Hindustan Olympiad English 2026 – Sample Question Paper for Students

Section A – Grammar (25 Marks)

Q1. Complete the paragraph using the correct form of the verbs. (5 ×1 = 5)

Yesterday, Aarav ______ (visit) his grandparents. While he ______ (play) in the garden, it suddenly ______ (start) raining. They ______ (run) inside and ______ (enjoy) hot snacks together.

Q2. Identify the part of speech of the underlined word. (5 ×1 = 5)

1. She solved the puzzle quickly.
2. Honesty is the best policy.
3. They admired the painting.
4. The little girl smiled.
5. Rahul sat between his friends.

Q3. Choose the correct preposition. (5 ×1 = 5)

1. The plane flew ______ the clouds.
   (above / under / beside)
2. Divide the chocolates ______ the children.
   (among / between / into)
3. She has been waiting ______ two hours.
   (since / for / from)
4. The picture is hanging ______ the wall.
   (on / in / at)
5. He jumped ______ the swimming pool.
   (into / onto / over)

Q4. Rewrite with correct punctuation and capital letters. (5 ×2 = 10)

1. what a wonderful surprise
2. my brother who lives in mumbai is coming today
3. did you finish your homework asked mother
4. dr abdul kalam was born in tamil nadu
5. wow this cake tastes delicious

Section B – Vocabulary (25 Marks)

Q5. Replace the underlined word with a suitable synonym. (5)

1. The tiny kitten was sleeping.
2. She was angry with her brother.
3. The road was broad.
4. He is a clever student.
5. The train moved quickly.

Q6. Choose the correct antonym. (5)

1. Ancient
2. Victory
3. Honest
4. Expand
5. Accept

Options:
(a) Reject
(b) Defeat
(c) Modern
(d) Shrink
(e) Dishonest

Q7. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom. (5×2)

1. Burn the midnight oil
2. Under the weather
3. Cost an arm and a leg
4. Bite your tongue
5. Let the cat out of the bag

Q8. Choose the correct word. (5)

1. I cannot ______ your voice.
   (hear / here)
2. She bought a new ______.
   (jeans / genes)
3. Please stand in the ______.
   (queue / cue)
4. The king ruled with great ______.
   (reign / rain)
5. He ______ the race.
   (won / one)

Section C – Reading Comprehension (25 Marks)

Q9. Read the passage.

Neha loved gardening. Every evening she watered the plants and removed the weeds. One day she noticed butterflies visiting the flowers. Her teacher explained that butterflies help in pollination. Neha then planted more flowering plants to attract them.

Questions

1. Why did Neha water the plants every evening?
2. What did Neha notice one day?
3. Why are butterflies useful?
4. Why did Neha plant more flowers?
5. Give a suitable title.

Q10. Read the passage.

Water is one of the most precious natural resources. It is used for drinking, cooking, farming and industries. However, many people waste water by leaving taps open. Rainwater harvesting and careful use of water can help save this valuable resource.

Questions

1. Why is water called a precious resource?
2. Mention any two uses of water.
3. How do people waste water?
4. Suggest two ways to save water.
5. What lesson do you learn from this passage?

Section D – Writing Skills (25 Marks)

Q11. Rearrange the words.

1. library / books / from / borrowed / I / the
2. always / should / speak / politely / we
3. is / rainbow / beautiful / the
4. homework / before / TV / finish / watching / your
5. children / park / happily / the / played / in

Q12. Correct the spelling. (5)

1. accomodation
2. independant
3. sucessful
4. goverment
5. recieve

Q13. Message Writing (5)

Your class teacher called while you were away. She informed you that tomorrow’s Science project submission has been postponed to Monday. Write a message for your elder brother.

Q14. Paragraph Writing (80–100 words) (5)

Write a paragraph on “The Importance of Reading Books” using the following hints:

• Knowledge
• Improves vocabulary
• Builds imagination
• Good habit
• Spend less time on mobile phones

Competency-Based Bonus Questions (Optional)

1. Rewrite the sentence in the passive voice:
   • The gardener waters the plants every day.
2. Combine the two sentences using because:
   • Riya stayed at home.
   • She was unwell.
3. Find the error:
   • Neither of the boys are absent today.
4. Complete using a suitable modal:
   • You ______ obey your parents.
5. Write one sentence using the idiom “A blessing in disguise.”