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(b) Discuss how the writers… (Class 10 English 2025, Q10b)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2025, set 2/3/1 · 6 marks · Long answer

CBSE Class 10 English 2025: question 10(b)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2025, paper 2/3/1, section C, question 10(b), for 6 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q10(b) · 6 marks · Long answerThe Tale of Custard the Dragon

(b) Discuss how the writers use language to create humour in the poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ and the play ‘The Proposal’.

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2025 board paper, set 2/3/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Consider the poem's funny words and reversed roles of brave and cowardly.

Hint 2

In the play, think of the quarrels and Lomov's fainting.

Hint 3

Join both with a linking phrase and stay within 100-120 words.

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. In 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' Ogden Nash creates humour through contrasting characters: the cowardly dragon Custard and the brave animals, such as the mouse Mustard. Exaggerated descriptions reverse expectations, since the 'brave' ones are timid and the dragon is a coward. Playful language like 'realio, trulio', rhyme, alliteration and a story-like narration add to the fun.

    3 marks

  2. In 'The Proposal' Chekhov combines wit, irony, exaggeration and word play to show human folly. The characters ridicule each other with sarcasm and repeated quarrels over the Oxen Meadows and the dogs, and the asides add comedy. Lomov's repeated fainting adds physical comedy.

    2 marks

  3. Expression and accuracy: coherent, correct language within 100-120 words.

    1 mark

Answer: Nash uses contrast, exaggeration and playful rhyme; Chekhov uses irony, sarcasm, repetition and physical comedy.

Where the marks are

  • Any three value points with at least one from each text (3 marks)
  • Expression (2 marks)
  • Accuracy (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 paper2025 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.