Maharashtra HSC English (Yuvakbharati) Board Paper March 2025 with Answers

Q.1 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below : (12 marks)

I spent 32 years in Information Technology out of which I was a Chief Executive Officer or MD or the software head for 23 years for large global multinational software companies with thousands of software professionals worldwide and 6 offices in the US, 3 in Europe, 1 in Japan and 1 in Australia. I had to travel all over the globe around 150 times for business. During this period, I had also written 4 books with 500-700 pages each on Information Technology published by Tata McGraw-Hill and then translated into Chinese for global distribution.

I learnt a lot of things when I was running these large companies. The first one was the importance of team work. In today’s world, nothing is possible without team work. You cannot be successful if you are a loner and an egoistic person. Secondly, you need to lead from the front by setting a good example in front of your staff. Third was that you need to treat your subordinates and your colleagues as friends. In my career, I made a few mistakes, but learnt a lot about motivation, being a good listener, target setting and the art of delegation which forms such an important part of today’s management.

After working for all these software companies for so many years, I wanted to return to my first love i.e. to read and write on various subjects concerning human life and existence. Therefore, I gave up two offers of around 3 crore rupees per annum to become a writer. This is how my second innings as a writer in Marathi began.

After this, I have written about 34 books in Marathi. Most of them have become bestsellers with tens of thousands of copies sold for each. However it is not sales or the money that is important to me as much as the fact that these books have brought about very good changes in the lives of thousands of readers.

A1. Read the following statements and arrange them in proper sequence : (2)
(1) The narrator turned down high income job offers to pursue a career as a writer.
(2) He led major global multinational software companies.
(3) His writing brought about positive transformations in the lives of readers.
(4) He learnt invaluable life lessons while heading multinational companies.

A2. Complete the following web-diagram on the ‘Key aspects of management’ : (2) [Web diagram : the centre reads “Key aspects of management”, with four blank boxes around it.]

A3. Provide the supporting details from the extract that highlight the narrator’s success as a writer : (2) [Diagram : “Success as a Writer” in the centre with two blanks, (1) and (2).]

A4. Personal Response : Do you think passion is more important than wealth? Explain your views in about 50 words. (2)

A5. Do as directed : (2)

(i) I passed from IIT. (Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of ‘Present Perfect Tense.’)
(a) I shall have passed from IIT.
(b) I have passed from IIT.
(c) I had passed from IIT.
(d) I has passed from IIT.

(ii) I made a few mistakes, but learnt a lot about motivation. (Choose the correct ‘Complex Sentence’ from the options given below.)
(a) Making a few mistakes, I learnt a lot about motivation.
(b) Though I made a few mistakes, I learnt a lot about motivation.
(c) I made a few mistakes and I learnt a lot about motivation.
(d) I made a few mistakes to learn a lot about motivation.

A6. Vocabulary : Find out the words from the extract which mean : (2)
(a) lower in rank or position
(b) person with whom one works
(c) person who practices or shows selfishness or pride
(d) involving many countries

Q.1 (B) Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) (4 marks)

B1. Do as directed : (3)

(1) Nandini said to Raj, “Where did you go during the holidays last year?” (Choose the correct ‘Indirect Speech’ from the given options and write it.) (1)
(i) Nandini asked Raj where he had gone during the holidays last year.
(ii) Nandini asked Raj where had he gone during the holidays last year.
(iii) Nandini asked Raj where he went during the holidays last year.
(iv) Nandini asked Raj where he has gone during the holidays last year.

(2) Tree planting became a natural choice. [‘Tree planting’ is underlined.] (Choose the correct ‘Wh question’ to get the underlined part as the answer from the given options.) (1)
(i) What did become a natural choice?
(ii) What was become a natural choice?
(iii) What had become a natural choice?
(iv) What became a natural choice?

(3) If children don’t play any games, they will become dull and lazy. (Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of ‘unless’.) (1)
(i) Unless children don’t play any games they will become dull and lazy.
(ii) Unless children play any games they will become dull and lazy.
(iii) Unless children play any games they will not become dull and lazy.
(iv) Unless children play any games they will became dull and lazy.

B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence : (1)
(i) She is more shorter than her brother.

Q.2 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below : (12 marks)

Change is the only constant and disruptive technologies are only quickening its pace. “I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life. Never has the pace of change been as high as it is today. Today, we are facing a large number of disruptive forces, especially those caused by technology,” Nilekani said. He shared the example of the iPhone, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. “What we have seen in the past 10 years is a complete change in the balance of technology from serving the enterprise to serving the consumer. Today, when you look at the leading companies in the world by Market Capitalisation, they are all companies that service consumers like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple and so on. This is because the balance of power has shifted to consumer technology,” He said.

The constant change will require constant learning and relearning. The core message from Nilekani therefore was : Lifetime learning. “The good news is that you have got degree from IIT Madras. The not so good news is that you can’t stop learning. You will have to keep learning for the rest of your life because we are now entering an era of lifelong learning,” he said. And by life-long learning, he didn’t mean “going to a campus and have fun for five years.” It will be learning in short bursts, any time learning, anywhere learning. It’s going to be just in time learning. A lot of it will even be online learning.

This need for constant learning and relearning will come because of our collective inability to predict the kind of jobs that will be done in future or the kind of organisations that people will be working for in future. The high rate of automation in the jobs will have an impact on the way jobs are done. We have seen in the past that technology has made repetitive jobs go away as computers became more and more powerful. In the past 10-15 years, you are seeing the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning. And increasingly, in the last 5-6 years, the rise of deep learning, which allows you to use a new kind of technology called neural networks that use a lot of data to make machines smarter and smarter.

A1. Read the following statements and find the two correct statements that state the theme of the extract : (2)
(a) The extract is about Nandan Nilekani as an entrepreneur and his achievements.
(b) The extract is about a change in technology in recent past and changes resulted from it.
(c) The extract is about life-long learning and relearning for the rest of our life.
(d) The extract is emphasizing only about online education.

A2. Complete the flow chart on the need for constant learning and relearning. One is done for you. Find the information from the extract and complete the flow chart. (2) [Flow chart : the first box reads “High rate of automation in job”; arrows lead down to four blank boxes, one below the other.]

A3. Illustrate the idea of lifelong learning as mentioned in the extract. (2)

A4. Today, online education has become an integral part of all sectors. Write your views. (2)

A5. Do as directed : (2)

(1) He shared the example of iPhone. (Choose the correct ‘Passive Voice’ from the given options and write it.)
(i) The example of iPhone is shared by him.
(ii) The example of iPhone was shared by him.
(iii) The example of iPhone has been shared by him.
(iv) The example of iPhone had been shared by him.

(2) The constant change will require constant learning and relearning. (Choose the correct option replacing the modal auxiliary showing ‘Obligation’ and write it.)
(i) The constant change may require constant learning and relearning.
(ii) The constant change shall require constant learning and relearning.
(iii) The constant change must require constant learning and relearning.
(iv) The constant change might require constant learning and relearning.

A6. Vocabulary : Match the following words given in column ‘A’ with their meanings given in column ‘B’ and rewrite it : (2)

Q.2 (B) Summarising : (3 marks)

Write a ‘Summary’ of the above extract by using the following points :
Change and disruptive technologies — constant learning and relearning — lifelong learning — impact on the job.

Q.2 (C) Mind Mapping : (3 marks)

Prepare a mind map on the topic ‘Developing English Language Skills’ using your ideas, design and structure.

Q.3 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below : (10 marks)

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
The earth, that is sufficient,
I do not want the constellations any nearer.

A1. Identify the lines from the extract that indicate the speaker’s ‘independence’ and ‘self-reliance’ : (2) [Table : ‘Independence’ with two blanks (1) and (2); ‘Self-reliance’ with two blanks (1) and (2).]

A2. The narrator doesn’t want ‘constellations’ near to him. Give reasons. (2)

A3. ‘A man without liberty is a body without a soul.’ Explain your views in about 50 words. (2)

A4. Name and explain the figure of speech in the following line : (2)
‘Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing.’

A5. Compose four poetic lines of your own on ‘freedom.’ (2)

Q.3 (B) Appreciation : (4 marks)

Read the extract and write the appreciation of the poem given below :

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (A) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(I) Virtual Message : Imagine, Shubham has to leave for his native place due to emergency work. He and his friend Mahesh had planned to watch a movie at 8.30 pm. Shubham tried to call Mahesh several times but due to connectivity issues he is unable to contact him. Draft a virtual message in about 50/100 words to Mahesh to convey this information. Support your message by giving appropriate reasons. (alternative to II and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (A) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(II) Statement of purpose : Imagine, you are an artist and have completed diploma in ‘Fine Arts.’ You wish to pursue a ‘Bachelor’s Degree’ in ‘Canvas Painting,’ at a reputed university in India or abroad. Prepare a statement of purpose in about 100/150 words which will help you to secure an admission in your dream university. (alternative to I and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (A) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(III) Group Discussion : Imagine, you have recently attended a group discussion as an audience on the topic ‘Importance of English Language.’ Four of your friends participated in the discussion. Write the group discussion in the form of dialogues. Provide suitable dialogues for each participant to express their opinions on the given topic. (alternative to I and II)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (B) Attempt ‘Any One’ from the given activities : (4 marks)

(I) E-mail : Imagine, you are a secretary of a ‘Literary Association’ of your Junior College. On occasion of ‘World Poetry Day’ you have organised poetry recitation competition. As a secretary of the association, draft an email to invite a famous poet to inaugurate the function. (Give the details of the function) (alternative to II and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (B) Attempt ‘Any One’ from the given activities : (4 marks)

(II) Report Writing : On the occasion of a ‘World Reading Day’ your Junior College had organised a visit to a city library. Imagine, you are an editor of your Junior College magazine; Write a report in about 100/150 words giving the details of your visit. (alternative to I and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (B) Attempt ‘Any One’ from the given activities : (4 marks)

(III) Interview : Imagine, you wish to conduct an interview of a famous singer. With the help of the format given below, draft questions on the given fields. (Do not change the sequence of the questions)
Name of the interviewee
Area of success/Reputation
Date / Venue / Time
Duration of Interview
Questions based on : (1) Early Motivation (2) Professional Development (3) Inspiration/Idols (4) First Recording (5) Strengths (6) Best Performance (7) Achievements (8) Mission / Vision (alternative to I and II)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (C) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(I) Speech : Imagine, you have been selected to represent your Junior College for an Intercollegiate Elocution Competition on the topic ‘Soldiers and Farmers : the Real Heroes.’ Draft a speech in about 100/150 words on this topic. (alternative to II and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (C) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(II) Compering : Imagine, your Junior College has organised a programme to felicitate the ‘HSC Examination toppers’ of your college. As a compere of a programme, draft a script for the programme. You may use the following points : (Introduction, Welcome song, Lighting of the lamp, Inviting Chief guest for felicitation, Vote of thanks). (alternative to I and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (C) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(III) Expansion of Idea : Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below (100/150 words).
‘Fortune Favours the Brave’
— Stepping out of comfort zone
— Calculated risks
— Overcoming fears
— Mental toughness
— Building confidence (alternative to I and II)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (D) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(I) Review : Write a review of a movie you have recently watched using the points given below. (100/150 words)
— Title
— Theme / Storyline
— Director / Music director
— Characters / Actors
— Add your own points (alternative to II and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (D) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(II) Blog : Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘Solar Energy’ with the help of the following points : (100/150 words)
— Renewable source of energy
— Reduces pollution
— Reduces electricity bills
— Subsidy by government (alternative to I and III)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below : (16 marks)

Q.4 (D) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities : (4 marks)

(III) Appeal : Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Women’s Security and Safety’ with the help of the following points (100/150 words) :
— Respect women’s rights
— Safety measures and support systems
— Collective responsibility
— Government initiatives (alternative to I and II)

Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions : (4 marks)

(I) Pick out the odd element from the group and write it. (2)
(a) Theme, Plot, Conflict, Novella.
(b) Manohar Malgaonkar, Mulkraj Anand, Raja Rao, George Orwell.
(c) The Heart of Darkness, Robinson Crusoe, Frankenstein, Rajmohan’s Wife.
(d) Terror, Haunted buildings, Supernatural, Utopian.

(II) State whether the following statements are True or False and rewrite them. (2)
(a) Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction.
(b) ‘Tale of Genji’ is written by Miguel de Cervantes.
(c) The main character is referred as the ‘protagonist.’
(d) ‘Picaresque Novel’ is based on the life of the author.

Q.5 (B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (B) (I) Write a short note on the significance of November 15^th at Greenslade School.

Q.5 (B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (B) (II) Fernman’s presentation focuses on the theme of ‘racism.’ Explain.

Q.5 (C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (C) (I) Describe the importance of ‘Reform Club’ in the development of the plot in the novel ‘Around The World in Eighty Days.’

Q.5 (C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (C) (II) Passepartout’s visit to the clergyman’s house leads to the happy ending of the novel ‘Around The World in Eighty Days.’

Q.5 (D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (D) (I) Write in brief the message of a letter received by Miss Morstan.

Q.5 (D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below : (4 marks)

Q.5 (D) (II) Write the Character Sketch of Dr. Watson.