MADHYAMIK ENGLISH QUESTION PAPER 2026

Madhyamik 2026 English Question Paper with Answers | মাধ্যমিক ইংরেজি প্রশ্নপত্র 2026

2026 English Question Paper with answers for Madhyamik students of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education. Question and Answers of the question paper are given below.
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2026
ENGLISH
(Second Language)
Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
(First 15 Minutes for reading the question paper only. 3 Hours for writing)
Full Marks : For Regular Candidates -90
For External Candidates – 100

Roll No. __________________________________

Name ____________________________________

Registration No. _________________________

Answer All the questions in the space provided. There is enough space for the answers. However, extra sheets will be supplied by the Invigilator, if required.

Special credit will be given for answers which are brief and to the point. Marks will be deducted for spelling mistakes, untidiness and bad handwriting.

Section-A : Reading Comprehension (Seen)-20 marks
Reading Comprehension (Unseen)-20 marks
Section-B : Grammar and Vocabulary-20 marks
Section-C : Writing-30 marks
Section-D : Supplementary (For External Candidates Only)-10 marks

SECTION-A

READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN)

1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :

Of course, there was nobody for us to play with on the Big Half Moon. We just had to make the most of each other, and we did.

We live on the Big Half Moon island. “We’ are Father and Claude and I and Aunt Esther and Mimi and Dick. It used to be only Father and Claude and I. It is all on account of the kite that there are more of us. This is what I want to tell you about. Father is the keeper of the Big Half Moon Lighthouse. I am eleven years old. Claude is twelve. In winter, when the harbour is frozen over, we all move over to the mainland. As soon as spring comes, back we sail to our own dear island.

The funny part used to be that people always pitied us when the time came for us to return. They said we must be so lonesome over there, with no other children near us. Of course Claude and I would have liked to have someone to play with us. It is hard to rum pirate caves and things like that with only two. But we used to quarrel a good deal with the mainland children in winter. So it was perhaps just as well that there were none of them on the Big Half Moon. Claude and I never quarrelled.

To be sure, Father didn’t seem to have any relations except us. This used to puzzle Claude and me. Everybody on the mainland had relations. Why hadn’t we? Was it because we lived on an island? We thought it would be so jolly to have an uncle and aunt and some cousins. Once we asked Father about it, but he looked so sorrowful that we wished we hadn’t. He said it was all his fault. Claude and I didn’t understand what he meant.

Write the correct alternative in the given space to complete the following sentences: 1×5=5

(a) Big Half Moon is the name of a/an
(i) hotel
(ii) island
(iii) city
(iv) tower

Ans: (ii) island

(b) The age of Claude is
(i) eleven years
(ii) twelve years
(iii) fifteen years
(iv) ten years

Ans: (ii) twelve years

(c) Esther is the
(i) cousin of Claude and the narrator
(ii) mother of the narrator and Claude
(iii) neighbour of the narrator’s father
(iv) sister of the narrator’s father

Ans: (iv) sister of the narrator’s father

(d) Claude and the narrator used to quarrel
(i) with the mainland children
(ii) among themselves only
(iii) with their cousins
(iv) with other children of the island

Ans: (i) with the mainland children

(e) Father looked sad when
(i) the children felt lonely
(ii) the family left the island
(ii) aunt Eather was found
(iv) he was asked about relatives

Ans: (iv) he was asked about relatives

B. Complete the following sentences with information from the text: 1×3=3

(i) The father of the two children worked as

Ans. the keeper of the Big Half Moon Lighthouse.

(ii) The family used to move over to the mainland because _________

Ans. in winter the harbour was frozen over.

(iii) People of the mainland pitied the narrator’s family when __________

Ans. they returned to the island thinking they would feel lonely.

C. State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Write ‘T’ for “True’ and ‘F’ for ‘False’ in the boxes on the right-hand side. Also provide sentences/phrases from the passage in support of your answers: 2×2=4

(i) The family found their relative because of the kite. [T]

Supporting statement: “It is all on account of the kite that there are more of us.”

(ii) No family living on the mainland had relatives. [F]

Supporting statement: “Everybody on the mainland had relations.”

2. Read the poem and answer the questions that follow:

To grass, or leaf, or fruit or wall
The mail sticks close, nor fears to fall
As if he grew there, house and all Together

Within that house secure he hides When danger imminent betides
Of storm, or other harm besides
Of weather.

Give but his horns the slightest touch,
His self-collecting pow’r is such,
He shrinks into his house with much Displeasure.

Where’er he dwells, he dwells alone,
Except himself has chattels none
Well satisfied to be his own
Whole treasure

Thus, hermit-like, his life he leads,
Nor partner of his banquet needs,
And if he meets one, only freds
The faster.

A. Tick the correct alternative to complete the following sentences : 1×4=4

(a) The snail sticks to the wall as if
(i) he grew there
(ii) it is afraid to fall
(iii) be is fond of it
(iv) it is his house

Ans. (i) he grew there

(b) With the slightest touch the snail shrinks with
(i) disappointment
(ii) delight
(iii) displeasure
(iv) defiance

Ans. (iii) displeasure

(c) The phrase “danger imminent” in the second stanza refers to dangers
(i) that cannot be faced
(ii) likely to happen soon
(iii) being faced at present
(iv) that happened in the past

Ans. (ii) likely to happen soon

(d) Wherever the snail lives, it lives
(i) with family
(ii) with chattels
(iii) with friends
(iv) with none

Ans. (iv) with none

B. Answer the following questions : 2×2=4

(i) What does the snail do when it meets another snail ?

Ans: When the snail meets another snail, it moves away faster.

(ii) With whose life is the life of the snail compared and what similarity can be found in their lives?

Ans: The snail’s life is compared to that of a hermit. Both live alone and are satisfied with solitude.

READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN)

3. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Every year, the third Sunday in July will be celebrated as the “Kingfisher Day” in Bengal. Starting today, the third Sunday of every July will also see Bengal birders undertaking a survey to know status and distribution of Kingfishers in Bengal. The decision was taken during the Bengal Birders’ Meet on Sunday. While white-throated Kingfisher is the state bird of Bengal, the state is also home to 11 more species of Kingfisher.

“The Birdwatchers’ Society (BWS) is proud to propose that beginning this year, the week starting from the third Sunday will be observed as ‘Kingfisher Census Week’ across Bengal. This will focus on documenting the distribution and diversity of Kingfishers,” said Suhas Banerjee of BWS.

“Kingfishers are critical indicators of fresh water eco-system health. Species that rely on muddy ponds and river-banks are uniquely adapted, yet they face mounting threats fron habitat loss and degradation. Targeted conservation efforts are essential to secure their future,” said Ardhendu Das, ecologist and BWS member.

“Bengal holds the unique distinction of having recorded all 12 species of Kingfishers found in India an ecological honour that makes this initiative all the more significant. As awareness grows, we envision Kingfisher Day evolving into a national movement,” added Banerjee

The Birdwatchers Society in association with eBird and Bird Count India kicked off two-day Bengal Birders’ Meet 2025 on Saturday, the 19th of July. This year, the meet is being held with over 350 participants. Among the speakers are eminent conservationist and ornithologist Asad Rahmani, wildlife ecologist Aparajita Dutta, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve deputy field director Justin-Jones, DFO Malda Jiju Jasper, Aswin Viswanathan of Nature Conservation Foundation, Major B. S. Parihar and IFS Milan Mandal.

(Adapted from an article published in The Times of India’ dated 20th July 2025)

A. Tick the right answer: 1×6=6

(a) Kingfisher Day is going to be celebrated in Bengal on the
(i) third Sunday of August
(ii) third Sunday of July
(iii) third Saturday of July
(iv) first Sunday of July

Ans: (ii) third Sunday of July

(f) Ans: (i) more than three hundred and fifty

(b) Bengal birders will undertake a survey to know the

(i) habitat loss and degradation of Kingfishers across Bengal

(ii) effect of habitat loss of the Kingfishers in India

(iii) status and distribution of Kingfishers all over Bengal

(iv) distribution of Kingfishers in different parts of India

Ans. (iii) status and distribution of Kingfishers all over Bengal

(c) The number of associations involved in organizing Bengal Birders’ Meet 2025 is
(i) three
(ii) ton
(iii) two
(iv) four

Ans. (i) three

(d) Bengal Birders’ Meet started on a
(i) Sunday
(ii) Friday
(iii) Monday
(iv) Saturday

Ans. (iv) Saturday

(e) Ardhendu Das is a BWS member and an
(i) ornithologist
(ii) anthropologist
(iii) ecologist
(iv) economist

Ans. (iii) ecologist

(f) The number of participants in Bengal Birders Meet 2025 was

(i) more than three hundred and fifty

(ii) less than three hundred and fifty

(iii) more than four hundred and fifty

(iv) less than two hundred and fifty

Ans. (i) more than three hundred and fifty

B. Each of the following statements is either ‘True’ or ‘False’. Write “T’ for “True’ and ‘F’ for ‘False’ in the boxes on the right-hand side. Also write suitable line(s) or phrase(s) from the passage in support of your answer : (1+1)×3=6

(i) The Birdwatchers’ Society of Bengal hopes that observing ‘Kingfisher Day’ will become a national movement in future. T

Supporting statement: “We envision Kingfisher Day evolving into a national movement.”

(ii) Kingfishers are critical indicators of only urban ecosystem health. F

Supporting statement: “Kingfishers are critical indicators of fresh water eco-system health.”

(iii) Jiju Jasper is an eminent conservationist and omithologist. F

Supporting statement: Among the speakers are eminent conservationist and ornithologist Asad Rahmani…”

C. Answer the following questions : 2×4=8

(i) Which Kingfisher is the state bird of Bengal ? How many other species of Kingfishers can be found in Bengal ?

Ans. The White-throated Kingfisher is the state bird of Bengal.

Eleven other species are found in Bengal.

(ii) What will be the focus of ‘Kingfisher Cemus Week” ?

Ans. The focus of ‘Kingfisher Census Week’ is documenting the distribution and diversity of Kingfishers.

(iii) Which ecological honour does Bengal have? What is essential to secure the future of Kingfishers ?

Ans. Bengal has recorded all 12 species of Kingfishers found in India.

Targeted conservation efforts are essential to secure their future.

(iv) Write the names of two speakers who attended the Bengal Birders’ Meet.

Ans. Any Two: Asad Rahmani, Aparajita Dutta, Justin Jones, Jiju Jasper, Milan Mandal

SECTION-B

GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY

4. Choose the correct alternatives to fill in the blanks: 1×3=3

One day the Giant _______________
(comes/came/was coming) back. He ______________ (had been / has been / was) to visit his friend the Cornish Ogre and _______________ (was staying / had stayed / had been staying) with him for seven years.

Ans. came, had been, had been

5. Do as directed:

A. Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles and prepositions: 1×3=3

On 4th August 2023 _____________ Indian women’s archery team achieved a historic feat ______________ securing the gold medal ______________ the World Archery Championship in Berlin.

Ans. the, by, at

B. (i) My father lives in a big house. The house is near the river. (Join into a single sentence) 1×3=3

Ans: My father lives in a big house near the river

(ii) “You are half an hour late,” Samuel said. (Change into indirect speech)

Ans: ii) Samuel said that I was half an hour late.

(iii) At every station sorrowful crowds filled the platform. (Change the voice)

Ans: At every station the platform was filled with sorrowful crowds.

C. Choose the correct phrasal verbs from the list given below to replace the words underlined. Write the correct phrasal verbs in the boxes on the right-hand side changing the form where necessary. There is one extra phrasal verb in the list: 1×3=3

(i) Nandini has published her first novel.

Ans. brought out

(ii) I will wear a new dress tomorrow

Ans. put on

(iii) We should abandon bad habits.

Ans. give up

[put on, give up, give in, bring out]

6. Given below are the meanings of four words which you will find in the passage in Question No. 3. Find out the words and write them in the appropriate boxes on the right-hand side: 2×4=8

(i) The natural home of a plant or an animal— Habitat

(ii) Variety— Diversity

(iii) Preservation— Conservation

(iv) Famous and respected for outstanding quality— Eminent

SECTION-C

WRITING

7. Write a story (in about 100 words) using the following hints. Give a title to your story. 8+2

A dog crossing a bridge over a stream – a piece of flesh in mouth – sees the image in water – takes it for another dog – becomes greedy – jumps down.

Ans. The Greedy Dog

Once a dog was crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in its mouth. As it looked down, it saw its reflection in the water and thought it was another dog with a bigger piece of meat. Greed filled its mind. Wanting that extra flesh, the dog barked at the image. The moment it opened its mouth, the piece of flesh fell into the water and was lost. The dog went away hungry, realizing its foolishness.

Moral: Greed leads to loss.

8. A renowned magician will come to your school next month. As the secretary of the student-council write a notice (in about 100 words) for the students announcing the date, time and place where students can attend the magic show. Mention that tickets are available free of cost from class teachers. 10

Ans.

NOTICE

Magic Show

All students are hereby informed that a renowned magician will perform a magic show in our school on 15th March at 11 a.m. in the school auditorium. The show promises to be entertaining and full of wonder. Entry tickets are free of cost and can be collected from the respective class teachers. Students are requested to be seated by 10:45 a.m. For further details, contact the undersigned.

Secretary
Student Council

9. Write a letter (in about 100 words) to your cousin advising him/her to plant saplings or new plants during rainy season. Your letter should include reasons why you are advising him/her to plant trees every year and why rainy season as is chosen for tree plantation. 10

Dear Cousin,

I hope you are well. I am writing to advise you to plant saplings every year, especially during the rainy season. Trees provide oxygen, improve air quality, and help maintain ecological balance. The rainy season is ideal for plantation because young plants get enough water and grow faster without extra care. Planting trees also helps prevent soil erosion and supports wildlife. If each of us plants even one tree every year, we can make our environment greener and healthier. I hope you will start this wonderful habit soon.

Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]

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