Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper (2022) with Solutions

by Meenu Saini | Sep 16, 2024 | General | 0 comments

CBSE Class 10 English Chapter-wise Previous Years Questions (2022) with Solution

Class 10 English Question Paper (2022) – Solved Question papers from previous years are very important for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams. It works as a treasure trove. It helps to prepare for the exam precisely. One of key benefits of solving question papers from past board exams is their ability to help identify commonly asked questions. These papers are highly beneficial study resources for students preparing for the upcoming class 10th board examinations. Here we have compiled chapter-wise questions asked in all the sets of CBSE Class 10 English question paper (2022).

First Flight Book

Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India (Part 1 – A baker from Goa)

Q1. How did the baker become synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa? [30-40 words]

Ans. A baker is very important and essential for a Goan village. He does not merely represent a profession but a highly admired Portuguese tradition. His breads are essential on each and every occasion. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. A mother prepares sandwiches on her daughter’s engagements. Meals are incomplete without bakery goods. Bakery is an important part of Goan food and culture. The baker, known as Pader, enjoys the respect and love of the people. The children consider him their friend, companion and guide. They have continued their family profession. It is a highly profitable business. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the Goan village is absolutely necessary.

Q2. What does the writer recall about his childhood in Goa? [30-40 words]

Ans. The author reminisces his childhood days spent in Goa when the baker was a prominent part of their lives. He gives details of the Goan culture where bakery goods are an essential part of festivals and ceremonies. The baker visited each Goan house twice a day. Bakery was a profitable profession and a baker was treated as a friend, guide and companion. People would take a note of daily transactions with the baker and monthly payments were made to him.

Also See:

Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India (Part 2 – Coorg)

Q1. What attracts visitors to Coorg? [30-40 words]

Ans. Coorg is a complete tourist destination which offers something for everyone. Nature lovers can enjoy the tree canopy covered colonial bunglows, coffee plantations, walking trails and rolling hills. Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement provides a peek into Tibetan culture. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy water sports like rafting, canoeing. For wildlife lovers, coorg offers a diverse flora and fauna and adventure seekers can opt for birdwatching and spotting wildlife. The rich heritage and culture of Coorg attracts Historians. Those who are looking for a peaceful vacation can enjoy the calm, scenic beauty of Coorg.

Q2. Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills? [30-40 words]

Ans. Coorg is surrounded by hills. These are rolling hills because the slope is gentle and provides an expansive view of the area. The Brahmgiri hills give a panoramic 360 degree view of Coorg.

Q3. Why are Kodavus permitted to carry fire arms without licence? [30-40 words]

Ans. The Kodavus or Coorgis are fierce and brave race known for their courage and integrity. The most brave soldiers of the Indian Army, from the Coorg Regiment are a testament of this. Thus, they are allowed to carry firearms without licence.

Q4. Kodavus have contradictory traits. Support the statement with reference to the text. [30-40 words]

Ans. The Kodavus are well-known for their hospitality and are fierce too. These atre two contradictory traits. The race is known for being friendly and warm towards outsiders. Also, the men are extremely brave, and fierce warriors.

Q5. Describe the Climb to the Brahmagiri hills. [30-40 words]

Ans. The Brahmagiri hills are one of the rolling hills surrounding Coorg. The climb is adventurous and one can spot the varied flora and fauna. One gets a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg from the Brahmagiri hills.

Also See:

Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India (Part 3 – Tea from Assam)

Q1. What impressed Mr. Barua about Rajvir? [30-40 words]

Ans. Mr Barua was impressed by the fact that Rajvir had collected detailed information about the tea plantations of Assam. He knew about the flushes of tea, the seasons when they were plucked and he also had information about the development of tea as a beverage and medicine through the years.

Also See:

Chapter 7 – Madam Rides the Bus

Q1. As Valli, make a diary entry about your experience of riding the bus alone for the first time. [120 words]

As Valli, make a diary entry sharing your joys and disappointments during the bus ride. [120 words]

Ans.

Date: 21/08/2024

Dear diary

Today I fulfilled my long pending desire of taking a bus ride to the town. It was a great feeling! I was a bit nervous due to the presence of strangers and the over friendly conductor but I remained cautious throughout the journey. I did not get off the bus at the town and refused the offer of getting a cold drink from the conductor. My only wish was to enjoy the ride in the bus and I restricted my outing to it. I am glad that I behaved responsibly and did not give in to temptation. However, when the old aunt told me to sit on the seat, I was annoyed. I wanted to see the scene outside the bus, so I stood up but no one understands the other’s feelings. On the way back, the sight of a dead cow lying by the road put off my mood. The same cow had been running along the bus on our way to the town. Perhaps she was hit by a vehicle and the injury was fatal. I am sad to know that the poor cow is no more. Today’s bus trip was very enjoyable.

Bye diary.

Q2. Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age. Justify the statement with evidence from the text. [120 words]

Ans. Valli was only eight years of age but she was quiet responsible and mature. Valli fulfilled her desire of a bus ride in a well planned manner. She meticulously planned for it by gathering the information about distance, ticket money and fare. She was determined to resist any temptation that came in her way like buying peppermint, toys, or a ride on the merry-go-round in order to save sixty paise for the bus journey. She boarded the bus without anyone’s help. She did not like being called ‘Madam’ or ‘Child’. She refused a free treat by the conductor and did not talk to strangers. This shows her commanding, confident and self-dependent nature. This also shows her determination and maturity ahead of her age.

Q3. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time she was fearless and quite determined. Explain with reference to the text. [120 words]

Ans. In the story “Madam Rides the Bus,” Valli, an eight-year-old girl, displayed both sensitivity and fearlessness. Despite being sensitive, she was not afraid to pursue her desire to ride the bus. She gathered information about the bus by listening to conversations and asking questions, showing her determination. Valli also faced the temptation to spend her money on treats and toys but resisted it in order to save for her bus fare. When she finally boarded the bus alone, she showed fearlessness by refusing help, rejecting free treats, and not talking to strangers. These actions demonstrate Valli’s sensitivity towards her own desires and the determination and fearlessness she possessed to achieve them.

Also See:

Chapter 8 – The Sermon at Benares

Q1. How, according to Buddha, can one obtain peace of mind? [30-40 words]

Ans. Acceptance of the truth of life that humans are mortals and death is inevitable gives us peace of mind.

Q2. Grief is often seen as a measure of love. Justify your response to Buddha’s sermon. [30-40 words]

Ans. Buddha’s sermon does not undermine a mother’s love. I concur with the philosophy of life that Gautama Buddha has presented. People today have a lot to discover and move at the same pace as the rest of the world. People will experience stress if they don’t grasp the realities of life, which will negatively impact both their personal and professional lives. Humans must realise that everyone who is born will eventually have to pass away. Being depressed or crying over the loss serves no purpose. In such circumstances, people should maintain their composure and serenity. They ought to accept the facts and continue living.

Q3. “These sights so moved him that he at once went out into the world to seek enlightenment.” What were the sights that moved ‘him’? [30-40 words]

Ans. Prince Siddhartha felt very upset to see so much grief and sorrow in the world. He was so touched by seeing a sick person, an elderly person, a funeral procession, and a monk begging for alms that he made the decision to give up the world and pursue enlightenment.

Q4. Kisa Gotami admitted that she was being selfish in grief. Do you agree? Why/Why not? [30-40 words]

Ans. Selfishness means to think of one’s own interests, needs, and sufferings only, without any concern for others. Kisa was so deeply grieved by the death of her son that she did not realize the suffering undergone by others. It was a mother’s love that had blinded her. She could not see the reality of life but it is natural for anyone to be selfish at such times.

Q5. Why did Kisa Gotami become weary and hopeless? [30-40 words]

Ans. Kisa Gautami was deeply saddened by the death of her only son. She went to Buddha with her son, seeking a remedy to bring him back to life. Buddha asked her to get a handful of mustard seeds. He added a condition that the mustard seeds be from a house where no child, husband, parent or friend has died. Kisa Gotami went from house to house. She asked for mustard seeds but when she asked, “Has a son or daughter, father or mother died in your family?” There was no house in which no person had died. So Gautami was weary and hopeless.

Q6. How does Buddha bring about a different perspective in Kisa Gotami’s understanding of life? [120 words]

Ans. Kisa is seeking a cure for her lifeless son and is guided to the Buddha. Gautama realizes that the mother is not able to accept the death of her only child. Kisa seeks a medicine to bring her son to life. Gautama asks her to get a handful of mustard seeds from a house that has not lost a loved one. Kisa goes from door to door but is unable to find such a house that has not undergone the pain of losing a beloved to death. Thus, she realizes that death is the ultimate truth and feels that she had been selfish in her love for her son. Kisa accepted the truth and stopped grieving. She learned that a person who remains composed on the death of a kin obtains peace of mind. In such a way, Buddha brought about a different but meaningful perspective in Kisa Gotami’s understanding of life.

Also See:

Chapter 9 – The Proposal

Q1. Write a brief character sketch of Lomov. [30-40 words]

Ans. Lomov is a middle aged man of thirty five. He suffers from palpitations, cramps and benumbness of limbs. He is nervous and can’t speak and act like a calm and composed man. He comes to Natalya.s house with a proposal of marriage but soon forgets the real purpose of his visit. He picks up unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and on their respective dogs.

Q2. What was the objective of Lomov’s visit to Chubukov’s house? [30-40 words]

Ans. A wealthy landowner, Lomov, lived next door to Chubukov. He was a wealthy bachelor of 35 years looking to wed Natalya, Chubukov’s daughter. He thus arrived in the evening, nicely attired in a jacket and white gloves, to request Natalya’s hand.

Q3. Why did Chubukov misunderstand the purpose of Lomov’s visit? [30-40 words]

Ans. The intention of this play is to criticise the Russians’ excessive materialism. Because of Lomov’s formal dress, Chubukov misinterpreted the reason for his visit. Chubukov was led to believe that Lomov intended to borrow money when he too begged for assistance.

Q4. Why does Natalaya quarrel with Lomov? [30-40 words]

Ans. Natalya and Lomov are neighbours. Lomov approaches Natalya to make a wedding proposal. Natalya is unaware that he has come to ask her to marry him. She believes he came to lay claim to Oxen Meadows. She fights with Lomov over this specific topic. Then the two fight over the superiority of their dogs.

Q5. Write a brief character sketch of Natalya. [100-120 words]

Ans. Natalya is a young girl of twenty-five years. She is Lomov.s neighbour. Natalya is too smart for her age. She has a cunning mind and uses her presence of mind to go with the flow of situations and turn things in her benefits. She is a good house keeper and is not bad looking. She is still unmarried. Her father calls her a lovesick cat. She is educated but doesn’t seem so. Natalya is also very quarrelsome and abusive. She is ambitious too. When she learns Lomov had come to propose to her, she backtracks on her stand and agrees to Lomov.s argument.

Q6. Russian society emerges as an important character in the play, ‘The Proposal’. Support your answer giving instances. [120 words]

Ans. From the play, we get a glimpse of nineteenth-century upper-class Russian society. Firstly, we can observe that the society of the time placed great importance on wealth and social status. Lomov, the protagonist, is a wealthy landowner who is desperate to marry into a family of equal or greater social standing. This is evident when he states, “I am a large landowner, and I’m well off. And I need a wife, you know, to look after the house, and to be my companion when I’m bored.” Lomov’s desire to marry into a wealthy family is further emphasized when he tries to convince Natalya to accept his proposal by citing the financial benefits of their union.

Secondly, we can see that society was highly patriarchal, with women being expected to conform to certain ideals and expectations. Natalya is portrayed as a headstrong, independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. However, her behaviour is also restricted by societal norms and expectations. For example, her father insists that she marry Lomov, and while she initially resists, she ultimately gives in to his demands. Additionally, her behaviour towards Lomov is influenced by the expectation that she should be a demure and submissive wife, as she repeatedly tells him to “be quiet” and “stop shouting.”

In conclusion, “A Proposal” provides us with a window into the society of nineteenth-century upper-class Russia. Through the characters’ attitudes and behaviours, we can see that the society was highly focused on wealth and social status, patriarchal in its expectations of women, and characterized by a rigid class structure.

Q7. Natalya and her father Chubukov ‘turn around’ when Lomov puts his proposal in the open. As a reader briefly describe what you think of Natalaya and Chubukov from the play “The Proposal”. [120 words]

Ans. The Chubukovs are proud, short-tempered and opportunists. They look down upon their neighbours the Lomovs. Both of them speak abusive and taunting words in the argument with Lomov and try to get an upper hand. The daughter, Natalya enters into frequent arguments over trivial matters. Her father tries to be a good father and gets excited on getting a marriage proposal for his daughter. Earlier he had been detesting Lomov because he had a suspicion that the motive of Lomov’s visit was to seek money. On the contrary, he is instantly affectionate towards the suitor, Lomov when he comes to know that he is seeking Natalya’s hand in wedding. When Natalya comes to know about the wedding proposal, she screams to get Lomov back so that she can accept the offer and move forward with it. However, again she enters into an argument.

Q8. Write a character sketch of Lomov. [120 words]

Ans. Lomov was a young, unmarried man of thirty five. He was anxious to get married as he had already reached a critical age so he decided to propose to a girl in the neighbourhood. Lomov thought that she was a good housekeeper and was not bad looking. Further, she was unmarried. Lomov suffered from palpitations. He behaved as if he were eccentric. He was so eager to marry Natalya. But when he came to propose to her, he started quarrelling over trivial matters. He quarreled on issues like the ownership of Oxen Meadows and superiority of the pet dogs. He even abused Natalya and her father Chubukov while quarreling. He lacks self – confidence and keeps beating about the bush instead of starting matters clearly. He is childish, unintelligent and foolish who stubbornly keeps on arguing with the lady, who seems to be the only person he could marry.

Also See:

First Flight Poems

Poem 6 – Amanda

Q1. Ananda was blamed for a number of things. Mention any two. [30-40 words]

Mention any two issues over which Amanda was nagged and scolded? [30-40 words]

Ans. Amanda’s mother accused Amanda of slouching and not sitting properly. She was also scolded for eating chocolates that filled her face with acne.

Q2. As a reader do you identify with Amanda? How? [30-40 words]

Ans. The reader may relate to Amanda’s character since we are all caught in the human life cycle of having to comply with and carry out societal duties. Adolescent females are the ones who are most affected by these duties.

Q3. Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid? [30-40 words]

Ans. Amanda, who is often chastised by her parents for being lazy, imagines herself as a mermaid who lives a carefree, unrestricted existence on the gentle waves in the green sea. Amanda escapes from the daily nagging and reprimanding of her parents by using such fantasy.

Q4. ‘Amanda is alone but not lonely in the world she envisions.’ Give instances from the poem to justify. [30-40 words]

Ans. Amanda imagines herself to be various fictional characters in order to escape from the reality of her mother’s forced instructions on her. One such reference was her being an orphan. She imagined being an orphan who lives alone as she has no parents. For her this was better because she wanted to remain in herself rather than have such a nagging mother.

Q5. Amanda did not agree with the restrictions put on her. Give two reasons to support the statement. [30-40 words]

Ans. Amanda’s imaginative desire of escaping into a fantasy world where she is perhaps a mermaid, or Rapunzel or even an orphan show that she disliked the restrictions imposed on her.

Q6. ‘I am an orphan, roaming the street.’ Why does Amanda visualize this? [30-40 words]

Ans. In order to live a life free from interference, Amanda frequently flees reality and fantasises about becoming an orphan. Her parents’ behaviour bothers her. She is always being nagged. She longs for independence from her parents’ interference.

Q7. “Don’t bite your nails Amanda !

Don’t hunch your shoulders Amanda !”

What does this reflect about Amanda’s mother and Amanda? [30-40 words]

Ans. This indicates that Amanda is a repeated offender and is disobedient child. Her mother is also adamant and does not stop reprimanding her.

Also See:

Poem 9 – The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Q1. How did Custard prove ‘the cowardly dragon’ tag to be untrue? [30-40 words]

Ans. The dragon, Custard, initially commanded no amount of respect from Belinda and the other pets, on account of his cowardice. However, when the home was invaded by an armed pirate and everyone else fled for safety, the dragon viciously fought the pirate and ate him up. As a result, the other animals recognised his value, disproving the label of “the cowardly dragon.”

Q2. Why did everyone laugh at the realio, trulio dragon? [30-40 words]

Ans. Belinda, the little girl tickled the dragon quite cruelly to make it laugh. Seeing the dragon, reacting to the tickling, made all of them laugh.

Q3. How was Belinda’s behaviour with the dragon? [30-40 words]

Ans. Custard, Belinda’s dragon, has the reputation of being a coward because he cried for not having a safe cage. He was brutally tickled by her. When Custard ate the pirate and saved everyone, Belinda’s attitude toward the dragon changed.

Q4. How would you describe Custard the Dragon? [30-40 words]

Describe Custard the dragon. [30-40 words]

Ans. Custard was Belinda’s pet dragon. He was called Custard satirically because of his timidity and laziness. His big sharp teeth pointed spikes and thick dry scales gave him a scary appearance. He also had a big fiery red mouth and a nose that gave out smoke like a chimney.

Q5. Describe the pirate in the ‘Tale of Custard the Dragon’. [30-40 words]

Ans. The pirate gave off the impression of being a terrible and evil character who had come to hurt the animals. He had a wooden leg and a black beard. He had a little sword between his teeth and a handgun in his hand. He had a really menacing look on his face.

Q6. Why did the pirate ‘gape’ at Belinda’s dragon? [30-40 words]

Ans. The dragon snorted loudly and raced towards the pirate as soon as he saw him. The dragon’s ferocious response surprised the pirate. He was unable to control his response and gaped in horror and astonishment as he peered at the dragon.

Also See:

Deleted Poem

Poem – Animals

Q1. Walt Whitman in ‘Animals’ shows his preference for living with animals. Justify. [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet considers that animals are better than humans because they are self contained. They do not complain and weep for the wrong acts they do. They do not discuss and show pride in their duty towards god.No animal bows down in front of another animal.

Q2. Walt Whitman speaks of the human race with a tinge of sarcasm.

Which are the two reasons that you agree with? [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet claims that once upon a time, both people and animals shared the beautiful attributes of love, serenity, contentment, and simplicity. As time went on, people abandoned all such signs of morality. Even now, animals travel the path of great virtues. Instead, people have a maniacal need to own stuff that other animals do not.

Q3. What two attributes of the Animals please the poet? [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet is glad to see that animals never complain about their lot or circumstances; they show no difference between pleasure and suffering. Also, they don’t have any kind of falsehood.

Q4. ‘They do not sweat and whine about their condition’. What human trait does the poet condemn in these lines? [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet is rather taken aback by the fact that animals do not lament their plight and weep as people do. They have nothing to worry about as they eat and sleep comfortably. The animals are pure, and they don’t implore God to grant their wishes or seek forgiveness.

Q5. Do you agree with the poet Walt Whitman’s perception of animal life. Justify. [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet’s perception is justified and animals seem to be more simplified. They do not wear false faces, they do not cry over their wrong doings, they are patient, they do not bow in front of anyone. Animals are neither happy nor sad. They are not driven by materialistic goals.

Q6. Why does the poet wish to ‘turn’ and live with animals? [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet Walt Whitman expresses his wish that he can identify himself better with the animals, of their qualities of serenity and calm composure. So he intends to turn towards them, away from his human companions, since they have better values than those of the humans.

Q7. Mention any two reasons why Walt Whitman appreciates animals more than humans. [30-40 words]

Ans. The poet believes that animals are content and self-sufficient, he values them more than he does people. Compared to humans, they hold higher values. Animals are more comfortable in the poet’s opinion than people.

Q8. List any two things that animals do and humans don’t. [30-40 words]

Ans. Animals are peaceful and happy. They have wisdom. They never lack happiness and do not require material possessions. They continue to be unaffected by their happiness or suffering.

Also See:

Footprints Without Feet Book

Chapter 6 – The Making of a Scientist

Q1. What are the essential qualities for becoming a scientist, according to Ebright’s teacher? [30-40 words]

Ans. According to Richard’s teacher Mr Weiherer, a first rate mind, curiosity and the will to win are the attributes that make a great scientist.

Q2. What role did Ebright’s mother play in his success? [30-40 words]

‘A parent should try to be a companion to a child.’ Explain with reference to Richard’s mother. [30-40 words]

Ans. Ebright’s mother supported his education by taking him on excursions, purchasing telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting supplies, and other tools to help him pursue his hobbies. The Travels of Monarch X, a children’s book about monarch butterflies moving to Central America, was another gift she gave him. That allowed the enthusiastic young student Ebright access to the world of science.

Q3. How did Ebright get the idea of his new theory about cell life? [30-40 words]

Ans. In an experiment with a group of butterflies, Richard Ebright reared the eggs of female monarch butterflies. He also investigated the virus that caused an illness that wiped off all monarch caterpillars. Additionally, he looked for commonalities between Viceroy and Monarch butterflies. He was able to develop a novel explanation for the existence of cells because of his investigation of insect hormones.

Q4. Why did Viceroy butterflies copy the Monarchs? [30-40 words]

Ans. Monarch butterflies are not tasty to birds, unlike Viceroy butterflies. Viceroys defend themselves against the birds by emulating the Monarchs, therefore the more they resemble them, the less likely it is that they will become bird supper.

Q5. What did Ebright learn from his failure at the Science fair? [30-40 words]

Ans. He displayed slides of frog tissues under a microscope instead of doing actual experiments, Ebright’s seventh-grade project at the county science fair was not awarded any medals. He learned from this experience that if he wanted to succeed, he would need to perform legitimate tests rather than just put on a show.

Q6. Why did Ebright start a project of tagging butterflies? [30-40 words]

Ans. The last page of the book Travels of Monarch X, which Ebright’s mother gave him, contained an invitation. In order to analyse the migration path of monarch butterflies for his research, Dr. Fredrick A. Urquhart requested readers to tag butterflies. Therefore, Ebright put little sticky tags on the monarchs’ wings.

Q7. How was ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ a turning point in Ebright’s life? [30-40 words]

Ans. The gift of the book “Travels of Monarch X” from Ebright’s mother marked a turning point in his life. The book dealt with the migration of Monarch butterflies to Central America. The young and eager boy’s view of science was expanded by this new information.

Also See:

Chapter 7 – The Necklace

Q1. How did the necklace change the life of Loisel? [30-40 words]

Ans. Matilda borrowed an expensive looking necklace from her friend Mrs Forestier. However, she lost it and had to return her by buying a new one which cost a huge amount. The Loisels went in debt and the repayment took their entire life. They did odd jobs and gave away all their belongings. Thus, the necklace changed their life.

Q2. Matilda realised that one little act of negligence can lead to total ruin. What do you learn from this and how would you move on in life? [120 words]

Ans. This teaches us an important lesson that we must remain satisfied with whatever possessions we have. Being overambitious and exceeding our abilities to gain material wealth can have drastic repercussions as happened with the Loisels. In the story we see Matilda as an overambitious woman who is always dissatisfied with what life has to offer. When she is invited to a party, she is still sad for not having the perfect dress and jewellery. Then she loses the borrowed necklace which changes her life forever. They have to take a loan to buy a new necklace. The repayment of the loan makes them do odd jobs, change their house and thus, Matilda suffers even more than the life that she led initially. Thus, life teaches her a good lesson of satisfaction and contentment.

Q3. As a reader do you sympathise with Matilda? Give reasons from the text to support your answer. [120 words]

Ans. I think Matilda is one of the finest human characters that has ever been written. Matilda’s pride in her stunning appearance was her one shortcoming. But with humans, this is quite natural. Matilda was from a lower middle class household and chose to assume a position of deference even after marriage. She may not have allowed herself to wed a clerk if she had been very ambitious. It is tragic that her attractiveness was the root of all of her problems. She became firstly sad and dissatisfied because she was a materialistic woman. Second, she gave up her generally healthy existence for a life of struggle and hardship. She was proud, but not arrogant, because of her beauty. Finally, Matilda overcame all of her weaknesses, showed no remorse for her lost beauty, and emerged as the definition of a character.

Also See:

Chapter 8 – Bholi

Q1. Imagine you are Bholi and you have been invited to give a speech on the importance of girl education. Write the speech on ‘Girl Education and Empowerment’. [120 words]

Ans. Respected Principal, Judges, teachers and friends
The topic on which I will speak today is Girl Education and Empowerment. Since the time of human evolution, females have been given restricted to home. The woman is life-giver and nurturer and this leads her to be the child-bearer, provider of care and nourishment. However, the changing times require a female to be a self sufficient human being which necessitates her being educated and self dependant.

There has been an evolution in the realm of education of girl child. We see that several opportunities have been created to enable education of girls. The society is also accepting the idea of sending girls for higher education however, the matter of the safety of these girls has always haunted us. As a society, we have failed in providing a safe environment where the girl child can grow freely and fearlessly. Even today, the parents remain in fear when their girls venture out of the house for education. This has also marred the efficacy of empowerment of women because this constant fear creates a lack of confidence in their abilities.

As a close knit society, each member has to take the first step to create a safe environment and promote an equitable society. Thus, we can and we will lead our girls to education and empowerment.

Q2. After reading the story ‘Bholi’ you find her to be ‘a role-model’ for village girls. Discuss. [120 words]

Ans. The character of Bholi is a role model not only for the village girls but for all girls. There are many girls who are unwanted and neglected by the family. However, they are sent to school because the government has made primary education free of cost. The parents often send such girls to school in lure of getting free food. Once these girls reach the school, it is the role of the teachers who can shape their lives just like Bholi’s teacher did. Thus, every girl has a ray of hope and Bholi is a role model for them to become self dependant and confident.

Q3. The credit of Bholi’s transformation to Sulekha goes to her teacher. Elaborate with reference to the text. [120 words]

Ans. Bholi, a young woman with mediocre features and pock marks, was referred to as a simpleton and a stupid cow. She was forced to attend school, which ended up being a blessing in disguise. Her teacher helped her gain self-assurance. The knowledge she received in school equipped her with the tools she needed to think independently, speak out for herself, and view the world differently. For the sake of her father’s prestige, she consented to marry a mature man; but, when Bishambhar demanded money and began demeaning her father, she put up a fight and refused to wed such a despicable and greedy guy. She struggled for her pride and dignity by standing up for herself in the face of social dogmas and the patriarchal system. Sulekha, which means to write anything extremely well, was her name.

In the end, she proudly and dignifiedly wrote the chapter of her life that serves as an example for countless females of future generations. She lives up to her name Sulekha by developing into an intelligent, capable, and powerful lady.

Also See:

Deleted Chapter

Chapter – The Hack Driver

Q1. Describe the feelings of the young lawyer when he came to know the reality of the hack driver. [30-40 words]

Ans. The young lawyer was severely hurt. Both Lutkins and his mother were laughing at his foolishness. He felt as if he was a small boy and was foolish to have been conned by the clever duo.

Q2. How was the hack driver recognised? [30-40 words]

Ans. The lawyer was accompanied by a man who had worked with Lutkins in the past and knew him. As they reached the station, the lawyer pointed to the hack-driver as a fine man who had helped him on the previous visit. Then the companion told the lawyer that the hack-driver was none other but Lutkins himself.

Q3. Why was the narrator happy to go to New Mullion? [30-40 words]

Ans. The narrator disliked the dirty and dark aspects of city life. He believed that New Mullion will have some beautiful vistas. He was therefore glad to get there. To serve Oliver Lutkins with a summons, he went there.

Q4. How was Lutkins described by the hack driver? [30-40 words]

Ans. The hack driver informed the lawyer that Lutkins is difficult to apprehend and skilled at defrauding people. It is constantly dependent on something. He’d spent everyone’s money, even Bill’s, and hadn’t paid anyone a dime.

Q5. How did Lutkins impress the lawyer? [30-40 words]

Ans. When he travelled to New Mullion to see Oliver Lutkins, whom he had a summons for, Lutkins made friends with him in an effort to impress the lawyer. They visited Bieneke, Gustaffson, Gray’s barbershop, and then Lutkin’s residence. In this way Lutkins, the hack driver took the lawyer all around the village to search for Lutkins.

Q6. Why did the young lawyer dislike his job in the Law firm? [30-40 words]

Ans. Due to the fact that he was required to distribute summonses rather than draught legal pleadings, the young attorney loathed his work. He had to travel to seedy, dusky areas of the city to complete his work. He was also afraid that the witness might assault him.

Q7. Describe the young lawyer’s first encounter with the hack driver. [30-40 words]

Q8. Write a brief character sketch of the hack driver. [100-120 words]

Ans. The hack driver is a young man who looks more like a college boy than a professional, and he has an easygoing, affable manner that seems to put people at ease. He is a smooth talker who is adept at getting what he wants from people. He is charming and persuasive, and he has a way of making people believe that he is on their side. However, his appearance and personality are a facade, and underneath lies a devious and manipulative personality. Despite his apparent charm, Lutkins is not well-liked by most of the people he meets. He has a reputation for being a “shyster” or a “grafter,” and many people are wary of him. However, he is skilled at playing on people’s weaknesses and insecurities, and he is often able to get them to do what he wants.

Q9. Describe how Olives Lutkins made a fool of the young driver. [120 words]

Ans. Lutkins (Bill) was a very cunning man who cooked up a story for lawyer that Lutkins will run away if he saw a man dressed like lawyer enquiring about him. So, he suggested him to stay behind. It was Lutkins, who used to go into the various shops first, due to this no one could able to answer the real truth as he would come up with another story for the villager or may take them into his confidence. Even when they went to search Lutkin at his mother’s place he described his mother as very horrible and there also he introduced himself as bill the hack driver to his mother and informed her about the lawyer who was searching for Lutkins. This made his mother to help him out as she knew not to disclose anything to the lawyer.

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