HSLC 1999

Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air
In his own ground.
Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread.
Whose flocks supply him with attire,
Whose tree in summer yield him shade.
In winter fire.
Blest, who can unconcern’dly find
Hours, days and years, slide soft away
In health of body, peace of mind.
Quiet by day.
Sound sleep by night; study and ease
Together mixt, sweet recreation,
And innocence, which most does please.
With meditation
Thus let me live, unseen, and unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.

Answer: A man is regarded as happy who is not highly ambitious and lives in his native land. He is self-dependent in food, clothing, and other necessities of daily life. His life passes without tension and he enjoys sound health. He sleeps peacefully at night. His recreations are simple and sweet, and he lives an innocent life. Meditation gives him pleasure. According to the poet, this is the ideal way of life, and he wishes to live such a quiet life away from the noisy world.

HSLC 2000

Early rising leads to health and happiness. The man who rises late, can have little rest in course of the day. Anyone who lies on bed late is compelled to work till a late hour in the evening. He has to go without the evening exercise which  is so necessary for his health. Inspite of all his effort his work will not produce as good results as that of the early riser. The reason for this that he cannot take advantages of the refreshing hours of the morning. Some people say that the quiet hours of midnight is the best time for working. Several great thinkers say that they can write best only when they burn the midnight oil. Yet it is true to say that few men have a clear brain at midnight, when the body needs rest and sleep. Those who work at that time soon ruin their health. Bad health must in the long run have a bad effect on the quality of their work.

Answer:  Though the working standard differs from person to person, early rising has many benefits in every sphere of life. A person who goes to bed late and rises late cannot enjoy a fresh and healthy life. Although some thinkers prefer working at midnight, the human body needs proper rest and sleep. Late rising may spoil health and affect the quality of work in the future.

HSLC 2001

It is physically impossible for a well – educated, intellectual or brave man to make money the chief object of his thoughts, just as it is for him to make his dinner the principal objects of them. All healthy people like thier dinners, but their  dinner is not the main object of their lives. So all health – minded people like making money ought to like it and enjoy the sensation of winning it; it is something better than money. A good soldier for instance, mainly wishes to do his fighting well. He is glad of his pay and just fly grumbles when you keep him ten years without it. His main notion of life is to win battles, not to be paid for winning them. So of clergymen. The clergy men’s objects is essentially to baptize and preach, not to be paid for preaching. So of doctors. They like fees no doubt, yet if they are brave and well – educated the entire object of their lives is not fees. They on the whole desire to cure the sick; and if they are good doctors and the choices where fairly put to them, would rather cure their patient and lose their fee than kill him and get it. And so with all other brave and rightly trained men, their work is first, their fee second – very important always, but still second.

Answer: Money plays an important role in every profession in day-to-day life, but it is not the chief motive of life. For well-educated, intelligent, brave, and trained people, work is the main motive of life, such as soldiers, doctors, and clergymen. In every sphere of life, work comes first and money comes later, though money is always important.

Important Substance Writing For Class 10 SEBA | English Grammar | HSLC | ASSAM

HSLC 2002

It is sometimes said that the pleasure of giving is peculiar to the rich, and no doubt, the pleasure of giving is one of the greatest and purest which wealth can bestow. Still, the poor also may be generous and liberal. The widow’s mite, so far as the widow at any rate is concerned, counts for as much as the rich man’s gold. More over, as regards kindness and sympathy which are for more valuable than money, the poor can gives as much as, perhaps even more than the rich. Money is not wealth. There are those whom we look down on as poor, who may be in life is exactly that which can neither be bought nor sold. A proverb says, “A man’s true wealth is the good he does in the world.” When he dies, men will ask what property he has left behind him, but angles will enquire, “What good deeds has thou sent before you ?”

Answer: Kindness and sympathy are more valuable than money in human life. Though money is necessary to live and fulfill our daily needs, it cannot make a person truly rich. True wealth lies in good deeds and human values such as love, honesty, and compassion. These qualities help a person to live a meaningful and respected life. A person who is kind and helpful is always remembered for his good actions. Even after death, such a person can be judged positively because of his good deeds.

HSLC 2003

Men can make a nation great
Not the glittering gold,
Men whose hearts are pure and true
And both strong and bold,
Men who never fear defeat
For their country’s cause
Men whose hearts are pure and true
And who never pause.
Men who labour lovingly,
Headless of their own gain,
They are a nation’s truest wealth
Without them gold is vain.

Answer: A nation becomes great because of its people, not because of its weather or natural conditions. Honest, thoughtful, brave, and fearless people make a nation strong. Those who perform their duties sincerely for the welfare of the nation and not for personal benefit help the nation progress. Such people are the true wealth of a nation.

HSLC 20O4

An economical use of time is the true mode of securing leisure, it enables us to get through business and carry it forward instead of being driven by it. On the other hand, the miscalculation of time involves us in perpetual hurry, confusion and difficulties. Some take no thought of the value  of money till they have come to an end of it, and many do the same with their time. The hours are allowed to flow by unemployed, and then when life is fast waning, they bethink themselves of the duty of making a wiser use of it. But the habit of listlessness and idleness may already have been confirmed and they are unable to break the bonds with which   they have permitted themselves to become bound. Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but last time is gone for ever.

Answer: Time moves on its own path and waits for no one. Once lost, time never returns. People often realize the value of time when it is too late. Proper and careful use of time helps us complete our work well and also gives us time for rest and leisure. Such people control their time and are not controlled by it.

HSLC 2005

Among the manifold misfortune that may befall humanity, the loss of the health is one of the severest. All the joys that life can give can not outweight the suffering of the sick. Give the sickman everything and leave him his sufferings, and he will feel that half the world is lost to him. Lay him on a soft silken couch, he will nevertheless groan sleepless under the pressure of his sufferings, while the miserable beggar, blessed with health, sleeps sweetly on the hard ground. Spread his table with dainty dishes and choices drinks and he will thrust back the hand that proffers them and envy the poor man who throughly enjoys his hard crust. Surrounding him with the pomp of kings. Let his chair be a throne, and his  crutch a world – swaying sceptre. He will look with contemptuous eyes on marble and gold, and would deem himself happy could he enjoy, even were it under a thatched roof, the health of the meanest of his servants.

Answer: Loss of health is one of the greatest misfortunes that can happen to human beings. A person who has lost his health cannot properly enjoy the pleasures of life. A healthy beggar can sleep peacefully on hard ground and enjoy his simple food, but a sick rich man cannot do so. A sick person does not find happiness even in wealth and luxury. He would feel happy if he could enjoy the good health of even his poorest servant.

HSLC 2006

Try to be brave and firm, fearing God ar fearful of none. In every action in which yo take part and in all you say, let only this thoug I be in your mind, “Is what I am doing or sayin right?” And if your conscience answers ‘yes then do or say that thing persistently, fearless c all opposition. Some of your companions may against you. You may sometimes lose the favour of men, but never mind, persevere and be brave for God is on your side. You need not care wha the world thinks of you so long as you know your purpose is honest, so long as you are tru to your conscience. The heart that is pure ma well be courageous, for it has nothing to feat Therefore, do what is right.

Answer: One should be brave and firm, fearing God and not fearing anyone else. In every action and word, one should think whether it is right. If the conscience says it is right, it should be done without fear, even if others oppose or criticize. A person may lose the favour of people, but should not lose courage. A pure and honest heart has nothing to fear. Therefore, one should always do what is right.

HSLC 2007

A right-minded man will shrink from seemin to be what he is not or pretending to be riche Ithan he really is, or assuming a style of livin that his circumstances will not justify. He will I have courage to live honestly within his means I rather than live dishonestly upon the means on I other people; for he who incurs debts in strivin I to maintain a style of living beyond his income I is in spirit as dishonest as the man who openl I picks your pocket. To many this many seem an |extreme view, but it will bear the strictest tes The honorable man, on the other and, is fruga of his means, and pays his way honestly. H- | does not seek to pass himself off as richer tha | he is, or by running into debt, open an aecium with ruin. As that man is not poor whose mean. are small but whose desires are controlled, se that man in rich whose means are more than sufficient for his wants.

Answer:A right-minded man lives honestly within his means and never pretends to be richer than he is. He avoids debt and does not try to live beyond his income. An honourable man is careful in spending and pays his way sincerely. True wealth does not depend on a large income but on controlled desires and honest living.

HSLC 2008

Yet, there is also the bright side. It is equally true that welcome discoveries of science and technology are marvels that have to be seen to be believed. Can you make a list of the wonders that science has achieved in the fields of commu- nication, engineering, agriculture, medicine etc.? It is true that man has suffered, but man has I also benefitted greatly by the work of devoted I scientists. Read about their lives, their hard work, I dedication, diligence and perseverance. The study of science can be an extraordinary experience, | opening the doors to the new worlds for you as well.

Answer: The use of nuclear weapons can destroy life on earth and make large areas barren. It is sad that science is used for destruction. However, science also has a bright side. It has made great achievements in communication, medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The hard work of scientists has greatly benefited mankind and opened new doors of knowledge.

HSLC 2009

The idea that education should cover all useful fields of equipment is futile and erroneous. The limitations of time and immaturity should be kept in mind, and more time should be spent on evolving the capacity to acquire knowledge and I to think right than on substantial equipment straight way. The pressure of too many subjects I is not a good thing for the young brain. On the other hand, it is only when the brain is young I that the capacity to think right can be developed and correct methods of work can be implanted. To give an example, I would point out that history can not be understand by boys and girls who have not seen or experienced much of life and its problems. The brain is a machine which should be properly assembled and adjusted during youth. Once this is done, it will take care of itself and I there is plenty of time for acquiring information | in all branches. The stress during youth should | be on training on creating a habit of correct | observation, of scientific curiosity and of thinking | right and not on cramming the brain with | information.

Answer: Education should not burden young minds with too much information at an early age. Instead, it should aim at developing the power to think correctly and to learn effectively. Youth is the best time to build good habits of observation, scientific curiosity, and right thinking. Once the mind is properly trained, acquiring knowledge in different fields becomes easier later in life.

HSLC 2010

Try to be brave and firm, fearing God and fearful of none. In every action in which you take part and in all you say, let only this thought be in your mind, “Is what I am doing or saying right?” And if your conscience answers ‘yes’ then do or say that thing persistently, fearless of all opposition. Some of your companions may be against you. You may sometimes lose the of men, but never mind, persevere and be brave. for God is on your side. You need not care what the world thinks of you so long as you know your purpose is honest, so long as you are true to your conscience. The heart that is pure may well be courageous, for it has nothing to fear. Therefore, do what is right.

Answer: One should be brave and firm, fearing God and not fearing anyone else. Before acting or speaking, one should listen to one’s conscience. If it says the act is right, it should be done without fear, even if others oppose. A pure and honest heart has nothing to fear.

HSLC 2011

For many people, the immediate reaction to a spider, snake or lizard is to yell, “kill it!” But in most cases, the best thing to do is simply let it be. Spiders may look creepy, but they eat harmful insects. A wolf spider, for example, does not trap its prey, but actively hunts, down ticks, cockroaches, and other insects. So when I see I a wolf spider in my garage, I let it alone, Though it is ugly and its size is formidable, I know that it is beneficial. Occasionally, I see a snake in my yard or garden, but I do not run for a hoe to kill I it. I know that snakes eat insects and small rodents that feed on plants. So if I have beautiful flowers or delicious tomatoes and squash, it is partly thanks to the snakes that keep pests from devouring my garden.

Answer: Many people feel afraid when they see spiders, snakes, or lizards and try to kill them at once. But this is not the right thing to do. These creatures are actually useful to us. Spiders eat harmful insects like ticks and cockroaches. Snakes eat insects and small animals that damage plants. Therefore, they help protect gardens and crops. Though they may look ugly or frightening, they are beneficial and should be left alone.

HSLC 2012

Trees give shade for the benefit of others I and while they themselves stand in the sun and endure scorching heat, they produce fruit by which others profit. The character of a good man is like that of trees. What is the use of this perishable body, if no use of it is rubbed the more scent does it yield. Sugarcane – the more it is peeled and cut into pieces, the more juice does it produce. Life itself is unprofitable to a man who does not live for others. Those who lay down their lives for the sake of a friend, or even for the sake of a stranger, will assuredly dwell forever in a world of bliss.

Answer: Trees endure heat but give shade and fruits for the benefit of others. In the same way, a good man lives for the welfare of society. Life becomes meaningful only when it is used to help others. Those who sacrifice for the good of others achieve true happiness and peace.

HSLC 2013

The great advantage of early rising is the good start it gives us in our day’s work. The early riser does a large amount of hard work before others get up. In the early morning the mind remains fresh, and there are few sounds or other distractions, so that the work done at that time is generally well done. In many case the early riser also finds time to take some exercise in the fresh morning air, and such exercise supplies him with a lot of energy that lasts till evening. By beginning the day so early, he knows that he has plenty of time to do thoroughly all the works he can be expected to do, and is not tempted to hurry on any part of it. All his work being finished in good time, he has a long interval of rest in the evening before he goes to bed.

Answer: Early rising gives a good start to the day. The mind remains fresh in the morning, so work is done better and faster. Early risers also get time for exercise and finish their work on time. As a result, they enjoy rest in the evening.

HSLC 2014

Everybody is eager for fortune, but very few attain it. One of the reason is that most men do not exert themselves properly or are lacking in strength of mind. They lose heart under difficulties and give up their attempts altogether, blaming fate for their failure. They can never win the favour of the goddess of fortune. It is only those who work hard that win fortune in the end. They face their difficulties bravely. They do not mind physical hardship and do not depend on others. They may fail once or twice or even repeatedly, still they do not lose heart, but work on with patience and perseverance. Thus success in the examination comes to a those who work hard. The most prosperous nations are those that are industrious.

Answer: Fortune does not reward those who depend on luck and waste their time in idleness. It favors those who perform their duties with courage and hard work. Success and glory in every field come to a person who works sincerely with determination and puts his best efforts into his work. Such a person is not afraid of the obstacles that come in his way.

HSLC 2015

There are books which are really no books at all, and to read which is mere waste of time; while there are others so sad that we cannot read them without great harm. It is no doubt good to be warned against temptations and dangers of life; but anything that familiarizes us with evil is in itself an evil. So also there are others which one can read without being the better of them. By useful literature we do not mean only what will help a man in his business or profession. That is useful no doubt, but by no means the highest use of books. The best books raise us into a region of selfless thought where the troubles and anxieties of the world are almost forgotten.

Answer: There are some books that lead people towards bad habits and wrong ideas. Reading such books is a complete waste of time. These useless books harm the readers, while good and useful books help them in their chosen profession and improve their knowledge. The best literature develops kindness, good thoughts, and a positive attitude in the readers.

Substance Writing for Class 10 SEBA Question Bank

HSLC 2016

It is very difficult to get rid of bad habits. So, one should be very careful that one does not form bad habits during the early years of life. idleness is one of such bad habits. Every boy and girl should be diligent. They should avoid idleness like poison. Some of them love to remain in bed long after daybreak and get out of bed most unwillingly. Even after that they waste time over trifles and spend as little time as they can in reading. As a result, they cannot learn much as they should.what is worse, they become so accustomed to such a bad habit that they cannot shake it off- even with their greatest efforts. This bad habit then holds them hard in its coils like a large snake.

Answer: Bad habits are very difficult to remove from life, so they should be prevented at an early age. Hard work helps us stay away from bad habits. Idleness is a harmful habit and must be avoided. Waking up late is often a sign of laziness. Idle people waste time in useless activities and do not take part in useful work like reading and learning. As a result, their learning process is disturbed. Once bad habits become a part of life, it becomes very difficult to get rid of them, even if one wishes to do so.

HSLC 2017

It is easy to acquire bad habits, such as eating too much food or eating too many sweets or drinking fluid of any kind or smoking. The more we do a thing, the more we tend to like doing it and if we do not continue to do it, we feel unhappy this is called the force of habit and the force of habit should be fought against. Things which may be very good when only done from time to time, tend to become very harmful when done too often and too much. This applies even to such goods things as work or rest. Some people form a habit of working too much and others of idling too much. The wise man always remembers that this is true about himself and checks any bad habit. He says to himself, “I am now becoming idle” or “I smoke too much” and then adds, “I will get myself out of this bad habit at once.”

Answer:  Every habit, whether good or bad, has its result. Good habits, if developed carefully, help to shape a person’s life towards happiness and progress. On the other hand, bad habits lead a person towards failure and destruction. Therefore, good habits should be cultivated from the early years of life. In the long run, they bring success, happiness, and progress in life.

HSLC 2018

Of all the amusements which can possibly be imagined for a hardworking man after his daily labour there is nothing like reading an entertaining book. It calls for no bodily exertion, of which he has had enough. It relives his home of dullness. It transports him to as livelier and more interesting scene. While he enjoys himself there, he may forget the evils of the present moment. Nay, it accompanies him to his next day’s work and if the book is an interesting one, it gives him something to think of besides the drudgery of his everyday occupation. If I were to pray for a taste it would be a taste for reading. Give a man this taste and the means of gratifying it, you will find a happy man. You place him in contact with the best writers of every age recorded in history and then you will find him like a citizen of all nations and a contemporary of all ages.

Ans: Reading an entertaining book is a good way to refresh the mind after a long day of hard work. It removes dullness and helps a person forget daily worries. Interesting books give new energy for the next day and improve one’s thinking. They also broaden the mind and make a person more thoughtful. Therefore, everyone should develop the habit of reading good books to live a happy and meaningful life.

HSLC 2019

The work which Gandhiji took up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the establishment of a social order based on truth and nonviolence, unity and peace, equality and universal brotherhood and maximum freedom for all. The unfinished part of his experiment was perhaps more difficult to achieve than achieving of political freedom. In the political struggle against a foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it success and give it their moral support. In establishing a social order of this pattern. There was a likely possibility of a conflict arising between groups and classes of our own people. Experience shows that man values his possessions even more than his life because in the former he sees the means for continuity and survival of his descendants even after body is reduced to ashes. A new order cannot be established without changing the mind, for at some stage or the other rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of egalitarian society.

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi aimed not only at gaining political freedom but also at reforming society by spreading human values like truth and non-violence. Achieving this goal was very difficult because of differences among various communities, which could lead to conflicts. People often care more for their property than for their lives, so social reform is not possible without changing people’s minds. The gap between the rich and the poor can be reduced only when the rich make space for the poor and help them.

HSLC 2020

Man is the maker of his fortune. We cannot prosper in life if we are afraid of labour. People generally think that success in life depends on luck. This is not true. Men of science have toiled day and night to invent radio, television, telephone which have added to joy of our life. Life is not a bed of roses. Life will be miserable if we shrink from labour and fail to earn money enough to meet our daily expenses. Industry is the secret of success not only for an individual but also for a nation. China and America are the most powerful nations of the world today. They have attained such power and position by virtue of the earnest labour of their people. We Indians too, must work hard if we want to raise the prestige of our country in the eye of the world.

Answer: Man is the maker of his own fortune. Success does not depend on luck but on hard work and industry. Without labour, life becomes miserable and progress is impossible. Hard work brings success to individuals and also helps a nation gain respect and prosperity.