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Read the following extract… (Class 10 English 2024, Q7b)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2024, set 2/4/1 · 5 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 7(b)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/4/1, section C, 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-basedThe Tale of Custard the Dragon

Read the following extract and answer the questions.

Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

  1. (i)

    Comment upon the contrast that is reflected in the last two lines of the extract.

    1 mark
  2. (ii)

    Fill in the blank with one word. While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker says that they could chase lions down the stairs. By saying so, he is revealing the ____________ characteristic of their personality.

    1 mark
  3. (iii)

    Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines in about 40 words.

    2 marks
  4. (iv)

    Which of the following best describes the theme of the poem?

    1. (A)Bravery and heroism
    2. (B)Humility leads to bravery
    3. (C)Valour and diligence
    4. (D)Crisis reveals character
    1 mark

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/4/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Compare how Mustard and Custard react to danger in the last two lines.

Hint 2

For (iii), note the comparisons using 'as...as' and the repeated sounds.

Hint 3

For (iv), recall who actually faces the pirate in the end.

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 contrast is between Mustard, who is as brave as a raging tiger, and Custard, the dragon, who is expected to be fierce but cries for a safe cage. The dragon is more timid than the dog and the other pets.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) fearless (also acceptable: bold, daring, courageous).

    1 mark

  3. (iii) The language is simple and easy to follow. Similes such as 'brave as a barrel full of bears' and 'as a tiger in a rage' create vivid images. Alliteration ('Belinda...brave...barrel...bears') and the humorous description add to the ballad's playful rhythm.

    2 marks

  4. (iv) (D) Crisis reveals character. Custard, the supposed coward, proves brave when the pirate attacks.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) bold pets vs timid dragon; (ii) fearless; (iii) simple, similes, alliteration, humour; (iv) D

Where the marks are

  • Contrast between brave Mustard and cowardly Custard (1 mark)
  • One word: fearless (1 mark)
  • Language: simple words, similes, alliteration or humour, any two points (2 marks)
  • Theme: option D (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from The Tale of Custard the Dragon, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2024 board paper, set 2/4/1: 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.