10th English Public Examination - 2025
Tentative Answer Key
Marks: 100
PART - I (Section A)
$$14 \times 1 = 14$$
| Q.No |
Category |
Answer Option & Text |
| 1 |
Synonyms (Indigenously) |
(c) naturally |
| 2 |
Synonyms (plaintively) |
(a) sadly |
| 3 |
Synonyms (unperturbed) |
(b) undisturbed |
| 4 |
Antonyms (whet) |
(a) blunt |
| 5 |
Antonyms (gruffly) |
(b) happily |
| 6 |
Antonyms (inclusion) |
(c) exclusion |
| 7 |
Singular/Plural (radius) |
radii |
| 8 |
Prefix/Suffix (nutrition) |
malnutrition |
| 9 |
Abbreviation (HDMI) |
(c) High Definition Multimedia Interface |
| 10 |
Phrasal Verb |
(a) get along with |
| 11 |
Compound Word (traffic) |
(c) jam |
| 12 |
Preposition |
(b) of |
| 13 |
Tense |
(a) locked |
| 14 |
Preposition |
(b) from |
PART - II (Section 1 - Prose)
$$3 \times 2 = 6$$
15.
The piece of fish offered by the mother seagull to the hungry young seagull and the natural's bird's instinct prompted it to fly finally.
16.
The special features of INSV Tarini are:
- It encouraged use of environment friendly non-conventional renewable energy resources such as the wind.
- It collected and updated meteorological, ocean and wave data on regular basis for accurate weather forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- It also collected data for monitoring marine pollution on high seas.
17.
Aditya offered Sanyal one hundred and fifty rupees. It was the price of the medal, which Sanyal received in school for recitation.
18.
The doctor warned Tom that he was in danger of losing his mind by thinking about precious stones always.
PART - II (Section 2 - Poetry)
$$2 \times 2 = 4$$
19.
a) The poet expects everyone to walk with a smile and a song when something goes wrong.
b) When things go wrong, we should not worry.
20.
a) 'It' refers to the tree beside the house on Elm street.
b) The leaves of the tree never grows. The tree neither grows tall nor gets smaller. So, the tree is a mystery.
21.
a) 'I' refers to Cricket.
b) The nature of the cricket was lazy and silly.
22.
a) No, the house does not remain the same every day. It begins to fade each day.
b) Nobody knows what happens inside the house. So the poetess considers the house to be a mystery.
PART - II (Section 3 - Grammar)
$$3 \times 2 = 6$$
23. Banu says that she is enjoying her holidays.
24. The enemy has been defeated by our army.
25. "Have you come from Holmes?" he asked.
26. In spite of being sick, she attends the rehearsal.
27.
a) The mountain road is full of Dangers.
b) The sea can get really tough when winds are picking up.
PART - II (Section 4 - Road Map)
2 Marks
28.
- Go straight from the market.
- Turn left.
- Walk on the main road.
- Walk past library.
- Turn right.
- Walk on the north road and turn left.
- Walk for a while.
- Finally you will reach the Pharmacy on your left.
PART - III (Prose Paragraphs)
$$2 \times 5 = 10$$
29. His First Flight - Liam O'Flaherty
About the Author: Born: 28th August 1896 (Irish, Ireland)
Occupation: Novelist
Famous Works: Member of the Communist Party of Ireland, Irish novelist, Short story writer.
Quote: "The moments you doubt whether you can fly, You cease for ever to be able to do it"
The young seagull was afraid of flying. His parents strove their level best to teach the young seagull to fly but in vain. The parents, brothers and sister thought a plan to teach him to fly. They flew away to another rock and left him alone. They did not give him anything to eat. He stood there on one leg and closed his eyes. He was very hungry. He searched for food everywhere. He even chewed the dried pieces of the eggshells. He saw his mother tearing a piece of fish.
'Ga, ga, ga', he cried, begging her to bring him over some food. 'Gawl-ool-ah', she screamed back mockingly.
He begged his mother to give him food. The mother seagull motivates the young one enough to get him to learn flying. So the mother flew with the piece of fish to the young seagull. When she reached over him, she became motionless in the air. She did not get down on the rock. She wanted to give the young seagull an incentive to fly. The seagull bent forward and jumped at the fish. The young seagull realizes the importance of belief and faith. He was much frightened. But he began to flap his wings to save himself. 'His first flight' is a parable. The seagulls convey the message of self-confidence, motivation and self-reliance. The story conveys, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. You can't fly unless you let yourself."
30. The Night the Ghost got in - James Grover Thurber
Characters: The narrator's family, Mr. Bodwell, Joe, Reporter, Herman.
Theme: Chaos in the house.
James Grover Thurber was an American cartoonist, best known for his cartoon and short stories. This lesson clearly tells that too much of imagination will mislead the situation.
The narrator says that on the night of November 17, 1915 the ghost got into their house. The time was quarter past one o'clock. All of sudden the author heard footsteps. They were the steps of man walking around the dining-table. The steps went round and round the table. The board creaked when it was trod upon. The author thought that if might be a burglar. He roused Herman. The steps started up the stairs. Filled with fear the author and his brother slammed the door shut. The noise of slamming roused the mother. She suspected that there were burglars inside. She wanted to call the police. But the phone was downstairs. So, She opened the windows and threw a shoe into the bedroom window of the neighbours. The window pane shattered down. The noise roused Bodwell and his wife annoyed them. Mr. Bodwell was furious with her. He called the police, thinking that there was a burglar in their house.
The police who came there started ransacking the entire house. The police broke the door open and entered the house. Their flashlights gleamed up and down. They flashed the light everywhere. They couldn't see anything. They opened the doors, yanked the drawers, opened the windows and pulled down the furniture. Then they heard a creaking in the attic. Grandfather was turning over in bed. The cops (police) used into the attic without words or warning. Grandfather mistook the policemen to be General Meade's men. He thought that they were deserters from the army. So he grabbed at a handgun and shot at a policeman. At once everyone retreated from the place. The police started ransacking the house once again. They took leave when the author promised to bring the gun to the station the next day. The police left the house empty handed finally. Next morning, grandfather told that he came to the dining room for water, the previous night. These are the incidents that caused the confusion in the house.
"Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were"
31. Tech Bloomers
Empowering the disabled with technology. This lesson is about the use of technology in empowering the disabled to do their day to day chores of life, like travelling, communicating, learning, doing business and living in comfort. Alisha and David's life has changed with the use of technology. "Technology is a boon to the disabled', because it made to a lot of difference in their life. According to the 2011 Census, 2.21 percent of India's population is disabled. Then she can print them out. Kim who is an Assistive Technologist helps students to use technology in different ways. They are struggling with challenges of access, acceptance and inclusion.
"I have cerebral palsy and I can't physically type as fast as I think or anywhere near. But right now, that's what I'm doing. I bet you're wondering how!"
Technology has made her achieve things only she dreamt of. She can do Maths GSCE herself without being dependent on a computer. Technology has opened up the world to her. Twenty-one-year-old David was born with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. He says that technology is very important because it enables him to communicate and be independent. For verbal communication, he uses a Liberator Communication Device, which he controls with eye movements. He has an ACTIV controller also in the headrest of his chair in his bedroom, which means he can control his TV, Blu Ray and music players. They are able to manage their daily activities with the aid of technology. Hence technology is a boon to the disabled. Thus Technology makes our life easier. It impacts the environment, people and the society as a whole. Newer Technology allows differently abled learners with their peers as well as contributes fruitfully to the collaborative process of learning.
"For most of us technology makes things easier, For a person with disability it makes things possible"
32. The Last Lesson - Alphonse Daudet
"Language and culture - true identity of a nation."
'The Last Lesson' was written by Alphonse Daudet. The story is narrated by a French boy Franz. He was lazy and liked to play. He disliked studying French. After overpowering the districts of Alsace and Lorraine in France, Berlin had ordered that German should be taught in schools instead of French. It was the last French class of the teacher M. Hamel who had been there for 40 years. When Franz reached the school he saw a crowd gathered around the bulletin-board. Though he reached the school little late he was surprised to note that the school was very quiet. Franz took his seat and noticed that M. Hamel had clothes for special occasion. The atmosphere of the classroom was strange. As a mark of respect for his hard work, the village men also attended his last class.
The teacher was full of grief and nostalgia. They were sad that they did not learn French, their mother tongue in their childhood. Franz was shocked to know it was his last French lesson. But he did not learn French. He was suddenly remorseful over wasting so much time playing outdoors rather than studying. He stood up to recite but stumbled on the first words. M. Hamel did not scold Franz for not knowing the rule. He told the crowd that each day they had been putting off learning until the next day. The teacher then proceeded to the French grammar lesson, reading from a book to the students.
Franz understood everything M. Hamel said with extraordinary clarity. He thought that he had never listened so carefully to the teacher before. When the trumpets of the Prussians were finally blown, M. Hamel stood up, but could not speak out of grief and wrote "Vive La France" (Long Live France).
PART - III (Section 2 - Poetry)
$$2 \times 5 = 10$$
33. LIFE - Henry Van Dyke
About the Poet: Henry Van Dyke
Specialty: American author, Poet, Educator and Clergyman.
Quote: "Life is not a race, it is a journey enjoy it"
In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. Here, the poet desires to lead his future life with optimism and he is ever willing to do something. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. From what the future veils; but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
Happiness gives us nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face. Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully. This poem shows the poet's optimistic view of life through his personal experiences.
"BE AN OPTIMIST, DON'T BE A PESSIMIST"
34. NO MEN ARE FOREIGN - James Falconer Kirkup
James Falconer Kirkup reminds us that all the people who belongs to the earth are similar and share the brotherhood of men. The central theme of the poem is about the oneness of mankind. Though there are many countries, races, colour, languages, castes, and creeds all are human beings. We occupy the same land and die in the same land. Hands work hard, eyes witness the same life. We are all fed by peaceful harvests. Attacking others who are neighbours in the same planet is nothing but harming oneself. Hence no land are foreign, no men is a stranger.
"Remember they have eyes like ours that wake Or sleep and strength that can be won. By love. In every land is common life That all can recognize and understand"
The poem "No men are foreign" has greater relevance in today's world. Now a days people like to segregate themselves from others. They create borders and erect fences to separate one country from the other. Anyone who crosses the line is branded as a spy or intruder. He is shot dead without mercy. Love has vanished from human heart. Even at slight provocation people take up arms. It leads to battles and wars that affect the world. In this context the poet wants us to treat everyone as a fellow human being. We should remember that we may live in different countries. But we feel like others, work like others and read like others. Hatred should give way to love and affection. We can put an end to war if we consider everyone as our brethren. In today's world each country wants to fight with the other for the sake of its own benefit. They hate each other to flaunt their superiority and social status. Even men hate each other for silly reasons forgetting that we are all brothers and sisters. So this poem is very relevant to today's world.
"Every human is like all other humans, some other humans and no other human".
35.
a) Rhyming words: cold - scold, meet - street
b) Rhyming scheme: aabb
c) Personification / Epithet
d) Summer - Scold
36.
Machines aren't perfect after all and Nature always wins over. Machines aren't miraculous creations. They are nothing more than the creations of the human brain.
PART - III (Section 3 - Supplementary)
$$1 \times 5 = 5$$
37. Little Hero of Holland
- Little Peter was asked to take cakes for his blind friend by his mother.
- While returning, he hears water trickling from the dikes.
- Peter realizes the danger of flooding.
- Peter stops the angry waters with his finger the entire night and saves the village.
- Peter becomes the Little Hero of Holland.
38. Zigzag
a) It was Zigzag's voice, clear and commanding.
b) Bored and Grumpy.
c) African Doctor.
d) Dr. Krishnan's clinic transformed into a calm.
e) Slept or snored.
PART - III (Section 4 - Writing Skills)
| Q.No |
Topic |
Mark Distribution |
| 39 |
Advertisement |
Outline: 1
Title: 1
Picture: 1
Captions: 1
Address: 1
|
| 40 |
Letter Writing |
From/To: 1
Date/Salutation: 1
Body of letter: 2
Subscription/Superscription: 1
|
| 41 |
Notice Writing |
Title: 1
Date/Name: 1
Content: 3
|
| 42 |
Picture Comprehension |
Any five relevant sentences without mistakes: 5 marks |
| 43 |
Note Making / Summary |
Note Making: Title (1), Points (4)
Summary: Title (1), Rough copy (2), Fair copy (2)
|
44. Error Correction
a) Rice is the staple food of Asians.
b) As Sathya was old, he walked slow.
c) Slow and steady wins the race.
d) I will be fifteen next April.
e) Learning a language is always useful.
PART - III (Section 5 - Memory Poem)
5 Marks
45.
She's a lioness; don't mess with her.
She'll not spare you if you're a prankster.
Don't ever try to saw her pride, her self-respect.
She knows how to thaw you, saw you - so beware!
She's today's woman. Today's woman, dear.
PART - IV
46. a) The Story of Mulan
Introduction: This is the classic story of Mulan based on the legend of Hua Mulan. A legend is a story from long ago that is believed to be true, or mostly true. It is about a brave girl, Mulan, who had saved China.
Lovable daughter Mulan: Many years ago, China was in the middle of a great war. The Emperor announced that one man from each Chinese family must leave his family to join the army. Mulan was strong, loyal and patriotic. She surrendered her life to her motherland, China. When she heard the order of the Emperor, she immediately volunteered to fight for her country despite her father being sick. Though she knew that women were not allowed, she joined the army in disguise, simply ignoring the risks involved. She knew that if the soldiers came to know that she was a woman she would be put to death.
Her Patriotism: Ignoring all the risks, she dared to join the army. It was her patriotism that drove her to that extent. She was really a strong character. Besides, she was also smart and brave right from the beginning. She was also a good leader who led the entire troop to victory and thus ended the war in China forever. After a few years, she was given the post of General of the entire army. After some days, a very bad fever swept through the army. Mulan, the General was also affected by this fever. When the doctor came out Mulan's tent, he told the truth to the soldiers.
Her Valour: Even though she was sick, she fought and ended the long war victoriously. Admiring her valour and bravery, the Emperor was willing to appoint her as the royal advisor. She humbly refused to stay in the palace and expressed her wish to return to her village. She returned to her village to see her father and brother.
Conclusion: Thus Mulan showed that she was lovable to her family and proved her patriotism towards her country. Mulan, a multifaceted personality showed her love for her country by fighting bravely.
Moral: "Liberty is the birth of life to nation"
46. b) A DAY IN 2889 OF AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST - Jules Verne
Introduction: 'A day in 2889 of an American Journalist' written in 1889 by Jules Verne, gives us a glimpse of the futuristic world in which people rely on machines for almost everything. The story is set on July 25 of 2889.
Phonotelephote and the Mechanized dressing room: Francis Bennett, director of the Earth Herald, the world's most leading newspaper, had woken up with a bad temper. He felt a little lonely in the absence of his wife. His wife had been away in France for the past eight days. He switched on his phonotelephote and hearing his wife's voice, he put on a smile. His mechanized dressing room dressed him from top to toe.
Astronomy - the trending topic: In his office, he inquired the astronomical reporters about the latest news. He wished to feed the public with interesting astronomical news. He was excited to bring out the interesting discoveries made in the new plant Gandini to the public. Inordinate advertisements were projected on clouds by a thousand projectors from a gallery. Bennett was one of the subscribers to the society for supplying food to the home. He got his lunch from there through a network of pneumatic tubes.
Innovative petitions: Then Bennett travelled to Niagara for his accumulator works. 'Where are we going, Sir?' asked the aero-coachman. 'Let's see. I've got time...' Francis Bennett replied. 'Take me to my accumulator works at Niagara.' He took an aero-car with an aero coachman who was waiting near his window. The aero-car is capable of gaining speed of about four hundred miles an hour. After his return, he listened to many petitions. He supported the idea of an inventor who thought of reducing the final three elements into one and another idea of moving the town of Saff to the shore using rails.
Conclusion: At-last Bennett learned about his wife's plan to return. Finally he decided to take a bath. Thus the story ends. The innovations in this story seem to be a magic. Unbelievable everything is made possible in the future with the help of technology.
Moral: "Technology is a useful servant but a Dangerous Master"
47. a) Comprehension
i) American President Theodore Roosevelt, also known as teddy, participated in a bear-hunting trip in Mississippi.
ii) Michtom place the stuffed bears in the front window of his shop.
iii) Political cartoons starring like Teddy and the bear.
iv) Michtom is the shop owner. He created plush, stuffed bears and placed them in the front window of his shop.
47. b) General Comprehension
i) Choosing our career is hard to decided.
ii) Dancer, Doctor, Teacher, Cricket.
iii) Sunday, Thursday.
iv) Any suitable answer like Teacher, Doctor, Lawyer, Cricketer...
