Introduction
This hard-level English paper is designed to help students practice advanced comprehension, grammar, and writing skills similar to those found in board exam past papers. The set includes a reading comprehension passage with higher-order inference questions, complex grammar exercises, and challenging writing tasks. The purpose is to strengthen analytical thinking, improve clarity of expression, and build confidence for competitive exams. All answers are provided in clear and simple language so students can understand key concepts easily. The entire set is structured to reflect real exam standards, ensuring complete preparation support.
Reading Comprehension (Passage + Questions)
Passage
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new possibilities across industries, transforming how humans work, learn, and make decisions. Yet, this technological expansion also raises concerns about ethics and responsibility. Many experts believe that AI, despite its efficiency, cannot fully replace human judgment, especially in matters requiring empathy or moral consideration. As AI systems continue to improve, governments and educational institutions are faced with an important challenge: preparing individuals not only to use these tools effectively but also to understand their limitations. The future will likely require a balance—where machines perform high-speed analysis while humans continue to guide outcomes with emotional intelligence, creativity, and values.
Questions
Q1. What is the central idea of the passage?
Answer:
The central idea is that while artificial intelligence is transforming various fields, it still requires human judgment, ethics, and emotional intelligence. The future needs a balanced partnership between humans and machines.
Q2. Why do experts believe AI cannot replace humans completely?
Answer:
Experts believe AI cannot replace humans completely because it lacks empathy, moral understanding, emotions, and the ability to make ethically sensitive decisions. These qualities belong uniquely to humans.
Q3. What challenge do governments and educational institutions face according to the passage?
Answer:
They face the challenge of preparing people to use AI effectively while also teaching them to understand its limitations, risks, and ethical boundaries.
Q4. Identify two benefits and two concerns related to AI mentioned or implied in the passage.
Answer:
Benefits:
- AI improves efficiency and speed in analysis.
- AI creates new possibilities across industries.
Concerns:
- AI may lack ethical and emotional understanding.
- Overreliance on AI may reduce human responsibility or critical thinking.
Q5. What does the author mean by “a balance between humans and machines”?
Answer:
The author means that AI should handle the tasks requiring high-speed data processing, while humans should control decisions requiring empathy, creativity, values, and moral reasoning.
Grammar Section
Q6. Rewrite the following sentence in passive voice:
“Researchers are developing new tools to control harmful AI algorithms.”
Answer:
“New tools to control harmful AI algorithms are being developed by researchers.”
Q7. Identify the error and rewrite the correct sentence:
“Neither the teacher nor the students was aware of the schedule changes.”
Answer:
Error: Incorrect verb agreement with the plural subject ‘students’.
Correct sentence: “Neither the teacher nor the students were aware of the schedule changes.”
Q8. Transform the sentence into indirect speech:
He said, “I have never seen such a beautiful library.”
Answer:
He said that he had never seen such a beautiful library.
Q9. Fill in the blanks using suitable modal verbs:
- You ___ submit your project before Friday. (necessity)
- Students ___ use calculators during this exam. (prohibition)
Answer: - must
- must not
Q10. Combine the sentences using a relative clause:
The girl won the national award. She is standing near the gate.
Answer:
The girl who is standing near the gate won the national award.
Writing Section (Hard Level)
Q11. Write a 150–170 word analytical paragraph on the topic: “Should Social Media Be Used in Classrooms?”
Answer:
The use of social media in classrooms is a widely debated issue. Supporters argue that social platforms can enhance learning by allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and access educational resources quickly. Many teachers have begun using groups or channels to share notes, assignments, and reminders, making communication more efficient. However, critics believe that social media can also distract students, reduce attention spans, and expose them to unnecessary content during study time. The real challenge lies in balancing educational benefits with potential misuse. If used with strict guidelines, proper monitoring, and clear academic objectives, social media can act as an innovative learning tool. But without discipline and structure, it may hinder students’ focus and productivity. Therefore, the decision should depend on how effectively a school can manage digital responsibility among learners.
Q12. Write a formal letter (150–160 words): “Write a letter to the Editor expressing concern about the increasing decline in reading habits among children.”
Answer:
To
The Editor
Name of Newspaper
Sir/Madam,
I wish to draw attention to the growing decline in reading habits among children, a matter that demands immediate concern. Modern technology, though helpful, has significantly reduced the time children spend on reading books. Many students prefer short online content over meaningful literature, which affects their vocabulary, imagination, and analytical thinking. Schools also focus more on digital tools, unintentionally encouraging the shift. Parents are equally responsible, as they seldom create a reading-friendly environment at home. To address this issue, schools must introduce reading hours, libraries should be made more engaging, and parents should encourage daily reading routines. Promoting storytelling sessions and book clubs can also help revive interest. I request the authorities to take necessary steps to restore the culture of reading among young learners.
Yours sincerely,
[Student Name]
Long Answer – Literature (Hard Level)
Q13. “Technology can guide, but it cannot lead.” Explain this statement in 180–200 words.
Answer:
The statement “Technology can guide, but it cannot lead” highlights the essential difference between the capabilities of machines and the responsibilities of humans. Technology, including artificial intelligence, can analyze data, automate processes, and provide helpful suggestions based on patterns. It can guide us toward efficient solutions by offering insights that humans may overlook. However, leadership requires qualities beyond information processing. True leadership demands empathy, moral judgment, emotional understanding, and the ability to take responsibility for outcomes—qualities that machines inherently lack. A leader must inspire people, resolve conflicts, and make decisions grounded in values. Technology cannot understand human emotions, and it cannot distinguish right from wrong in a moral sense. Therefore, while technology can support decision-making, humans must remain in control, using their wisdom to interpret guidance responsibly. The future depends on leaders who can balance digital assistance with human judgment.