Solution

(a) Good health is considered the most valuable asset because without good health, wealth, success, and fame lose their true meaning, and a healthy body enables a person to work efficiently, think clearly, and enjoy life to the fullest.

(b) To maintain good health, a person must follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.

(c) Cleanliness and positive thinking play a crucial role in maintaining sound mental and physical health.

(d) The word in the passage that means 'essential' or 'very important' is 'crucial'.

12, Station Road

Civil Lines, Prayagraj

15 March 2026

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and happiness. I am writing to invite you to the marriage ceremony of my elder brother, which will take place on 25 March 2026 at our residence.

The wedding rituals will begin in the evening. All our friends are coming, and your presence will make the celebration even more special and memorable. Please try to come a day early so that we can enjoy time together.

Give my regards to your parents.

Yours lovingly,

X.Y.Z.

OR

To

The Principal

G.I.C., Prayagraj

Sir,

Most respectfully, I beg to state that I have been suffering from fever since last night. The doctor has advised me three days of complete rest. Therefore, I am unable to attend the college from 15 March 2026 to 17 March 2026.

Kindly grant me three days leave of absence. I shall be very grateful to you.

Thanking you.

Yours obediently,

X.Y.Z.

Class - X 'A'

Date: 15 March 2026

A Rainy Day

Introduction: A rainy day in summer brings great relief from intense heat and makes the atmosphere pleasant and cool.

Morning scene: One morning, dark clouds covered the sky. A cool breeze began to blow, and soon heavy drops of rain started falling, turning into a continuous shower.

Weather conditions: The weather became delightfully cool. Streets were filled with rainwater, and trees looked fresh, clean, and green.

How you enjoyed it: My friends and I ran into the open yard to bath in the rain. We floated paper boats in the stream of water. Later, we enjoyed hot tea and pakoras prepared by my mother.

Conclusion: A rainy day refreshes mind and body, filling everyone with joy. It remains one of the most memorable days of the season.

(a) Indirect speech:

He asked me if I would help him that day.

(b) Passive voice:

English is spoken all over the world.

(c) Punctuated sentence:

The teacher said to Ram, "Why are you late today?"

(d) Translation:

India is a great country. Its history is very old. People of many religions and languages live here peacefully. We should be proud of our country.

the following questions in about 30-40 words each :

(a) Why did Lencho write a letter to God?

OR

What was Valli's deepest desire?

(b) What made Nelson Mandela feel that the oppressor is not free?

OR

Why was Anne Frank afraid of the result day?

उत्तर:

(a) Lencho wrote a letter to God because a heavy hailstorm completely destroyed his corn field, leaving his family helpless. Having firm faith in God, he requested Him for one hundred pesos to sow his field again and live until the next crop.

OR

Valli's deepest desire was to ride on the bus that ran between her village and the nearest town. Watching the bus pass through her street every hour created an overwhelming wish in her heart to take that trip at least once.

(b) Nelson Mandela felt that the oppressor is not free because a person who takes away another man's freedom becomes a prisoner of hatred. He remains trapped behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness, losing his own humanity.

OR

Anne Frank and her classmates were afraid of the result day because the teachers were meeting to decide who would be promoted to the next class and who would be kept back. Most students were nervous and uncertain about their fate.

any one of the following in about 60 words :

(a) Give a character sketch of Lencho.

(b) How did Nelson Mandela's understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

उत्तर:

(a) Lencho was a simple, honest, and extremely hardworking farmer who worked like an animal in his field. He possessed deep and unshakeable faith in God. When a disastrous hailstorm ruined his entire corn crop, he did not lose hope and wrote a letter to God asking for one hundred pesos. When he received only seventy pesos, his innocence and blind trust led him to believe that God could not make a mistake, and he called the helpful post office staff a 'bunch of crooks'.

(b) As a child, Nelson Mandela believed freedom meant personal liberties like running in the fields, swimming in streams, and staying out at night. As a student, he viewed freedom as transient rights like reading what he chose. However, as he grew up, he realized that not only his freedom, but the freedom of all Black people in South Africa was crushed under apartheid. This transformed his idea of freedom from a personal freedom to the collective independence and dignity of his whole community.

A tiger in the zoo is confined to a small, concrete cage. It is helpless, quiet, and paces back and forth behind bars, ignored by visitors. In contrast, a tiger in the jungle is free, lurking in the shadows, hunting near water holes, and roaring near village borders in its natural habitat.

अथवा (OR)

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree.

(a) Dust of Snow:

The poem 'Dust of Snow' by Robert Frost expresses how a small, ordinary incident in nature can bring a big positive change in a person's mood. The falling of fine snow particles from a hemlock tree brought by a crow lifted the poet's depressed state of mind and saved his remaining day from being ruined.

(b) A Tiger in the Zoo:

In this poem, Leslie Norris contrasts the captive life of a tiger in a zoo with its natural life in the wild. The poet emphasizes that wild animals belong in their natural habitat where they enjoy full freedom, whereas locking them in small cages deprives them of their strength and happiness.

(c) Fire and Ice:

The poem 'Fire and Ice' by Robert Frost highlights the destructive power of human emotions. 'Fire' symbolizes burning desires and greed, while 'Ice' represents hatred and cold indifference. The poet warns that both emotions are equally powerful and capable of bringing the world to an end.

any one of the following in about 30-40 words :

(a) Why was Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki?

(b) Why did Hari Singh decide to return to Anil?

उत्तर:

(a) Mrs. Pumphrey was worried about Tricki because he became listless and refused to eat anything, even his favorite dishes. He suffered from bouts of vomiting and spent all his time lying on a rug, panting without showing any energy.

(b) Hari Singh decided to return to Anil because he realized that an education from Anil could help him become a respected and big man. Furthermore, his conscience made him feel guilty for breaking the trust of such a kind and honest person.

any one of the following in about 60 words :

(a) Give a character sketch of Bholi.

(b) How did Griffin’s invisibility lead to trouble instead of helping him?

उत्तर:

(a) Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha, was a neglected child who suffered from pock-marks and stammered. Her family considered her simpleton and backward. However, going to school transformed her life. Encouraged by her kind teacher, she gained confidence, education, and self-respect. When Bishamber demanded dowry during marriage, Bholi fearlessly refused to marry him, demonstrating great courage, dignity, and independence.

(b) Griffin's discovery of invisibility turned into a curse because of his reckless misuse of it. To become invisible, he had to take off all his clothes, leaving him homeless, naked, and shivering in the freezing London winter. He could not eat or sleep peacefully and had to resort to stealing and violence, which turned him into a hunted criminal running away from the law.

विकल्प (B) eight

व्याख्या: 'Madam Rides the Bus' पाठ के अनुसार वल्ली आठ वर्ष की एक बालिका थी।

विकल्प (B) The Tiger

व्याख्या: दी गई काव्यांश पंक्तियों में 'He' शब्द का प्रयोग पिंजड़े में बंद बाघ (The Tiger) के लिए किया गया है।

विकल्प (B) In a cage / zoo

व्याख्या: काव्यांश के अनुसार बाघ वर्तमान में चिड़ियाघर के एक पिंजड़े में बंद है।

विकल्प (C) greed for food

व्याख्या: ट्रिकी की मुख्य समस्या भोजन के प्रति उसका अत्यधिक लालच था, जिसकी वजह से वह बीमार पड़ गया था।

विकल्प (A) thief

व्याख्या: 'The Thief's Story' पाठ के अनुसार हरि सिंह एक १५ वर्षीय चोर था।

विकल्प (B) Reading

व्याख्या: वैज्ञानिक रिचर्ड एब्राइट का पालन-पोषण एवं जन्म रीडिंग (पेनसिल्वेनिया) में हुआ था।

(A) Sulekha

(A) petty clerk

(a) Good health is considered the most valuable asset because without good health, wealth, success, and fame lose their true meaning. A healthy body enables a person to work efficiently, think clearly, and enjoy life to the fullest.

(b) To maintain good health, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are required.

(c) Cleanliness and positive thinking play a crucial role in maintaining sound mental and physical health.

(d) Crucial

12/A, Civil Lines

Prayagraj

15 October 2025

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am very happy to inform you that the marriage ceremony of my elder brother, Akash, has been fixed for 25th November 2025.

You are cordially invited to attend the wedding ceremony along with your family. The wedding procession will leave for the venue in the evening. We have arranged several functions like Sangeet and Haldi on the previous days. Your presence will add more joy to the celebration and make it memorable for me.

Please try to reach a couple of days in advance so that we can enjoy together. I am eagerly waiting for your arrival.

Yours sincerely,

Anuj Sharma

OR

To

The Principal

Government Inter College

Prayagraj

Subject: Application for three days leave due to fever.

Respected Sir,

Most respectfully I beg to say that I have been suffering from fever since last night. The doctor has advised me to take complete rest for three days. Therefore, I am unable to attend the college from 15th October to 17th October 2025.

I kindly request you to grant me three days leave. I shall be highly obliged to you.

Thanking you.

Yours obediently,

X.Y.Z.

Class: X-A

Roll No.: 12

Date: 15 October 2025

A Rainy Day

Introduction:

A rainy day in summer brings great relief and joy from the scorching heat of the sun. It makes the weather cool, fresh, and pleasant for everyone.

Morning scene:

One hot morning in July, the sky was covered with dark black clouds. Soon, a cold breeze started blowing and heavy rain began to fall, turning the hot morning into a cool and refreshing environment.

Weather conditions:

Dark clouds completely covered the sky. Flash of lightning and thunder filled the atmosphere. Streets and roads were filled with water, and plants looked clean and green.

How you enjoyed it:

My friends and I ran out into the courtyard and bathed in the rain. We made paper boats and floated them in the running water. We also enjoyed hot tea and snacks with our family.

Conclusion:

A rainy day refreshes nature and brings happiness to all living beings. It is an enjoyable day that gives relief from extreme heat.

He asked me if I would help him that day.

English is spoken all over the world.

The teacher said to Ram, "Why are you late today?"

India is a great country. Its history is very old. People of many religions and languages live here peacefully. We should be proud of our country.

Lencho wrote a letter to God because a severe hailstorm had completely destroyed his ripe corn crops. Left with no money and facing starvation for his family, his unshakeable faith made him ask God for one hundred pesos to sow his field again and survive until the next harvest.

अथवा (OR):

Valli's deepest desire was to ride on the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. Watching the bus every hour sparked a strong wish in her mind, which gradually grew into an overwhelming passion to experience a bus journey all by herself.

Nelson Mandela felt that an oppressor is a prisoner of hatred, locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Just as the oppressed is deprived of freedom, the oppressor is robbed of his humanity, making both equally enslaved.

अथवा (OR):

Anne Frank was afraid of the result day because the teachers were going to decide which students would move up to the next class and who would be kept back. Half the class was making bets, and everyone was anxious about the final declaration.

Lencho was a simple, hardworking farmer who lived on the crest of a low hill. He worked like an ox in his fields and was completely dedicated to his family. His most defining trait was his immense, unwavering faith in God. When a hailstorm ruined his entire crop, he did not lose hope. Instead, he wrote a direct letter to God asking for 100 pesos. He was so innocent and trusting that when he received 70 pesos from the post office employees, he believed God had sent it and suspected the post office staff of stealing the remaining 30 pesos, calling them a bunch of crooks.

As a young boy, Nelson Mandela thought freedom meant basic personal liberties like running in the fields, swimming, and staying out at night. As he grew into a young man, he realised that personal freedom was an illusion. His perspective transformed into a desire for the political freedom of his entire community. He understood that true freedom meant ending the systemic oppression of black people in South Africa and securing dignity and self-respect for all citizens.

A tiger in a zoo is confined behind concrete walls and iron bars, restricted to pacing a few steps in quiet rage while ignoring visitors. In contrast, a tiger in the jungle moves freely in its natural habitat, hunting prey near water bodies, lurking in long grass, and terrorising villages at the forest edge.

अथवा (OR):

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree.

Central Idea of 'Dust of Snow':

The poem highlights the transformative power of nature and small incidents in life. It shows how a simple act—a crow shaking down snow from a poisonous hemlock tree—instantly changes the poet's sorrowful mood into a positive one, saving the remainder of his day from being wasted in regret.

Central Idea of 'A Tiger in the Zoo':

The poem contrasts the life of a tiger caged in a zoo with its natural life in the wild forest. It conveys the message that wild animals belong in their natural habitats where they can live freely with dignity, rather than being imprisoned in cages for human amusement.

Central Idea of 'Fire and Ice':

The poem addresses the end of the world through two contrasting elements. Fire symbolizes fiery human desires and passion, while Ice represents cold hatred and indifference. The poet concludes that both extreme desire and persistent hatred are equally capable of destroying humanity and bringing the world to an end.

Mrs. Pumphrey was worried about Tricki because he had become dangerously fat, listless, and inactive. He refused to eat his favourite food, suffered from bouts of vomiting, and lay motionless on a rug without showing any interest in going for walks or playing.

Hari Singh decided to return to Anil because his conscience pricked him for breaking Anil's trust. He realized that learning to read and write from Anil would give him respect, dignity, and a bright future, which was far more valuable than the stolen money.

Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha, was a simple, quiet, and sensitive girl. An attack of smallpox in childhood left her face covered with deep pock-marks, and a head injury made her slow to learn and stammer. Due to this, she was neglected and treated as a burden by her parents. However, going to school proved to be a turning point in her life. Under the guidance of a loving and supportive teacher, Bholi gained education, self-confidence, and dignity. She transformed into a bold, independent girl who courageously refused to marry the greedy dowry-seeker Bishamber.

Griffin discovered a rare formula that made his body completely transparent and invisible. However, instead of helping him, his invisibility created continuous hardship and trouble. He became a homeless wanderer without clothes, money, or shelter during the harsh winter of London. To survive, he had to steal clothes and food from a store and rob a clergyman's house. His invisible nature made him suspicious and feared, leading to frequent conflicts with villagers and the police, ultimately turning him into a hunted criminal.