Question Bank

Class 10
Literature (First Flight)

A letter to God

1.Why did Lencho not want the money to be sent through mail?
2.Why was the family not really upset?
3.How does the story reflect the simplicity of rural life?
4.What deeper meanings or messages can be inferred from "A Letter to God"?
5.Why was Lencho angry when he received the letter?
6.What did the postmaster need to answer the letter? How did he collect it? How did Lencho
react to the help?

6marks

1.There are two kinds of conflict in the story, ‘A Letter to God’ –—between human beings
and
nature, and between human beings themselves. Illustrate these conflicts with your thoughts
2.The postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others mention those
values of the postmaster which you would like to emulate in yourself.
3.Show Lencho’s faith and confidence in God with examples from the lesson.

Nelson Mandela

1.Explain the term ‘the seat of white supremacy’?

2.What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing-in
ceremony?
3.Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheater formed by the Union
Building in Pretoria?
4.What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?
5.How had the military general’s attitude changed, and why?

6marks
1..“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
background, or his religion”. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of chapter, “Nelson
Mandela Long Walk to Freedom”.

2.Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for
the country’s political independence?
3.How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country
(i) in the first decade, and
(ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Stories about flying

 1. Do you think hunger was a good motivation for the young seagull in Two stories
about flying : his first flight?why or why not?

2.How were Seagull’s parents helping his brothers and sister to “perfecting them in the art of
flight”?
Diary of Anne Frank
3.What difficulties did the narrator face while flying in the storm?
4.I’ll take the risk? What is the risk? Why does the pilot of the old Dakota take it?
5.How did the seagull get over his fear of the water?
6.How did the seagull express his excitement when he saw his mother bringing food for him?

6marks
1.From the beginning to the end of the lesson the black aeroplane is a mystery. How?
2.Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into them.

Glimpses of India

1.What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

2.Why was the Baker’s furnace essential in a traditional Goan village?
3.Describe Coorg’s weather. When is it most pleasant for the tourists to visit Coorg?
4.‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this with reference to Assam.

6marks
1.How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India?
2.According to the text, Assam is said to be ‘tea country’. Do you believe that Assam has
some of the best plantations in the world that makes it a unique country?

Mijbil

1.What are some key experiences or adventures highlighted in the chapter?

2.How does "Mijbil the Otter" contribute to the overall theme of First Flight
3. “When you have pets like Mijbil around you, you can never get a dull moment.” Discuss.
4.Why did Maxwell get his mail after five days and what did he do to get it?
5.What, according to the writer, is the ‘ real play’ of the otter?

6marks
1.If you were in the place of the air hostess and the same incident might have happened with
you in the flight as happened with the lady on duty from Basra to London, how would you
handle the situation? Would it be any different?
2.In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored but people like the
airhostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What virtues do we find in the airhostess?
3.Why do you think the otter was not friendly at first with the narrator? Can you relate this to
the human nature as well?

Madam rides a bus

 1.Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
2.Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner.
3.What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?
4.Did Valli’s bus ride remain a secret for her mother and aunt?
5.Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?
6.What kind of a person was Valli?

6marks
1.‘As we chase our dreams, we often face obstacles that come as temptations.’ How did
Valli
deal and overcome the temptations she faced while trying to fulfill her dream of taking a bus
ride?
2.In such a fast moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do
you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
3.Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which
characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender age?

Sermon at Benaras

1.What is the nature of the life of human beings according to the Buddha? How are everyday
phenomena used by Buddha to explain the truth of life?
2.When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does
she get it? Why not?
3.Describe the life of Gautama Buddha before enlightenment.
4.Mention the incidents which prompted Prince Siddhartha to become a beggar.
5.Kisa compared human life to an inanimate object. What is it and why does she do so?

6marks

1.In ‘The Sermon at Benares’, Buddha teaches Kisa Gotami an important lesson about life
and
death. How does this story show that life is temporary, and how can this lesson help to deal
with modern problems and personal growth?

2.What did Buddha say about death and suffering? Explain by giving examples from the text.
3. “The world is afflicted with death eaters and d the Buddha. Expand this thought revising
Kisa Gotami’s experience when she a5,” Buddha for a solution.

Proposal

1.How does Chubukov appreciate ‘Squeezer’?

2. Why does Lomov wish to propose to Natalya?

3.Why do you think Natalya asked her father to call Lomov back when she heard that he had
come with a proposal?

4.What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?

5.What do you learn about Natalya from the play, ‘The Proposal’ ?

6marks

1.Natalya and her father both accused Lomov of telling a lie regarding the Oxen-Meadows
but when Natalya came to know that Lomov had come to propose her, she at once wanted
him back. This shows her selfishness. What traits of Natalya’s character are revealed here?
Do you like her
2.Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov when he comes to his house?

Poem-

Dust of snow

1.What is the underlying message for us in our hectic life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust
of Snow’
2.What was the reaction of the poet when the dust of snow fell on him?
3.What do the ‘Hemlock’ tree and ‘Crow’ represent? What does the dust of snow
metaphorically stand for?
6marks
1.
Positive attitude in life can make the world a better place to live in. Do you agree or disagree
with the reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’? Express your views.

2.Simple moment proves to be very significant and saves the rest of the poet's day from
being wasted. Explain the basis of the poem ‘Dust of Snow”.

3.Poets have great power of imagination. Robert Frost also explains his imagination very
well and proves that sometimes the bad symbols change into a boon. Discuss.

Fire and ice

1.Why does the poet of fire and ice hold those who favour fire?
2.What deep meaning does the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ carry in it?
3.What do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?
4.What does the poet think about the end of the world?

6marks

1.Discuss how extreme behaviour can hasten the end of the world with respect to ‘Fire and
Ice’.
 2.The poet presents two reasons which will lead to the destruction of the humanity. What
values do you garner from the two possible causes provided by him?

3.What do ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?

A tiger in a zoo

1.What should the tiger be doing outside houses?

2.The tiger in the poem A tiger in the Zoo has some obvious limitations. Describe them in
contrast to its natural habitat?
3.Why does the ''Tiger in the zoo'' look at the stars? What is he dreaming of?

6marks

1.Freedom is not important for us but also for the animals as emphasised in the poem,'Tiger
in the zoo."Describe the value of freedom for human beings and how it is important for the
growth of civilization and humanism as described in the lesson,''Nelson Mandela: Long walk
to freedom"
2.“Freedom can’t be bargained at any cost.” Compare Nelson Mandela’s interpretation of
freedom with that of the tiger in ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’.

How to tell wild animals

1.What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?

2.How does the Bengal Tiger look? What is so distinct about a hint?
3.Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?
4.How will you recognise the Bengal Tiger?
5.How will you recognise a chameleon?

6marks

1.‘Humour is the best medicine for every ailment in life’. Comment.

2.’Many animals can be identified according to the poets’ suggestion. Name the animals.
Which ones would you like to identify? Are there any lessons for us from this poem?
3.The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’. How
do you think we need lots of it in our daily life?

Ball poem

1.What does the poet mean by ‘All his young days into the harbour’?
2.In The Ball Poem, how does the ball symbolise the boy’s innocence?
3.In The Ball Poem, what lesson does the boy learn from losing his ball?
4.In The Ball Poem, if you were the boy, how would you feel after losing the ball?
5.How does The Ball Poem help us understand childhood?

6marks
 1.Why do you think the boy felt so sad about losing a ball? What does the ball represent to
him in ‘The Ball Poem’?
2.What life lesson do you think the boy learns from losing his ball in ‘The Ball Poem’? How
can this lesson help him in the future?
3.What could be other scenarios where the lesson of “The Ball Poem” applies? Can you
think of examples from your own life or others’ lives?

Amanda

1.How would life on a tower be different from life anywhere else for Amanda?
2.Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what all she did.
Identify and state the reasons for her decision.
3.Who was Amanda? What idea do you form her through the poem?
4.Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what all she did.
Identify and state the reasons for her decision.
5.How does Amanda is seen behaving when the poem starts? What does the
speaker ask her not to do?

6marks
1.Throughout the poem, Amanda is constantly day-dreaming. Describe her dreams in detail.
2.. Discuss the importance of proper upbringing with reference to the poem Amanda by
Robin Klein.

Trees

1.The forest undergoes tremendous transformation overnight. Discuss with reference to the
poem “The Trees”.
2.What does the poet compare their branches to?
3.Where are the trees in the poem? What do their roots, their leaves, and their twigs do?
4.In the poem “The Trees”, the poet compares the trees to “newly discharged patients”.
Highlight any two reasons for the same.
5.The trees have been shown to have human qualities in the poem. Justify the statement
with any two instances from the text.

6marks
1.The poem ends on a note of victory. Justify with reference to the literal and symbolic
meaning.
2.Why is the poet writing long letters? Why does she not mention the departure of the trees?
3.What message does Adrienne Rich want to convey through the Poem “The Trees”

Fog

1.What effect does the poet's use of personification in the poem Fog have on the readers?
2.How does the poet employ the double imagery of the fog and the cat?
3.Write the central idea of the poem “Fog”.
4.Stealth is an important aspect of fog. State any two instances from the poem “Fog” that
suggest the same.
5. Highlight any two characteristics of fog from its description in the poem and justify your
choice of characteristics briefly.

6marks
1.In the poem “Fog”, the poet features the fog as animated. If you had to write a similar
poem for one other natural phenomenon, which animal would you use to convey the
characteristics of that particular phenomena? Justify, in detail, your choice of animal
corresponding to it by bringing out similarities.

2. Do you agree with the poet’s comparison of fog to a cat or do you feel some other image
would have done.
justice to the poem?
Justify your answer by substantiating your claims with examples.

Custard the dragon

1. What does the poet want to demonstrate through the poem?

2. What does the poet want to express through the poem A tale of custard dragon?
3.Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem, ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
4.How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the death of the pirate?
5.Custard humbly accepts that other animals are braver than him. Give a reason to support
your stance that humility is a virtue worth possessing.

6marks
1.Bravery is spontaneous’ Explain with reference to the poem.
2.Custard though mocked for his cowardice, displayed courage and was the one who saved
the day in the end.
Pick a character from any of the units (lessons/poems) in First Flight, who displayed similar
characteristics, like Custard and overcame a troubling issue?
What similarities and differences do you find between the character and Custard?

Anne Gregory

1.What does Anne do when she is with friends?

2. What is the main idea conveyed in the poem Anne Gregory?
3.The advice given by elders is crucial to young lives. Explain in the context of the poem “For
Anne Gregory”.
4.Highlight the central theme of the poem “For Anne Gregory”.
5.The “yellow hair” is a symbol in the poem. Briefly support the statement with reference to
the poem “For Anne Gregory”.

6marks
1.The poet in the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we should give importance to the
inner beauty and not the physical appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem.
 2.Why do you think, the other speaker mentioned the old religious man and the text that
proves that only God can love Anne for herself alone?

(Footprint)

A triumph of Surgery

1.''Privilege often confuses actual needs for perceived ones." Evaluate this statement with
reference to Mrs. Pumphrey.
2.We are often over-indulgent towards people we care about. Explain with reference to the
story
‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
3.What made James Herriot expect a call from Mrs Pumphrey?
4.Do you think Tricki was enjoying his stay at the hospital

6marks
1.Excess of everything is bad. Comment in the wake of Mrs Pumphrey’s love for Tricki.
2.Pen down incidences in support of values one should inculcate from Mr James Herriot.
3.Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as their owners really well. Discuss.

Thief story

1.1.Why did Hari Singh not make friends?

2.Why did Hari Singh choose Anil to be his next victim?
3.Why did Had Singh not go to his friend’s house or a hotel just after he missed the train?
4.Why was the thief able to steal from Anil easily?
5.What are the different reactions of the people when they are robbed?
6.Why did Anil decide to pay Hari Singh regularly?

6marks
1.Anil plays a major role in the transformation of Hari Singh. Comment on the statement by
highlighting the values possessed by Anil which touched Hari’s heart and made him return to
his honest ways of earning his livelihood. Write in about 100-120 words.
2.Hari Singh didn’t confess that he robbed Anil. Did he lack the courage to do so or he really
wanted to maintain his relationship with Anil at any cost? Explain the values Had needed to
imbibe in about 100-120 words.
3.Who was Anil? How did he treat Hari Singh and how did it influence Hari’s life?
4.Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his
character?

Midnight visitor

1 How did Ausable make a fool of Max about the balcony?

2.How did Ausable kill Max without using a weapon?
 3.How and why did Max come inside Ausable’s room?
4.How was Ausable different from the other secret agents?
5.Why was Ausable confident that Max would never return?
6.Why did Fowler come to meet Ausable? Was he able to achieve his target?

6marks
1.With reference to `The Midnight Visitor’, do you think the presence of mind should be
developed and to what advantage? Elaborate highlighting the values possessed by Ausable.
2.Pride before a fall befits Max, who said: “I will get it back tonight.” Was he successful?
What lesson can be learnt from this?
3.Ausable was a successful secret agent. What qualities can be attributed to him? Give
some examples.

Question of trust

1.How did the lady spoil his plan?

2.How did the flowers cause him trouble?
3.What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he manage to fulfill his hobby?
4.How did the lady spoil his plan?
5.Why did the lady report to the police though she promised that she would not report to the
police?

6marks

1.Our sins never go unpunished. Horace Danby ultimately had to go to prison. This shows
that in
spite of planning a crime intelligently and carefully, a criminal cannot escape the law. Explain
with reference to ‘A Question of Trust’.
2.Describe the unexpected meeting of the young lady in red and Horace.

Footprints without feet

1.Why did Mrs. Hall try to be friendly with her strange guest?
2.Why did the police arrest Horace Danby be when he had not kept the jewels stolen from
the
safe at Shotover Grange?
3.What was the explanation of ‘mystery’?
4.What happened to Jaffers when he tried to catch the invisible scientist?
5.How did the visible man become invisible? What did he do then?

6marks
1.Would you do something wrong if you thought that the ends justify the means? Do you
think that there are certain situations where you can be excused for acting dishonestly?
2.Describe the burglary committed very early in the morning at a clergyman’s house in ping.
 3.What did Mr. and Mrs. Hall do when they found Griffin’s room wide open? Why were they
surprised?

Making of a scientist

1.Richard EBright is a scientist who is known for his discoveries that have had a positive
bearing on research and have been used for the larger good of society and humanity
whereas, Griffin is self absorbed and only thinks of himself, his privilege and comfort. How
does a lawless scientist become a curse to mankind?
2.How did Richard’s mother support his interests in science?
3.What lesson did Richard learn from his first science fair experience in seventh grade?
4.How did Richard’s participation in the Debating and Model United Nations clubs help him
as a scientist?
5.Why was Dr. Urquhart’s mentorship important for Richard Ebright?

6marks
1.Success is failure turned inside inside out.’ How does Richard Ebright’s journey from
science fair losses to international wins show this?
2.How did the book “The Travels of Monarch X” influence Richard Ebright’s scientific
journey?
3.Explain the significance of Richard Ebright’s first science fair experience and how it
motivated him.

Necklace

1.What happened at the ball? Was Matilda’s dream fulfilled?

2.What changes came into the life of the Loisel after borrowing money
3.What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin ?
4.Why was Matilda sad after the ball?
5.How did Loisel react when they realised that the necklace had been lost ?

6marks
1.The Necklace’ reveals that vanity is an evil. It may bring joy for a short period but ultimately
it leads to ruin. If you were placed in a situation similar to that of Matilda, what would have
you done ? Write your views
2.Contentment is a great wealth.’ Explain with reference to Matilda—the main character of
this story
3.How had Mme Loisel’s sacrifice all been in vain ?

Bholi

1.How does education play a transformative role in Bholi’s life?

2.Did Bholi enjoy her first day in school? What made her happy on this very day?
3.“God cannot be everywhere, so he created Mothers”. Do you think Bholi’s mother complies
with this statement? Give at least three reasons to support your answer.
4.How was Bholi different from the other children at home?
5.How did Bholi console her father in the end?
6marks
1.School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold girl. How did she save her
father from a huge expense and become his support in his old age?
2.What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her parents? Is it justified?
3.“Dowry is a negation of the girl’s dignity”. Explain this statement in the light of the story of
‘Bholi’.
4.“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” Discuss
this
with reference to ‘Bholi’.

Book that saved the Earth

1.Noodles avoids offending Think Tank but at the same time, he corrects his mistakes. How
does he manage to do that without upsetting his boss or getting punished?

2.How does Think Tank interpret the library found by his crew on Earth? Why does he ask
Omega
to eat a book?
3.What was Think – Thank reaction after reading the book?
4.How did the book save the earth?

6marks
1.‘Misunderstanding of cultural differences between various races can cause confusion and
conflict.’ Discuss with reference to the story, ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.
2.'Pride has a fall'. Justify this statement giving relevant points from how Think-Tank reacted
to the readings from Mother Goose.
3.Historian speaks highly about books. How can books help in averting a catastrophic
situation?