Class 10 English Grammar – Substance Writing Question Bank | HSLC 2027 | ASSEB

Substance Writing – Class 10 English Grammar Complete Question Answers and Solutions | ASSEB / SEBA

Class 10 English Grammar – Substance Writing Complete Question Answers and Exam Solutions (ASSEB / SEBA Assam)

The sixteenth and final major topic in the Class 10 English writing skills syllabus is ‘Substance Writing’. For the upcoming HSLC 2027 examination, the complete notes, summarizing techniques, and solved examples have been prepared based on the new ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) syllabus and the latest National Education Policy (NEP) blueprint. This special collection includes detailed methods for extracting the core theme from a given poem or prose passage, along with a comprehensive solution of Previous Years’ Board Exam Questions (PYQ). At Ospin Academy, these writing skill solutions are provided in a simple, accurate, and completely exam-oriented manner.

Substance writing tests a student’s ability to comprehend a piece of literature and express its central idea in a concise, direct paragraph using their own words. In the HSLC exam, students are often given Substance Writing as a direct alternative to the Translation section. Mastering this skill involves learning how to avoid unnecessary details, examples, and exact copying of original lines. Our Question Bank covers all the frequently asked passages and poems, and includes advanced board-level pieces to ensure 100% preparation for the students.

What you will learn and get from this writing skills section:

• Proven rules for writing a precise and accurate substance (summary) without losing the core meaning.
• Tips on how to paraphrase a poem or prose passage into your own simple English words.
• Extensive practice pieces with fully solved substance writing examples.
• Pattern analysis of frequently asked poems and paragraphs in the board exams over the last decade.

Special Features by Ospin Academy for HSLC 2027 Exam:

• Complete Substance Writing Question Bank prepared based on the latest ASSEB blueprint for HSLC 2027.
• Detailed solutions for the Previous 10 Years’ ‘Substance Writing’ Questions (PYQ 2015-2026) and 27 Districts Pre-Board Exam Papers.
• 100% accurate, high-quality summaries written in standard English for easy understanding and memorization.
• Specially designed PDF format for last-minute quick practice before the exams.
• A curated list of 100% common board suggestions and expected substance writing topics.

Ospin Academy offers this specialized course keeping in mind the academic growth of the students. Start your HSLC 2027 preparation now and step towards securing the highest marks in the English subject.

Class 10th English

Grammar                                                Ospin Academy

Substance Writing

HSLC Board Previous Year Substance Writing

1. Write the substance of the following passage: {2026}

Fresh, brief showers fell almost every morning now and between the showers Kunta and his playmates would dash about excitedly outside. “Mine! Mine!” they would shout at the pretty rainbows that would arc down to the earth, seeming never very far away. But the showers also brought swarms of flying insects whose vicious stinging and biting soon drove the children back indoors. Then, suddenly, late one night, the big rains began, and the people huddled inside their cold huts listening to the water pound on their thatch roofs, watching the lightning flash and comforting their children as the frightening thunder rumbled through the night. Between cloudbursts, they heard only the barking of the jackals, the howling of the hyenas, and the croaking of the frogs. The rains came again the next night, and the next and the next and only at night flooding the lowlands near the river, turning their fields into a swamp and their village into a mudhole.”

2. Write a Substance of the following Passage: {2025}

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. In spite of all his effort his work will not produce as good results as that of the early riser. The reason for this is that he cannot take advantage of the refreshing hours of the morning. Some people say that the quiet hour 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. 

3. Write a Substance of the following Passage: {2024}

A 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 frsh, and there are few sounds or other distractions, so that the work done at that time is generally well done. In many cases, the early riser also finds time to take some exercise in the frsh 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 he 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. 

4. Write a Substance of the following Passage:

It is easy to acquire bad habit, such as eating too much food or eating too many sweets or drinking too much 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 harmful when done too often, too much. This applies even to such good 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 he checks if he has any bad habit. He says to himself, “I am now becoming idle” or “I smoke too much”, and then he adds, “I will get myself out of this bad habit at once.” {2023}

Common Pre-Board Report Substance Writing (2025–26)

1. Write a substance of the following passage: {Bajali} 

It is, no doubt, true that we cannot go through life without sorrows. There can be no sunshine without shade. We must not complain that roses have thorns, but rather be grateful that thorns bear flowers. Many people distress and torment themselves about the misery of existence. The world is a looking glass; if you smile, it smiles, if you frown, if frowns back. If you look at it through a red glass it seems all red, if through a blue, all blue, if through smoke, all dull and dingy. So always try to look at its bright sides. There are some persons who like a ray of sunshine brighten the world. Life has been described as a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel. But as a rule it is what we choose to make it. 

2. Give the substance of the following: {Baksa}

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 day break and get out of bed most unwillingly. Even after that they waste time over triflets and spend a title time as they can in reading. As a result they can not learn much as they should what is wrong, they become so accustomed to such a bad habit that they can not shake it off.

3. Write a substance of the following: {Barpeta}

Climate change has become one of the most urgent challenges faced by the world today. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers and unpredictable weather patterns are clear signs of this crisis. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and rapid industrialization release large amount of carbon dioxide into the natural balance of the planet. As a result, many regions experience extreme heat, heavy rainfall, floods and prolonged draughts. These changes threaten agriculture, wildlife and human health. To combat climate change, it is important for individuals and nations to adopt sustainable practices, conserve energy and protect forests. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard the earth for future generations.

4. Write a substance of the following: {Bongaigaon} 

Respect is an essential moral value that helps maintain good relationships. Respecting elders, teachers, and peers shows maturity and understanding. It also means valuing other people’s opinions and culture. A respectful student behaves politely, listens attentively and follows rules. Lack of respect leads to conflicts, misunderstanding, and a negative atmosphere. When respect is mutual, society becomes peaceful and cooperative. Teaching children to respect everyone, irrespective of age, status, or background, helps create responsible and caring citizens. 

5. Write a substance of the following: {Cachar} 

In every country people imagine that they are the best. The Englishman thinks that he and his country is the best; the Frenchman is very proud of France and everything that is French; the Germans and the Italians think no less of their countries. Many Indians imagine that India is in many ways the greatest country in the world. But really there is no person who has not some good in him and some bad. In the same way there is no country which is not partly good and partly bad. We must adopt the good wherever we find it and try to give up the bad wherever it might be. 

6. Write a substance of the following passage. {Charaideo}

Its been nearly a month since Zubeen Garg has passed away. His fans continue to demand justice, seeking answers for what they consider as “Ultimately death” in foreign soil. Much has been written about the loss to the artistic world, especially to the people of Assam, for whom he remains a legend. Anyone familiar with Zubeen’s career knows he didn’t care much about his celebrity status. He spoke his mind, often using sarcasm to criticize the political, unafraid to offend. He was a self – professed “social leftist”.

Zubeen Garg’s legacy lives on, a true rebel is silenced too soon, leaving behind a void in the hearts of his fans and a testament to his unapologetic voice.

7. Write a substance of the following: {Darrang} 

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 trifler and spend as little time as they can in reading. As a result, they can not 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. 

8. Give substance of the following passage: {Dhubri}

The work which Gandhiji had taken up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the establishment of a social order based on truth and non-violence, 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 the achievement of political freedom. In the political struggle against a foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it’s 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 his body is reduced to ashes. A new order can not be established without changing the mind, for at some stage or the other the rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of egalitarian society.

9. Write the substance of the following: {Golaghat}

Nature is a great teacher that constantly guides us through its silent yet powerful lessons. A river never stops flowing, no matter how long or difficult its journey may be. When it encounters an obstacle in its path, such as a heavy rock or a solid barrier, it does not lose hope or give up. Instead, the river water struggles patiently to remove the obstacle through continuous effort, or it calmly searches for an alternative route to move forward. In this way, the river teaches us that obstacles are not the end of the road but challenges that demand determination and adaptability. This natural phenomenon inspires us to be progressive in life, to move ahead with confidence, and to keep our fighting spirit alive even in the face of difficulties. It reminds us that challenges are a part of life and should be faced with courage and determination. Just like the river, we must learn to face problems bravely, find solutions wisely, and continue our journey without surrendering to obstacles. We should never give up but keep our fighting spirit alive and move forward with confidence.

10. Write the substance of the following paragraph. {Hailakandi}

It is very difficult to get rid of bad habits. That is why bad habits should not be formed during the early years of life of an individual. Idleness is one such bad habit. Every boy and girl should be diligent. They should avoid idleness like poison. Some boys and girls 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 studies. As a result, they fail to learn as much as they should. What is worse, they become so accustomed to such bad habits that they can not shake them off – even with their greatest efforts. Their bad habits keep them bound in its grip throughout.

11. Write a substance of the following passage: {Jorhat}

As daylight can be seen through very small holes, so little things will illustrate a person’s character. One of the most marked tests of character is the manner in which we conduct ourselves towards others. A graceful behaviour towards superiors, inferiors, and equals is a constant source of pleasure. It pleases others because it indicates respect for their personality, but it gives tenfold pleasure to ourselves. Every man may, to a great extent, be a self-educator in good behaviour, as in everything else. We can be civil and kind if we will, though we may not have a penny in our purse.

12. Give the substance of the following passage: {Kamrup M} 

Everybody is eager for fortune, but very few attain it. One of the reasons 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, win fortune in the end. They face their difficulties bravely. They do not mind physical hardships 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 students who studies sincerely. Success in business also comes to those who work hard. The most prosperous nations are those that are industrious.

13. Write the substance of the following passage: {Kamrup R}

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 such bad habit. 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 studying. As a result, they cannot learn as much as they should. What is worse, they become so accustomed to such bad habits that they cannot shake them off-even with their greatest efforts. A bad habit holds one hard in its coil like a large snake.

14. Give a substance of the following passage: {Kokrajhar}

It is a pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is a widespread discrimination of them even before they are born and injustice meted out to them in such a male chauvinistic world in very many degrees. The girl child is considered to be a liability and doesn’t enjoy the privileges of a boy. She is denied the advantage of proper education. The dowry system haunts parents and the harassment she is subjected to at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide. Even in enlightened homes, woman has to live her life under surveillance. Working women are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth and subjected to discrimination. Education and Economic independence only can empower women to fight for their rights. It is also the responsibility of the educated society to work for the cause of women. Proper law making and execution, spreading awareness exemplary punishment for the predators etc. surely will bring positive changes.

15. Read the following paragraph and write its substance: {Lakhimpur}

“Books are truly our best companions. They provide knowledge, inspire our thoughts, and open doors to worlds we may never see in real life. By reading, we improve our imagination, language skills, and understanding of people and cultures. Unlike human companions, books never argue, complain, or demand anything in return. They patiently wait for us and give us joy, comfort, and wisdom whenever we open them. A regular reading habit not only enriches the mind but also shapes character, improves concentration, and builds confidence. Therefore, every student should cultivate the habit of reading and make books a part of daily life.” 

16. Write a substance of the following: {Majuli}

The youth of a country represents its greatest strength. They are energetic, ambitious and full of new ideas. If guided properly, they can bring about social and economic progress. Unfortunately, many young people today are influenced by harmful habits such as drug abuse, excessive use of mobiles, and lack of discipline. To prevent this, parents and teachers must provide the right guidance and create opportunities for positive growth. The youth must develop qualities like hard work, honesty and responsibility. A nation’s future depends largely on how well its young citizens are prepared to face challenges. When youth contribute actively and responsibly, the nation moves forward with confidence and hope. 

17. Write a substance of the following passage: {Morigaon}

Early rising leads to healthy 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 sat that the quiet hours of midnight is the best time for working. Several great thinkers say that they can write best only when 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.

18. Give the substance of the following passage: {Sibsagar}

A poor woman once came to Buddha to ask him whether he could give her some medicine to restore her dead child to life. The holy man touched by the great sorrow of the woman, told her that there was one medicine which could revive her son. He bade her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where death had never entered. The sorrowing mother went from door to door seeking the mustard seed, but at every door she met with the same replies. One said, “I have lost my husband.” Another said, “Our younger child died last year.” She returned with a heavy heart to the teacher and told him the result of her quest. Then Buddha told her tenderly that she must not think much of her grief, since sorrow and death are common to all.

19. Write the substance of the following: {Sribhumi}

It is easy to acquire bad habits, such as eating too much food or eating too much sweets or drinking too much 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 or too much. This applies even to such good 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, “I am now becoming idle,” or “I smoke too much”, and then adds, “I will get myself out of this bad habit at once.”

20. Give the substance of the following passage: {SSM}

It is easy to acquire bad habits, such as eating too much food or eating too much sweets or drinking too much 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 or too much. This applies even to such good 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, “I am now becoming idle,” or “I smoke too much”, and then adds, “I will get myself out of this bad habit at once.” 

21. Write a substance of the following: {Tamulpur}

Man is the maker of his fortune. We cann’t prosper in life if we are afraid of labour. People generally think that success in life depends on luck. This is not true. Man of science have foiled day and night to invent radio, television, telephone which have added to joy of our life. Life is not a bad of roses. Life will be miserable if we shrink from labour and fail to carn money enough to meet our daily expenses, Industry is the secret of success not only for an individual but also for a nation. 

22. Write a substance of the following: {Udalguri}

Try to be brave and firm, fearing God are 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 against you. You may sometimes lose the favor 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 in courage for it has nothing to fear. Therefore, do what is right.