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Answer ANY FOUR of the… (Class 10 English 2026, Q8)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2026, set 2/1/1 · 12 marks · Long answer

CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 8

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/1/1, section C, question 8, for 12 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q8 · 12 marks · Long answerA Letter to God

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each: 4×3 = 12

  1. I.

    Lencho's last letter to God depicts astute faith on one level and irony on the other. Bring about the element of faith and irony in the situation. (A Letter to God)

    3 marks
  2. II.

    "Mijbil the Otter" sensitises human beings especially city people to wildlife. What emotions are conveyed through the association of Mijbil and Maxwell?

    3 marks
  3. III.

    What is the contribution of the extended metaphor in the poem "Fog"?

    3 marks
  4. IV.

    How does "Madam Rides the Bus" bring alive Valli's attributes and experiences through its narrative style?

    3 marks
  5. V.

    Explain why time is probably one of the most valuable possessions that one intensely regrets losing. (The Ball Poem)

    3 marks

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/1/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Use two points with a textual reference for each.

Hint 2

Write about 40-50 words.

Hint 3

Link each point to the theme asked.

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. Lencho's faith is astute, as he trusts God to help after the hailstorm and writes asking for 100 pesos. He never doubts the money will come. The irony is that he calls the post office employees, who helped him, 'a bunch of crooks'.

    3 marks

  2. II. Mijbil and Maxwell's bond conveys the warmth of friendship and the thrill of exploring wildlife. It evokes joy and a close connection with nature.

    3 marks

  3. III. The poet compares fog to a cat, making it mysterious and alive. 'Comes on little cat feet... sits looking over the city' humanises it. It also suggests nature's quiet, pervasive presence.

    3 marks

  4. IV. The anecdotal narrative follows Valli's bus journey and her talks with passengers. Vivid description shows her joy and awe. The irony and contrast of the dead cow incident show her growth from an innocent girl to a mature person.

    3 marks

  5. V. Time stands for childhood and memories, symbolised by the ball. Lost time cannot be recovered. The boy must take responsibility and accept loss as part of growing up.

    3 marks

Answer: Any four of the five answers above (each 3 marks).

Where the marks are

  • Two relevant points with textual evidence (2 marks each answer)
  • Clear expression (1 mark each answer)

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 paper2026 board paper, set 2/1/1: 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.