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How does the method of the… (Class 10 English 2026, Q10a)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2026, set 2/3/1 · 6 marks · Long answer

CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 10(a)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/3/1, section C, question 10(a), for 6 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q10(a) · 6 marks · Long answerTwo Stories about Flying

How does the method of the seagull's mother to teach her child to be independent contrast with Amanda's mother's constant nagging? Examine how this affects the emotional responses of the seagull and Amanda. ('Two Stories about Flying' and 'Amanda!')

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/3/1.

Hints

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

Hint 1

Compare indirect encouragement with direct commands.

Hint 2

Say how the seagull felt after flying and how Amanda felt under instructions.

Hint 3

Close with a statement on independence versus control.

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. The seagull's mother wanted her young one to be independent. She used an indirect method: she did not scold but withheld food and showed it from a distance, silently encouraging it to fly. She was concerned about its survival and trusted its instincts.

    1 mark

  2. Amanda's mother constantly nags and gives direct orders: 'Sit up', 'Don't slouch', 'Eat properly'. She is strict and controlling, concerned about appearance and manners, and her tone is demanding.

    1 mark

  3. Contrast: the seagull's mother built courage and autonomy with silent encouragement, while Amanda's mother restricted natural growth with constant instruction.

    1 mark

  4. Effect: the young seagull overcame fear, flew, and drew closer to the family. Amanda felt trapped and irritated and daydreamed of escape, wanting to move away.

    1 mark

  5. Expression: coherent, formal, linked paragraphs of 100–120 words.

    2 marks

  6. Accuracy: correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

    1 mark

Answer: The seagull's mother used indirect, silent encouragement, which built independence and confidence. Amanda's mother's constant nagging caused feelings of entrapment and rebellion.

Where the marks are

  • Method of seagull's mother with evidence (1 mark)
  • Amanda's mother's nagging with evidence (1 mark)
  • Contrast and effect on emotions (1 mark)
  • Expression (2 marks)
  • Accuracy (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 paper2026 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.