Sample paper 3
English language and literature (184)
Class-X Exam 2025-26
Time allowed: 3 hrs. Maximum marks: 80
General instructions:
Read the instructions carefully and follow them:
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2 The Question Paper contains THREE sections
Section A: Reading Skills
Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section C: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
SECTION A – READING SKILLS 20
1. Read the following text. 10
1. The invaluable role of trees in sustaining life on Earth extends far beyond their aesthetic appeal. These magnificent living organisms are critical components of healthy ecosystems, playing a foundational part in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Understanding their multifaceted contributions highlights why their protection and proliferation are essential for our planet’s future.
2. Crucially, trees are the lungs of our planet. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and release oxygen, which is vital for most life forms. A single mature tree can absorb significant amounts of carbon annually, acting as a powerful natural carbon sink. Their presence helps regulate the Earth’s climate and purifies the air we breathe, directly impacting human health.
3. Furthermore, trees play a pivotal role in the water cycle. They absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and preventing soil erosion, which helps in replenishing groundwater supplies. Their root systems filter pollutants from the soil, contributing to cleaner rivers and streams. In forested areas, trees release moisture into the atmosphere, creating clouds and influencing rainfall patterns, a process vital for regional climates and agricultural productivity.
4. An abundance of trees is also indispensable for supporting biodiversity. Forests provide habitats and food sources for countless species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, many of which are unique to these ecosystems. The destruction of forests leads to significant habitat loss, driving species towards extinction. Protecting tree cover is fundamental to preserving the rich tapestry of life on Earth.
5. Beyond their ecological functions, trees offer numerous direct benefits to human wellbeing. Urban trees provide shade, reducing the “heat island” effect in cities and lowering energy consumption for cooling. They enhance mental health by offering serene green spaces for recreation and relaxation, reducing stress and improving mood. Even their presence in neighbourhoods can boost property values and foster community pride.
6. Ultimately, investing in trees is investing in a healthier, more resilient planet. Their vital services, from air purification and climate regulation to biodiversity support and human well-being, underscore their irreplaceable value. By actively participating in tree planting initiatives, protecting existing forests, and promoting sustainable forestry, we can ensure that these silent guardians continue to nourish our planet for generations to come.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. Why is the invaluable role of trees described as extending ‘far beyond their aesthetic appeal’ in paragraph 1? 1
View AnswerAns. The invaluable role of trees extends ‘far beyond their aesthetic appeal’ because they are critical components of healthy ecosystems, fundamentally maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and influencing our planet’s future.
ii. According to paragraph 1, trees are critical components that do all of the following EXCEPT: 1
(A) maintain ecological balance
(B) support biodiversity
(C) deplete vital resources
(D) sustain life on Earth
View AnswerAns. (C) deplete vital resources
iii. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. 1
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release ______ (nitrogen/oxygen). (Paragraph 2)
View AnswerAns. oxygen
iv. Select the option that is True from (A)-(C) given for what the phrase, ‘powerful natural carbon sink’ suggests in paragraph 2. 1
(A) Trees are unable to store carbon.
(B) Trees are very effective at absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon.
(C) Trees release more carbon than they absorb.
View AnswerAns. (B) Trees are very effective at absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon.
v. Complete the analogy by selecting one of the two correct options (A), (B) 1
forests : habitats :: ______ : ______ (Paragraph 4)
(A) pollution: clean water
(B) urban trees: shade
View AnswerAns. (B) urban trees: shade
vi. What are the various ways trees play a pivotal role in the water cycle, as explained in paragraph 3? 2
View AnswerAns. Trees play a pivotal role in the water cycle by absorbing rainwater to reduce runoff and prevent soil erosion, thereby replenishing groundwater. Their roots filter pollutants, and they release moisture into the atmosphere, influencing rainfall and regional climates crucial for agriculture.
vii. What are the main ideas of paragraph 4 and paragraph 5?
(i) Trees offer numerous direct benefits to human well-being.
(ii) Forest destruction has no impact on species extinction.
(iii) Green spaces do not improve mental health.
(iv) Urban trees contribute to the “heat island” effect.
(v) Trees are indispensable for supporting biodiversity.
Select the correct option.
Ans. (C)
viii. How does investing in trees ensure a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations? (Paragraph 6)2
View AnswerAns. Investing in trees ensures a healthier, more resilient planet by providing vital services like air purification, climate regulation, and biodiversity support. Protecting and promoting them secures these irreplaceable benefits for future generations, contributing to overall planetary well-being.
2. Read the following text. 10
1. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s future, and over the past decade, there has been a strong focus on improving literacy rates and access to education. By 2021, India’s literacy rate reached 77.7%, up from 64.8% in 2001. However, rural literacy still lags behind at 67%, compared to 84% in urban areas.
2. Dropout rates remain a challenge, especially among girls in rural regions. In 2020, about 40% of girls aged 15-18 dropped out of school, with early marriage and lack of sanitation facilities cited as key reasons. For boys, the dropout rate during the same age range was 33%.
3. The government has introduced several initiatives to improve education access and reduce dropout rates. Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have focused on increasing girls’ enrollment in schools. The Midday Meal Scheme has benefitted over 100 million children across India, helping to improve attendance and reduce hunger.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in education. By mid-2021, over 240 million students were affected by school closures, leading to a shift toward online learning. However, only 24% of Indian households had access to the internet, further widening the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
5. Experts believe that continued investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and digital education are essential to ensure equitable access to education. They predict that with improved resources, India’s literacy rate could reach 85% by 2030.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. What does the use of the phrase “pivotal role” by the writer, in paragraph 1, suggest about the importance of education in India? 1
(A) The writer is indifferent to the role of education.
(B) The writer believes education is not important.
(C) The writer is highlighting the essential role education plays in shaping India’s future.
(D) The writer thinks education is not a priority.
View AnswerAns. (C) The writer is highlighting the essential role education plays in shaping India’s future.
ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below: 1
Assertion: The dropout rate for girls in rural India is higher than for boys.
Reason: Lack of sanitation facilities and early marriage contribute to the high dropout rate for girls.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
View AnswerAns. (A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
iii. Identify the percentage of Indian households with access to the internet in 2021, as mentioned in the passage. 1
View AnswerAns. Only 24% of Indian households had access to the internet in 2021.
iv. According to the passage, what are two major government initiatives aimed at improving education access in India? 1
View AnswerAns. Two major government initiatives aimed at improving education access in India are:
(a) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which focuses on increasing girls’ enrolment in schools.
(b) The Midday Meal Scheme, which benefits over 100 million children by improving attendance and reducing hunger.
v, Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank: 1
The literacy rate in rural India remains lower than in urban areas, with rural literacy at just.
The literacy rate in rural India is _____ (67% / 74% / 77%).
View AnswerAns. The literacy rate in rural India is 67%
vi. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the passage that are preventing girls in rural India from continuing their education? 1
View AnswerAns. Challenges preventing girls in rural India from continuing their education include:
(a) Early marriage
(b) Lack of proper sanitation facilities in schools.
vii. Complete the sentence suitably. The COVID-19 pandemic widened the digital divide in India, as only _____. 1
View AnswerAns. The COVID-19 pandemic widened the digital divide in India, as only 24% of households had access to the internet, making online learning inaccessible for many.
viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason : 1
Experts predict that India’s literacy rate could reach 85% by 2030 because _____.
View AnswerAns. Experts predict that India’s literacy rate could reach 85% by 2030 because of continued investments in education infrastructure, teacher training, and digital education initiatives.
ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and digital education critical for the future of India’s education system? 2
View AnswerAns. Investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and digital education is critical for the future of India’s education system because it ensures equitable access to learning, bridges the urban-rural divide, and prepares students for a rapidly changing job market.
SECTION B – WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR 20
GRAMMAR 10
3. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.
i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the beginning of an article in a blog post on adolescence.
The importance of physical exercise as well as mental health _____ by the modern teenager.
(A) are well understood
(B) is well understood
(C) is being understood well
(D) will be well understood
View AnswerAns. (B) is well understood
ii. Read the conversation between a mother and daughter. Complete the sentence by reporting the daughter’s reply correctly.
Mother enquired, “Aren’t you feeling well? You look pale.”
Saumya said, “I have a terrible headache. It is making me giddy.”
Mother, wondering about her daughter looking pale asked about her well-being to which, the girl replied that _____.
View AnswerAns. She had a terrible headache and it was making her giddy.
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a health magazine. You _____ all that cheese; it isn’t good for you.
(A) shouldn’t be eating
(B) ought not be eating
(C) cannot eat
(D) need not
View AnswerAns. (A) shouldn’t be eating
iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following
line, from a news report on the UNO.
All five permanent members have expressed the right of veto at one time or another.
Ans. (C)
v. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
Delhi Police _____ the description of a man who was last seen at the Kwality
Restaurant which is on the Parliament Street.
(A) is issued
(B) have issued
(C) had issued
(D) are issuing
View AnswerAns. (B) have issued
vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct word from the options available to you, for the
given portion of a letter: Subject: Inquiry regarding the online course in choreography
Refer to your advertisement regarding the online courses in choreography offered by
your _____ institute, I want _____ that I am currently in XII class and preparing
for my final exams.
(A) esteemable; to say
(B) reputed; to suggest
(C) esteem; to tell
(D) reputable; to state
View AnswerAns. (D) reputable; to state
vii. Report the dialogue between two friends discussing a recent travel experience.
Som : A European tourist whom I met recently, wanted to be a Himalayan monk for the
rest of his life.
Ron : Are you referring to that story about you meeting a European tourist with a
strange desire?
When Som talked about a European tourist who wanted to be a Himalayan monk for
the rest of his life Ron questioned him _____.
View AnswerAns. To confirm if, he was referring to that story about him meeting a European tourist with a strange desire.
viii. Identify the error in the given sentence from a newspaper article and supply the correction.
Mobile phones are being used both in urban and rural areas but the importance of
mobile phones between students has been increasing day by day.
Use the given format for your response
Ans.
ix. Report the conversation between a young bird and her parent discussing her fears.
Young bird : I feel certain that my wings will never support me.
Parent bird : Your wings will believe what you believe in.
View AnswerAns. When the young bird felt certain that her wings would never support her, her parent assured her that her wings will believe what she believed in.
x. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Would you send the mail?
Use the given format for your response.
Ans.
xi. Select the correct option to the following sentences.
The lady looked out the window and said,” Wow! What an awesome view the house
has!”
Realtor, “That’s why this property has always commanded the highest rent in these
parts.”
When the lady looked out the window and complimented _____ the realtor remarked
that _____.
View AnswerAns. That the house had an awesome view; that was why the property had always commanded the highest rent in those parts.
xii. Identify the error on a shop’s hoarding and supply the correction, for the following sales offer.
Use the given format for your response.
Ans.
WRITING 10
Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and
created for assessment purpose.
4A. You are Alex/Ronny of 182, Mukherjee Nagar. You want information about German language course at Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Director, Foreign Languages, enquiring about the details of the courses offered by the institution.
View AnswerAns.
182, Mukherjee Nagar
Delhi
27 March 20xx
The Director
Foreign Languages
Max Mueller Bhavan
New Delhi
Dear Sir
Subject: Inquiry regarding Course in German Langauge
With reference to your advertisement regarding the courses in foreign languages offered by your reputable institute, I wish to know which courses are offered by your institution. I am interested in pursuing my career in German language. I have just completed class X. I would like to know the duration of the course, the fee and the facilities you offer.
I would request you to kindly send me the brochure and prospectus along with the enrolment form. I would be highly grateful to you.
Thanking you
Alex
OR
4B. You are Mary Joseph who recently visited Delhi and Gurugram after a few years as a
tourist from Goa. You noticed the marked increase in the number of private vehicles,
pollution, and industrial units in both cities. Alarmed by the rise in health issues owing
to these developments, you decide to pen a letter to the editor of a national daily. Write
the letter including some suggestions to reduce the effects of environmental damage.
View AnswerAns.
House no 44
Gonsalves Enclave
Goa
2 October 20xx
The Editor
The Tribune
Connaught Place
New Delhi – 1
Subject: Environmental damage is everyone’s concern
Sir/Madam,
I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities and every citizen to the environmental damage done by us through the editorial column of your renowned newspaper.
The use of private transportation in Delhi and Gurugram has increased rapidly, as has the number of industrial units that have multiplied in recent years. In fact, the vehicles move bumper- to-bumper. Consequently, air and noise pollution have increased the likelihood of major health concerns such as breathing difficulties, chronic diseases, lung damage, nausea, exhaustion, and so on.
We are yet to become fully aware of the depth of the issue. Scientists are working on ways to reduce the impact of the smoke emitted by our automobiles and chimneys. Indeed, environmental awareness is a social requirement. It is not just the government’s job, but also every individual’s social responsibility, to do their bit by segregating waste, reducing the use of plastics, reusing and recycling as much as possible, vermicomposting, using public transport, and minimizing wants.
The environment is everyone’s responsibility and it’s time that it should become as valuable to us as our health is.
Yours truly
Mary Joseph
5A. Write a paragraph on the topic ‘Air Pollution’ in about 120 words. Take the hints from
the picture given below.
Ans.
Air pollution
Air pollution is the pollution of the gaseous layer that surrounds us. It is mostly caused by carbon emissions from burning of fuel from cars, plastic and industrial smoke. Deforestation is another main cause of the air pollution. It means the mixing of harmful gases like nitrogen oxide in the air that we breathe in thereby causing us to fall sick. Air pollution is a big threat to mankind as it has led to the depletion in ozone layer which is responsible for locking the carbondioxide on the earth. Air pollution needs to be fought against as it might lead to the extinction of life on earth. It can be prevented by controlling the carbon emissions by vehicles and preventing the harmful industrial smoke from mingling into the air.
5B. Mobile phones are being used both in urban and rural areas. But importance of mobile
phones among students has been increasing day by day. Write a paragraph in about 120
words on the topic ‘Importance of Mobile Phones in Education’.
Ans.
Importance of Mobile Phones in Education
During this unprecedented situation of the Pandemic Covid 19, cell phones have become a boon for the students. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops with an enabled internet connection have made life much easier for the students. They allow them to access resources such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, and other software that help the students to create study groups, share notes and meet regularly. A lot of degree programmes, tutorials, and modules are available, which can be used by the students having smartphones as a studying aid. Still, excess of anything is bad, hence too much of communication also is dangerous as it leaves no room for privacy and personal space thereby disturbing mental peace. Mobile, when used in limits, is a boon to the society. Parents must make their children aware regarding using the mobiles sensibly.
SECTION C – LITERATURE TEXTBOOK 40
6. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two questions given below 5
A. Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire to the house, to get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible-until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked!
(Foot Prints with out Feet)
i. The writer says that Griffin was a brilliant scientist. Elaborate in about 40 words with evidence.
View AnswerAns. It can be said that Griffin was a brilliant scientist because he carried on various experiments to prove that human body could become invisible.
ii. What effect does Griffin’s action, as described in the lines below, have on his situation? “In revenge Griffin set fire to the house, to get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible.” Choose the most suitable option:
(A) liberates
(B) complicates
(C) comforts
(D) satisfies
View AnswerAns. (B) complicates
iii. State the reason he was wandering on the streets.
View AnswerAns. He was wandering on the streets because he had set fire to his landlord’s house.
iv. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The word ‘revenge’ in the line “In revenge Griffin set fire to the house” indicates that
Griffin acted out of _____ (anger/forgiveness).
View AnswerAns. anger
B. Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. 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.
(Glimpses of India)
i. What do you understand by the term colonial bungalow?
(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.
View AnswerAns. (C) The residential unit for members of the British colonial community.
ii. What can be inferred from the given line?
“During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away”
View AnswerAns. The given line means that it rains very heavily during monsoons. So, only a very few people visit Coorg during his time.
iii. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The word ‘invigorating’ in the line “The air breathes of invigorating coffee” indicates
that the air was _____ (refreshing/stifling) in Coorg.
View AnswerAns. Refreshing
iv. Which is the best time to visit Coorg? Answer in about 40 words.
View AnswerAns. 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
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!
(Amanda)
i. Fill the blank with ONE word.
Amanda is not looking at the speaker because she is busy in _____. about her life of
peace and joy.
View AnswerAns. Daydreaming
ii. The speaker wants Amanda to look at her to ensure
(A) Amanda can become obedient
(B) stops eating chocolate
(C) Amanda follows the instructions
(D) does not sleep
View AnswerAns. (C) Amanda follows the instructions
iii. What does the speaker’s worry about acne show?
View AnswerAns. The speaker asks Amanda not to eat chocolate. It is because Amanda had acne already. Eating chocolate may cause pimples. So, Amanda is forbidden to eat chocolate
iv. Why is Amanda forbidden to eat chocolate? Answer in about 40 words.
B. It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
(Fog)
i. Complete the following suitably.
In the given extract, the poet uses the poetic device, enjambment in which one line runs
onto another without_____.
View AnswerAns. Any punctuation marky
ii. What is the significance of the use of the word “silent” to describe the fog in the poem and how does this word choice contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem?
View AnswerAns. The fog sneaks in slyly and quietly enveloping the entire harbour and the city. It sits on ‘silent haunches’ like a cat observing life around it and then moves on. Fog is personified by Carl Sandsberg and its movement and conduct are compared to a cat.
iii. The poet has used the poetic device ‘transferred epithet’ in the third line. What does the poet wish to emphasize?
(A) The sneaky movement of the fog and those of a cat.
(B) The purring of the fog and the cat.
(C) The fluffiness of the fog and a cat’s fur.
(D) The playfulness of the fog and a cat.
View AnswerAns. (A) The sneaky movement of the fog and those of a cat.
iv. What does the fog observe from its vantage point?
View AnswerAns. The fog observes the harbour and the city.
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4 x 3 = 12
i. Lencho writes a letter to God for help. Who actually helps Lencho by giving money?
(A Letter to God)
View AnswerAns. Lencho wanted help from God. He decided to write the letter to Him. It was the postmaster and his employees who collected the money and helped him.
ii. Why does the poet use the image of a ‘hemlock tree’?
(Dust of Snow)
View AnswerAns. The poet uses the image of a ‘hemlock tree’ in the poem because it is poisonous tree and it represents grief and sadness.
iii. Anne believed that paper has more patience than people. Why?
(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
View AnswerAns. Anne did not want to confide her thoughts with her friends. People are not always ready to listen, they get bored and impatient and will not be reliable. She decided to write her thought in her diary believing that paper has more patience than people.
iv. Who is the ‘mermaid’ in the poem Amanda? What does ‘she’ wish to do?
(Amanda!)
View AnswerAns. Amanda is the mermaid in the poem. She wants to be free child who can enjoy the nature. She does not like social boundaries. She is dreaming to be a free mermaid, who can swim freely in the vast sea.
v. Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own
son.” Is he sincere in saying so? Give reasons.
(The Proposal)
View AnswerAns. Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son.” No, he is not sincere in saying so. He didn’t have a good opinion about him. He thought that he had come there to ask for some money. He changed his stand only when he came to know that Lomov wanted to marry Natalya, his daughter. It was something that Chubukov always wanted.
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2 # 3 = 6
i. Why does Mrs. Pumphery call the doctor?
(A Triumph of Surgery)
View AnswerAns. Tricki refused to eat his favourite dishes, lied on the rug, panting and vomiting. Mrs Pumphery was worried about his condition so she called the doctor.
ii. Why were the two boys surprised to see imprints of a pair of bare feet?
(Footprints without Feet)
View AnswerAns. The two boys were surprised to see imprints of a pair of bare feet because they appeared from nowhere, no person was visible.
iii. Bholi’s father Ramlal was not in favour of sending girls to school. Why?
(Bholi)
View AnswerAns. Bholi’s father Ramlal was not in favour of sending girls to school because he thought that no one would marry his educated daughters. In his opinion, educated girls do not find suitable match in the society
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. The Baker from Goa and an inhabitant of Coorg happen to meet each other and talk about their distinct traits that make them stand out and keep them shoulders above the rest. Write this conversation as per your understanding of Glimpses of India. You may begin like this:
Baker : Your attire and your appearance tell me that
Coorgi : Oh! _____.
(Glimpses of India)
View AnswerAns. Baker Your attire and your appearance tell me that you belong to Coorg. I think I am not mistaken Coorgi Oh! I am so glad that you could recognize me instantaneously. I could also Identify you
Baker I am a proud baker from Goa. Any celebration in Goa is not complete without us. We are an integral part of the common household Coorgi: As you are an integral part of the Goan household we are integral part of the Indian Army. We are known for our bravery and valor. We have inherited it from our ancestors
Baker: Yes, I have heard a lot about the stories and history of bravery. Our Indian Army is proud of your contribution. You are right, your roots go back to Alexander, the great He undoubtedly was very brave.
ii. “Human beings, without God’s strength, can’t look beyond outward appearances and physical beauty.”
If you had to use the message of the given quote based on Tor Anne Gregory’ to understand the inner strength of Valli, as she made efforts to fulfil her wish despite her age in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, how will you elaborate it? Also, how it would have been difficult for Valli not to consider her age as an impediment.
(For Anne Gregory)
View AnswerAns. Human beings, may be broadly divided into two categories. One who dishearten a person and refuse to see beyond the superficial and physical aspect and the other category where men dare to think way ahead of their capabilities and do not consider them as impediments. Valli does not keep her age as a deterrent and decides to take her maiden ride. As Anne is really beautiful yet she has the courage to reject men who fall for her physical appearance. She wishes to be appreciated for who she is. Valli also snubs the conductor and the other passengers in the bus who consider her a little girl. She treats herself as an independent passenger who has purchased a ticket and wants to be treated like every other passenger in the bus.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. “A man’s vanity is more fragile that you might think.” Analyse in detail with reference to the character of Matilda in the story The Necklace.
View AnswerAns. Matilda from the chapter The Necklace’ is a perfect example of vanity i.e. false pride. She invites troubles and difficulties for herself and for her husband due to her sense of pride. Her husband is a simple person but he has to suffer along with. Matilda is forever dissatisfied with her economic status and feels that she is not meant to lead a life that she has been subjected to. Her vanity ofcourse was fragile and momentary happiness and gaiety at the ball came down crashing once she hits the harsh ground of reality. She staked her future and was compelled to lead a life of despair sufferance. Had she been a bit sensible she would have saved herself from the ignominy and shame that she faced.
ii. “Beauty is much more than being skin deep”. Analyze this quote with reference to ‘Bholi’.
View AnswerAns. It is very normal for every human to get carried away with physical appearance and beauty. Usually, people form opinions looking at person colour of skin and features. Similar was the treatment meted out to Bholi. She was considered to be an under dog and ill treated by her own family. No one loved her. She was not made to even dress up decently. She was always unkempt and low on confidence. Kudos to her teacher that she identified her latent talents and she came to be a confident and courageous. Her real beauty came to the fore and made herself capable enough to lead a dignified life. Her parents and other members of her family could not see beyond the physical garb and identify the inner real self of her. She came out to be an epitome of real beauty and proved that beauty is really only skin deep.