SSC English Model Paper
13E & 14E — Class X (2026)
Section I Reading Comprehension — 30 Marks
Part A · Passage 1 — Prose (Unseen / SR Lesson) — Q1–Q5 (MCQ, 1M each → 4M)
Q 1
B — "Notable / Remarkable"
Synonym-based comprehension; context from the passage sentence.
1 M
Q 2
A — The writer felt mesmerised / deeply moved by the event described.
Direct comprehension — first correct option from passage context.
1 M
Q 3
C — The paragraph/passage is mainly about personal experience and self-reflection.
Global comprehension / central idea question.
1 M
Q 4
B — The underlined word means surprised / astonished.
Vocabulary in context — pick option closest in meaning.
1 M
Q 5
A — The writer's attitude in the passage is optimistic / hopeful.
Tone/attitude inference question.
1 M
Part B · Prose Passage (Textual) — Q6–Q10
Q 6
Answer in 3–4 sentences giving the main idea of the paragraph in your own words.
Award 2 marks for correct central idea + 1 mark for language. (3M total)
3 M
Q 7
Identify the word from the passage that means "astonishment / great wonder" → amazement (or as per passage).
1 mark for correct word; no half marks.
1 M
Q 8
Answer: The figure of speech used is Simile (or as per passage — Metaphor / Personification).
1 mark for naming; 1 mark for identifying example from passage. (2M)
2 M
Q 9
Write the antonym of the underlined word as used in the passage.
1 mark; context-appropriate antonym only.
1 M
Q 10
Short answer: Describe in 2–3 sentences the character / event referred to in the extract.
2M — 1 for content accuracy, 1 for expression.
2 M
Part C · Poetry Appreciation — Q11
Q 11
Appreciate the poem covering: (i) Theme/Central Idea, (ii) Poetic devices used, (iii) Rhyme scheme, (iv) Personal response.
4 marks: 1M per aspect. No deduction for minor spelling errors if meaning is clear.
4 M
| Aspect | Expected Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | State the central idea clearly in 1–2 sentences | 1 |
| Poetic devices | Name at least 2 devices with examples from the poem | 1 |
| Rhyme scheme | Correctly label the rhyme pattern (e.g., ABAB / AABB) | 1 |
| Personal response | Your view — what you liked / message / relevance today | 1 |
Section II Elements of Language — 40 Marks
Grammar — Objective MCQ (Q12–Q22, 1M each)
Q12BPast Perfect
Q13ACompound sentence
Q14CPassive Voice
Q15BIndirect Speech
Q16A"the" (specific)
Q17DAdverb phrase
Q18BYes, please.
Q19Calthough / though
Q20ASubject-verb agr.
Q21BConjunction
Q22CSimile
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MCQ answers above are representative based on standard grammar patterns. The exact options depend on the final printed paper. Award 1 mark per correct MCQ; no negative marking.
Grammar — Short Answer (Q23–Q27)
Q 23
Rewrite in Passive Voice:
Active: "She wrote the letter."
Answer: "The letter was written by her."
Active: "She wrote the letter."
Answer: "The letter was written by her."
1M for correct passive structure; 1M for correct pronoun form "her".
2 M
Q 24
Change to Indirect Speech:
Direct: He said, "I am going to school."
Answer: He said that he was going to school.
Direct: He said, "I am going to school."
Answer: He said that he was going to school.
2M — 1M for correct reporting verb tense; 1M for pronoun + tense backshift.
2 M
Q 25
Combine using connector:
"She was tired. She continued working." [although]
Answer: Although she was tired, she continued working.
"She was tired. She continued working." [although]
Answer: Although she was tired, she continued working.
2M — 1M for correct connector placement, 1M for punctuation.
2 M
Q 26
Error correction paragraph: Identify and correct 3 errors (grammar / spelling / punctuation).
Method: Underline error → write correction alongside. Award 1M per correct fix.
Method: Underline error → write correction alongside. Award 1M per correct fix.
Common errors: wrong tense form, article misuse, spelling.
3 M
Q 27
Fill in with correct verb form: Use present perfect or simple past as context demands.
e.g. "I ______ (see) that film last week." → saw
e.g. "I ______ (see) that film last week." → saw
1M each blank; no marks for auxiliary without main verb where full form is needed.
2 M
Vocabulary — Q28–Q32
Q 28
Match words with meanings (Textual — Prose lessons).
e.g. ecstatic → extremely happy; benevolent → kind / generous; meticulous → very careful
e.g. ecstatic → extremely happy; benevolent → kind / generous; meticulous → very careful
1M per correct match. No marks for incorrect spelling that changes the word.
3 M
Q 29
Pick the correct synonym from options:
e.g. ponder → B) think deeply
e.g. ponder → B) think deeply
1M each. Based on prescribed Class X prose passages.
2 M
Q 30
Write antonyms for given words (from lesson vocabulary):
e.g. courage → cowardice | sorrow → joy
e.g. courage → cowardice | sorrow → joy
1M each; accept contextually correct answers.
2 M
Q 31
Use the given word in a meaningful sentence (2 words given).
e.g. endeavour → "She made every endeavour to succeed in her studies."
e.g. endeavour → "She made every endeavour to succeed in her studies."
1M per sentence: ½M for correct usage of word, ½M for grammatically correct sentence.
2 M
Q 32
Reference to Context (RTC) — identify: (a) who said this, (b) to whom, (c) on what occasion, (d) meaning in context.
1M per sub-part. 4 parts = 4M total. (Adjust if paper has 3 sub-parts = 3M)
4 M
Section III Creative Expression & Appreciation — 30 Marks
Q33 — Appreciation of a Poem / Prose Extract (5M)
| Criterion | What to Write | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Theme / Central Idea | 1–2 clear sentences on the main message | 1 |
| Literary / Language Devices | Name 2–3 devices; quote lines | 1 |
| Imagery / Tone | Describe the mood; identify sensory images | 1 |
| Relevance / Message | Connect the poem to real life or universal truth | 1 |
| Personal Response | Your genuine reaction and why you liked / disliked | 1 |
Q34 — Letter Writing / Essay (5M)
| Criterion | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Correct format: address, date, salutation, body, closing, signature | 1 |
| Content / Ideas | Relevant points; all required aspects covered | 2 |
| Language & Expression | Grammatically correct; appropriate vocabulary; cohesion | 1 |
| Length & Neatness | Within word limit (120–150 words); legible | 1 |
Q35 — Creative Writing: Internal Choice (10M)
35A
Option A — Conversation (8–10 exchanges on a given topic)
Attempt EITHER 35A or 35B — not both.
10 M
| Criterion | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance of Content | Topic-based, natural flow, both speakers contribute meaningfully | 3 |
| Coherence & Logical Flow | Exchanges connect logically; no abrupt jumps | 2 |
| Language Accuracy | Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation (speech marks, names) | 3 |
| Length | Minimum 8 exchanges; each exchange 1–3 sentences | 2 |
Model Answer — Conversation (sample topic: "Importance of Reading")
Ravi: Hello Priya! I see you are always reading a book. Don't you get bored?
Priya: Not at all, Ravi! Reading is one of the most enjoyable habits I have. It takes me to different worlds.
Ravi: Really? I prefer watching videos. Isn't that the same?
Priya: Videos are good, but reading improves your vocabulary and concentration in a way videos cannot.
Ravi: That's interesting. What kind of books do you read?
Priya: I love short stories, science books, and sometimes biographies of great personalities.
Ravi: I think I should try reading then. Can you suggest a beginner's book?
Priya: Of course! Start with "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It is simple and deeply inspiring.
Ravi: Thank you, Priya. I will borrow it from the library tomorrow.
Priya: Great! I am sure you will enjoy it, and soon you will be as fond of reading as I am!
35B
Option B — Diary Entry (120–150 words based on given situation / picture prompt)
Attempt EITHER 35A or 35B — not both.
10 M
| Criterion | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Date, day, salutation ("Dear Diary,"), first-person narration, sign-off | 2 |
| Content & Relevance | Addresses the given situation; includes feelings and reflections | 3 |
| Language & Expression | Fluent, emotionally expressive, appropriate vocabulary | 3 |
| Length | 120–150 words; neither too short nor excessively long | 2 |
Model Answer — Diary Entry (sample: "The day I won the Science Quiz")
15th March 2026, Sunday
Dear Diary,
Today was the most memorable day of my school life! Our inter-school Science Quiz was held at Zilla Parishad High School, and our team secured the first place. I was chosen to answer the final tiebreaker question about the solar system, and I answered it correctly. The entire hall burst into applause.
I still cannot believe it. All those hours of reading science magazines and watching documentaries truly paid off today. My teachers and parents were so proud. My science teacher, Mr. Rao, said I have a genuine scientific mind, and that compliment means the world to me.
I hope this is just the beginning. I want to participate in state-level competitions next. I feel confident and motivated tonight. This trophy will always remind me that hard work never fails.
Yours truly,
Arun
Q36 — Essay Writing (10M)
| Criterion | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Clear opening that introduces the topic | 2 |
| Body Paragraphs | 3–4 paragraphs with distinct points; examples; logical order | 4 |
| Conclusion | Summarises and gives a clear concluding thought | 2 |
| Language | Correct grammar; varied sentences; appropriate vocabulary | 2 |
Q37 — Summary Writing (5M)
| Criterion | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Identification of main points | All key ideas captured; no omission of major points | 2 |
| Own words | Not copied verbatim; paraphrased correctly | 1 |
| Length | ⅓ of the original length (approximately) | 1 |
| Language | Continuous prose; third person; past tense where applicable | 1 |
Summary Mark Distribution at a Glance
| Section | Content Area | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Reading Comprehension (Prose, Poetry, Unseen) | 30 |
| II | Elements of Language (Grammar + Vocabulary) | 40 |
| III | Creative Expression & Appreciation | 30 |
| Total | 100 | |
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Examiner's Note: For descriptive/long-answer questions, marking must follow the holistic rubric above. Minor spelling errors in English must not be penalised if the meaning is clear. Deduct marks only for consistent grammatical errors that affect comprehension. Internal choice questions (Q35, 36, 37) — evaluate only the option attempted.
