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Analyze, how the theme of… (Class 10 English 2026, Q11b)

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

CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 11(b)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/3/1, section C, question 11(b), for 6 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q11(b) · 6 marks · Long answerThe Necklace

Analyze, how the theme of appearance versus reality is developed in 'The Necklace' through Matilda's life choices and their consequences.

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

Begin with Matilda's dissatisfaction with her life.

Hint 2

Trace the ball, the lost necklace and the debt.

Hint 3

Link the final revelation to the theme.

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. Matilda belonged to a family of clerks but dreamed of the joys of the rich. She believed appearance defines happiness and success, and was unhappy with her life.

    1 mark

  2. She borrowed a necklace from Madame Forestier to look rich and elegant at the ball, but then lost it and took heavy loans to replace it.

    1 mark

  3. She faced harsh reality, working for ten years to repay the debt. Then she learned from her friend that the necklace was artificial, so appearance was false and her choices cost her youth and beauty.

    1 mark

  4. Expression: coherent, formal, well linked in 100–120 words.

    2 marks

  5. Accuracy: correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

    1 mark

Answer: Matilda chose show over reality; the borrowed, artificial necklace and ten years of misery reveal the theme of appearance versus reality.

Where the marks are

  • Matilda's belief in appearance (1 mark)
  • Borrowed necklace, loss and loans (1 mark)
  • Artificial necklace, harsh reality (1 mark)
  • Expression (2 marks)
  • Accuracy (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

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