Haryana Board (HBSE) Class 10 English SAT-1 Sample Paper 2026 Answer Key
SECTION – A (Reading Skills)
1. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow : (10 Marks)
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.
SECTION – B (Grammar)
2. Attempt any five from six parts : (5 Marks)
(i) We go to ………… church every week. (Article)
(a) the
(b) No article
(c) a
(d) an
Answer – (b) No article
(ii) Aladdin had ………… wonderful lamp. (Article)
(a) an
(b) the
(c) No article
(d) a
Answer – (d) a
(iii) I …..……. (write) the letter before he arrived. (Tense)
(a) have written
(b) had written
(c) was writing
(d) am writing
Answer – (b) had written
(iv) I shall wait till you ……..…. (finish) your lunch. (Tense)
(a) finish
(b) have finished
(c) had finished
(d) finished
Answer – (a) finish
(v) She said to him, “I am waiting for my son.” (Narration)
(a) She told him that she is waiting for my son.
(b) She told him that she was waiting for my son.
(c) She told him that she was waiting for her son.
(d) She asked him that she was waiting for my son.
Answer – (c) She told him that she was waiting for her son.
(vi) I said to them, “Have you read the letter?” (Narration)
(a) I asked them if they have read the letter?
(b) I asked them if they had read the letter.
(c) I advised them to read the letter.
(d) I asked them if you had read the letter.
Answer – (b) I asked them if they had read the letter.
SECTION – C (Writing Skills)
3. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to issue character certificate. (5 Marks)
Answer –
To
The Principal
ABC Senior Secondary School
Charkhi Dadri
Subject : Application for issuing Character Certificate
Sir / Madam,
Respectfully, I beg to state that I am a student of Class X in your school. I have passed my examination and need a character certificate for admission to a higher class/school.
Therefore, I request you to kindly issue me a character certificate at the earliest. I shall be grateful to you for this favour.
Thanking you.
Yours obediently,
XYZ
Roll No.
Class X
SECTION – D (Literature)
4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions below : (5 Marks)
My father, the most adorable father I’ve ever seen, didn’t marry my mother until he was thirty-six and she was twenty-five. My sister Margot was born in Frankfurt in Germany in 1926. I lived in Frankfurt until I was four. My father emigrated to Holland in 1933. My mother, Edith Hollander Frank, went with him to Holland in September while Margot and I were sent to Aachen to stay with my grandmother.
Questions :
(i) Who is the narrator of the passage?
Answer – Anne Frank
(ii) In which country was Margot born?
Answer – Germany
(iii) Who was Edith Hollander Frank?
Answer – Edith Hollander Frank was Anne Frank’s mother.
(iv) With whom did the narrator stay at Aachen?
Answer – The narrator stayed with her grandmother.
(v) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘Lovable’ or ‘Darling’?
Answer – Adorable
5. How did the mother trick the young seagull into flying? (His First Flight) (3 Marks)
Answer – The mother seagull took a piece of fish and flew towards the young seagull. When he tried to reach the food, she stopped just out of his reach. Driven by hunger, he dived towards the fish and fell off the ledge. He flapped his wings and successfully flew for the first time.
6. Discuss the character-sketch of Valli in your own words. (Madam Rides the Bus) (6 Marks)
Answer – Valli was an eight-year-old village girl. She was very curious, intelligent and determined. She had a strong desire to ride a bus and carefully planned her journey by collecting information about the bus route and saving money. She was confident and independent, refusing help from others during the journey. Valli was also mature and responsible for her age. At the same time, she was sensitive and thoughtful, as shown by her sadness on seeing a dead cow on the road. Thus, Valli was a brave, smart and self-reliant girl.
7. What is the central idea of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’? (3 Marks)
Answer – The central idea of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ is that the world can end either in fire, which represents desire, or in ice, which represents hatred. The poet says that uncontrolled desire can destroy the world, and hatred is equally harmful. Both emotions are dangerous and can lead to the end of life if not controlled.
8. Why is the narrator tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest? (A Triumph of Surgery) (3 Marks)
Answer – Dr. Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because Mrs. Pumphrey sent eggs, wine and brandy every day for Tricki’s recovery. Since Tricki recovered quickly and did not need these things, Dr. Herriot and his partners enjoyed them. Therefore, Tricki’s stay proved beneficial for the entire staff.