Haryana Board (HBSE) Class 10 English Question Paper 2025 with a fully solved answer key. Students can use this HBSE Class 10 English Solved Paper to match their responses and understand the question pattern. This BSEH English Answer Key 2025 is based on the latest syllabus and exam format to support accurate preparation and revision for the board exams.
HBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2025 Answer Key
SECTION – A (Reading Skills)
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
The choices we make daily – such as wearing a seatbelt, properly lifting heavy objects or intentionally avoiding dangerous situations –––– can either safeguard our well-being or lead to potentially harmful outcomes.
We must decide to take control of our lives. Exercising self-control, practicing self-discipline and setting boundaries in our lives are among the most important actions we can take. A life lacking discipline is characterized by carelessness.
We may perceive it as thrilling to live on the edge. We are drawn to the notion of “Yes, that’s me ! living on the edge ! Woo-hoo !” It has become a widely embraced perspective on life. However, it is evident that even highways have painted lines that establish margins to enhance our safety while driving. If we veer too far to one side, we will end up in the ditch. If we cross the line in the middle, we could be in serious danger and we appreciate those lines because they help to ensure our safety. At times, we may not fully understand how boundaries contribute to our society.
I regret to admit that for the first 20 years of my professional life, I disregarded my limits. I often experienced significant physical discomfort. I often told myself, “I recognize my limits and that I have reached them, but I will disregard them to see how long I can manage.” I consulted various doctors in an attempt to feel better through medications, vitamins, natural remedies, and anything else I could find. Some doctors would tell me, “It’s just stress”, which frustrated me greatly. I used to believe that stress indicated dissatisfaction with one’s work or an inability to cope with life; however, I genuinely love what I do. However, I continued to push myself –––– travelling, engaging in speaking events and so forth ––– ultimately exhausting myself.
Eventually, I realized that I was leading an unsustainable life and needed to adjust my perspective and life style. You and I are not obligated to confirm to others or compete with anyone else. Each of us has a right to be exactly as we are, and there is no need to apologize for it. We are not all the same, and it’s essential to identify a comfort zone that allows us to enjoy life rather than succumbing to stress and pressure.
Questions :
(i) How can the choices we make daily impact our life?
(a) They can safeguard our well-being
(b) They can lead to harmful outcomes
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer – (c) Both (a) and (b)
(ii) A life lacking discipline is characterized by ……………
(a) positive thinking
(b) health
(c) money
(d) carelessness
Answer – (d) carelessness
(iii) How does the writer define stress?
(a) It indicates satisfaction with one’s work.
(b) It shows a person’s ability to cope with life.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer – (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(iv) Which word in the last paragraph means the same as ‘surrendering’?
(a) apologize
(b) perspective
(c) succumbing
(d) realised
Answer – (c) succumbing
(v) The author aims to …………….. the readers through this write-up.
(a) rebuke
(b) question
(c) offer aid to
(d) offer advice to
Answer – (d) offer advice to
(vi) How can we take control of our lives?
Answer – We can take control of our lives by exercising self-control, practising self-discipline, and setting proper boundaries.
(vii) What enhances our safety while driving on the highways?
Answer – Painted lines on highways enhance our safety while driving.
(viii) With which disease was the writer suffering from?
Answer – The writer was suffering from stress and physical discomfort caused by overwork.
(ix) What did the writer realize about his life eventually?
Answer – The writer realised that he was living an unsustainable life and needed to change his lifestyle and perspective.
(x) What is the message conveyed in the last paragraph of the passage?
Answer – The message is that everyone should live within their limits, respect their individuality, and maintain a comfort zone to enjoy life without stress and pressure.
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
India is rapidly advancing in the field of renewable energy, and one of the most significant achievements is the Bhadla Solar Park, located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. This solar park is the largest of its kind in India and one of the largest in the world. Covering an area of 56 square kilometers, Bhadla Solar Park has a total installed capacity of 2245 megawatts (MW), which provides clean electricity to millions of people.
The Bhadla Solar Park was developed to harness the abundant sunlight in the desert region of Rajasthan, where the solar potential is immense. The park has over 8 million solar panels and can generate electricity at a low cost, making it a key player in India’s transition to renewable energy. The solar park’s vast size and capacity contribute to India’s ambitious goal of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022.
Apart from contributing to a cleaner environment, the Bhadla Solar Park also boosts the local economy by creating jobs in the region. The park has also helped in reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and has significantly lowered green house gas emissions. With the global push for sustainable development, Bhadla Solar Park serves as a model for other nations aiming to harness solar power on a large scale.
Questions :
(i) Where is the Bhadla Solar Park located?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Maharashtra
Answer – (b) Rajasthan
(ii) How much area does the Bhadla Solar Park cover?
(a) 20 square kilometers
(b) 56 square kilometers
(c) 100 square kilometers
(d) 10 square kilometers
Answer – (b) 56 square kilometers
(iii) What is the total installed capacity of the Bhadla Solar Park?
(a) 1000 MW
(b) 500 MW
(c) 3000 MW
(d) 2245 MW
Answer – (d) 2245 MW
(iv) What is one of the key benefits of the Bhadla Solar Park?
(a) It creates jobs
(b) It increases water usage
(c) It pollutes the environment
(d) It consumes large amounts of fossil fuels
Answer – (a) It creates jobs
(v) What is the global impact of the Bhadla Solar Park?
(a) It decreases solar energy use.
(b) It contributes to lowering green house gas emissions.
(c) It uses more fossil fuels.
(d) It does not affect global energy production.
Answer – (b) It contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
(vi) Why is Rajasthan an ideal location for the Bhadla Solar Park?
Answer – Rajasthan is ideal because it receives abundant sunlight and has vast desert land suitable for solar power generation.
(vii) How many solar panels are there in the Bhadla Solar Park?
Answer – There are over 8 million solar panels in the Bhadla Solar Park.
(viii) What is the role of Bhadla Solar Park in India’s renewable energy goals?
Answer – It plays a major role in helping India achieve its renewable energy targets by producing large-scale clean energy.
(ix) How does the Bhadla Solar Park help in reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels?
Answer – It reduces dependence on fossil fuels by generating clean solar energy instead of using coal or oil.
(x) What economic benefit does the Bhadla Solar Park provide to the local community?
Answer – It provides employment opportunities and boosts the local economy.
SECTION – B (Grammar)
3. Attempt any ten sentences from the given items :
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb :
(i) I …………. (wait) for you outside for five minutes.
(a) was waiting
(b) am waiting
(c) have been waiting
(d) wait
Answer – (c) have been waiting
(ii) I ………… (study) for my exams these days.
(a) study
(b) was studying
(c) studied
(d) am studying
Answer – (d) am studying
B. Change direct speech into indirect speech :
(iii) The teacher said to Ramesh, “Why didn’t you complete your homework”?
(a) The teacher asked Ramesh why he had not completed his homework.
(b) The teacher asked Ramesh if he had not completed his homework.
(c) The teacher said to Ramesh why he had not completed his homework.
(d) The teacher asked Ramesh why he did not complete his homework.
Answer – (a) The teacher asked Ramesh why he had not completed his homework.
(iv) Yashika said, “I don’t like watching horror movies.”
(a) Yashika said that I didn’t like watching horror movies.
(b) Yashika said that she didn’t like watching horror movies.
(c) Yashika said that she doesn’t like watching horror movies.
(d) Yashika asked if she didn’t like watching horror movies.
Answer – (b) Yashika said that she didn’t like watching horror movies.
C. Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles :
(v) English is the language of …………… English.
(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) No article
Answer – (c) the
(vi) I get a stipend of Rs. 1500 …………… month.
(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) No article
Answer – (a) a
D. Punctuate the following :
(vii) unless you work hard you cant stand first
(a) Unless you work hard you cant stand first
(b) Unless you work hard you cant stand first.
(c) Unless you work hard, you can’t stand first.
(d) Unless you work hard, you cant stand first.
Answer – (c) Unless you work hard, you can’t stand first.
(viii) the teacher said students dont make a noise
(a) The teacher said, “students dont make a noise.”
(b) The teacher said, “students don’t make a noise.”
(c) The teacher said, “students, don’t make a noise.”
(d) The teacher said, “Students, don’t make a noise.”
Answer – (d) The teacher said, “Students, don’t make a noise.”
E. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals :
(ix) We took a taxi lest we …………… miss the train.
(a) shall
(b) should
(c) will
(d) would
Answer – (b) should
(x) …………….. she have good health!
(a) Will
(b) Shall
(c) May
(d) Might
Answer – (c) May
F. Fill in the blanks with correct non-finite form of the verb :
(xi) This question is difficult ………….. (solve).
(a) solve
(b) to solve
(c) solved
(d) solving
Answer – (b) to solve
(xii) You had better ……………. (stop) smoking.
(a) stop
(b) to stop
(c) stopped
(d) stopping
Answer – (a) stop
SECTION – C (Writing Skills)
4. Attempt the following :
Air pollution in your area is increasing day by day. Write a letter, in about 100-120 words, to the Chairman, State Pollution Control Board, making a complaint and requesting for immediate action to the problem. You are Sonam / Vijay of B-22, Golden Villa, Rewari.
Answer –
B-22, Golden Villa
Rewari
Date : 10 March 20XX
To
The Chairman
State Pollution Control Board
Haryana
Subject : Complaint regarding increasing air pollution
Sir,
I wish to draw your attention to the alarming rise in air pollution in our area. The increasing number of vehicles, construction work, and burning of waste have made the air unhealthy. People are suffering from breathing problems and eye irritation. Despite repeated complaints, no effective action has been taken. I request the concerned authorities to inspect the area, control emissions, and take strict action against violators. Immediate steps are necessary to protect public health.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully,
Sonam
OR
You are Nisha / Arun of P. M. Shree Government Senior Secondary School, Gurugram, studying in class X B. Write an application, in about 100-120 words, to the Principal of your school requesting him/her for leave for a few days to take care of your mother, who is unwell.
Answer –
To
The Principal
P. M. Shree Govt Sr Sec School
Gurugram
Subject : Application for leave
Respected Sir / Madam,
I respectfully request you to grant me leave for a few days as my mother is unwell and requires my care. There is no one else at home to look after her. I assure you that I will complete all my pending work after returning to school. Kindly grant me leave for __ days.
Thanking you
Yours obediently,
Nisha
Class X-B
5. Attempt any one of the following :
(i) You are Arnav / Arav, a student of Class X. Your school participated in a district level science exhibition held at City International School, Karnal. Mention the date, the number of participating schools, and the award your school received. Write a report in about 40 words to share it in the school assembly.
Answer – Our school participated in a district-level science exhibition held on 10 March 20XX at City International School, Karnal. About 25 schools took part in the exhibition. Many students presented different science models and projects. Our school displayed an innovative and well-prepared project and won the first prize. The judges appreciated our creativity, teamwork, and scientific thinking.
(ii) Write a story in 100-120 words with the help of the following outlines. Give it a suitable title also.
Lion sleeping ……….. mouse jumps on lion ……….. lion wakes up ……….. lion catches mouse ……….. mouse begs for mercy ……….. lion shows kindness ……….. lion caught in a net ……….. mouse comes to the rescue ……….. mouse frees the lion ……….. moral.
Answer – Title : The Lion and the Mouse
Once upon a time, a lion was sleeping peacefully in a forest. Suddenly, a little mouse jumped on the lion’s body and woke him up. The lion caught the mouse angrily and was about to kill it. The mouse begged for mercy and promised to help the lion someday. The lion showed kindness and let the mouse go.
A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net and struggled to free himself. Hearing the lion’s roar, the mouse came to the rescue. It gnawed the ropes of the net and freed the lion.
Moral : Kindness is never wasted.
(iii) Read the statement given below :
“Mobile phones distract students and harm academic performance.”
Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words analyzing the given argument. Consider alternative explanations that might weaken the conclusion and provide evidence or reasoning that might strengthen or counter the argument.
Answer – Mobile phones can distract students if used excessively, but they are not the sole reason for poor academic performance. Lack of discipline, poor teaching methods, and absence of parental guidance also affect studies. When used properly, mobile phones can help students access educational resources, attend online classes, and improve learning skills. Therefore, misuse rather than mobile phones themselves causes harm. Balanced use with proper supervision can make mobile phones a useful learning tool.
SECTION – D (Literature)
6. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
“Ga, ga, ga”, he cried begging her to bring him some food. “Gaw-col-ah”, she screamed back derisively. But he kept calling plaintively, and after a minute or so he uttered a joyful scream. His mother had picked up a piece of the fish and was flying across to him with it. He leaned out eagerly, tapping the rock with his feet, trying to get nearer to her as she flew across. But when she was just opposite to him, she halted, her wings motionless, the piece of fish in her beak almost within reach of his beak. He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why she did not come nearer, and then, maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish. With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space. Then a monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still. He could hear nothing. But it only lasted a minute. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, then under his stomach, and against his wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air. He was not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards.
Questions :
(i) Why did the seagull’s mother not pay attention to his begging for food?
Answer – She ignored him to force him to fly.
(ii) What had the seagull’s mother picked up?
Answer – A piece of fish.
(iii) What did the seagull’s mother do when she was abreast of the ledge?
Answer – She stopped flying and hovered in front of him.
(iv) Maddened by hunger, what did the seagull do?
Answer – He dived at the fish.
(v) What seized the seagull?
Answer – A monstrous terror seized him.
OR
Her first journey — what careful, painstaking, elaborate plans she had had to make for it ! She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like, and finally she had saved a total of sixty paise. How difficult it had been, particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money.
After she had enough money saved, her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. But she managed this without too much difficulty. Everyday after lunch her mother would nap from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours for her ‘excursions’ as she stood looking from the doorway of her house or sometimes even ventured out into the village; today, these same hours could be used for her first excursion outside the village.
Questions :
(i) How did Valli save money?
Answer – By saving stray coins.
(ii) How much money had Valli saved?
Answer – Sixty paise.
(iii) What time did Valli use for her ‘excursions’?
Answer – From about one to four in the afternoon.
(iv) What was difficult for Valli at the village fair?
Answer – Resisting the temptation to ride the merry-go-round.
(v) What was Valli’s first excursion outside the village?
Answer – A bus ride outside the village.
7. Attempt any two questions :
(i) What was the unique in the inauguration ceremony in South Africa?
Answer – The inauguration ceremony in South Africa was unique because it marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic, non-racial government. Nelson Mandela became the first Black President. The ceremony was special for the playing of two national anthems, one for the Whites and one for the Blacks, symbolising unity, reconciliation, and racial harmony.
(ii) Why does Anne Frank think to have a diary?
Answer – Anne Frank wanted to have a diary because she felt lonely and had no true friend with whom she could share her thoughts and feelings. She believed that paper was more patient than people. Therefore, she treated her diary, named “Kitty,” as her close friend and wrote freely about her emotions and experiences.
(iii) Describe the beautiful sights that Rajvir saw as the train pulled out of the station.
Answer – As the train pulled out of the station, Rajvir saw vast green tea gardens spread over the hills. He noticed neatly pruned tea bushes arranged in rows and women tea-pluckers working in the fields. The beautiful green scenery and the surrounding hills created a breathtaking view that deeply impressed him.
(iv) What was the basic idea of Buddha’s preaching?
Answer – The basic idea of Buddha’s preaching was that suffering and death are universal truths of life, and no one can escape them. Grief and excessive attachment do not bring peace. He taught that suffering arises from desire and that peace can be achieved by controlling desires, accepting reality, and following the path of right conduct, which leads to enlightenment or Nirvana.
8. Lencho was a very innocent person. It was clear by his letters that he wrote to God for his help. Discuss it in the light of his second letter.
Answer – Lencho’s innocence is clearly shown in his second letter to God. After receiving only seventy pesos instead of the hundred he had asked for, Lencho firmly believed that God had sent the money. He never doubted God and felt that God could not cheat him in any situation.
However, he suspected the post office employees of stealing the remaining thirty pesos and called them a “bunch of crooks.” This shows his simple and innocent nature, as he was unable to understand the kindness and honesty of the people who had actually helped him. He again wrote to God asking for the remaining amount and requested Him not to send it through the post office.
Thus, Lencho’s second letter highlights his blind faith in God and his childlike innocence.
OR
Describe the character-sketch of Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov?
Answer – Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov is one of the three main characters in the one-act play The Proposal by Anton Chekhov. He is a wealthy landowner and the father of Natalya. At first, Chubukov appears polite, friendly, and hospitable, but in reality he is quarrelsome, short-tempered, and greedy.
He welcomes Lomov warmly and feels happy when he learns that Lomov has come to propose to his daughter. However, Chubukov easily loses his temper and becomes aggressive during arguments over property. He insults Lomov and uses harsh words, showing his lack of self-control.
Chubukov is also hypocritical, as he pretends to be courteous while being deeply concerned about land and money. As a father, he wants his daughter to marry Lomov mainly for material benefits rather than her happiness.
Thus, Chubukov is portrayed as a greedy and quarrelsome landlord representing the selfish nature of society.
9. Attempt following stanza :
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Questions :
(i) Why does the poet compare hate to ice?
Answer – The poet compares hate to ice because it is cold, slow, and destructive. Like ice, hate can destroy the world gradually.
(ii) What does ‘it’ indicate here?
Answer – ‘It’ refers to the world.
(iii) What is more dangerous than ice?
Answer – Fire, which symbolises desire, is more dangerous.
(iv) How is ice sufficient for destruction?
Answer – Ice is sufficient for destruction because hatred can slowly destroy relationships and humanity.
(v) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
Answer – The rhyme scheme is ababa.
OR
But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Questions :
(i) Where is the tiger’s strength locked?
Answer – The tiger’s strength is locked behind bars in a concrete cell.
(ii) Why is the tiger stalking in the cage?
Answer – The tiger is stalking in the cage because of anger, frustration, and helplessness.
(iii) How does the caged tiger react to the visitors?
Answer – The caged tiger ignores the visitors completely.
(iv) Why is the tiger locked l?
Answer – The tiger is locked because humans have captured him and kept him in a zoo.
(v) What is the mood of the tiger?
Answer – The tiger’s mood is angry, helpless, and restless.
10. Attempt any two of the following :
(i) How does a leopard behave? Discuss.
Answer – In the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”, the leopard is portrayed as a fierce and extremely dangerous animal. It is easily recognized by its black spots and its sudden, aggressive nature. The poet explains that the moment the leopard sees a person, it leaps and pounces without giving any warning. It keeps attacking repeatedly and mercilessly, showing no pity at all, which makes any encounter with it highly deadly and hopeless.
(ii) Why does the poet compare the branches with the patients?
Answer – The poet compares the branches to newly discharged hospital patients to show their long confinement and strong desire for freedom. Just as weak and half-dazed patients slowly move out of the hospital into fresh air after a long illness, the branches too have remained cramped under the roof and now struggle to come out. This comparison clearly highlights their urge to escape confinement and spread freely in the open air.
(iii) What were the names of Belinda’s pets?
Answer – Belinda’s pets were Ink the black kitten, Blink the grey mouse, Mustard the yellow dog, and Custard the dragon.
(iv) What is the central idea of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’?
Answer – The central idea of ‘For Anne Gregory’ by W. B. Yeats is that human love is often superficial and based on physical beauty, while true love values inner qualities. People are attracted to Anne’s yellow hair, but such beauty is temporary. Real love looks beyond appearance and focuses on the soul, character, and heart. Yeats suggests that this pure and selfless love is rare among humans and can truly be offered only by God.
11. Attempt any two of the following :
(i) What did Anil do? How did he spend money?
Answer – Anil was a writer who earned by writing for magazines and newspapers, but his income was irregular. He lived a simple, carefree life and spent money freely whenever he received it. He used his money on food and daily needs for himself and Hari Singh, often celebrating without saving. Anil was generous and trusting, keeping money carelessly and later intending to pay Hari regularly.
(ii) How did Ebright’s not winning anything at the Science Fair motivate him to become a bright scientist?
Answer – Ebright’s failure at the Science Fair became a turning point in his life. It made him realise that real science is about genuine experiments and research, not just attractive displays. This motivated him to move from simple collecting to serious scientific investigation. With encouragement and guidance, he began conducting real experiments, which sharpened his curiosity and eventually led him to become a successful scientist.
(iii) From whom did Matilda Loisel borrow the necklace and why?
Answer – Matilda Loisel borrowed the necklace from her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, because she was dissatisfied with her simple life and deeply desired luxury and social status. When her husband received an invitation to a grand ball, she wanted to appear rich and elegant among high-society guests. As she had a new dress but no suitable jewellery, she borrowed the necklace to enhance her appearance and fulfill her vanity, hoping to feel admired and respected for one evening.
(iv) Why was Sulekha called Bholi? Why was she sent to school?
Answer – Sulekha was called Bholi because she suffered brain damage after falling from a cot in childhood, which made her slow and stammering. She was often neglected and considered dull, so people called her Bholi. She was sent to school mainly due to the Tehsildar’s insistence. Her mother agreed because she believed Bholi was plain and backward, had little chance of marriage, and that education would not harm her prospects.
12. The parting scene of Tricki from Mrs. Pumphrey’s house was full of excitement and panic. Discuss.
Answer – The parting scene of Tricki from Mrs. Pumphrey’s house was full of panic, excitement, and emotional drama. Mrs. Pumphrey was extremely distressed at the thought of parting from her beloved dog and behaved as if a family member was being taken to the hospital. She cried, almost fainted, and kept expressing fear for Tricki’s life. The household staff also became hysterical and hurriedly packed all of Tricki’s belongings, including his beds, bowls, cushions, and toys, treating him like a seriously ill human patient.
The excessive preparations and emotional reactions made the scene chaotic and comical at the same time. This episode clearly shows Mrs. Pumphrey’s deep but misguided love for Tricki, whose illness was caused by over-pampering. Thus, the parting scene highlights both genuine concern and exaggerated panic, making it a memorable and humorous moment in the story.
OR
What happened when the village constable Mr. Jaffers tried to arrest Griffin at Iping?
Answer – When the village constable Mr. Jaffers tried to arrest Griffin at Iping, a dramatic and frightening scene followed. On the complaint of Mrs. Hall, Mr. Jaffers arrived at the inn with a warrant and attempted to arrest Griffin for his strange behaviour and damage to property. At first, Griffin resisted angrily and refused to cooperate.
Suddenly, Griffin began removing his bandages, false nose, spectacles, and hat. To the shock of everyone present, there was no face or head beneath them, revealing that he was invisible. In order to escape arrest, Griffin then removed his clothes and became completely unseen. A violent struggle followed in which Mr. Jaffers was attacked by invisible blows and kicks. The constable tried hard to catch him but was helpless against an unseen enemy. Finally, Griffin knocked Mr. Jaffers down and escaped from the inn, leaving the villagers terrified and spreading fear throughout Iping.