Maharashtra SSC Board English Question Paper 2026 with Solutions PDF - 27 Feb

Concept:
An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually preceded by ``to'', such as: \[ to eat, to run, to read, to write \]
It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

Step 1: Identify the structure of the sentence.

The sentence is: \[ It was a very simple thing to do. \]

Step 2: Look for ``to + verb'' form.

The phrase ``to do'' contains:

``to'' + base verb ``do''

Hence, it forms an infinitive.

Step 3: Verify its role.

Here, ``to do'' describes the noun ``thing'', so it acts as an adjective infinitive. Quick Tip: To find an infinitive quickly, scan the sentence for \textbf{``to + verb''}. If it expresses an action in base form, it is an infinitive.

Concept:
Punctuation in direct speech follows these rules:

The first word of a sentence begins with a capital letter.
Proper nouns (names) are capitalized.
A comma is used before and after reporting verbs like said.
Interjections such as Well are followed by a comma.


Step 1: Capitalization.


``well'' \(\rightarrow\) Well
``i'' \(\rightarrow\) I
``sitaram'' \(\rightarrow\) Sitaram (proper noun)


Step 2: Add comma after interjection.

The word Well is an interjection, so it takes a comma: \[ Well, \]

Step 3: Comma before reporting clause.

When direct speech is followed by a reporting clause, a comma is placed before it: \[ Well, I wish you luck, said Sitaram. \] Quick Tip: In direct speech: Capitalize names and sentence beginnings. Use commas to separate spoken words from reporting verbs like \textbf{said, asked, replied}.

Concept:
Hidden word questions require forming meaningful English words using the letters of a given word.
Conditions:

Letters must come from the original word.
No extra letters allowed.
Words must be meaningful.
Minimum length = 4 letters.


Step 1: Write down the letters of the word. \[ PROCLAIMED \Rightarrow P, R, O, C, L, A, I, M, E, D \]

Step 2: Form possible meaningful words (4+ letters).
Some valid combinations:

CLAIM (C, L, A, I, M) \(\rightarrow\) valid 5-letter word
MEDAL (M, E, D, A, L) \(\rightarrow\) valid 5-letter word


Step 3: Verify correctness.
Both words:

Use only letters from PROCLAIMED
Contain 4 or more letters
Are standard English words


Hence, the correct pair is: \[ \textbf{Claim, Medal} \] Quick Tip: To find hidden words easily: Rearrange letters mentally. Look for common endings like \textbf{-AL, -ED, -IM}. Check for familiar root words (e.g., CLAIM, MEDAL, ROME).

Concept:
This question tests subject-verb agreement.
A verb must agree with its subject in number:

Singular subject \(\rightarrow\) singular verb
Plural subject \(\rightarrow\) plural verb


Step 1: Identify the subject.

The subject of the sentence is: \[ \textbf{children} \]
The word children is the plural form of child.

Step 2: Identify the verb.

The verb given is: \[ \textbf{was playing} \]
The word was is a singular verb (used with he, she, it).

Step 3: Correct the error.

Since children is plural, the correct auxiliary verb should be: \[ \textbf{were} \]

Corrected sentence: \[ \textbf{The children were playing in the garden.} \] Quick Tip: Remember: \textbf{Was} \(\rightarrow\) singular (he, she, it) \textbf{Were} \(\rightarrow\) plural (we, you, they, children)

Concept:
The phrase ``to look into'' is an idiomatic expression.
It means:

To investigate something
To examine a matter carefully


Step 1: Understand the meaning.

Before forming a sentence, identify the correct sense of the phrase: \[ to look into = to investigate or examine \]

Step 2: Use it in a proper context.

It is commonly used in formal or semi-formal situations involving:

Complaints
Problems
Official inquiries


Step 3: Form a meaningful sentence.

A correct example: \[ \textbf{The manager promised to look into the matter immediately.} \]

This sentence:

Uses the phrase correctly
Is grammatically sound
Clearly conveys the meaning of investigation Quick Tip: Common phrases using \textbf{look}: Look after = take care of Look for = search Look into = investigate Look up = search for information

Concept:
Some English words can function as both nouns and verbs depending on their usage in a sentence.
The word walk is one such word.

Step 1: Use `walk' as a noun.

As a noun, walk refers to:

A short journey on foot
An act of walking


Example: \[ \textbf{We went for a walk in the park after dinner.} \]
Here, walk names an activity, so it is used as a noun.

Step 2: Use `walk' as a verb.

As a verb, walk means:

To move on foot


Example: \[ \textbf{I walk to school every morning.} \]
Here, walk shows an action, so it is used as a verb. Quick Tip: To identify noun vs verb: If it names something \(\rightarrow\) noun If it shows action \(\rightarrow\) verb

Concept:
A personal response question requires:

A clear opinion (Yes/No)
A short explanation
A relevant example

The answer should be simple, meaningful, and grammatically correct.

Step 1: State your opinion.

Begin with a clear response such as: \[ Yes, I believe animals have feelings. \]

Step 2: Give a logical explanation.

Mention that animals show emotions through behavior:

Happiness
Fear
Sadness
Attachment


Step 3: Provide a real-life example.

A common and relatable example is a pet dog:

Dogs wag their tails when happy
They become sad when their owners leave


Final Answer: \[ \textbf{Yes, I believe animals have feelings just like humans. For example, a dog shows happiness by wagging its tail and becomes sad when separated from its owner.} \] Quick Tip: In personal response questions: Write in simple language Give one clear example Keep the answer short and meaningful

Concept:
A figure of speech adds beauty and imagination to language.
Personification is a figure of speech in which:

Non-living things are given human qualities
Nature is described as if it can act like a person


Step 1: Identify the subject.

The subject of the sentence is: \[ \textbf{trees} \]
Trees are non-living objects (they are living organisms but not human and cannot perform human actions).

Step 2: Identify the human action.

The action used is: \[ \textbf{dancing} \]
Dancing is a human activity.

Step 3: Analyze the meaning.

The sentence suggests that trees are moving gently due to the wind, but instead of saying it directly, it describes them as dancing.

This gives human qualities to trees.

Conclusion:
Since a non-human object (trees) is given a human action (dancing), the figure of speech is: \[ \textbf{Personification} \] Quick Tip: Look for personification when: Nature is doing human actions (smiling sun, crying clouds) Objects behave like people