HSC Board July 2026 Exam
Subject - English
Q.1 Read the extract and complete the activities given below.(12)
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Entertainment and Media: In the field
of entertainment and media, Big Data focuses on targeting people with the
right content at the right time. Based on your past views and your behaviour
online you will be shown different recommendations. This technique is
popularly used by Netflix and YouTube to increase engagement and drive more
revenues. Now, even television broadcasters are looking to segment their
viewer’s database and show different advertisements and shows accordingly.
This will allow better revenue from ads and will provide a more engaging user
experience. Education Industry: Big Data has
inundated the education industry. It has transformed it in leaps and bounds.
Now we have information about the students, their study patterns, and we can
now prepare customized and dynamic learning programmes according to the need
of an individual student. Every student’s comprehension level is different.
The course material can now be designed catering to different requirements of
the students. Big Data makes it convenient to understand their choices, their
difficulties, information regarding various courses and their specialties; we
also have an access to the results. From the results we can gauge the
progress of the students, understand their strengths and weaknesses. This
will also help in guiding the student regarding the best career for him based
on his mental make-up and abilities. An in- depth study of all this would
definitely give new insights into the education industry and help in
improving the operational effectiveness and working of educational
institutes. This would in general, enhance progress of all students. Big Data
has provided a solution to one of the biggest pitfalls in the education
industry, that is one – size- fits- all. |
A1. A1. Read
the following statements and write TWO correct statements that state the theme
of the extract: (2)
(i) Big Data helps
educational institutes in decision making and improving efficiency.
(ii) Only Netflix
and Youtube are reaping the benefits of Big Data.
iii) Big Data
helps entertainment and media to understand and predict audience preferences.
(iv) Big Data can
help in gauging student's weakness.
A2. Netflix
and Youtube used big data to increase engagement of the viewers and earn more
revenues. Support your answer with proper evidences from the extract. (2)
A3. Complete
the flow chart on the role of big data in educational industry. One is done for
you. Find information from the extract and complete the flow chart.
A5. Do as directed: (2)
(i) Every
student's comprehension level is different. (Choose the correct 'Negative
Sentence' from the options given below and write it.)
(a) Every student's
comprehension level is not different.
(b) Every student's
comprehension level is not the same.
(c) Every student's
comprehension level is not that much different.
(d) Every student's
comprehension level is not critical.
(ii) This will
help in guiding the students for the best career.
(Choose the
correct option replacing the modal auxiliary expressing 'Advice' and write it.)
(a) This can help in guiding
the students for the best career.
(b) This must help in guiding
the students for the best career.
(c) This may help in guiding
the students for the best career.
(d) This should help in
guiding the students for the best career.
A6. Vocabulary: (2)
Find out the
words/phrases from the extract which mean:
(a) Enrich
(b) Income
(c) Engulfed
(d) Rapidly
B) Language Study
(Non-Textual Grammar) (4)
B1. Do as
directed: (3)
(i) There are no
unemployed, no slackers in a civilised society. (1)
(Choose the
correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'Neither
------ nor' and write it.)
(a) There are neither
unemployed nor slackers in a civilised society.
(b) There were neither
unemployed nor slackers in a civilised society.
(c) There are neither
unemployed and nor slackers in a civilised society.
(d) There are neither employed
nor slackers in a civilised society
(ii) Sandip said
to Rushika, "Do you like to take part in sports competition?" (1)
(Choose the
correct 'Indirect Speech' from the given options and write it.)
(a) Sandip asked Rushika
if/whether she liked to take part in sports competition.
(b) Sandip told Rushika if/
whether she likes to take part in sports competition.
(c) Sandip asks Rushika
if/whether she liked to take part in sports competition.
(d) Sandip asked Rushika
if/whether you like to take part in sports competition.
(iii) When the
officer fired his assistant, he heaved a sigh of relief.(1)
(Choose the
correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'No
sooner than' and write it.)
(a) No sooner do the officer
fired his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.
(b) No sooner does the officer
fire his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.
(c) No sooner did the officer
fire his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.
(d) No sooner than the officer
fired his assistant, he heaved a sigh of relief.
B2. Spot the error
and rewrite the correct sentence: (1)
Rutuja is one of the best student in using new technology.
Q.2 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities
given below:(12) [18]
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As a boy, Dalkoff was terribly insecure and shy. He
had few friends and no self-confidence. Then one day in October 1965, his
high school English teacher, Ruth Brauch, gave the class an assignment. The
students had been reading "To Kill a Mockingbird.' Now they were to
write their own chapter that would follow the last chapter of the novel. Dalkoff wrote his chapter and turned it in. Today he
cannot recall anything special about the chapter he wrote, or what grade Mrs.
Brauch gave him. What he does remember what he will never forget are the four
words Mrs. Brauch wrote in the margin of the paper: "This is good
writing." Four words. They changed his life. "Until I read those words, I had no idea of who
I was or what I was going to be," he said. "After reading her note,
I went home and wrote a short story, something I had always dreamed of doing
but never believed I could do." Over the rest of that year in school, he wrote many
stories and always brought them to school for Mrs. Brauch to evaluate. She
was encouraging, tough and honest. "She was just what I needed,"
Dalkoff said. He was named co-editor of his high-school newspaper.
His confidence grew; his horizons broadened; he started off on a successful, fulfilling
life. Dalkoff is convinced that none of this would have happened had that
woman not written those four words in the margin of his paper. For his 30th high-school reunion, Dalkoff went back
and visited Mrs. Brauch, who had retired. He told her what her four words had
done for him. He told her that because she had given him the confidence to be
a writer, he had been able to pass that confidence on to the woman who would
become his wife, who became a writer herself. |
A1. Read the
following statements and arrange them in proper sequence: (2)
(a) Dalkoff
contributed as co-editor to his high school newspaper.
(b) Dalkoff wrote
a short story for the first time.
(c) Dalkoff met
Mrs. Brauch after her retirement.
(d) Class
assignment was given by Mrs. Brauch.
A2. Describe
Dalkoff's visit to his High-school's 30th reunion. (2)
A3.
"They changed his life.' Here 'They' means and write 'the change' they
brought in his life. (2)
A4. "The
reward or the words of praise,' what you will remember the most. Justify your
view point.
A5. Do as
directed:
(i) The
students had been reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Choose the correct option
from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'Future Perfect Tense'
and write it.)
(a) The students
will have been reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
(b) The students
will be reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
(c) The students
will be read 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
(d) The students
will have read 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
(ii) He was
named co-editor of his high school newspaper.
(Choose the
correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'Active
Voice' and write it.)
(a) His
high-school newspaper named him as a co-editor.
(b) They named him
co editor of his high-school newspaper.
(c) He was named
by them as a co'editor of his high school newspaper.
(d) They name him
co-editor of his high school newspaper.
A6. Match the
column:
Match the
words/phrases in column 'A' with their meaning in column 'B': (2)
|
(A) |
(B) |
|
(1) recall |
(a) give to another person |
|
(2) shy |
(b) assure |
|
(3) pass on |
(c) timid |
|
(4) convince |
(d) remember |
(B)
Summarising:
Write a
'Summary' of the above extract by using the following points:(3)
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Class assignment teacher's encouraging feedback in
the margin fulfilment of the dream - Dalkoff as co-editor-School reunion
experience. |
(C) Mind
Mapping:(3)
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Prepare a mind map on the topic 'Role of newspapers
in Society,' expressing and presenting your own ideas, flow, design and
structure. |
SECTION - II:
POETRY
(Poetry and
Appreciation) (14)
Q. 3. (A) Read the
extract and complete the activities given below: (10)
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My father travels on the late evening train Standing among silent commuters in the yellow light Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes His shirt and pants are soggy and his black raincoat Stained with mud and his bag stuffed with books Is falling apart. His eyes dimmed by age fade homeward through the humid monsoon night. Now I can see him getting off the train Like a word dropped from a long sentence. He hurries across the length of the grey platform, Crosses the railway line, enters the lane, His chappals are sticky with mud, but he hurries onward. |
A1. Identify the
lines from the extract that indicate the father's 'dull, monotonous routine'
and 'his lenst value for other.'(2)
|
Dull, Monotonous routine |
(1) -------------------------- |
|
Least value for other |
(2) -------------------------- |
A2. The passengers
are described as 'silent.' Give reasons. (2)
A3. Write the
difficulties you face while commuting to and from the college by public
transport. (2)
A4. Name and
explain the figure of speech in the following line: 'Suburbs slide past his
unseeing eyes.' (2)
A5. Compose four
poetic lines on the title 'My Father.'
(B) Appreciation: (4)
Read the extract
and write the appreciation of the poem:
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Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune, Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing, Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms, Strong and content I travel the open road. The earth, that is sufficient, I do not want the constellations any nearer, I know they are very well where they are, I know they suffice for those who belong to them. (Still here I carry my old delicious burdens, I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go, I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them, I am fill’d with them, and I will fill them in return.) |
SECTION - III
(Writing Skills)
Complete the
activities as per the instructions given below: [16]
(A) Attempt 'Any
One' of the following activities:(4)
(I) Virtual
Message:
|
Jeevan's parents have gone to a gym. He is alone at home and he
suddenly starts feeling uneasy, sick and weak. He has to attend a very
important interview for a new job. Therefore, he has to leave home early. As he is feeling unwell, he
wants his father to pick him up at around 2 p.m. from the interview site. Draft a virtual message from Jeevan to his father in about 50 words in
a proper standard format. |
OR
(II) Statement of
purpose:
|
You wish to pursue your graduation at a reputed university in any
stream of your choice. You have fixed your career goals and also have similar
background to achieve your dreams. Taking help of the above information prepare a Statement of Purpose
(SOP) in about 150 words as a part of your application process to get
admission at a university of your choice. |
OR
(III) Group
Discussion:
|
Imagine yourself and two other student participants in a group
discussion arranged by your English teacher. The topic is 'Is Money the Key
to Happiness?" Prepare suitable dialogues for each participant to express their
opinions on the given topic. |
(B) Attempt 'Any
One' from the given activities:
(1) E-mail:
|
You wish to visit a tourist centre, Lonavala with your family members.
Write an e-mail to the manager of the tourist centre, asking details about
room types and charges, food arrangements and other details. (4) |
OR
(II) Report
Writing:
|
Imagine, you are the cultural secretary of your college. Recently your college organized an Inter-college Youth Festival with
competitions like singing, debate, dance and art. Write a report in about 100/150 words for your college with
competitions like singing, debate, dance and art. Write a report in about 100/150 words for your college magazine
covering the event's date, venue, chief guest, participation, results and
overall experience. |
OR
(III) Interview:
|
Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a reputed doctor with the
help of the format given below. Draft questions on the given fields. |
(Do not change the sequence of
the questions.)
|
Name of the interviewee: Area of success / Reputation: Date/Venue/Time: Duration of Interview: |
|
|
Questions to be based on: |
|
|
(1) Choice of profession |
|
|
(2) Area of specialization |
|
|
(3) Most challenging case |
|
|
(4) Success/Achievement |
|
|
(5) Stress management |
|
|
(6) Work balance |
|
|
(7) Goals/Dreams |
|
|
(8) Advice |
|
C) Attempt 'Any One' of the
following activities: (4)
(I) Speech:
|
Imagine you have to deliver a speech in your class room on 'Human
Future with AI (Artificial Intelligence).' Draft a speech in about 150 words on the given topic. |
OR
(II) Compering:
|
Your college is celebrating Independence Day. Draft a compering script
for the flag hoisting ceremony and cultural programme. You may use the following points: (Greeting with patriotic spirit, welcoming dignitaries, flag hoisting
and national anthem, cultural fest programme, patriotic message) |
OR
(II) Expansion of Idea:
|
Expand the following idea with the help of the pointe given below in
about 100/150 words, Forgiveness is often better than punishment Importance of forgiveness Humanity Punishment not always useful Add your own points |
(D) Attempt 'Any One' of the
following activities :
(1) Review:
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Write a review on a film you have recently watched using the points
given below in about 150 words. Title, subject, story Cinematography, music, presentation Producer, director, characters Personal views, evaluation, recommendation |
OR
(II) Blog:
|
Write a blog post in a proper format for a student hobby club website
on the topic "Read for Survival" in about 100-150 words. You may take the help of the following points: Catchy title and introduction Types of books you enjoy Benefits of reading Personal touch Conclusion |
OR
(III) Appeal:
|
Prepare an appeal on the topic 'Say No to Plastic' with the help of
the following points. Attractive slogans Use of logo/pictures Persuasive appeal Add your own points |
SECTION - IV
(LITERARY GENRE NOVEL)
Q. 5.
(A) Complete the
activities given below as per the instructions: (4)16
(1) Match the columns given
below in column A "Types of novel' to column B 'Language origin'
|
Column 'A' |
Column 'B' |
|
(1) Picaresque |
(a) Latin |
|
(2) Epistolary |
(b) Spanish |
|
(3) Bildungsroman |
(c) Italian |
|
(4) Novella |
(d) German |
(II) State whether
the following statements are 'True or False' and write them:
(a) Psychological novel means
the flow of thought.
(b) The pulp fiction era
provided a building ground for a detective fiction.
(c) Realistic novel narrates
the adventures of the protagonist.
(d) Hercule Poirot is the
evergreen detective character created by Agatha Christie.
B) Answer in about
50 words to the questions given below: (4)
(I) Write a short note on
Denham's viewpoint on P.T. in 'To Sir, With Love.'
(II) When the turn of Mr.
Braithwaito's class came, he sat up anxiously. Explain with reference to the
novel, "To Sir, With Love.
(C) Answer in
about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)
(1) Passepartout blamed
himself for his master's misfortune in 'Around the World in Eighty Days.' Give
reasons.
(II) Explain the significance
of the statement 'You have made a mistake of one day!' in giving a justifiable
ending in 'Around the World in Eighty Days.'
(D) Answer in
about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)
(I) Sherlock Holmes
established a connection between Captain Morstan's disappearance and receipt of
pearls in "The Sign of Four,' Elaborate.
(II) Describe a character
sketch of Mary Morstan as a model client in "The Sign of Four.'
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