Skip to content

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

questionbuddy.in/q/cbse-10-english-2024-2-3-1-q8

EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2024, set 2/3/1 · 12 marks · Short answer

CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 8

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/3/1, section C, question 8, for 12 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q8 · 12 marks · Short answerA Letter to God

Answer any FOUR of the following questions in 40-50 words each. 4 × 3 = 12

  1. (i)

    Explain the irony in the chapter, "A Letter to God".

    3 marks
  2. (ii)

    "During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide." What does this statement imply in relation to the character of the baker? (Glimpses of India)

    3 marks
  3. (iii)

    It is our attitude towards a situation that makes it positive or negative. Do you agree with it? Express your views with reference to the poem, 'Dust of Snow'.

    3 marks
  4. (iv)

    Belinda and other animals have been described as brave. But on seeing the pirate they behaved in a cowardly way. How did they react? (A Tale of Custard, The Dragon)

    3 marks
  5. (v)

    Flying is a natural act in birds. Then why was the young seagull 'exhausted by the strange exercise'? Justify the given statement with reference to baby seagull's fear. (His First Flight)

    3 marks

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/3/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Choose any four parts and write 40-50 words each with two clear points.

Hint 2

Use a specific detail from each text, such as the post office, the baker's visits, the crow and hemlock, or Belinda crying.

Hint 3

Keep each answer in one organised paragraph.

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 irony is that Lencho, who has complete faith in God, gets no help from Him. His crops are destroyed by hail. Yet the post office employees, whom Lencho distrusts and calls thieves, help him by collecting money for him.

    3 marks

  2. (ii) The baker was a friend because he joked and played with the children. He was a companion because he came twice a day and was part of their daily life. He was a guide because he took interest in the children and advised them on good behaviour.

    3 marks

  3. (iii) Yes, I agree. Attitude decides how we see a situation. In 'Dust of Snow' the crow and the hemlock are seen as gloomy images. But the dust of snow changes the poet's mood, lifts his sorrow and saves part of his day.

    3 marks

  4. (iv) On seeing the pirate, Belinda, though called brave, turned pale and cried. The dog, the cat and the mouse ran away and hid in fear. Only Custard the dragon fought and defeated the pirate.

    3 marks

Answer: Any four answered: (i) irony of faith in God and distrust of the post office staff; (ii) the baker as a sociable, regular, caring figure; (iii) agreement, since attitude changes the poet's mood; (iv) Belinda cried and the pets ran away and hid

Where the marks are

  • (i) Lencho's faith in God against his distrust of people who help him (2+1 marks)
  • (ii) Baker as friend, companion and guide with examples (2+1 marks)
  • (iii) Agreement with the poem's evidence (2+1 marks)
  • (iv) Belinda crying and pale, pets fleeing or hiding (2+1 marks)
  • (v) Fear and hesitation caused the exhaustion (2+1 marks)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: A Letter to God (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from A Letter to God, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2024 board paper, set 2/3/1: 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.