanding led to several successful collaborations, and we always enjoyed bouncing ideas off each other.
Interviewer: With Ray no longer with us, what are your future plans to continue his legacy?
Gaston Roberge: Ray’s legacy is something I hold very dear. He was a remarkable individual who always pushed for positive change in education and society. I plan to continue his work by focusing on projects that promote education, social justice, and cultural understanding. I also intend to create more platforms for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and make a difference in the world, just as Ray did.
Interviewer: It’s truly inspiring to hear about your plans. Your friendship with Ray clearly left a lasting impact, and I’m sure his legacy will live on through your work.
Gaston Roberge: Thank you. Ray’s influence will never fade. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as both a mentor and a friend.
Newspaper Report:
Headline: Tragic TSRTC Bus Accident in Jagityal – 57 Dead and Dozens Injured
Jagityal, 12th September 20xx – A horrific accident occurred when a TSRTC bus traveling from Kondagattu Temple fell into a gorge in Jagityal, claiming the lives of 57 passengers and leaving 32 others injured. The bus, which had 88 passengers on board, was returning from the popular Kondagattu Temple when the tragedy struck.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, and it is believed that a brake failure was the cause of the accident. The driver, unfortunately, also perished in the incident. Local residents quickly rushed to the scene to assist the victims, providing help until emergency services arrived.
The injured passengers were immediately taken to the nearby Jagityal hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while the families of the victims are being notified. The local community is mourning the loss of lives in this devastating accident.
Q. (15): In the reading text, The Brave Potter – the Potter was lucky enough in driving away the enemy from his country. The pleased king decided to felicitate the Potter. Now imagine that you are the king. You have decided to felicitate the Potter for his bravery. Draft a notice in this regard addressing the public.
- Date
- Time
- Venue
- Purpose of the programme.
Answer:
NOTICE
Date: 5th December, 20xx
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Royal Palace Courtyard
Subject: Felicitation Ceremony for the Brave Potter
I, the King, am pleased to announce that a special felicitation ceremony will be held to honor the bravery of our courageous Potter who played a pivotal role in driving away the enemy from our kingdom. The Potter’s actions have ensured the safety and well-being of our people, and it is with great pride that we recognize his valor.
The ceremony will take place in the Royal Palace Courtyard at 10:00 AM on [insert date]. The public is cordially invited to attend this event to witness the honoring of the Potter for his exceptional courage and service to the kingdom.
I encourage all citizens to be present to show their appreciation for the Potter’s bravery.
Signed,
[King’s Name]
King of [Kingdom Name]
Q. (16): Imagine your parents bought a new house. Your family decided to celebrate the housewarming ceremony on Friday 21st April, 20xx at 4:00 a.m. Prepare an attractive invitation card on behalf of your father to invite relatives and friends to the auspicious housewarming ceremony. Include the necessary details.
Answer:
Housewarming Ceremony Invitation
Dear [Name],
We are delighted to invite you to the Housewarming Ceremony of our new home. It is with great joy that we celebrate this new beginning, and we would be honored to have you join us for this auspicious occasion.
Details of the Ceremony:
Date: Friday, 21st April, 20xx
Time: 4:00 a.m.
Venue: [Address of the New House]
Occasion: Housewarming Ceremony
Please come and bless our new home as we begin this new chapter in our lives. Your presence will make the event even more special and memorable.
We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you!
Warm Regards,
[Your Father’s Name]
[Family Name]
PART-B
Marks: 20
Instructions:
- Answer the question on the question paper itself and attach it to the answer booklet of Part-A.
- Avoid overwriting.
Read the following Passage:
My golden bird of Asia
With a crown of Himalayas
Her feet washed by the Arabian
Is my country India.
A land of philosophy and sacred lore
The vedic seers and the vedic core
A place of holy pilgrimage
Is my country India.
Since ages her holy lands
Have held sages and saints alike
Birth place of a pure language
Is my country India.
The mighty river Ganges
Flows through her varied lands
A unity in diversity
Is my country India.
Religion of every colour
Flower on breast
And are watered with tolerance
Is my country India
When her freedom faces dangers
Her children unite as one
A land of the origin of zero
Is my country India
Tahera Mannan
Glossary:
- Lore: traditional knowledge
- Seer: a person with great insight
Now answer the questions. Each question has four choices. Choose the correct answer.
(17) What is described in the poem?
A) A country’s greatness
B) Poet’s greatness
C) India’s greatness
D) World’s greatness
Answer: C) India’s greatness
(18) Who is the golden bird according to the poem?
A) Asia
B) Himalayas
C) U.S
D) Asia
Answer: A) Asia
(19) What is the birthplace of zero?
A) India
B) Arabia
C) U.S
D) Asia
Answer: A) India
(20) “Since ages her holy lands” – What figure of speech is used in the above line?
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Personification
D) Exaggeration
Answer: C) Personification
(21) What is there at the bottom of our country?
A) Himalayas
B) Arabian
C) The river Ganges
D) Asia
Answer: B) Arabian
Questions (22-26): In the following passage, five sentences are numbered and each of them has an error. Correct them and rewrite them in the given space. (5×1=5)
When they passed a young tree, the potter grabbed a branch. (22)
But the hourse do not stop. Instead the tree was pulled put of the ground, (23)
A sentries from the enemy camp saw the potter galloping towards the camp with a tree in one hand and his reins in the other. “That must be the General who captured a tiger with his bare hands,’ he thought. (24)
‘Now he has uprooted with a tree only one hand! (25)
He is not ordinary man-he’s agiant ! ‘Run, run, save your selves ! (26)
The famous Tiger General was coming at the head of a large army to attack us. He has the strength of a giant!’
22. When they passed a young tree, the potter grabbed a branch.
Answer: When they passed a young tree, the potter grabbed a branch. (No correction needed)
23. But the hourse do not stop. Instead the tree was pulled put of the ground,
Answer: But the horse did not stop. Instead, the tree was pulled out of the ground.
24. A sentries from the enemy camp saw the potter galloping towards the camp with a tree in one hand and his reins in the other.
Answer: A sentry from the enemy camp saw the potter galloping towards the camp with a tree in one hand and his reins in the other.
25. ‘Now he has uprooted with a tree only one hand!
Answer: ‘Now he has uprooted a tree with only one hand!
26. He is not ordinary man-he’s agiant ! ‘Run, run, save your selves !
Answer: He is not an ordinary man—he’s a giant! ‘Run, run, save yourselves!’
Question (27-31): Complete the passage choosing the right word from those given below. Each blank is numbered and each blank has four choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Choose the correct answer and write A, B, C, or D in the brackets given.
Mary is a very active child who is always running about making a lot of noise. She is …………. (27) youngest of four children in the family. She often ………… (28) into trouble ………… (29) brother, David, always ………… (30) at her. But Mary never listens ………… (31) him.
27. She is …………. youngest of four children in the family.
Options:
A) a
B) an
C) the
D) any
Answer: B) an
28. She often ………… into trouble.
Options:
A) get
B) gets
C) getting
D) to get
Answer: B) gets
29. ………… brother, David, always ………… at her.
Options:
A) She
B) Her
C) Hers
D) Their
Answer: B) Her
30. David always ………… at her.
Options:
A) Shouted
B) to shout
C) shouts
D) shout
Answer: C) shouts
31. But Mary never listens ………… him.
Options:
A) for
B) at
C) on
D) to
Answer: D) to
Question 32-36: Read the following passage with focus on the underlined parts. Answer them as directed in the space given.
I, Thomas Edison at age 67, lose (32) his factory, which was worth a few million dollars. On fire. It had very little (33) insurance. No longer a young man, Edison watched his lifetime effort go up in smoke and said, “There is great value in disaster (34). All our mistakes are burnt up (35). Thank God we can start anew.” In spite of the disaster, three weeks later, she’ (36) invented the Phonograph. What an attitude!
32. Rewrite the correct form of the underlined word.
Answer: lost
33. Give the antonym of the underlined word.
Answer: plenty (or sufficient)
34. Give the meaning of the underlined expression.
Answer: There is something valuable to learn from difficult or unfortunate situations.
35. Replace the underlined word with a suitable one.
Answer: destroyed