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Answer any four of the… (Class 10 English SQP 2024-25, Q8)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2024-25 · 12 marks · Short answer

CBSE Class 10 English sample paper 2024-25: question 8

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2024-25, section D, question 8, for 12 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q8 · 12 marks · Short answerMijbil the Otter

Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. (4x3=12)

  1. I

    How does the ignorance about Mijbil as a creature in the urban environment of London reveal insights about people's perceptions and knowledge regarding animals? (Mijbil the Otter)

    3 marks
  2. II

    How does the imagery of the trees' movement from the house to the forest, in ‘Trees’, reflect broader themes of liberation and growth in human experiences?

    3 marks
  3. III

    What does the postmaster's reaction to Lencho's letter reveal about his character? (A Letter to God)

    3 marks
  4. IV

    Assess the narrative's effectiveness in portraying the tension between the comfort of familiarity and the allure of the unfamiliar in 'Madam Rides the Bus'.

    3 marks
  5. V

    Summarise the role of the use of parentheses in the poem ‘Amanda!’.

    3 marks

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

Recall the key incident or image in each text, then ask what it reveals.

Hint 2

Build each answer from two or three clear points in a logical order.

Hint 3

Keep each answer to 40-50 words and check spelling and grammar.

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) Mijbil and London: Londoners' ignorance of what Mijbil is shows how little most urban people know about exotic animals. Used to pigeons and squirrels, they cannot recognise an otter outside its habitat, so they form misconceptions. It also shows a need for awareness of wildlife and responsible pet keeping.

    3 marks

  2. (II) 'Trees': The trees leaving the house for the forest stand for the human longing for freedom and autonomy. The forest, a symbol of untamed nature, suggests self-discovery and wider possibilities. Their movement reflects people breaking free from norms and limits and growing by embracing change.

    3 marks

  3. (III) Postmaster: The postmaster is moved by Lencho's faith and responds with compassion, not mockery. He is creative, devising a plan to keep that faith alive. He gives his own money and persuades his staff to give too, so he is kind and generous. He respects Lencho's belief despite its naivety.

    3 marks

  4. (IV) 'Madam Rides the Bus': The story is effective in showing Valli's conflict. Her longing to ride the bus shows her yearning to escape her routine. The safe, familiar street contrasts with the bus, which stands for adventure. This creates tension between security and the thrill of the unknown, and her mixed feelings come across convincingly.

    3 marks

  5. (V) 'Amanda!': The parentheses separate the commands and scolding directed at Amanda from her own inner, imaginative world. They highlight the contrast between her reality and her desires. They also show her struggle between conforming to expectations and finding freedom through imagination.

    3 marks

Answer: Any four of the five answers (I-V) in 40-50 words each; all five are given above.

Where the marks are

  • Relevant content points for each answer (1 mark each)
  • Organisation: coherent, logical answer (1 mark each)
  • Accuracy: correct grammar and spelling (1 mark each; 1/2 deducted if more than 2 errors)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Mijbil the Otter (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Mijbil the Otter, 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.