Model Activity Sheet — Board Exam 2026

Subject: English (01) Time: 3 Hours Max. Marks: 80
SECTION – I: PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
Q.1 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12 Marks]
"Punctually at midday he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with obscure mystic charts on it, a notebook, and a bundle of palmyra writing. His forehead was resplendent with sacred ash and vermilion, and his eyes sparkled with a sharp abnormal gleam which was really an outcome of a continual searching look for customers, but which his simple clients took to be a prophetic light and felt comforted. The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced by their position—placed as they are between the painted forehead and the dark whiskers which streamed down his cheeks: even a half-wit’s eyes would sparkle in such a setting. To crown the effect, he wound a saffron-colored turban around his head. This color scheme never failed. People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks. He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path running through the Town Hall Park. It was a remarkable place in many ways. A surging crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road from morning till night. A variety of trades and occupations was represented all along its way: medicine sellers, sellers of stolen hardware and junk, magicians, and above all, an auctioneer of cheap cloth, who created enough din all day to attract the whole town."
A1. True or False (02)
Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are True or False:
1. The astrologer used to open his business punctually at midnight.
2. The astrologer wound a saffron-colored turban around his head.
3. The path through Town Hall Park was usually deserted.
4. The auctioneer of cheap cloth created a lot of noise to attract people.
A2. Describe (02)
Describe the appearance of the Astrologer as depicted in the extract.
A3. Interpret (02)
"People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks." Explain this comparison in your own words.
A4. Personal Response (02)
Do you believe in astrology and fortune-telling? Justify your opinion in about 50 words.
A5. Language Study (02)
i) He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree.
(Choose the correct alternative that indicates the Past Perfect Tense.)
  1. He had sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree.
  2. He has sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree.
  3. He was sitting under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree.
  4. He will sit under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree.
ii) The crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road.
(Make it Exclamatory.)
  1. How the crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road!
  2. What a crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road!
  3. The crowd was moving up and down this narrow road very much!
A6. Vocabulary (02)
Find words from the extract that mean:
1. To shine brightly = ______________
2. Confusing or difficult to understand = ______________
3. A large noise/commotion = ______________
4. Enhanced or improved = ______________
Q.1 (B) Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) [04 Marks]
B1. Do as directed: (03)
i) I know ______ man who is ______ artist. (Fill in the blanks with suitable articles).
ii) The teacher entered the class. The students stood up. (Combine using "No sooner... than").
iii) I can do it. (Rewrite using "able to").
B2. Spot the Error: (01)
One of the boy were absent yesterday.
Q.2 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12 Marks]
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world we live in. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to recommendation algorithms on Netflix and Amazon, AI is already integrated into our daily lives. However, the potential of AI extends far beyond convenience. In healthcare, AI is being used to diagnose diseases with greater accuracy than human doctors. In agriculture, AI-powered drones monitor crop health and optimize water usage, leading to sustainable farming practices. In the automotive industry, self-driving cars promise to reduce accidents caused by human error.
Despite these benefits, the rise of AI raises ethical concerns. Automation threatens to displace millions of jobs, particularly in manufacturing and customer service. There are also fears regarding data privacy and the potential for AI to be used in surveillance. As we move forward, it is crucial to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations to ensure that AI serves humanity rather than controlling it."
A1. Complete the Web (02)
Complete the web diagram regarding the 'Uses of AI' mentioned in the passage:
(Centre: Uses of AI) -> [Healthcare], [___________], [___________], [Daily Life/Convenience]
A2. Explain (02)
Explain the ethical concerns regarding AI mentioned in the extract.
A3. Inference (02)
"AI serves humanity rather than controlling it." Explain what the writer means by this statement.
A4. Personal Response (02)
Do you think AI will replace human teachers in the future? Give your views.
A5. Language Study (02)
i) AI is rapidly transforming the world. (Change the Voice).
ii) Automation threatens to displace millions of jobs. (Rewrite using the Infinitive form or identify the tense).
A6. Vocabulary (02)
Find antonyms from the passage for:
1. Manual
2. Increase (in context of accidents)
Q.2 (B) Summary Writing [03 Marks]
Write a brief summary of the above extract with a suitable title. Use the following hints:
(Rise of AI – benefits in various sectors – ethical concerns – job displacement – need for balance).
Q.2 (C) Mind Mapping [03 Marks]
Develop a Mind Mapping frame/design using your own ideas to illustrate on the topic "Preparation for HSC Board Examination".
(Hints: Time Management, Health, Study Material, Revision techniques).
SECTION – II: POETRY
(Poetry and Appreciation)
Q.3 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [10 Marks]
When I had money, money, O!
I knew no joy till I went poor;
For many a false man as a friend
Came knocking all day at my door.

Then felt I like a child that holds
A trumpet that he must not blow
Because a man is dead; I dared
Not speak to let this false world know.

Much have I thought of life, and seen
How poor men's hearts are ever light;
And how their wives do hum like bees
About their work from morn till night.
A1. Global Understanding (02)
The poet says he knew no joy until he became: (Choose correct alternative)
a) Rich   b) Poor   c) Famous   d) Old
A2. Inference (02)
Explain why the poet compares himself to a child with a trumpet he must not blow.
A3. Personal Response (02)
"Money is the root of all evil." Express your views on this proverb.
A4. Poetic Device (02)
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the line: "And how their wives do hum like bees"
A5. Poetic Creativity (02)
Compose a short stanza of four lines on the topic "True Friendship".
Q.3 (B) Appreciation [04 Marks]
Read the extract and write an appreciation of the poem "Father Returning Home".
Points: About the poem/poet/title, The Theme, Poetic Style/Language/Poetic Devices, Message/Values, Your Opinion.
SECTION – III: WRITING SKILLS
Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: [16 Marks]
A. Attempt ANY ONE of the following: (04)
1. Drafting a Virtual Message: Imagine you are Rahul. You receive a call for your sister, Priya, from her dance teacher, Mr. Sen. Mr. Sen informs that the dance class tomorrow is rescheduled from 4 PM to 6 PM. Draft a virtual message for Priya.
OR
2. Statement of Purpose (SOP): You wish to pursue a degree in 'Marine Biology' at a reputed university in Australia. Prepare an SOP.
OR
3. Group Discussion: Frame a group discussion among 3 friends on the topic "Mobile Phones: A Boon or a Bane for Students".
B. Attempt ANY ONE of the following: (04)
1. E-mail Writing: Draft an email to the Principal of your college requesting leave for 3 days to attend your cousin's wedding.
OR
2. Report Writing: Write a report on the 'Tree Plantation Drive' organized by your college NSS unit for the college magazine.
OR
3. Interview Questions: Frame 8-10 questions to interview a successful Social Worker.
C. Attempt ANY ONE of the following: (04)
1. Speech Writing: Prepare a speech on 'World Environment Day' on the topic "Save Earth, Save Life".
OR
2. Compering: Prepare a script for compering the "Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony" of your college.
OR
3. Expansion of Idea: Expand the idea: "A Stitch in Time Saves Nine".
D. Attempt ANY ONE of the following: (04)
1. Review: Write a review of a film you have recently watched. Focus on Plot, Characters, Acting, and Message.
OR
2. Blog Writing: Write a blog post on "The Importance of Regular Exercise".
OR
3. Appeal: Prepare an appeal inviting students to donate generously to the "Flood Relief Fund".
SECTION – IV: LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL
Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below: [04 Marks]
1. Match the Columns: (02)
Column AColumn B
a) Murasaki Shikibui) The Pilgrim's Progress
b) John Bunyanii) Oroonoko
c) Aphra Behniii) Tale of Genji
d) Cervantestiv) Don Quixote
2. Fill in the blanks: (02)
a) The word 'Novella' is derived from the Italian word __________.
b) The novel that depicts the life of a rogue is called a __________ novel.
c) __________ is the central character around whom the plot revolves.
d) The struggle between opposite forces in a story is called __________.
Q.5 (B) Answer in about 50 words: (Based on 'To Sir, With Love') [04 Marks]
1. Character: Give a brief character sketch of Denham.
2. Plot: Describe the atmosphere of the class on the day of the Half-Yearly Report.
Q.5 (C) Answer in about 50 words: (Based on 'Around the World in Eighty Days') [04 Marks]
1. Theme: "Time is the ultimate winner." Justify this statement with reference to the novel.
2. Plot: Describe the incident at the Reform Club that led to the wager.
Q.5 (D) Answer in about 50 words: (Based on 'The Sign of Four') [04 Marks]
1. Setting: Describe the importance of the Lyceum Theatre in the plot of the novel.
2. Character: "Dr. Watson is a loyal friend." Justify this statement based on his interactions with Sherlock Holmes.