Section - A : Reading Comprehension (Seen)
1. Write the correct alternatives to complete the following sentences: (1 x 5 = 5)
1.a) The Big Half Moon looked lovely during -
i) Spring
ii) Summer
iii) Autumn
iv) Winter
Ans: ii) Summer
1.b) The narrator and his playmates pretended to be -
i) robbers
ii) adventurers
iii) mountaineers
iv) shipwrecked
Ans: iv) shipwrecked
1.c) Every summer the narrator and Claude had some-
i) games
ii) education
iii) hobby
iv) signals
Ans: iii) hobby
1.d) The kite was mended with a-
i) red paper
ii) letter
iii) leaflet
iv) newspaper
Ans: ii) letter
1.e) The one, who tripped and fell over the rocks, was -
i) Aunt Esther
ii) Claude
iii) Philippa
iv) Dick
Ans: iii) Philippa (The narrator)
B. Complete the following sentences with information from the text: (1 x 3 = 3)
i) The name of the lighthouse was ___
Ans: Big Half Moon lighthouse
ii) The Kite soared like ___
Ans: a bird
iii) Claude and Philippa played ___
Ans: shipwrecked mariners signaling to each other.
C. State whether the following sentences are True or False. Provide sentences/phrases/words in support of your answer. (2 x 2 = 4)
i) The names of Claude and Philippa were written on the kite.
Ans: True (T)
Supporting Statement: "and had written our names full on it - Claude Leete and Philippa Leete"
ii) In summer the island was rough and windy.
Ans: False (F)
Supporting Statement: "When it is fine the harbour is blue and calm with little wind and ripples."
2. Read the poem and answer the questions that follow:
A. Write the correct alternative to complete the following sentences: (1 x 4 = 4)
a) The snail sticks closely to grass, leaf, fruit and ___
i) house
ii) wall
iii) humans
iv) tree
Ans: ii) wall
b) The snail is secure within his ___
i) body
ii) chattels
iii) house
iv) self collecting power
Ans: iii) house
c) The snail faces imminent danger when there is ___
i) storm
ii) rain
iii) thunder
iv) lightning
Ans: i) storm
d) With the slightest touch the snail shrinks into his house with much ___
i) delight
ii) defiance
iii) displeasure
iv) pain
Ans: iii) displeasure
B. Answer the following questions: (2 x 2 = 4)
i) What does the snail do when it faces danger?
Ans: When the snail faces danger of storm or other harm, he hides himself securely within his house.
ii) What is the snail's treasure?
Ans: The snail himself is his whole treasure as he has no other chattels or belongings.
3. Reading Comprehension (Unseen)
A. Choose the correct alternative: (1 x 6 = 6)
i. What is the name of the new flood-resistant rice variety developed in West Bengal?
i) Jalajeevan
ii) Jalashree
iii) Neeraj
iv) Jalmitra
Ans: ii) Jalashree
ii. Which university developed the Jalashree rice variety?
i) Calcutta University
ii) Visva-Bharati University
iii) Jadavpur University
iv) Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Ans: iv) Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
iii. Jalashree can survive water logging for how many weeks?
i) one week
ii) two weeks
iii) over two weeks
iv) four weeks
Ans: iii) over two weeks
iv. How much higher yield does Jalashree produce under flood conditions compared to traditional varieties?
i) 10%
ii) 20%
iii) 15%
iv) 25%
Ans: ii) 20%
v. In which districts have farmers already adopted the Jalashree variety?
i) Darjeeling and Bankura
ii) Howrah and Hoogly
iii) South and North 24 Parganas
iv) Birbhum and Purulia
Ans: iii) South and North 24 Parganas
vi. What support is the government providing to promote Jalashree?
i) Free electricity and water
ii) Cash incentives
iii) Crop insurance only
iv) Free seeds, training and procurement linkages
Ans: iv) Free seeds, training and procurement linkages
B. True or False with Supporting Statement: ((1+1) x 3 = 6)
i) Jalashree rice variety was developed by scientists in Kerala.
Ans: False (F)
Supporting Statement: "Developed by scientists at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Jalashree can..."
ii) Jalashree can survive in water logged conditions for over two weeks.
Ans: True (T)
Supporting Statement: "Jalashree can survive water logging for over two weeks."
iii) Farmers of Darjeeling and Purulia have started using Jalashree.
Ans: False (F)
Supporting Statement: "Farmers in South and North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Malda have already begun adopting this variety."
C. Answer the following questions: (2 x 4 = 8)
i) What is the special feature of the Jalashree rice variety?
Ans: Jalashree rice variety can survive water logging for over two weeks and has a 20% higher yield compared to traditional varieties under flood conditions.
ii) Name two districts of West Bengal where farmers have adopted the Jalashree variety.
Ans: The names of two districts of West Bengal which have adopted the Jalashree rice variety are Malda and Nadia. (Also South and North 24 Parganas).
iii) How is the West Bengal Government supporting the use of Jalashree among farmers?
Ans: The State Government is supporting this innovation by providing free seeds, training sessions, and linking farmers with procurement centres.
iv) Apart from boosting crop yield, what are two other benefits of Jalashree mentioned in the passage?
Ans: Two other benefits are:
a) It helps make West Bengal more resilient to extreme weather and maintains stable paddy production.
b) The project is creating job opportunities in rural research labs and agricultural extension services.
Section - B : Grammar and Vocabulary
4. Write the correct alternatives to fill in the blanks: (1 x 3 = 3)
Mother generously (suggest/suggested/may suggest) that Swami (does/may/might) stay at home. It was 9.30 when he ought to (has been/have been/had been) in the school hall.
Ans: suggested, might, have been
5.A. Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles and prepositions: (1 x 3 = 3)
When I was ___ girl every holiday that I had seemed ideal, my parents took me ___ a place by the sea ___ train or car.
Ans: a, to, by (Note: Text might vary, but standard answer: "When I was **a** girl... took me **to** a place... **by** train" - PDF key says: "a, by, to" which likely corresponds to the blanks in order: **a** girl, **to** a place, **by** train. Order in PDF Key: a, by, to)
5.B. Do as directed: (1 x 3 = 3)
i) You make a very pretty squirrel track. (change the voice)
Ans: A very pretty squirrel track is made by you.
ii) He completed his work. He took rest. (Join into a simple sentence)
Ans: After completing his work he took rest. (Or: Having completed his work, he took rest.)
iii) "What have you written, Sachin?" (change into indirect speech)
Ans: Someone (or The speaker) asked Sachin what he had written.
5.C. Phrasal Verbs: (1 x 3 = 3)
List: [take after, set out, carried on, look into]
i. They started their journey early in the morning.
ii. She resembles her mother.
iii. Police is investigating the case.
Ans:
i. set out
ii. takes after
iii. looking into
6. Vocabulary from Unseen Passage (Question No. 3): (2 x 4 = 8)
ii) a person learned in science and especially natural science
Ans: Scientist
iii) flooded with water as to be heavy or unmanageable
Ans: Water logged
iv) chance
Ans: Opportunity
Section - C : Writing
7. Write a story within (100 words) using the given hints. Give a title to the story. [10]
Hints: Three children collecting green mangoes near railway track - one sees a crack on rails - hears a train coming - senses danger - tears his red shirt - three pieces - waves like flags - driver stops - accident avoided - children rewarded.
The Brave Trio
One bright summer afternoon, Ram, Sham, and Jodu were collecting green mangoes near a railway track in their village. While searching for mangoes, Ram suddenly noticed a large crack on the railway line. To their horror, they heard the whistle of an approaching train. Sensing imminent danger, Sham quickly tore his red shirt into three pieces. The three boys stood on the track and waved the red cloths like flags. The train driver saw the signal and applied emergency brakes, stopping the train just in time. A terrible accident was avoided, and many lives were saved. The brave children were later rewarded for their quick thinking.
8. Suppose your Madhyamik Pariksha is over. Now you are discussing about the plan of studies in H.S. with your friend. Write an imaginary dialogue about your future study plan. [10]
Dialogue on Future Study Plans
Rohan: Hello Sumit! How was your last exam?
Sumit: It was great, Rohan. I am so relieved that Madhyamik is finally over. What are you planning to do now?
Rohan: I am planning to take up the Science stream in H.S. I want to prepare for NEET and become a doctor. What about you?
Sumit: That’s wonderful! I have decided to study Arts. I have a keen interest in Literature and History. My aim is to become a journalist or a civil servant in the future.
Rohan: That sounds like a perfect choice for you. You always write so well.
Sumit: Thanks! But Science is quite tough, isn't it?
Rohan: Yes, it requires hard work, but I am ready for it. Let's hope we both succeed in our goals.
Sumit: Absolutely. Let’s enjoy our vacation for now!
9. Suppose you are the Secretary of your school Eco-club. Your school is going to organize an exhibition on environmental preservation. The topic is "Save Earth-Save Life". Now write a Notice informing the students about it and inviting the names of willing students to participate in the programme. [10]
ST. MARY'S GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL (HS)
NOTICE
Subject: Exhibition on Environmental Preservation
Date: 15th March, 2026
All the students are hereby informed that the Eco-club of our school is going to organize an exhibition on environmental preservation on 30th March, 2026. The theme of the exhibition is "Save Earth-Save Life". The programme will be held in the school auditorium from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Students are encouraged to participate by creating models, charts, or posters related to the theme. Interested students must submit their names to the undersigned on or before 25th March, 2026. For any further details, please contact the class teacher. Active participation from all is highly solicited to make this event a success.
Countersigned by:
Headmistress
St. Mary's Girls' High School
Sd/-
Secretary
Eco-Club