Class 10 English: Literature – First Flight important questions
Literature – First Flight is a chapter of Class 10 English for the CBSE. These 50 questions are marked Very Important, Important or Practice, and each answer has been checked by our team. Use them to revise, not as a prediction of what will come in the exam.
Very Important · 5 marks
1. Read the extract from 'Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam' and answer the questions. "Hey, a tea garden!" Rajvir cried excitedly. Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn't share Rajvir's excitement. "Oh, this is tea country now," he said. "Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!" "I have been reading as much as I could about tea," Rajvir said. "No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends." i. Why was Pranjol not as excited as Rajvir? A. He disliked tea gardens. B. He had worked in them. C. He had grown up in and around tea gardens. D. He was bored with them. ii. What does Pranjol mean by 'Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world'? iii. Fill in ONE word: Pranjol's ______ comes through when he exclaims, 'You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!' iv. According to Rajvir, how does the world know about the discovery of tea? A. historical places B. traditional tales C. authentic anecdotes D. popular publications v. Which sentence uses 'cried' as in line 1? A. Jaspreet cried a lot despite winning second place. B. Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a white tiger in the sanctuary. C. Jaspreet cried for hours when her pet was lost. D. Jaspreet has barely cried since she was three.
i. C. He had grown up in and around tea gardens. ii. That the cultivation of tea is the highest in one place, Assam. iii. irritation (frustration / exasperation). iv. B. Traditional tales. v. B. Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a white tiger in the sanctuary.
Very Important · 5 marks
2. Read the extract from 'The Trees' and answer the questions. The trees inside are moving out into the forest, the forest that was empty all these days where no bird could sit no insect hide no sun bury its feet in shadow the forest that was empty all these nights will be full of trees by morning. i. Complete: 'No sun bury its feet…' is personification because ______. ii. What effect does the poet want to create with '…no bird could sit / no insect hide / no sun…'? A. emphasis B. comparison C. rhyme D. humour iii. True or False: the extract uses trees as a symbol for conservative people. iv. The idea of a forest 'empty all these days' is: A. unnatural B. scary C. magical D. legendary v. How does enjambment affect the extract? A. forces pauses B. simplifies meaning C. builds momentum D. makes it lyrical
i. the sun, which is not human, is given the human feature of having feet. ii. A. emphasis (repetition). iii. False. iv. A. unnatural. v. C. It builds momentum.
Very Important · 5 marks
3. Read the extract from 'For Anne Gregory' and answer the questions. But I can get a hair-dye And set such colour there, Brown, or black, or carrot, That young men in despair May love me for myself alone And not my yellow hair." i. What is the speaker's tone? (1) thoughtful (2) authoritative (3) agitated (4) insulting (5) argumentative. A. 1, 4 B. 3, 5 C. 2, 4 D. 1, 5 ii. What causes the young men to 'despair'? iii. Why does the speaker want to colour her hair? A. control over what makes her beautiful B. desire to be loved for inner beauty C. need to change people's view of beauty D. conviction that she is beautiful inside iv. Complete the analogy: yellow : blonde :: ______ : carrot v. Which sentence uses 'set' as in line 2? A. I want to set him up. B. Do you have another set of books? C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served. D. The set for the school play looked grand.
i. B. agitated and argumentative. ii. Being hopelessly in love and unsure whether their love will be returned. iii. D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside. iv. orange (or red). v. C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served.
Important · 3 marks
4. Validate the statement 'Fear doesn't exist anywhere other than in one's mind' with reference to the young seagull's fear. (His First Flight, 40–50 words)
The young seagull was afraid his wings would not support him. Even though he watched his family fly, the fear of falling gripped his mind and overpowered every reassurance and example. As a result he was too scared even to try, until hunger forced him and he found he could fly — the fear was only in his mind.
Important · 3 marks
5. Why is the poet personally convinced that the world will end mainly in fire? (Fire and Ice, 40–50 words)
Fire stands for desire. By his own admission, 'From what I've tasted of desire', he has experienced its destructive effects in his own life, so he sides with those who believe the world will end in fire.
Important · 3 marks
6. Valli's unique first bus ride was possible because she belonged to a small village. Do you agree? Why or why not? Give two reasons. (Madam Rides the Bus)
Agree (any two): a bus ride was fascinating adventure for a village child, unlike in cities; she could travel alone safely, which is not advisable in big cities; there was only one bus to watch and plan around. Or disagree (any two): children in cities can also be fascinated by buses; travelling unnoticed is easier in a big city than in a village where everyone knows you; cities have more frequent buses, giving more chances for a ride.
Important · 3 marks
7. Give one reason why 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' is more a fable than a ballad.
A fable is a made-up story, usually with animals as characters, that carries a strong message, while a ballad is a narrative poem that may be silly or heroic. The poem has animal characters, is clearly fictitious and teaches a meaningful lesson (true courage is shown in action, not boasting), so it is better described as a fable.
Important · 3 marks
8. How can we say Natalya kept the upper hand in her arguments with Lomov? Give one example. (The Proposal)
She answered every point and defeated Lomov's arguments with conviction, without losing her cool. In the quarrel over the Oxen Meadows she insisted it was a matter of principle, not greed; in the quarrel over the dogs she argued that her dog Squeezer was cheaper, better bred and faster than Guess.
Very Important · 6 marks
9. Mijbil and the tiger were both looked after by humans. Imagine they meet in the zoo and talk about their lifestyles and feelings. Write the conversation in 100–120 words, based on 'Mijbil the Otter' and 'A Tiger in the Zoo'. Begin: Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don't usually like visitors. Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think.
Points from the official scheme: - Mijbil: happy with his life as a pet; might be scared in the wild and not know how to survive; enjoys play, walks, meals and his owner's company; lives peacefully with humans. - Tiger: unhappy in captivity; blames humans for caging him and wishes they valued peaceful coexistence; longs to be free in his natural habitat and would not want to be a pet; is disturbed by human activity (patrolling cars, visitors). Write it as a dialogue that brings out these contrasting feelings.
Very Important · 6 marks
10. 'Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind.' Using this message from the Buddha's sermon (The Sermon at Benares), what advice would you give the boy in 'The Ball Poem' to help him cope with the loss of his ball and what it stands for? Also explain why he might find this hard to understand. (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - The Buddha's message: losing things we cannot replace brings sorrow, but staying calm and accepting that all things are perishable helps us live normally and overcome loss. - Advice to the boy: loss is an important part of life; learn from the experience, adapt and move on. - Why it is hard: he is too young to grasp these words, he is alone in his loss with no one to explain, he must learn painfully from experience, and he needs time; it is easy to lose heart at that age.
Very Important · 5 marks
11. Read the extract from 'The Proposal' and answer the questions. LOMOV: It's cold… I'm trembling all over, just as if I'd got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal, or for real love, then I'll never get married. Brr… It's cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I'm getting a noise in my ears from excitement. (Drinks) And it's impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I'm already 35 — a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I'm excitable and always getting awfully upset… i. Which is NOT a reason Lomov thinks he must marry? A. He is 35. B. He suffers from palpitations. C. He is excitable and easily upset. D. He is in love with Natalya. ii. Why is Lomov's tone uncertain and questioning when he says 'What more do I want?' (2 marks) iii. Which describes the extract: (a) a debate (b) a soliloquy, a speech by a character alone on stage revealing inner thoughts (c) an aside, a brief remark to the audience? iv. If an actor performed this extract, what should he focus on while modulating his voice?
i. D. He is in love with Natalya. ii. He is trying to convince himself that Natalya is a suitable match while struggling with doubts and fears; he wants reassurance that he has made the right decision but is not fully convinced. iii. (b) a soliloquy (it is not a formal discussion, and it is not brief). iv. Conveying Lomov's nervousness and excitement, for example raising his voice when excited and lowering it when anxious.
Very Important · 5 marks
12. Read the extract from 'Fire and Ice' and answer the questions. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. i. Fill in one word: when the speaker says ice could also end the world, he refers to ______ as the means of destruction. ii. What does the speaker's alignment with those who favour ice suggest? iii. Which best describes the speaker's attitude to destruction by ice? A. indifferent B. fearful C. dismissive D. respectful iv. Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines. (2 marks)
i. hatred (or indifference / bitterness / coldness). ii. That he has seen the destructive results of a lack of empathy and emotional connection. iii. D. Respectful: calling ice 'great' for destruction shows awe of its power. iv. The language is simple, direct and conversational, yet it carries a profound message about the destructive power of desire and hatred. Its simplicity makes the message accessible and adds to its impact.
Very Important · 5 marks
13. Read the extract from 'Fog' and answer the questions. 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 language of this poem challenge traditional ideas of what poetry should be? ii. What is the significance of the word 'little' for the fog, and how does it shape the mood and tone? (2 marks) iii. The lines tell us the city is: A. hilly B. coastal C. industrial D. under-developed iv. Identify the type of imagery used.
i. Instead of complex rhyme and metaphor, it uses simple everyday language (free verse) to create a vivid picture and a powerful mood. ii. 'Little' suggests the fog's quiet, gentle nature and a harmless, innocent creature moving through the city, giving a calm, peaceful mood with a touch of mystery. iii. B. coastal (the word 'harbour'). iv. Visual / animal imagery.
Important · 3 marks
14. Justify the view that the traditional baker and his bread play a big role in the cultural and social life of Goa. (Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa, 40–50 words)
The Portuguese left, but the bakers and their age-old furnaces remained. Bread is part of Goan food and culture and was linked to occasions and status. The baker sold bread house to house, playing a key role in local trade, and the craft is passed down generations, a living link to Goa's heritage.
Important · 3 marks
15. How does Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and metaphor in 'A Tiger in the Zoo' to show the tiger's confinement and oppression? (40–50 words)
'Vivid stripes' and 'pads of velvet quiet' show the tiger's beauty trapped in a cage. Its imagined life in the wild, 'sliding through long grass' and 'snarling around houses', contrasts with its caged pacing. 'Quiet rage' and 'ignoring visitors' convey its anger, and staring at 'the brilliant stars' shows its longing for freedom.
Important · 3 marks
16. Explain how the description of the hailstorm's damage reflects Lencho's sadness in 'A Letter to God': 'Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho's soul was filled with sadness.'
The bare trees and flowerless plants suggest emptiness and loss, mirroring Lencho's despair. The destruction of the corn, his only livelihood, is especially crushing. The desolate landscape is a metaphor for his inner state, emphasising the depth of his disappointment and hopelessness.
Important · 3 marks
17. Kitty was a trusted friend to Anne. Elaborate. (From the Diary of Anne Frank, 40–50 words)
Anne could express her thoughts freely to Kitty, her diary, without fear of rejection or ridicule. Writing to Kitty as a friend comforted her in her loneliness, gave her a private, safe outlet to work through her feelings and cope with her problems.
Important · 3 marks
18. How does Ogden Nash's 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' challenge the idea that people should conform to society's expectations? (40–50 words)
Belinda is shown as brave as 'a barrel full of bears', while the male pets boast but flee. Ink, Blink and Mustard act out of fear of being seen as weak, while Custard openly cries for a safe cage. Yet when danger comes, 'cowardly' Custard fights the pirate. The poem says everyone should be valued for their own strengths, not stereotypes.
Very Important · 6 marks
19. Evaluate the approaches of the baby seagull's mother and Amanda's mother in helping their children. Write a presentation draft of about 120 words comparing them. (His First Flight and Amanda!) Begin: One acknowledges that both parents, Amanda's mother and the baby seagull's mother, both… however, …
Points from the official scheme: - The seagull's mother pushes her son out of his comfort zone, believes he can fly, and uses a piece of fish as positive reinforcement; but she seems to ignore his fear and puts him at some risk. - Amanda's mother constantly corrects her habits, posture and hygiene. Though well-meaning, the nagging creates tension, makes Amanda feel she can never measure up and drives her into a fantasy world, hurting her self-esteem. - Comparison: the seagull's mother is more attuned to her child's abilities; Amanda's mother focuses on flaws, not strengths. Both mean well, but the best approach balances encouragement with sensitivity to the child's feelings.
Very Important · 6 marks
20. You are to speak to students from neighbouring schools on the resilience of the human spirit needed to overcome discrimination, with reference to the common themes of 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' and 'The Trees'. Write the speech in not more than 120 words. Begin: Good morning, everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature… End: To conclude, I'd like to say that … Thank you.
Points from the official scheme: - Overcoming discrimination: Mandela's experience of discrimination made him determined to fight it beyond race, class and gender. In 'The Trees', the trees, long confined and overlooked, break free; metaphorically, women emerging from suppression. - The effort needed for equality: Mandela's long struggle and imprisonment, and his view that true freedom means breaking mental chains too; the trees' struggle to free their roots and move out. - Resilience: Mandela's perseverance against great adversity inspires us; the trees, like oppressed people, grow and flourish again. - Conclusion: both remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the need to stand up for what is right.
Very Important · 5 marks
21. Read the extract from 'His First Flight' and answer the questions. With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space. Then a monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still. He could hear nothing. But it only lasted a minute. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, then under his stomach, and against his wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air. He was not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards. I. What effect does falling ('monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still') have on the seagull? A. exhilarates B. overwhelms C. energises D. confuses II. How does the author's descriptive language strengthen the narrative? (2 marks) III. 'Rushed' adds a sense of ______ (speed / relief). IV. How do the seagull's feelings at the end contrast with his first terror?
I. B. overwhelms. II. Phrases like 'monstrous terror' and 'the wind rushed against his breast feathers' vividly show the seagull's emotions and physical sensations, letting readers feel his experience and making it real and emotionally powerful. III. speed. IV. The first terror turns into exhilaration and freedom (excitement) as he finds he can fly.
Very Important · 5 marks
22. Read the extract from 'A Tiger in the Zoo' and answer the questions. He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage. I. Why does the poet say 'vivid' stripes instead of naming their colours? (2 marks) II. Fill in ONE word: The tiger's stalking suggests a ______ movement within the confines of its cage. III. How does the poet reinforce the contrast between the tiger's confined surroundings and its inner emotions?
I. 'Vivid' suggests intensity and liveliness: the stripes are not just distinct but vibrant and striking, pointing to the tiger's magnificence. II. restless. III. By using the word 'quiet' twice: his silent velvet steps hide the rage inside him.
Very Important · 5 marks
23. Read the extract from 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' and answer the questions. Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help! But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp, Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed. I. Examine how Blink is portrayed in these lines. (2 marks) II. Complete: 'Paled' implies that Belinda ______. III. What picture does 'Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household' paint? IV. What atmosphere do these lines create? (1) urgency (2) apprehension (3) uncertainty (4) mystery (5) aggression. A. 1 and 4 B. only 2 C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 4 and 5
I. Blink's retreat is quick and calculated: 'strategically mouseholed' shows his instinct for survival in the face of danger. II. recognised that she was in danger. III. A slow, silent escape: Ink creeps away cautiously, trying not to draw attention. IV. C. urgency, apprehension and uncertainty.
Important · 3 marks
24. How does people's ignorance about Mijbil in London reveal their perceptions and knowledge of animals? (Mijbil the Otter, 40–50 words)
Any two: it shows a general lack of knowledge about exotic animals; it reflects the disconnect from nature in cities, where people know pigeons and squirrels but not otters; and it offers a chance to educate people about wildlife conservation and responsible pet ownership.
Important · 3 marks
25. How does the trees' movement from the house to the forest in 'The Trees' reflect broader themes of liberation and growth in human life? (40–50 words)
The trees breaking free of the house represent the desire for freedom and independence. Moving towards the forest, a symbol of untamed nature, stands for self-discovery and new possibilities. It mirrors the human quest to escape norms and limits, and the growth that comes from embracing change.
Important · 3 marks
26. What does the postmaster's reaction to Lencho's letter reveal about his character? (A Letter to God, 40–50 words)
Any two: he is moved by Lencho's faith and responds with compassion, not mockery; he creatively plans to keep that faith alive; he gives his own money and asks his staff to help, showing generosity; and he respects Lencho's belief despite its innocence.
Important · 3 marks
27. Assess how 'Madam Rides the Bus' portrays the tension between the comfort of the familiar and the attraction of the unfamiliar. (40–50 words)
Valli longs to ride the bus and escape her everyday life. Her familiar street stands for safety and predictability; the bus stands for adventure and opportunity. Her struggle to step into the unknown effectively conveys the mixed feelings of leaving the known for excitement.
Important · 3 marks
28. Summarise the role of the parentheses in the poem 'Amanda!'. (40–50 words)
The bracketed lines separate the outside commands given to Amanda from her inner imaginative escapes. They highlight the contrast between her reality and her desires, showing her struggle between meeting expectations and seeking freedom through imagination.
Very Important · 6 marks
29. 'Dust of Snow' and 'Fire and Ice' both use contrasting elements of nature to say something about life and human emotions, but differently. Examine the differences. (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - 'Dust of Snow' uses images of lightness and calm (snow, the hemlock tree) to show that small moments of beauty can lift the human spirit. 'Fire and Ice' uses images of destruction (fire and ice) for the destructive power of desire and hatred. - Frost's speaker in 'Dust of Snow' responds with gratitude; 'Fire and Ice' evokes fear and reflection about the destructive forces in human nature. - 'Dust of Snow' is about small, unexpected moments bringing positive change to one person; 'Fire and Ice' suggests these inner forces can shape the fate of all humanity. - So one stresses beauty and renewal, the other the darker side of human emotion.
Very Important · 6 marks
30. 'For Anne Gregory' and 'The Sermon at Benares' both deal with the idea that external attributes are fleeting and subject to decay. Examine the similarities. (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - Both confront the short-lived nature of outward things. - In the poem, the speaker's view moves from admiring Anne's hair and face to valuing her inner qualities, showing that physical beauty is temporary. - In the sermon, the Buddha teaches that death is inevitable and life impermanent, urging listeners to accept that existence is fleeting. - Both suggest that outward attributes, whether beauty or life itself, fade, and encourage us to look for deeper truths.
Very Important · 5 marks
31. Read the extract from 'Two Stories About Flying' (His First Flight) and answer the questions. He just felt a bit dizzy. Then he flapped his wings once and he soared upwards. "Ga, ga, ga, Ga, ga, ga, Gaw-col-ah," his mother swooped past him, her wings making a loud noise. He answered her with another scream. Then his father flew over him screaming. He saw his two brothers and his sister flying around him curvetting and banking and soaring and diving. Then he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly, and commended himself to dive and soar and curve, shrieking shrilly. I. Contradict the view that the young seagull celebrated his first flight alone. (2 marks) II. Which best explains his experience as he starts flying? (a) He immediately mastered flying and was no longer afraid. (b) He gradually gained confidence and joined his family in the air. III. What can be inferred about his emotional state after flying with his family? IV. Classify into sound and movement words: (i) flapped (ii) shrieking (iii) swooped (iv) soared (v) screaming.
I. He did not celebrate alone: his mother and father flew past him, encouraging him, and his brothers and sister flew around him. His family's presence made it a shared victory. II. (b): it was not immediate, since he felt dizzy at first. III. He feels accomplishment and excitement; he forgets his old fear and enjoys soaring and diving with his family. IV. Sound: (ii) shrieking, (v) screaming. Movement: (i) flapped, (iii) swooped, (iv) soared.
Very Important · 5 marks
32. Read the extract from 'The Ball Poem' and answer the questions. He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, The epistemology of loss, how to stand up Knowing what every man must one day know And most know many days, how to stand up. I. Which emotions do 'desperate eyes' and 'epistemology of loss' convey? (i) despair (ii) anger (iii) frustration (iv) confusion (v) helplessness. A. i, iii B. i, iv, v C. ii, iii, iv D. iv, v II. What does 'how to stand up' suggest about the boy's emotional growth? (2 marks) III. Which phrase shows the poet's idea that loss is universal? IV. Complete: The loss of his ball symbolises ______ in life.
I. B. despair, confusion, helplessness. II. The boy is learning to face and cope with the pain of loss. He begins to understand that facing grief is part of life, which teaches him to recover from hardship and accept that loss is inevitable. III. 'most know (many days)' / 'what every man must one day know'. IV. the inevitable hardships (or his first encounter with grief / the passing nature of material things).
Very Important · 5 marks
33. Read the extract from 'How to Tell Wild Animals' and answer the questions. Or if some time when roaming round, A noble wild beast greets you, With black stripes on a yellow ground, Just notice if he eats you. This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern. I. What does the poet imply by calling the Bengal Tiger a 'noble wild beast'? A. It is majestic and dignified despite its ferocity. B. It is kind to humans. C. It is of royal lineage. D. It symbolises destruction. II. Complete: 'ground' in 'black stripes on a yellow ground' refers to ______. III. How does the poet use humour in describing the tiger? (2 marks) IV. Identify the phrase that is advisory in nature.
I. A. The tiger is majestic and dignified despite its ferocity. II. the background colour of the tiger's coat, which is yellow. III. He calls the tiger 'noble' but suggests you identify it by whether it eats you. This ironic contrast turns its dangerous nature into something amusing rather than frightening. IV. 'This simple rule may help you learn'.
Important · 3 marks
34. Otters are known for their peculiar behaviour. Support this with any two traits mentioned in 'Mijbil the Otter'. (about 50 words)
Any two: - Love of moving water: Mijbil overturned bowls and splashed until the water was always in motion. - Curiosity: he explored everything, even fumbling with taps to turn them on. - Juggling: lying on his back, he juggled marbles on his belly with great dexterity.
Important · 3 marks
35. How does the repetition in the poem 'Amanda!' highlight the speaker's expectations and Amanda's responses? (about 50 words)
The repeated commands, like 'Don't bite your nails', show the speaker's constant expectations and the pressure on Amanda, who has no freedom. In contrast, Amanda's imaginative escapes are not repetitive; they show her longing for independence, creating tension between outside control and self-expression.
Important · 3 marks
36. How can Nelson Mandela's vision of 'liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor' be applied today to address inequality and discrimination? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
Through dialogue, understanding and reconciliation between groups. Ending inequality means empowering marginalised communities and also changing the mindset of those who discriminate, breaking the cycle of hatred and prejudice. This two-way approach brings lasting peace and equality.
Important · 3 marks
37. How does the line 'and then moves on' show the passing nature of the fog and add to the poem's message about life's impermanence? (Fog)
Like the fog, which arrives quietly, stays briefly and disappears, many moments in life come and go without warning, often leaving a lasting impression. The image reinforces the idea that experiences are temporary, leaving behind mystery and reflection.
Important · 3 marks
38. How does Chubukov's reaction to Lomov's proposal reflect his priorities and values? (The Proposal)
He welcomes the proposal with relief and joy, not because Lomov loves Natalya but because marrying her to a neighbouring landowner brings benefits. His sudden affection ('my dear fellow') contrasts with his earlier suspicion, showing he values social status and economic security over real feelings.
Very Important · 6 marks
39. How do 'The Baker from Goa', 'Coorg' and 'Tea from Assam' help promote tourism and awareness of regional cultures and traditions? (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - These pieces showcase the unique culture, history and nature of each region, sparking readers' interest in visiting. - 'The Baker from Goa' highlights Goa's baking tradition, the baker's cultural role and the region's charm, attracting visitors to its heritage, food and relaxed lifestyle. - 'Coorg' presents beautiful landscapes, rich history, the Coorgi people's martial traditions, hospitality and closeness to nature. - 'Tea from Assam' shows Assam's tea gardens, scenery and the history of tea, inviting travellers to explore the estates and learn about tea growing. - Conclusion: such vivid descriptions encourage people to experience these places firsthand.
Very Important · 6 marks
40. 'The Trees' and 'A Tiger in the Zoo' share the theme of freedom and the desire to break free from domination. Examine. (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - The trees are trapped inside the house; their roots work free of the veranda cracks and they move towards the forest, longing to return to their natural state. The tiger is caged in the zoo, restless, longing to return to the wild. - The trees stand for natural growth and freedom from limits, physical or social. The tiger stands for the power of wild nature stifled by human confinement. - The trees' move to the forest is liberation from man-made boundaries and brings renewal; the zoo is oppression where the tiger's desire for freedom stays unmet.
Very Important · 5 marks
41. Read the extract from 'The Proposal' and answer the questions. Natalya: But what's this? Why, you're in evening dress! Well, I never! Are you going to a ball or what? Though I must say you look better… Tell me, why are you got up like that? Lomov: [excited] You see, honoured Natalya Stepanova… the fact is, I've made up my mind to ask you to hear me out… Of course you'll be surprised and perhaps even angry, but a… [aside] It's awfully cold! Natalya: What's the matter? [pause] Well? Lomov: I shall try to be brief: You must know, honoured Natalya Stepanova, that I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family… I. Which statement best explains Natalya's attitude in the opening lines? (a) She is genuinely surprised by his formal attire and sincerely admires it while seeking an explanation. (b) She mocks his dress with sarcasm to hide her anxiety. II. What do the ellipses (…) in Lomov's speech highlight? A. his struggle to put prepared thoughts into words B. his overconfidence C. his anxiety and emotional turmoil D. a lack of education III. Complete: Lomov is very formal with Natalya and prepares lengthy justifications because he ______. IV. How do stage directions such as [excited] and [aside] add to the dramatic tension? (2 marks)
I. (a): her compliment 'you look better' and her plain questions show genuine surprise and curiosity, not mockery. II. C. his anxiety and emotional turmoil. III. is nervous about proposing and wants to establish his worthiness and family credentials to win her approval. IV. [excited] shows his agitation behind his formal speech, the gap between outward composure and inner turmoil. [aside] lets the audience hear his private thoughts, making his nervousness visible, as in his remark that it is awfully cold.
Very Important · 5 marks
42. Read the extract from 'Amanda' and answer the questions. Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda! Remember your acne, Amanda! Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you, Amanda! I. Complete: The speaker links chocolate to acne, showing her concern about ______. II. What does 'look at me when I'm speaking to you' suggest about their relationship? A. The speaker's authority strongly influences Amanda. B. Amanda is defiant and the speaker feels disrespected and ignored. C. Amanda wants to listen but is distracted. D. The speaker is insecure about losing Amanda. III. Fill in ONE word: 'Will you please' suggests a ______ rather than a demand. IV. How do the repetition of Amanda's name and the exclamation marks shape the tone and mood? (2 marks)
I. Amanda's physical appearance and health. II. B. Amanda is defiant and the speaker feels disrespected and ignored. III. request IV. Repeating 'Amanda' shows the speaker's frustration and gives an insistent, nagging quality. The exclamation marks convey urgency and exasperation. Together they create a tone of frustrated concern and a mood of tension between the speaker and Amanda.
Very Important · 5 marks
43. Read the extract from 'The Trees' and answer the questions. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak. I. Complete: The word 'Listen' at the opening creates a sense of ______. II. 'Stumbling forward' suggests the trees' movement is: A. graceful B. deliberate and controlled C. unsteady and uncertain D. rapid and aggressive III. Fill in ONE word: the repeated image of 'breaking' suggests it is not destruction but a/an ______ part of any meaningful change or liberation. IV. How does the sequence of sensory experiences add to the meaning and impact? (2 marks)
I. immediacy (urgency). II. C. unsteady and uncertain. III. fundamental (or inevitable). IV. The sequence mirrors the transformation: it begins with the sound of breaking glass, intensifies with the struggling movement of the trees, and ends in the beauty of the flashing moonlight. Engaging several senses draws readers emotionally into the experience instead of merely informing them.
Important · 3 marks
44. How does the poem 'Fog' use the cat metaphor to describe the nature of fog? (40–50 words)
Fog arrives silently like a cat's quiet footsteps, settles, watches and then leaves without disturbance. The comparison gives fog cat-like qualities: mysterious, aloof and observant. It turns an ordinary natural event into something unknowable and suggests a link between living and non-living parts of nature.
Important · 3 marks
45. In 'Mijbil the Otter', the writer uses humour both to entertain and to criticise society's attitudes towards animals. Elaborate. (40–50 words)
Mijbil's struggles with the tap and his playful mischief entertain readers, while the absurd guesses of Londoners about what he is, and the labourer's indignant reaction, criticise human arrogance. People's insistence on fitting Mijbil into categories like 'rat' shows how disconnected humans are from the natural world.
Important · 3 marks
46. How does the hailstorm work as more than just a weather event in 'A Letter to God'? (40–50 words)
The hailstorm is the turning point that tests Lencho's faith. It destroys his crops and creates his crisis, but it also shows his unshakable belief in God and leads to the postmaster's compassion. The disaster reveals character and creates opportunities for human kindness.
Important · 3 marks
47. How is the message of 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' about not judging by appearances still relevant today? (40–50 words)
Today people are often judged by appearance, social media image or first impressions. Custard shows that true character appears through actions under pressure, not outward looks. The poem challenges our habit of making instant judgments about people's worth from limited information.
Important · 3 marks
48. Why has the writer included the legends of the Chinese emperor and Bodhidharma about the origin of tea in 'Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam'? (40–50 words)
The legends make tea's history human, not just facts and dates. They show how Chinese and Indian civilisations valued tea spiritually and medicinally, so its importance is cultural, not only commercial. They also make the narrative more engaging and memorable.
Very Important · 6 marks
49. Valli in 'Madam Rides the Bus' and the young seagull in 'His First Flight' both undergo personal transformation. Compare and contrast how the catalysts in these stories drive the change. (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - Both are protagonists who change significantly, but through contrasting catalysts. - The seagull's change is driven by biological necessity: hunger and isolation from his family force him to act, overriding fear. The catalyst is external and involuntary; starvation makes him dive and he discovers he can fly. - Valli's catalyst is internal: curiosity and a longing for independence and new experience. She has long watched the bus with fascination and plans her ride herself. - Yet both catalysts work the same way: they push the protagonist past fear to release hidden potential.
Very Important · 6 marks
50. 'The Ball Poem' and 'Dust of Snow' capture brief moments that teach lasting lessons. How do these poems suggest that momentary events can have a lasting impact? (100–120 words)
Points from the official scheme: - In both poems learning happens instantly. When the ball falls into the water, the boy understands at once that loss is permanent; when snow falls on the speaker, his mood changes immediately. - Berryman suggests the boy will remember this lesson about loss and responsibility for the rest of his life. Frost's speaker is also changed: the dust of snow saves the rest of his day, not just a few minutes. - Neither reasons it out step by step: the boy feels the loss deeply in one moment, and the speaker experiences beauty directly.
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