Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 5 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 5 with Solutions
Time: 3 Hrs.
Max. Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- The question paper contains three sections
- Section A Reading Skills
- Section B Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
- Section C Literature Textbook.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Question 1.
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them. (10)
1. In recent years, urban gardening has emerged as a powerful movement, transforming balconies, rooftops and vacant lots into green havens. This shift is more than just a trend-it reflects a growing desire among city dwellers to reconnect with nature, reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to food sustainability.
2. One of the primary advantages of urban gardening is environmental. Plants grown in urban spaces help reduce air pollution, lower temperatures and support biodiversity in densely populated areas. Moreover, by growing herbs, vegetables and fruits locally, urban residents cut down on the energy required for food transportation and packaging.
3. Urban gardening also has significant psychological benefits. Studies show that spending time in
green spaces can reduce stress, enhance mood and improve mental health. For individuals living in high-stress urban environments, nurturing plants offers a calming and fulfilling activity that contributes to emotional well-being.
4. In addition to health benefits, urban gardening fosters community interaction. Shared gardens in neighbourhoods or apartment complexes bring people together, promoting cooperation and social bonding. These spaces often serve as centers for learning and engagement, where people exchange gardening tips, recipes and even produce.
5. However, urban gardening does face challenges. Limited space, poor soil quality and water scarcity can hinder gardening efforts. Despite these obstacles, creative solutions such as vertical gardening, hydroponics and composting are helping enthusiasts overcome such barriers and make the most of limited resources.
6. For urban gardening to flourish further, city planners, communities and individuals must collaborate. Policies that encourage green spaces, provide access to gardening tools and offer workshops can empower more people to participate. When citizens take ownership of their environment, cities can become not just more sustainable but also healthier and more connected.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage.
(i) What is the main reason urban gardening is described as ‘more than just a trend’ in paragraph 1? (1)
Answer:
It reflects a growing desire to reconnect with nature, reduce carbon footprint and support food sustainability.
(ii) According to paragraph 2, urban gardening helps the environment in all of the following ways EXCEPT (1)
(a) Purifying air
(b) Conserving drinking water
(c) Supporting biodiversity
(d) Reducing transport-related pollution
Answer:
(b) Conserving drinking water
(iii) Complete the sentence using the correct option.
Urban gardening contributes to emotional well-being because it provides a _______ activity. (engaging / calming) (Paragraph 3)
Answer:
calming
(iv) Select the option that is True from (a)-(c) given below for what the phrase ‘green havens’ suggests in paragraph 1.
(a) Green havens are agricultural areas primarily developed for commercial crop production.
(b) Green havens refer to peaceful, nature-filled spaces that offer greenery and a break from city life.
(c) Green havens are zones specifically monitored to ensure zero pollution and industrial activity.
Answer:
(b) Green havens refer to peaceful, nature-filled spaces that offer greenery and a break from city life.
(v) Complete the analogy using the correct option (a) and (b).
Hydroponics : soil-free growing :: _______: _______
(a) pesticides : food preservation
(b) composting : organic fertilisation
Answer:
(b) composting : organic fertilisation
(vi) Why does urban gardening encourage community interaction? (Paragraph 4)
Answer:
Urban gardening encourages people to work together in shared spaces, exchange tips and produce and build stronger community bonds.
(vii) What are the main ideas of paragraphs 3 and 4?
I. Urban gardening helps in improving mental health
II. Gardening fosters independence and privacy
III. Shared gardening builds community ties
IV. Gardening helps reduce food prices
| Options | Main Idea of Paragraph 3 | Main Idea of Paragraph 4 |
| (a) | I | III |
| (b) | II | IV |
| (c) | III | I |
| (d) | IV | II |
Answer:
(a) I, III
(Urban gardening succeeds when governments provide support through policies and tools and individuals actively participate. This joint effort helps expand green spaces and make cities more sustainable.)
(viii) According to paragraph 6, what collective efforts are required to make urban gardening more widespread and successful?
Answer:
By implementing policies, offering tools and workshops and encouraging citizens to participate, urban gardening can become more widespread and successful.
Question 2.
Read the following passage carefully.
1. Federalism in India is a complex system of governance characterised by the division of powers between the Central Government and the states. The roots of federalism in India can be traced back to the colonial era when the British Raj implemented a centralised administrative structure. However, the demand for greater autonomy by regional leaders and the diversity of India’s cultural, linguistic and geographical landscape necessitated a shift towards a federal system after independence in 1947.
2. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, enshrines federal principles by delineating powers between the Union Government and the states in the Seventh Schedule. Key features include a dual polity, with both the Union and states having their spheres of authority, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes through the judiciary and inter-governmental forums.
3. Despite its federal structure, Indian federalism faces several challenges. One major issue is the asymmetrical distribution of powers, with the Union Government wielding greater authority in certain areas, leading to tensions between the centre and states. Additionally, fiscal federalism remains a contentious issue, with states clamoring for greater financial autonomy and a fairer allocation of resources.
4. In conclusion, the case study highlights the dynamic nature of federalism in India, shaped by historical legacies, constitutional provisions and ongoing debates. While federalism serves as a cornerstone of India’s democratic governance, addressing its challenges requires continual dialogue, cooperation and adaptation to ensure a more equitable and responsive system of governance.
Answer the following questions based on your reading of the above passage.
(i) Why did the Indian Constitution adopt a federal structure in 1950? (Paragraph 1)
This is so because federalism suited _______
(a) British ideals of centralisation
(b) the limited power of Indian leaders
(c) India’s need for decentralisation due to its diversity
(d) global political pressures after independence
Answer:
(c) India’s need for decentralisation due to its diversity
(ii) Identify the phrase in paragraph 3 that highlights the unequal sharing of authority between the Union and the States. (1)
Answer:
The phrase ‘asymmetrical distribution of powers’ highlight the unequal sharing of authority between the union and states.
(iii) Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. (Paragraph 2) (1)
Federalism in India is supported by the _______ (Parliament/Seventh Schedule), which outlines the division of responsibilities. To ensure a clear separation of powers between the Union and the States, the Indian Constitution includes a framework that assigns subjects under different lists.
Answer:
Seventh Schedule
(iv) What is meant by ‘dual polity’ in the context of Indian federalism? (Paragraph 2)
Answer:
The dual policy means power division between Union and State governments, each functioning independently in their spheres.
(v) Complete the sentence with a logical inference.
Although the Constitution provides a federal structure, the Union Government’s stronger authority results in _______
(a) reduced autonomy for state governments in key policy areas.
(b) increased participation of citizens in national-level decision-making.
(c) equal sharing of power between the Centre and the states.
(d) frequent changes in the structure of the Constitution.
Answer:
(a) reduced autonomy for state governments in key policy areas
(vi) Complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
One way to make Indian federalism more effective is by encouraging ongoing _______ between the Centre and States. (Paragraph 4)
Answer:
cooperation (or dialogue)
(vii) What does the phrase ‘dynamic nature of federalism’ in paragraph 4 imply?
Answer:
The dynamic nature of federalism means federalism in India is flexible and evolves with political, economic and social changes to maintain balance between Centre and states.
(viii) What issue related to fiscal federalism is highlighted in the passage? (Paragraph 3)
Answer:
The passage highlights unequal financial distribution, where states rely heavily on the Centre for funds, weakening fiscal autonomy.
(ix) Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word. (Paragraph 2) (1)
The Constitution, while establishing federalism, also ensures mechanisms for resolving _______ between the Union and States.
Answer:
disputes
Section – B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks)
Grammar
Question 3.
Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks as directed. (10 × 1 = 10)
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of the letter. (1)
Subject Complaint about a damaged product received
Sir/Ma’am
I purchased a black top from your online store. I _______ (receive) the product today, and
I tried filing a return request as the size is smaller than the one I had ordered and the cloth is torn on the left side.
Answer:
received
(ii) Read the given sentence from an article. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. (1)
As we advance into the future, landmarks are sometimes unceremoniously destroyed by the tourist and the residents for their own selfish motives.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| tourist | tourists |
(iii) Shreya asked for some information from the shopkeeper about the bike’s price. Report her question. (1)
Shreya said to the shopkeeper, “What is the price of this bike?”
Answer:
Shreya asked the shopkeeper what the price of that bike was.
(iv) Read the dialogue between Dilip and Rohan. (1)
Dilip Why do you ask me to keep quiet whenever I say something?
Rohan Have you ever said anything sensible?
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Dilip angrily asked Rohan why he asked him to keep quiet whenever he said something to which Rohan asked _______
Answer:
if he had ever said anything sensible
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the given statement.
He went there so that he _______ (can/might/should) borrow some money.
Answer:
might
Don’t commit mistakes by confusing modal verbs expressing purpose in the past. Can ability to do something Might past purpose/intention Should advice or obligation
(vi) Fill in the blank with the correct form of verb given in the brackets. (1)
If they _______ (leave) earlier, they would have caught the train.
Answer:
had left
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line.
The princely states of Jammu and Kashmir triggered the first undeclared war with Pakistan. (1)
| Options | Error | Correction |
| (a) | triggered | triggers |
| (b) | states | state |
| (c) | the first | first |
| (d) | Pakistan | The Pakistan |
Answer:
(b)
(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option. (1)
She very worried for the past few days but when I asked what the matter was but _______
she said that it was nothing.
(a) looked
(b) had been looking
(c) had looked
(d) looks
Answer:
(b) had been looking
(ix) Report the dialogue between Dilip and Rohan to complete the following sentence. (1)
Dilip I have been watching the sea and there hasn’t been any trace of a ship.
Rohan I told you yesterday too that we’ll be rescued, so have patience.
Dilip said that he had been watching the sea and that there had not been any trace of a ship. Rohan replied that that they would be rescued and asked him to have patience.
Answer:
he had told him the day before too
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the following sentence. (1)
I basketball quite well but I haven’t had time to practice it since I came to Mumbai.
(a) will play
(b) play
(c) am playing
(d) have played
Answer:
(b) play
(xi) Complete the line from a song by filling the blank with the correct option. (1)
When you are feeling down
And all you muster up is a frown
That is the time to stop
And count your blessings until you drop.
(a) can
(b) would
(c) shall
(d) must
Answer:
(a) can
(xii) Fill in the blank to complete the sentence in a teacher’s diary by choosing the correct option. (1)
There isn’t time left to finish the activity.
(a) many
(b) any
(c) few
(d) several
Answer:
(b) any
Writing (1o)
Note: All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary as id created for assessment purpose.
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. (5)
A. You are Rajni Verma, Hostel Warden, PVV Public School, Banaras, Uttar Pradesh. Write a letter to the Sales Manager, Bharat Electronics and Domestic Appliances Ltd., New Delhi placing an order for fans, microwaves, ovens and geysers that you wish to purchase for the hostel. Also, ask for discount permissible on the purchase. (200 words)
Answer:
PW Public School
Banaras
Uttar Pradesh-232102
18th May 20XX
The Sales Manager
Bharat Electronics and Domestic Appliances Ltd.
New Delhi 110026
Subject: Placement of order for electrical items
Sir/Maam
This is with reference to our previous correspondence dated 15th May 20XX. Kindly send the following items at the above mentioned address
| Name of the Items | Brand | No. of Items |
| Fans | Bajaj | 50 |
| Microwaves | LG | 25 |
| Ovens | Philips | 30 |
| Geysers | Bajaj | 25 |
Please make sure that all the items are in good condition, well bound and packed properly. The items must be delivered by the end of the month of the issue of this letter. Any damage during transportation would be your responsibility. As in the past, we expect no opportunity to complain since the goods have always reached on time and in excellent condition as per our specifications.
Kindly offer us a suitable discount as has been the practice all these years.
Yours faithfully
Rajni Verma
(Hostel Warden)
Students often forget to include essential order details or ship requesting discount and delivery information, leading to an incomplete formal letter.
Or
B. You have recently heard about a tragic death of student from North-East by suicide. The cause of his death is attributed to racial bullying. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Editor of Times of India, New Delhi expressing deep anguish as well as highlighting the need to address the issue of discrimination faced by people from North-East residing in other states.
Answer:
A-12, East of Kailash
New Delhi -9900XX
5th June, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi -110103
Subject: Discrimination faced by people belonging to the North-East India
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the kind attention of people towards the increasing discrimination against people from North-East India. –
India is popular across the world for its diverse culture and heritage. But, the recent increase in crimes against people of the North-East in major cities shows that its pluralist tradition is under threat. It is extremely shocking that a student from North-East had to take his own life because he was subjected to racial bullying.
Such an attitude not only creates disharmony among fellow human beings but also dents the image of our country all over the world.
By spreading awareness about this issue, we can bring about a change in people’s attitude towards discrimination happening around them and urge them to take action accordingly so that no lives are lost due to bullying, especially bullying due to racial prejudice.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
ABC
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. The following flow chart has been taken from a literary magazine.
Write a paragraph in about 120 words analysing the process of writing a story.
Answer:
The given flow chart provides information on the chronological method of writing a great story. It can be seen that the process requires seven stages beginning with assuming the ideas and preparing the background of the topic. The next step includes finding a character and building the story around it. Next, it can be noted that events related to the story and the character are formed. After this, the effects of five senses are added to the story like the touch and feel that the character experiences. Later on, various literary devices such as metaphor, simile, etc. are employed which make the story interesting for the readers. At last, adjectives and adverbs are aligned to the story with proper attention. This is how, according to this given flowchart, a great story is created.
Or
B. Read the points below from a feedback section of a government website regarding problems faced by physically disabled people.
- Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
- Unclean toilets
- Unsuitable visiting timings. Tourist guides untrained in sign language
- Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
- Lack of empathy from fellow visitors and officials ’
Write a paragraph in about 120 words demarcating the problems they face at tourist places and include some suggestions as well.
Answer:
Physically disabled people are as much part of our society as any other individual. Often they receive unfair treatment by us. The stigma around their disability is so strong that we hardly find any public places like restaurants, parks etc. designed in accordance with their needs. How often do we see ramp in a tourist place or a Braille guided pamphlet when we visit a famous heritage site? Often these places are ill-equipped with sign language experts to assist the disabled. Moreover, people in these places bear a hostile attitude and lack empathy towards them. With the government taking more initiatives to create more disabled-friendly sites, it is our responsibility to create an environment where the disabled do not feel left out. We can make the tourist places disabled-friendly by educating ourselves and offering help if needed. Also, the government could employ volunteers to help them at various tourist places and by increasing accessibility by constructing escalators and lifts specifically for them.
Section – C
Literature (40 Marks)
Question 6.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two, (A) or (B).
A. Coorg or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plan. ‘ons. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners. (Coorg-Glimpses of India)
(i) What do you understand by the term ‘colonial bungalow’ as described in the lines given
below. (1)
Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.
(a) The bungalows built in a colony.
(b) A large detached house with more than one storey.
(c) The residential unit for members of the British colonial community.
(d) A low house having only one storey.
Answer:
(c) The residential unit for members of the British colonial community.
(ii) Which is the best time to visit Coorg? (1)
Answer:
The weather of Coorg is pleasant for the tourists during the months from September to March.
At this time, the smell of coffee is spread all around making it the best time to visit Coorg. The adventure activities attract the tourists during this season as even the laid-back individuals try out canoeing, rappelling, river rafting, etc. Even the flora and fauna of the place pleases the travellers, especially the Macaques and Malabar squirrels.
(iii) Categorise the following words from the extract into those related to natural features and human-made features. (1)
I. evergreen rainforests
II. coffee plantations
III. colonial bungalows
IV. monsoons
V. coffee estates
| Options | Natural Features | Human-made Features |
| (a) | I, II and IV | III and V |
| (b) | I and IV | II, III and V |
| (c) | II, IV and V | I and III |
| (d) | I, III and IV | II and V |
Answer:
(b) Natural Features
I. evergreen rainforests,
IV. monsoons
Human-made Features
II. coffee plantations,
III. colonial bungalows,
V. coffee estates
(iv) What can be inferred from the given line?
“During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away.” (1)
Answer:
The given line means that it rains very heavily during monsoons. So, only a very few people visit Coorg during this time.
Or
B. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes.
He became an accepted member of the gang, an unlikely, silky little object among the shaggy crew, fighting like a tiger for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night.
He had never had such a time in his life. All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background, ringing a dozen times a day for the latest bulletins. (A Triumph of Surgery)
(i) Why does the narrator describe being ‘tramped on and squashed’ as joys? (1)
(a) To suggest the irony about the strange ways of dogs
(b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life
(c) To compare it to Tricki’s earlier play-time at the house
(d) To direct attention towards Tricki’s successful recovery
Answer:
(b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life
(ii) How did Tricki become an accepted member of the gang and started enjoying the company of other dogs? Answer in about 40 words. (1)
Answer:
After two or three days in the hospital, Tricki’s health began to improve rapidly. He started mixing up with other dogs by spending playtime together and fighting for his share at meals. In this way, he became an accepted member of the gang and enjoyed their company.
(iii) Select the option that correctly completes the following
Mrs. Pumphrey’s constant phone calls during Tricki’s stay at the surgery show that she _______ (1)
(a) trusted the vet completely and wanted to thank him often
(b) believed Tricki was enjoying too much and wanted him home
(c) remained overly anxious and emotionally attached to Tricki
(d) was unaware of Tricki’s condition and needed frequent updates
Answer:
remained overly anxious and emotionally attached to Tricki
(iv) What does the reference to Tricki as a ‘silky little object’ signify? (1)
Answer:
The reference to Tricki as ‘a silky little object’ signifies that Tricki had lived a life of luxury unlike other dogs at the clinic.
Question 7.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two. (5)
A. The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day 1 had rued. (Dust of Snow)
(i) What is the poet trying to appreciate through the given lines?
Answer:
From the context and the depressed mood of the poem, we can make out that the poet was sad. He was taking a walk or was just standing near the hemlock tree regretting something when the dust of snow fell on him.
This helps the poet to come out of his sad thoughts and focus on the beauty of nature and small things in life. Hence, we can conclude the poet wishes to appreciate nature and small moments in life which help bring us to the present and forget about our worries for a moment.
(ii) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD.
The poetic device used in the line and saved some part’ is _______
Answer:
alliteration
(iii) What was the reaction of poet when the dust of snow fell on him? (1)
Answer:
The poet was in a depressed and sorrowful mood. The moment the crow shook the hemlock tree and a dust of snow fell on him, he felt unburdened and relieved.
(iv) Choose the option showing the reason not corresponding with ‘… a crow/shook down on me/The Dust of Snow.’ Q)
(a) The crow’s landing on the branch of the tree.
(b) The shivering of the crow due to the cold.
(c) The readjustment of the position of the crow on the branch.
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(b) The shivering of the crow due to cold
Or
B. The fog comes on little cat feet.
It sits looking over harbour and city
on silent haunches and then moves on.
(i) How does the poet compare fog to a cat?
Answer:
The poet compares the fog to a cat because of similarity in their movements. The silent steps of a cat and the way it sits by folding its knees are both very similar to the way fog comes and surrounds the city and harbour and looks over it.
(ii) Complete the following suitably.
The word ‘moves on’ depicts _______ quality of fog.
Answer:
mysterious
(iii) Highlight any two characteristics of fog from its description in the poem.
Answer:
The fog is a silent and mysterious thing. It enters a city without any warning or sign and leaves just as silently as it comes.
(iv) Why do you think ‘Fog’ is a free verse poem?
I. It has only six lines.
II. It is divided in two paragraphs.
III. It has no regular rhyme scheme.
IV. It is rhyming abab.
Select the correct option
(a) Only I
(b) Only III
(c) Only IV
(d) I and III
Answer:
(b) Only III
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in about 40-50 words each. (4 × 3 = 12)
(i) Write the message that the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ gives. (3)
Answer:
The message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this world is eternal. The poet first concludes that the world must end in fire because of his personal experience with desire and passion, the emotions represented by fire.
But, at the same time, ice or hatred can also bring total destruction of this world. We should, thus, not forget this supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish matters.
(ii) “All knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost.” Elaborate on the quote in the context of the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. (3)
Answer:
It is true that all knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost. This is specially seen in the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ wherein the poets suggests some fatal ways for identifying wild animals. While the knowledge gained is good, it is the method of gaining the knowledge that is not worth the cost. One would not want to risk one’s life for the knowledge.
(iii) Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho? (3)
Refer to the given lines from the text
“What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!” (A Letter to God)
Answer:
The letter did not reach God in reality. It was the postmaster who took on the duty of God and collected as much money as he could to send to Lencho. The postmaster replied to Lencho because he realised the firm belief and faith of Lencho in God. He did not want Lencho’s faith in God to be broken and, hence wrote a letter from God to Lencho.
(iv) Why was the site called “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations”?
(Nelson Mandela- Long Walk to Freedom) ,
Answer:
The site was full of leaders and dignitaries from all around the world. These leaders, irrespective of their colour, race and religion, had gathered to celebrate the victory over the apartheid regime and to support the cause of peace, justice and human dignity. Hence, the site was called a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.
(v) “This is a tea country now.” Explain this with reference to Assam.
(Tea from Assam- Glimpses of India)
Answer:
Assam is known as ‘tea country’. It has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations. A large number of tea gardens can be found in Assam. Everywhere in Assam, a sea of tea bushes and beautiful tea fields can be seen as far as the eye could see. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words each. (2 × 3 = 6)
(i) Give any two reasons for Oop’s breaking into laughter on reading the first nursery rhyme. (The Book that Saved the Earth) (3)
Answer:
Oop’s breaking into laughter on reading the first nursery rhyme indicates that the vitamins had worked such that Oop was able to understand the meaning behind the nursery rhymes. Because he could understand the rhymes literally, he found the images depicted to be humorous.
(ii) What kind of mother was Randal’s wife? (Bholi) (3)
Answer:
Ramlal’s wife (Bholi’s mother) was a traditional housewife who believed that daughters should not be educated as it would make it difficult to find grooms for them. She neglected Bholi as according to her she was ugly and dumb and wanted to get rid of her by marrying her off to anyone willing to.
(iii) Mme Loisel now knew the horrible life of necessity. Do you think Mme. Loisel accepted this change willingly? Give two reasons in support of your answer. (The Necklace) (3)
Answer:
Yes, I think Mme. Loisel accepted this change willingly due to the following reasons
(a) She understood that, in order to pay the debt, she would have to cut down on her luxuries and save up.
(b) She learned the work of kitchen, washed the clothes, brought up the-water from the street and sent away the maid to help save money to pay off the debt.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words. (1 × 6 = 6)
A. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. Analyse how the idea of fear is dealt with in the stories ‘Nelson Mandela- A long Walk to Freedom’ and ‘Two Stories About Flying’?
Answer:
There are two kinds of fear as explored in these two stories. The kind of ‘fear’ explored in the first story is political in nature wherein the blacks fight against oppression and brutalities with courage and resilience.
As Mandela says that “courage is not the absence of fear, but a triumph over it”, it was the courageous act of the black people that helped them to overthrow the inhumane regime of Apartheid and establish a form of government rooted in the idea of racial equality.
In the second story too, the seagull and the pilot fight their psychological fear and emerge triumphant at the end. Their daring act of confronting their fears rather than avoiding them help them discover their inner potential and makes them self-reliant.
Or
B. “Man and animal relationships are based on trust and friendship.” Explain by referring to the poem ‘The Tale of a Custard Dragon’ and ‘Mijbil the Otter’?
Answer:
It is true that man and animal relationships are based on trust and friendship. ‘The Tale of a Custard Dragon’ illustrates this fact through the relationship between the dragon called Custard and Belinda. Always ridiculed for being a coward, Custard proves everyone wrong by protecting them when their house is invaded by a pirate. His valiant act his loyalty towards Belinda and others.
On the other hand, the relationship between Mijbil, the otter and the narrator is based on friendship. Mijbil is a playful and a lively otter that follows the leads that the narrator gives him. He accompanies the narrator in daily walks and plays with marbles and toys the narrator provides. He participates in all fun activities the narrator arranges for him.
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words. (1 × 6 = 6)
A. A calm mind can help you tackle the direst stress. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’.
Answer:
Certainly, a calm mind can help us tackle even the most frightful situation. When we face difficult situations, we are always told to stay calm, cool and focused. If we panic, it hampers our thinking ability and we are unable to take proper decisions. Our minds don’t work properly and we lose hope.
In the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’, Ausable, the secret agent, remains calm. This calmness and composure saves not only himself and Fowler but also the important papers. It also enables him to create two imaginary stories that lead him to outwit (deceive) Max. If he had panicked and done something disputable, then Max would have probably killed him and his guest Fowler.
But, Ausable kept his mind calm and deceived Max into believing his story. Consequently, Max fell to his death.
Just like Ausable, we also need to calm our nerves and cool our mind in times of difficulty. If we keep our mind relaxed and focused, we can find ways to get out of a dangerous situation.
- Ausable remains calm under pressure.
- Uses quick thinking to create believable stories.
- Turns the situation in his favour through composure.
Or
B. Discuss your thoughts and feelings after reading the story ‘Footprints Without Feet’ by H.G. Wells. How did the story impact your understanding of science and human nature?
Explain the main themes of the story and the character of the Invisible Man, Griffin. What lessons did you learn from the story?
Answer:
After reading ‘The Invisible Man’ by H.G. Wells, I was deeply fascinated and also disturbed by the story.
The idea of invisibility as a scientific discovery made me think about the possibilities and dangers of science when used irresponsibly. Griffin, the Invisible Man, is a complex character who initially appears brilliant and ambitious but his desire for power and lack of empathy lead him to make selfish and harmful choices. His invisibility becomes both his strength and his curse, isolating him from society and causing destruction.
The story taught me that science, though powerful, must be guided by strong moral values. It also made me reflect on human nature-how power can corrupt and how loneliness can affect a person’s mind. The themes of invisibility, identity and the consequences of unchecked ambition are very relevant even today. Overall, the story was thrilling and thought-provoking, showing that knowledge alone is not enough without wisdom and responsibility.