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Read the given… (Class 10 English SQP 2023-24, Q7.B)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2023-24 · 5 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English sample paper 2023-24: question 7.B

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2023-24, section D, question 7.B, for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q7.B · 5 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedFog

Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

(Fog)

  1. i

    In what way does the language used in this poem challenge traditional ideas of what poetry should be?

    1 mark
  2. ii

    What is the significance of the use of the word "little" to describe the fog in the poem and how does this word choice contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 words.

    2 marks
  3. iii

    Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.

    The lines from the poem tell us that the city is ______.

    1. (A)hilly
    2. (B)coastal
    3. (C)industrial
    4. (D)under-developed
    1 mark
  4. iv

    Identify the type of imagery used in the lines of the poem.

    1 mark

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2023-24.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

For (i), compare the plain words of this poem with ornate, heavily rhymed poetry.

Hint 2

For (ii), picture a small kitten and ask what feeling it gives.

Hint 3

For (iii), find the word in the lines that points to the sea.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (i) The poem breaks from traditional poetry, which often depends on elaborate rhyme and ornate metaphor. It uses simple, everyday words and a short free-verse form to create a vivid picture and a quiet mood.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) "Little" makes the fog seem gentle, soft and harmless, like a small kitten. It suggests quietness, innocence and vulnerability. This sets the calm, peaceful tone of the poem, with a touch of mystery as the fog arrives and leaves unnoticed.

    2 marks

  3. (iii) Option B, coastal. The word "harbour" shows the city lies by the sea.

    1 mark

  4. (iv) The imagery is visual and animal imagery: the fog is pictured as a cat with feet and haunches. This helps the reader see the fog and feel its silent movement.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) simple everyday language instead of complex rhyme and metaphor; (ii) 'little' suggests gentleness and innocence, giving a calm, mysterious mood; (iii) B, coastal; (iv) visual/animal imagery

Where the marks are

  • Explains how simple language challenges traditional ideas of poetry (1 mark)
  • Explains the significance of 'little' (1 mark)
  • Links 'little' to mood and tone (1 mark)
  • Chooses option B (1 mark)
  • Identifies visual or animal imagery (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Fog (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Fog, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paperSample paper 2023-24: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.