SSLC English Public Exam Answer Key 2026

📘 SSLC EXAMINATION, MARCH 2026 – ENGLISH
ANSWER KEY (SECOND LANGUAGE)

Questions 1–5 : A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings

1. Who pecked at the angel while searching for parasites in his wings?

The hens pecked at the angel.

2. Why did the people prefer the spider‑woman over the angel?

(B) The admission fee to see her was less, making her more accessible to the crowd.

3. What does the angel's patience in the face of mistreatment suggest?

(C) A quiet, enduring form of virtue unrecognized by most people.

4. Comment on the statement: "…even the most merciful threw stones at him."

This statement highlights the irony and hypocrisy of human nature. Even those considered “most merciful” participated in tormenting the angel, suggesting that cruelty can exist beneath a veneer of virtue. It criticises how society mistreats what it doesn’t understand.

5. Identify the Noun Phrase in subject position and the Verb Phrase.

Noun Phrase: The admission fee for the travelling show
Verb Phrase: was less than the fee to see the angel

Questions 6–9 : Another Day in Paradise

6. Who does the woman call out to?

The man on the street.

7. What does “She can't walk but she's trying” suggest about her character?

(C) She is resilient and persevering, in spite of her hardships.

8. Why does the lyricist repeat “think twice”?

To emphasise the need for reflection and compassion, urging listeners to reconsider their indifference toward the homeless and suffering.

9. Identify the refrain.

“Oh, think twice, cause it's another day for / You and me in paradise. / Oh, think twice, it's just another day for you, / You and me in paradise.”

Question 10 – (A) Appreciation / (B) Comparison

(A) Appreciation of Mirror by Sylvia Plath

The poem “Mirror” uses personification to give voice to a mirror that reflects truth without distortion. The shift from mirror to lake introduces deeper metaphorical depth — the lake represents self‑reflection where the woman searches for her true identity. Candles and moon are “liars” because they soften reality. The mirror/lake faithfully reflects aging; the woman responds with “tears and an agitation of hands.” The closing simile “like a terrible fish” conveys the shocking realisation of mortality. Themes: truth, aging, female identity, society’s obsession with youth.

(B) Compare themes of The Seedling and It Couldn't Be Done

The Seedling (Dunbar)	It Couldn’t Be Done (Guest)
Nature imagery, patience, gradual growth; moral development through struggles.	Direct motivational tone; tackles scepticism with immediate action and positive attitude.
Both advocate perseverance. Dunbar emphasises slow blooming with “sun and showers”; Guest urges to “buckle in with a grin.” Together they reinforce that determination overcomes obstacles.

Questions 11–14 : Life without Limbs, Life without Limits

11. What rare disorder was Nick Vujicic born with?

Tetra‑Amelia syndrome (absence of all four limbs).

12. Name the NGO founded by Nick Vujicic.

Life without Limbs.

13. What gave him the desire and self‑belief to live?

(C) His parents’ unconditional love and faith.

14. Select correct option: (i) Fear can be a greater limitation than physical disability. (ii) Life's challenges can be transformed into strengths. (iii) Success is dependent on physical perfection. (iv) Love and resilience help us overcome adversity.

(B) (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct.

Question 15 – (A) Shakuntalam review / (B) Never‑say‑die attitude

(A) Review of Act 1 of Shakuntalam

Kalidasa opens with King Dushyanta hunting a deer, leading him to a hermitage — a contrast between court and natural world. Two hermits warn him, establishing the sanctity of the space. The hermitage represents an ideal world where humans coexist harmoniously with animals and plants. Shakuntala watering trees embodies this connection. The plot establishes the love story against this backdrop. Contemporary relevance: urgent need to reconnect with nature and sustainable living.

(B) “A Never‑say‑die Attitude Wins Life’s Battles” — Srikanth Bolla & Arunachalam Muruganantham

Srikanth Bolla, born blind, fought for admission and became the first international student at MIT. Arunachalam, a school dropout, persisted despite ridicule to create affordable sanitary napkins. Both stories from “Breaking Barriers,” “I Will Fly,” and “A Phoenix Rises” prove that hope, perseverance, and refusal to surrender conquer adversity — a never‑say‑die attitude triumphs.

Question 16 – Beloved Boles / War

(A) Character sketch of the student in Beloved Boles

The student is self‑effacing and morally mature. Initially quick to judge, he shows capacity for self‑reflection. His willingness to acknowledge fault and make amends reveals humility and strength. He prioritises relationship over ego, representing growth through self‑awareness — true character lies in the courage to admit and correct mistakes.

(B) Narrative of War by Luigi Pirandello

In a train carriage, grieving families carry the weight of lost sons. A passenger declares a fallen son dies gloriously for the nation, provoking a mother’s heart‑wrenching sobs. Her stoic husband finally breaks down, revealing their son is also at the front. Pirandello shows that beneath patriotic rhetoric, families suffer permanent wounds — no ideology can heal a mother’s grief.

Question 17 – News Report / Humanity is still alive

(A) News Report: IFFK 2025

IFFK 2025 TURNS THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTO WORLD CINEMA HUB
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Dec 12: The 30th IFFK was inaugurated today. The Cultural Affairs Minister presented the Spirit of Cinema Award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe Marshall. The eight‑day festival (12‑19 Dec) features 206 films from 82 countries across multiple venues. Categories: International Competition, Indian Cinema Now, World Cinema. Delegates enjoy forums, master classes, panel discussions, and cultural events.

(B) “Humanity is still Alive” — In the Attic

Wilm Hosenfeld, a German officer, risks his safety to help Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman in war‑torn Warsaw. Despite being on opposing sides, Hosenfeld sees beyond politics — he brings food, offers encouragement, and protects Szpilman. This quiet heroism proves kindness transcends boundaries; humanity endures even in history’s darkest corners.

Question 18 – Diary entry (Elisenda) / Email (Hauchecome)

(A) Elisenda’s diary entry

December 15, 1942 — Dear Diary, today the winged man finally flew away. I felt relief as I watched him rise clumsily. For months he was both a blessing and a burden — we grew rich but treated him like a circus animal. As he disappeared, I sighed with relief. Yet now I wonder: did we fail to recognise something sacred? The relief feels emptier than I expected.

(B) Email from Hauchecome to the Mayor

To: mayor@goderville.gov.fr
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Justice
Your Honour, I plead my innocence. I am Maître Hauchecome, wrongly accused of picking up the lost pocketbook. I picked up only a piece of string. Malandain, my enemy, has twisted the truth. I swear on my honour — I am innocent. Please investigate and restore my dignity. Respectfully, Maître Hauchecome.

Question 19 – Profile of W.B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) — born 13 June 1865, Sandymount, Dublin. Attended high school in Dublin and Metropolitan School of Art. Inspired by William Blake, Irish folklore. Key figure of Irish Literary Renaissance. Famous works: The Wanderings of Oisin, The Countess Cathleen, Easter 1916, The Second Coming. Themes: Irish nationalism, imagination and history. Nobel Prize in Literature 1923. Died 28 January 1939, France. Legacy: one of the greatest English poets of the 20th century.

Question 20 – Event Invitation

ENGLISH CLUB INVITATION
Seminar on Racism and Discrimination. Chief Guest: FATOU DIOME (celebrated writer). Date: [date], Time: 10:00 AM, Venue: School Auditorium. The seminar aims to foster understanding and dialogue. Students from nearby schools warmly welcome. Entry free.

Question 21 – Wh‑questions and Yes/No question

Based on the passage about Bablu and Gowri:

Wh‑questions:
1. Why did Bablu decide to surprise Gowri with a gift?
2. Where did the storekeeper wrap the napkin pack?
3. How much did Bablu pay for the pack?
Yes/No question: Did Bablu examine the pad after unwrapping it?

Questions 22–26 – News headlines

22. Headline about Kerala’s achievements in public education

UNICEF report underscores Kerala's achievements in Child Welfare and Public Education

23. Serious health issue for under‑45 sudden deaths

Heart disease

24. Kerala plans to develop for its schools?

(C) A state‑owned AI engine

25. Headline “Never say die! Jawan turns Army Officer on 7th attempt” highlights:

(B) (ii) and (iv) are correct — the power of determination and perseverance; the spirit of not giving up.

26. Common problem in two headlines about air

(C) Air pollution affecting the well‑being of the people

Question 27 – Edited passage (The Wild Swans at Coole)

The Wild Swans at Coole is a beautiful poem written by W.B. Yeats. It portrays the grief and disappointment of a person who has grown old. The mysterious and beautiful swans make him realize his own ageing and mortality. Neither the swans nor their vitality makes him happy as he realises he has nothing but the end of life to look forward to.

Question 28 – Idioms / phrasal verbs

Teresa put forward a request. He thought it over. Then he made up his mind to write and asked her to fire away. When Teresa described herself as a sorrowful little dove, he burst out laughing.

Question 29 – Passage completion

… where their son was staying. Their drive was refreshing. There, they watched the sun go down. Rohan had an appointment with the cardiologist; Anita consulted a dermatologist.

Question 30 – Conversation (Salim Ali & Omar Rolf)

(a) didn’t you?
(b) What exactly did you see?
(c) telling me if you got close to it?
(d) warned me earlier if you spot danger again.
(e) will we survive all these adventures?

Question 31 – Reported dialogue

(a) Hauchecome asked the Mayor why he had called him to his office.
(b) The Mayor replied that he (Hauchecome) had been seen picking up the lost pocket book that morning and that Malandain had seen him.

Question 32 – Gap filling (determiners, prepositions, etc.)

Only when the soldiers had taken a closer look at me and reviewed the situation … they decided to take me to their headquarters so that I could wash … I walked through the streets … for the first time in almost six years.

— END OF ANSWER KEY —