Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions Set 3 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 3 with Solutions
Time : 3 hrs
Max. Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- 15 – minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
- The Question Paper contains Four sections-Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Grammar and Literature Textbook.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills [22 Marks]
Question 1.
Read the following passage. (12 m)
1. An urgent problem is now threatening libraries throughout the world. Their collections, which are crucial for diverse purposes as economic development, educational research and recreational pursuits are in danger of disintegration.
2. The problem is mainly due to one cause-the type of paper on which books have been printed for the past one and a half centuries. Until the 1850s, paper was produced from linen or cotton rags and proved to be relatively long-lasting. In the mid-19th century, however, the popular demand for paper and the commercial need for an economic method of production led to the use of mechanically ground wood pulp. Paper manufactured from wood pulp is highly acidic and therefore, inherently unstable. It contains lignin which causes paper to discolour and disintegrate.
3. Programmes are now being developed with two main aims in mind: on one hand, to improve the physical condition of library collections, especially by the process called ‘mass deacidification’ (to eliminate acid from the paper of published books and insert a buffer compound that will provide protection against future) and on the other, to transfer the contents of existing books to another medium.
4. Libraries will only be able to carry out these special tasks with the assistance of experts such as book conservators and high technology specialists. But, there is another group whose cooperation will be crucial, if the problem of decaying collections is to be arrested: the printing and publishing industries. The existing problem that of book collections already assembled in libraries is of vast proportions. It is intensified by the continuing use of acid-based paper in book publishing. The key issue is, how to preserve the books of the future, not simply those of the past.
5. If the future dimensions of the conservation problem are to be curbed, there will be a necessity of widespread adoption of paper which is of archival quality.
6. This change does not relate to a narrowly perceived need because the long-term preservation of library collections is important both for the overall social benefits they bring as well as for the special advantages they bestow on the printing and publishing industries.
7. In the first place, libraries are of critical importance to the well-being of citizens, since they provide the knowledge base of society. They contain the record of humanity, the accumulation of ideas and insights and discoveries on which social effort and progress are possible. The destruction of libraries would represent an immense cultural loss, a form of amnesia, which would affect every member of society.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Libraries can save their collections by ………………… (1)
(a) storing them in air-conditioned rooms
(b) laminating the pages
(c) creating a dust-free atmosphere in their premises
(d) widespread adoption of paper of archival quality
Answer:
(d) widespread adoption of paper of archival quality
(ii) Comment on the importance of libraries referred to in the paragraph one. (1)
Answer:
Libraries are important because they act as a knowledge base of the society which guides people in diverse situations including economic development and educational research.
(iii) List the two ways in which a book by Robert Frost could be saved from deterioration and loss. Answer in 30 – 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The two ways in which a book by Robert Frost could be saved from deterioration are
• Eliminating acid from the paper of the book and inserting a buffer compound that will provide further protection
• Transferring the contents of existing bopk to another medium.
(iv) According to the passage, linen or cotton rags were used as paper until the 1850’s. Based on your understanding of the passage, state whether you promote going to back to using them as paper. Give reason for your answer in 30 – 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The use of linen or cotton rags can be suggested considering they were long-lasting. However, even they will disintegrate over long periods of time. Hence, I do not suggest going back to using them. I would prefer if we find other sustainable alternative for paper.
(v) How can the tone of the passage be best described? (1)
(a) Informed concern
(b) Destructive criticism
(c) Derisive ridicule
(d) Helpless alarm
Answer:
(a) Informed concern
(vi) Which word conveys the opposite of’proceed’, from words used in paragraph four. (1)
Answer:
Arrested
(vii) The writer would agree with the given statements based on paragraph two, EXCEPT. (1)
(a) The paper produced from wood pulp is not everlasting.
(b) The paper produced from wood pulp is acidic in nature.
(c) The paper produced from wood pulp is still being produced.
(d) The paper produced from wood pulp is prone to discolouring.
Answer:
(c) The paper produced from wood pulp is still being produced.
(viii) Complete the given sentence appropriately. (1)
There was a need to produce mechanically ground wood pulp during the mid-nineteenth century because of ………………..
Answer:
the growing demand for paper and the commercial need for an economic method of production of paper.
(ix) Complete the give sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following. (1)
The writer finds the printing and publishing industries to be crucial in the cause of protecting libraries in order to ………………
Answer:
highlight that they need to use paper of archival quality so that books do not disintegrate in libraries and the knowledge base of our society sustains.
(x) State whether the given assertion is True or False. (1)
The most suitable title for the above passage is ‘Protecting Libraries.’
Answer:
True
Question 2.
Read the following table displaying the details of various rockets/ satellites.
|
Rocket/ |
Scientist Associated |
Organisation | Payload Used | Year of Launch | Destination |
Discoveries Made |
| Chandrayaan -1 |
Dr. K.
Radhakrishnan |
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) | Moon Impact Probe, Moon Impact Probe | 2008 | Moon (Lunar Orbit) | Water ice on the Moon, mapping of lunar surface. |
| Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) |
Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar | ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) | Mars Color Camera, Methane Sensor | 2013 | Mars (Mars Orbit) | Detection of methane on Mars, studying Martian atmosphere. |
| GSAT-6A | Dr. Vikram Sarabhai | ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) | C-band and Ku-band transponders |
2018 | Earth (Geostationary Orbit) | Enhanced communication capabilities in rural and remote areas |
| Cartosat-2 | Dr. U. R. Rao | ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) | High-resolution Earth imaging camera | 2007 | Earth (Low Earth Orbit) | High-quality satellite imagery for cartography, urban planning, and infrastructure development. |
| RISAT-1 | Dr. A. EJ. Abdul Kalam | ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) | Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) | 2012 | Earth (Polar Orbit) | All-weather, day- and-night Earth observation for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. |
Answer the following questions, based on the table above.
(i) Describe the primary objective of the Chandrayaan-1 mission and its significance for India’s space exploration program. [2]
Answer:
The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-1 mission was to explore the Moon. Its significance lies in its discovery of water ice on the lunar surface, a crucial finding for future lunar missions and potential lunar colonisation.
(ii) What was the purpose of the GSAT-6A satellite mentioned in the table? [1]
(A) Earth imaging
(B) Mars exploration
(C) Enhanced communication
(D) Asteroid observation
Answer:
(C) Enhanced communication
Explanation:
GSAT-6A was introduced to establish enhanced communication capabilities in rural and remote areas.
(iii) Explain how the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) contributed to our understanding of Mars and its atmosphere. [2]
Answer:
The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) contributed to our understanding of Mars by detecting methane in its atmosphere. This discovery has implications for the possibility of past or present life on the Red Planet.
(iv) “Chandrayaan-1 : Moon :: RISAT-1 : ……………….. [1]
Answer:
Chandrayaan-1 : Moon :: RISAT-1 : Earth.
(v) How do the objectives of Cartosat-2 and RISAT-1 differ, and how does this reflect their roles in Earth observation? [1]
Answer:
Cartosat-2 is primarily focused on high-resolution Earth imaging for cartography and urban planning. In contrast, RISAT-1 is designed for all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation, particularly for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
(vi) The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) played a crucial role in ……………… [1]
Answer:
Studying Mars’ atmosphere, especially the detection of methane, which has implications for understanding the potential habitability of the planet.
(vii) What significant contribution did RISAT-l make in the context of Earth observation, and how does it benefit disaster management and agriculture? 1
(A) RISAT-1 provided real-time weather data for crop planning.
(B) RISAT-1 offered high-resolution images for urban development.
(C) RISAT-1 facilitated global communication networks.
Answer:
(A) RISAT-1 provided real-time weather data for crop planning.
(viii) Match the following 1
Satellites/Rockets: Scientist Associated:
1. Chandrayaan-1 A. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
2. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) B. Dr. U. R. Rao
3. GSAT-6A C. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
4. Cartosat-2 D. Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar
5. RISAT-1 E. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Answer:
Chandrayaan-1 – A. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) – D. Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar
GSAT-6A – C. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Cartosat-2 – B. Dr. U. R. Rao
RISAT-1 – E. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Section – B
Writing Skills [22 Marks]
Question 3.
Write an email to the librarian of your college informing him that you have lost the book issued to you last week. (3)
You may copy the given template to write your email.
| From : | |
| To : | |
| Cc : | |
| Date : | |
| Subject: | |
Answer:
From : [email protected]
To : [email protected]
Cc : [email protected]
Date : 12th December, 20XX
Subject : Information about lost of the issued book
Respected Sir/Ma’am
This is to inform you that, I am XYZ, a student of Class Xth D, issued a book from the library last week. The book was to be returned tomorrow on 13th December. However, I have misplaced the book.
Hence, I apologize for the same and would like to request you to let me know the price of the book so that I may compensate for the loss.
Kindly understand and oblidge.
Thanking you
Yours obediently
XYZ
Question 4.
Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words of someone who has made significant contributions to the tech industry or who has developed groundbreaking technologies. [4]
Answer:
Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, has made extraordinary contributions to the tech industry. As the founder and CEO of SpaceX, he revolutionized space exploration by developing reusable rockets, drastically reducing the cost of reaching orbit. Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla, pioneered electric car adoption with cutting-edge innovations in battery technology and autonomous driving. His work on the Hyperloop and Neuralink further exemplifies his commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Musk’s relentless pursuit of sustainable energy and interplanetary colonization has left an indelible mark on the tech world, inspiring advancements that will shape our future.
Question 5.
A. Ecotourism means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people. The Ecotourism society of India works towards making India a preferred ecotourism destination. Write a letter to the Editor, in not more than 120 words, suggesting ways to strengthen ecotourism in our country. You may take help from MCB Unit: ‘Travel and Tourism’. You are Vikram Singh Rathore. (7)
Answer:
H. No. 243/ A, Central Park
Kolkata
29th August, 20XX
The Editor Deccan Herald
Kolkata
Subject Strengthening Ecotourism
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to throw light on the ways to strengthen ecotourism in our country. Ecotourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of tourism. To promote ecotourism in our country, we should not litter the environment and dispose of all the non-degradable waste such as empty bottles, tins, etc. in dustbins only.
We need to observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures. We should cut noise pollution in natural resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks. In case temporary toilets are set up near campsites, they must be covered with mud or sand after use. Further, make sure that such sites is away from the water source. Pollutants such as detergents should not be used while washing and bathing in streams. As a traveler, we should keep all these things in mind thereby strengthening ecotourism.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Vikram Singh Rathore
OR
B. You are Sujoy/Sujata of Nehru Colony, Indore. You recently visited Shimla with your family. You were perturbed to see thetourist throwing empty bottles and cans all over the place. Write a letter to the Editor of National in about 120 words expressing your concern and offering suggestions to improve the situation. Use the given cues with your own ideas to compose the letter.
| Ecor – Friendly Travel
• Create less waste • Dispose of garbage properly • 40% pollution increase during the tourist season • Do sustainable travel • Waste and pollution have far-reaching impacts on wildlife, the environment, visit on and communities, create – a clean and healthy vacation destination • Ecological Conservation – need of the hour |
Answer:
Nehru Colony
Indore
24th February, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Delhi – 110002
Subject Concerns over increasing pollution and waste during tourist season
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the increasing levels of pollution and waste during the tourist season. The realization of this concern dawned on me during my visit to Shimla with my family. It was disheartening to see tourists throwing empty bottles and cans all over the place, spoiling the natural beauty of a pristine hill station.
Tourism, today, has become an important source of income for many places, but it also has many J negative impacts on the environment. Waste and pollution have far-reaching impacts on the ecological balance of the region as it adversely affect all flora and fauna, communities, and the environment of the region. Hence, ecological conservation of the place is the need of the hour, We can create a clean and healthy vacation destination by following some easy steps and measures. First, we should encourage eco-friendly travel by promoting public transport, cycling and walking. Second, we should create less waste by carrying our reusable water bottles and avoiding single-use plastics. Last, we should dispose of garbage properly by using designated bins.
I believe that sustainable travel is the key to preserving the beauty of tourist destinations. We must ensure that tourism does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action towards ecological conservation and create a safe and healthy environment for tourists and locals.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Sujoy/Sujata
Question 6.
(a) Around you, you see people running behind money and materialistic happiness which causes a lot of stress in the people. As Chandan/Arya of class X, write an article in 150 for school magazine emphasizing the importance of living a balanced life away from materialistic distractions.
Cues
I. What does it mean to lead a balanced life, and why is it essential for our overall well-being?
II. How has the relentless pursuit of money and materialistic pleasures impacted our mental health and created a stress-ridden society?
III. What role do societal pressures and peer influence play in pushing individuals towards materialism?
IV. Are there any real-life examples of people who have found happiness and contentment by prioritizing experiences and relationships over material possessions?
V How can we strike a balance between achieving our financial goals and nurturing our emotional and mental health? [8]
OR
(b) Whenever our nation faces a threat or some major calamity happens, don’t we all stand together with a sense of emotional oneness to fight against evil forces and unnatural situations? Write an article for your school magazine to emphasise the spirit of unity in your nation. (150 words)
Cues
I. Rescue
II. Relief
III. Rehabilitation
IV. United we serve
Answer:
(a) Striking a Balance: The Pursuit of True Happiness -Arya, Class X
In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it’s evident that many people are relentlessly chasing after money and materialistic happiness. This pursuit, however, often comes at a significant cost – stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. I’d like to highlight the pressing importance of living a balanced life that steers us away from the distractions of materialism and guides us toward genuine happiness and fulfillment.
While financial stability is crucial, it should never be the sole focus of our existence. The ceaseless pursuit of wealth can turn into an insatiable thirst, leaving us perpetually dissatisfied. It’s essential to recognize that material possessions while providing comfort and convenience, can never guarantee lasting happiness. True contentment arises from nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Living a balanced life entails finding harmony between our professional and personal domains. It means carving out time for self-care, family, and friends while pursuing hobbies and passions that ignite our souls. By prioritizing experiences over possessions, we create lasting memories and connections that money can’t buy. Furthermore, as we invest in our personal growth and practice gratitude, we unlock a deeper, more profound form of happiness that isn’t dependent on external factors.
Mindfulness is another key aspect of balanced living. Instead of fixating on the past or worrying incessantly about the future, mindfulness encourages us to savor the present moment. By immersing ourselves in the now, we develop a profound appreciation for life’s small pleasures, fostering gratitude and contentment.
In conclusion, all of us must pause and reflect on our priorities. Money and material possessions have their place, but they should never eclipse the importance of our well-being and relationships. Let’s remember that genuine happiness emerges when we lead balanced lives, nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves while forging meaningful connections with others. By embracing this approach, we can transform our lives into ones defined not by materialistic pursuits, but by the pursuit of profound contentment and genuine fulfillment.
OR
(b) United We Serve: The Unbreakable Spirit of Unity in Our Nation -By Akansha
In times of crisis, our nation’s unity shines like a beacon of hope. When confronted with threats or calamities, we set aside our differences and unite with a sense of emotional oneness to combat evil forces and tackle unnatural situations.
The spirit of unity is most evident during rescue and relief efforts. Regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs, we come together to help those in need. It’s heartening to witness the selfless acts of ordinary citizens and first responders, all working towards a common goal – providing solace and support to those affected.
But our unity doesn’t end with rescue and relief; it extends to rehabilitation. We rebuild together, stronger and more resilient. Communities band together to restore what was lost, demonstrating that adversity can’t break our collective spirit.
“United we serve” is not just a motto; it’s a way of life. Our nation’s unity is a source of strength, resilience, and inspiration. It reminds us that when we stand together, we can overcome any challenge. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to each other and to our great nation.
In the face of adversity, our unity shines brightly, proving that together, we are invincible. This spirit of unity is a treasure we must cherish and nurture, for it is the very essence of our nation’s strength and resilience.
Section – C
Grammar Skills [10 Marks]
Question 7.
Complete tasks A – C, as directed.
A. Fill the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those given in brackets. (3)
The people in the restaurant seemed (i) ……………. (very/much/as) lonely as the place itself. Two men in untidy white shirts (ii) ……………… (sit/sat/sits) at the counter, staring wearily (iii) …………… (was/on/at) cups of coffee.
Answer:
(i) as
(ii) sat
(iii) at
B. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction against the correct blank number. The first one has been done as an example. (4)
Answer:
Incorrect Correct
(a) rushing rushed
(b) difference different
(c) before after
(d) comes out came out
C. Do as directed.
(i) Rearrange the following word clusters to make a meaningful sentence. (1)
communication/not matter/was slow/it did/between/different/when the/world/the parts/of
But in our times, the people feel the need for a common language.
Artificial languages are languages which emerge in experiments with humans.
They reflect the confidence we have in ourselves. But there is always need for a common language.
Answer:
It did not matter when the communication between different parts of the world was slow.
(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph given below. (1 + 1)
Customer : Why is the meal so sour?
Waiter : Nobody has complained for five days sir, about the meal.
Customer : What! Where is the Manager?
Waiter : He has gone to some other hotel to take dinner, sir.
One day a customer was taking dinner in a hotel. He asked the waiter why …………..(a)………. The waiter told him ……………..(b)………….. At this, the customer shocked and wanted to know where the Manager was. The waiter replied that he had gone to some other hotel to take dinner.
Answer:
(a) the meal was so sour.
(b) that nobody had complained for five days about the meal.
Section – D
Literature Textbook [26 Marks]
Question 8.
Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the three, given.
(A) When wasteful wars shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quickfire shall burn
The living record of your memory.
(i) What is the central theme of these lines? [1]
Answer:
The central theme of these lines is the enduring power of memory and how it can outlast even the most destructive forces such as war and conflict.
(ii) What literary devices are used in these lines? [1]
Answer:
The literary devices used in these lines include personification (Mars, the Roman god of war, is depicted as wielding a sword), metaphor (the “living record” of memory is compared to something that cannot be destroyed by fire or sword), and alliteration (the repetition of the “w” sound in “wasteful wars” and “work of masonry”).
(iii) What is the significance of the phrase “living record of your memory”? [1]
Answer:
The phrase “living record of your memory” refers to the idea that memories can endure and continue to exist even after physical monuments and records have been destroyed. It suggests that the impact a person has on others can outlast even the most destructive forces.
(iv) How do these lines convey a sense of hope? [1]
Answer:
These lines convey a sense of hope by suggesting that even in the face of war and destruction, there are things that cannot be destroyed. The “living record” of memory is presented as something that will endure, providing a sense of continuity and resilience.
(B) ‘Gainst death and all obvious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room,
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
(i) What is the central theme of these lines? [1]
Answer:
The central theme of these lines is the enduring power of praise and how it can outlast even death and enmity.
(ii) What literary devices are used in these lines? [1]
Answer:
The literary devices used in these lines include personification (death and enmity are depicted as entities that can be opposed), metaphor (praise is described as something that can “pace forth” and find room), and alliteration (the repetition of the “p” sound in “pace forth” and “praise”).
(iii) What is the significance of the phrase ‘your praise shall still find room’? [1]
Answer:
The phrase “your praise shall still find room” suggests that even in the face of opposition and adversity, praise and recognition will endure and continue to be acknowledged. It implies that the positive impact a person has on others will not be forgotten.
(iv) How do these lines convey a sense of hope? [1]
Answer:
These lines convey a sense of hope by suggesting that even in the face of death and enmity, there are things that cannot be destroyed. Praise is presented as something that will endure, providing a sense of continuity and resilience.
(C) “The voice of my education said to me
He must be killed,
For in Sicily the black, black snakes are innocent,
The gold are venomous.
And voices in me said, if you were a man
You would take a stick and break him now, and finish him off.”
(i) What is the conflict presented in these lines? [1]
Answer:
The conflict presented in these lines is between the speaker’s education and their inner voices. The speaker’s education tells them that the snake must be killed because it is venomous, while their inner voices urge them to take action and kill the snake if they were a man.
(ii) What do the black and gold snakes represent in these lines? [1]
Answer:
In these lines, the black and gold snakes represent innocence and danger, respectively. The speaker’s education tells them that in Sicily, black snakes are innocent while gold snakes are venomous.
(iii) How does the speaker’s education influence their actions? [1]
Answer:
The speaker’s education influences their actions by providing them with information about the nature of the snakes in Sicily. This information leads the speaker to believe that the snake must be killed because it is venomous.
(iv) What role do the inner voices play in these lines? [1]
Answer:
The inner voices in these lines represent the speaker’s inner conflict and urge them to take action. They challenge the speaker’s masculinity by suggesting that if they were a man, they would take a stick and kill the snake.
Question 9.
Answer Any Five of the following six questions in about 30 – 40 words each. (5×2=10)
(i) Why did Lavinia buy an Ouija Board? (A Shady Plot) (2)
Answer:
Lavinia bought an Ouija Board because she had found it to be the ‘luckiest, darling’ thing and had got it at a bargain sale. She supposedly bought it so that her husband Hallock could use it to get ideas for new stories but actually, the real motive behind her buying it was to have fun working it with her Book Club friends.
(ii) Why was the albatross called a Christian Soul? (The Rime of The Ancient Mariner) (2)
Answer:
The albatross was called a ‘Christian Soul’ because it was welcomed by sailors as Christ was welcomed in this world. Further, the albatross proved to be auspicious for the ship. As soon as it came, the wind started blowing, the ice split, and the ship could steer out into the ocean.
(iii) What are the three things that Grandfather plans to do on next Monday? (The Dear Departed) (2)
Answer:
The three things that Grandfather plans to do next Monday are
- Go to the lawyer and alter his will.
- Visit the Insurance Office and pay the insurance premium.
- Go to the church and get married to the Ring-o-Bells owner, Mrs Shorrocks.
(iv) How did the frog benefit in two ways? (The Frog and The Nightingale) (2)
Answer:
The frog benefitted greatly by using his crafty quality in a sinister way. First, he made a lot of money by exploiting the nightingale and charging entry fees at her concerts. Second, he treated the nightingale very cruelly by putting her to physical and mental torture. As a result, the nightingale died as her vein burst and the frog established his supremacy.
(v) “Give me my robe, for I will go.” Bring out the irony of Caesar’s decision in the light of what happens at the capitol immediately after he reaches there. (Julius Caesar) (2)
Answer:
Caesar feels that Calpurnia’s dream has been misinterpreted by her. He finds Decius Brutus’ interpretation of it more convincing and goes to the Senate House. His robe is pierced through and he is brutally assassinated there by the conspirators led by Cassius. Hence, his words prove to be ironic as he was murdered there, proving Calpurnia’s dream to be true.
(vi) What was the aim of the game Dragon Quest? (Virtually True) (2)
Answer:
The game ‘Dragon Quest’ was a very simple game. Here, the narrator had to rescue the fair princess Aurora who had been imprisoned at the top of a tall tower by the wicked dragon and collect his wicked treasures. During the game, he is also requested to rescue the knight Sebastian.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words.
(A) ‘Pride goes before a fall.’ Justify the statement based on the chapter Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger. [8]
OR
(B) ‘Only the bearer knows where the shoe pinches.’ Elucidate the statement about the story ‘The Letter’.
Answer:
(A) The statement “Pride goes before a fall” is indeed justified through the character of Mrs. Packletide in the chapter “Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger.” This story by Saki (H.H. Munro) exemplifies how excessive pride and vanity can ultimately lead to a person’s downfall.
Mrs. Packletide, a woman belonging to the upper class of society, is consumed by her desire to outdo her rival, Loona Bimberton. Her vanity drives her to attempt a dangerous and reckless act: killing a tiger during a hunting expedition, solely to make herself the center of attention and satisfy her ego.
However, her quest for superiority ends up in misery. She becomes a subject of mockery, as her motives are transparent to those around her. Moreover, she has to pay a substantial amount of money to arrange the tiger-hunting trip, which ultimately leads to financial losses. This highlights the consequences of her excessive pride and vanity.
The situation worsens when she is blackmailed by Miss Mebbin, who threatens to reveal the truth about the staged tiger hunt. Mrs. Packletide’s pride has left her vulnerable to exploitation, adding to her downfall.
In conclusion, the character of Mrs. Packletide in “Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger” exemplifies the age-old adage that “Pride goes before a fall.” Her insatiable vanity and desire to overshadow others lead to financial losses and her vulnerability to blackmail, ultimately resulting in her downfall. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive pride and the pursuit of superficial social status.
OR
(B) The statement “Only the bearer knows where the shoe pinches” is profoundly illustrated in the story “The Letter.” This phrase implies that we should always respect and empathize with the feelings and experiences of others because only they truly understand the depth of their pain or suffering.
In the story, Coachman Ali’s daughter gets married and leaves him. Initially, Ali is portrayed as a clever hunter who doesn’t seem to grasp the meaning of love and separation. However, when he experiences the pain of separation from his daughter, he comprehends the depths of his feelings, which he had previously overlooked.
As Ali shares his story with the people at the post office, they laugh and mock him, including the Postmaster, who treats him rudely and calls him a “pest.” This treatment reflects a lack of empathy and understanding on their part.
However, when the Postmaster himself faces the pain of separation from his own family, he realizes his mistake. He understands the depth of Ali’s suffering and regrets his earlier behavior. Now, he wishes to help Ali.
This transformation in the Postmaster’s attitude underscores the significance of the phrase. It highlights that one should never disrespect or disregard the feelings of others, as only the person experiencing a particular pain or emotion can truly understand its impact. ‘The Letter’ emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, teaching us that we should always consider the feelings of others before passing judgment or making assumptions about their experiences.