Skip to content

Read the given… (Class 10 English SQP 2024-25, Q6A)

questionbuddy.in/q/cbse-10-english-2024-25-sqp-q6a-extracts-loud-scream-fell-outwards

EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2024-25 · 5 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English sample paper 2024-25: question 6(A)

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2024-25, section D, question 6(A), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q6(A) · 5 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedTwo Stories about Flying

Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below.

With a loud scream he fell outwards and given downwards into space. Then a monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still. He could hear nothing. But it only lasted a minute. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, then under his stomach, and against his wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air. He was not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards. (His First Flight)

  1. I

    What effect does the experience, as described in the lines below, have on the baby seagull? ‘With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space. Then a monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still.’ Choose the most suitable option.

    1. (A)exhilarates
    2. (B)overwhelms
    3. (C)energises
    4. (D)confuses
    1 mark
  2. II

    How does the author's use of descriptive language enhance the narrative technique in the paragraph?

    2 marks
  3. III

    Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. The use of the word ‘rushed’ adds to a sense of ______ (speed / relief), in the extract.

    1. (a)speed
    2. (b)relief
    1 mark
  4. IV

    How does the seagull's feelings towards the end of the extract contrast with the initial feeling of terror?

    1 mark

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2024-25.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Which word means 'too strong to handle'?

Hint 2

Quote one descriptive phrase and say what it makes the reader feel.

Hint 3

Compare the first sentences with the last lines of the extract.

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) B, 'overwhelms': sudden terror seizes him and his heart stands still, which is more than mere confusion.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) Vivid phrases such as 'monstrous terror' and 'wind rushed against his breast feathers' convey the seagull's fear and physical sensations, so the reader experiences the first flight with him. This makes the narrative emotionally powerful and realistic.

    2 marks

  3. (iii) 'speed': 'rushed' suggests fast movement of the wind.

    1 mark

  4. (iv) Initial terror gives way to exhilaration, freedom and excitement as the bird spreads its wings and soars.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) B; (ii) descriptive language makes the fear and sensations real; (iii) speed; (iv) exhilaration/freedom replaces terror

Where the marks are

  • B overwhelms (1 mark)
  • Descriptive language shows emotion and sensation, increasing impact (2 marks)
  • speed (1 mark)
  • Terror contrasts with exhilaration/freedom (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Two Stories about Flying, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paperSample paper 2024-25: 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.