ICSE English Language 2026 – Solved Paper

Question 1: Composition (300–350 words)

(i) Short Story

It was midnight and the doorbell rang…

It was midnight and the doorbell rang. I woke up suddenly, wondering who could be at our door at such a late hour. The whole house was silent and the wind outside howled softly through the trees. For a moment, I thought I had imagined the sound. But then the bell rang again.

My parents were asleep, so I slowly walked towards the door with a mixture of fear and curiosity. I switched on the porch light and carefully opened the door. Standing outside was a young boy, drenched in rain and shivering with cold. His clothes were muddy and he looked frightened.

“Please help me,” he said in a trembling voice. “I have lost my way.”

I immediately brought him inside and gave him a towel and some warm water. My parents soon woke up and came to see what had happened. The boy told us that he had been travelling with his family when their car broke down near the highway. While they were trying to fix it, he had wandered away and lost his way in the dark.

My father decided to drive him back to the highway. After a short search, we found his worried parents standing near their car. They were extremely relieved to see their son safe and thanked us again and again.

As we returned home, I felt a strange sense of happiness. That unexpected midnight doorbell had turned into an opportunity to help someone in need. I went back to bed with a peaceful heart, realising that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

(iv) Essay

Homework is a necessary evil

Homework is often described as a “necessary evil”. Many students feel that homework takes away their free time and increases their stress. However, despite these complaints, homework plays an important role in education.

Firstly, homework helps students revise what they have learnt in school. A lesson taught in class may be understood at that moment, but without practice students may forget it quickly. Homework provides an opportunity to revise and strengthen understanding.

Secondly, homework develops discipline and responsibility. When students complete assignments regularly, they learn how to manage their time effectively. This habit is very useful later in life.

Another advantage is that homework encourages self-learning. Students refer to books and search for information, improving their thinking and problem-solving skills.

However, too much homework can become stressful. Students also need time for rest, sports and other activities. Therefore, homework should be given in a balanced way.

In conclusion, homework may seem unpleasant but is necessary for effective learning.

Question 2: Letter Writing

Study Group Invitation Letter

23 Park Road
Lucknow
10 March 2026

Dear Rahul,

I hope you are doing well. As our examinations are drawing near, I thought it would be a good idea to form a study group. I am writing to invite you to join us.

We plan to meet every evening for two hours at my house. We will revise important chapters, discuss difficult topics and solve previous years’ papers.

Studying together will help us clear doubts quickly and stay motivated. It also makes learning more interesting.

We plan to begin from next Monday. I hope you will join us.

Yours sincerely,
Aman

Question 3: Notice & Email

Notice

ABC Public School, Lucknow

NOTICE
Inter-House Non-Flame Cooking Competition

Date: 10 March 2026

Students are informed that an Inter-House Non-Flame Cooking Competition will be held on 20 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Students of Classes IX and X can participate. Each house can send a team of two students. The dish must not require fire.

Submit names by 15 March 2026.

Riya Sharma
Cultural Secretary

Email

Subject: Invitation to Judge Competition

Dear Chef Sanjeev Kapoor,

Greetings from ABC Public School, Lucknow.

We are organising a Non-Flame Cooking Competition on 20 March 2026. We would be honoured if you could judge the event.

Your presence will inspire students and make the event memorable.

We hope you will accept our invitation.

Yours sincerely,
Riya Sharma

Question 4: Comprehension

(i) Meanings

1. Dilapidated – Old and ragged
2. Elementary – Primary

(ii) Opposite of “boring”

Answer: Interesting

(iii) Short Answers

• The teacher wore simple, worn-out clothes including a cotton jacket and straw hat.
• Totto-chan felt she had seen the teacher before.
• The headmaster corrected the farmer because he was invited to teach farming.
• The farmer had practical knowledge, making him suitable to teach.
• He said the snakes were not poisonous unless disturbed.

(iv) Summary (50 words)

The farmer taught practical farming skills like removing weeds, digging soil and spreading fertiliser. He explained concepts related to soil, insects and crops. The children learned through hands-on experience and participation.

Question 5: Grammar

(i) Correct Forms

glided, holding, stopped, run, frightened, went, kept, disappeared

(ii) Fill in the Blanks

• according to
• by means of
• passion for
• patted Jai on his back
• since last May
• through the night
• beyond her means
• since it had happened

(iii) Join Sentences

1. Picking up the bundle, he walked away.
2. Ravi is neither a technician nor a musician.
3. We like Tanya because she is extremely polite.
4. Although the construction started on time, it was delayed due to bad weather.

(iv) Transformations

1. No other king is as great as Samudragupta.
2. Promises should be kept.
3. He said that he had passed the examination.
4. Having finished his exercise, he put his books away.
5. If she practises every day, she will not be able to meet her goal.
6. Rashmi was so late that she could not hear the first speech.
7. The two shades are slightly different.
8. Not only is Dr. Shetty a professor but also a research scientist.