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Answer ANY FOUR of the… (Class 10 English 2024, Q8)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2024, set 2/1/1 · 12 marks · Short answer

CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 8

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/1/1, section C, question 8, for 12 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q8 · 12 marks · Short answerDust of Snow

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in 40-50 words each: 4×3 = 12

  1. (i)

    What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem 'Dust of Snow' initially? What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect? Comment.

    3 marks
  2. (ii)

    How far would you agree that one's positivity can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse circumstances?

    3 marks
  3. (iii)

    What makes Custard, the dragon look fearsome? Explain.

    3 marks
  4. (iv)

    Explain, why the speaker mentions God in the poem "For Anne Gregory".

    3 marks
  5. (v)

    What message might the Buddha's story hold for those who are in positions of power and privilege?

    3 marks

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/1/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Use the content points first, then organise them in 40-50 words.

Hint 2

Name specific images, features or ideas from the text for each answer.

Hint 3

Keep each answer to two or three clear points in simple, correct sentences.

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 poet's initial mood is one of depression and hopelessness. He uses the images of the 'hemlock tree', a symbol of sorrow and poison, and the 'crow', a bird associated with gloom. Together they create a sombre effect, until the dust of snow changes his mood.

    3 marks

  2. (ii) I agree that positivity brings brightness even in adverse times. A positive attitude helps people see opportunities where others see only problems. It gives hope and strength to keep trying, as the poet's mood is lifted by a small, unexpected moment.

    3 marks

  3. (iii) Custard the dragon looks fearsome because he has sharp teeth, spikes on top and scales underneath. His mouth is like a fireplace and his nose like a chimney, and he has daggers on his toes. These features make him look terrifying, though he is a coward.

    3 marks

  4. (iv) The speaker mentions God to show that human beings cannot see inner beauty and love only external beauty such as yellow hair. Only God looks beyond appearances. So Anne can be loved for herself only by God.

    3 marks

Answer: Any four of the five answers (i)-(v) may be attempted. (v) is given below.

Where the marks are

  • (i) Mood of depression and the images of hemlock tree and crow (3 marks)
  • (ii) Positivity helps in adversity, supported by two points (3 marks)
  • (iii) Dragon's fearsome features: teeth, spikes, scales, fireplace mouth, chimney nose, daggers (3 marks)
  • (iv) Humans see only external beauty; only God sees inner beauty (3 marks)
  • (v) The Buddha's story shows that death comes to all equally, so power and possessions should not control one (3 marks)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Dust of Snow (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Dust of Snow, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2024 board paper, set 2/1/1: 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.