CBSE Class 10 English (Lang & Lit) Question Paper 2025 Solved Code 2-1-1

SECTION A Reading Skills

1. [10 marks] Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions below:

(i) What is the tone of the writer in the given lines? Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
"Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties."
Paragraph (1)

(ii) Which of the following statements best describes the comparison made in the sentence?
"Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices."
(A) Gold and saffron have similar physical properties.
(B) Gold and saffron have equal monetary value.
(C) Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.
(D) Gold and saffron are both rare commodities in the global market.
Paragraph (1)

(iii) List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe.
Paragraphs (2) and (3)

(iv) Fill in the blank from the given options:
In the phrase 'backbone of several iconic dishes', the word 'iconic' refers to __________.
(A) delicately cooked
(B) widely recognized
(C) peculiar and rare
(D) strange and infamous
Paragraph (3)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves __________.
Paragraph (4)

(vi) State whether the following statement is True or False:
According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran.
Paragraph (5)

(vii) Which of the following statements best describes the reason for saffron's high retail value?
(A) Due to its magical or mystical properties.
(B) Because it can only be grown in specific regions.
(C) Due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and its relatively low yield per plant.
(D) Because traders, conquerors, and world explorers hoard it.
Paragraph (6)

(viii) Support the writer's view with evidence from the text that saffron is often adulterated.
Paragraph (7)

Answer (i) :

The tone is informative and objective. The writer presents factual information about saffron's historical use and medicinal properties without any emotional bias or personal opinion.

Answer (ii) :

(C) Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.

Answer (iii) :

Saffron is revered because it has been used since ancient times in royal and elite foods, and it forms the backbone of several iconic dishes worldwide. It also has strong aroma and unique flavour along with medicinal properties.

Answer (iv) :

(B) widely recognized

Answer (v) :

Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves hand-picking the delicate threads, drying them over charcoal fires, spreading them on trays, and forty hours of labour per kilogram.

Answer (vi) :

True

Answer (vii) :

(C) Due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and its relatively low yield per plant.

Answer (viii) :

The writer supports this view by stating that beetroot and pomegranate are used as adulterants to enhance the red colour of saffron. Additionally, because of its high price, adulteration is quite common. Silk fibres, oil or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered saffron is sometimes mixed with turmeric and paprika.

Teacher's Note:
Tone must be identified correctly with evidence from text / Comparison is about value, not physical properties / Any two valid reasons from paragraphs 2-3 / "Iconic" means widely recognized, not rare / Answer (v) needs at least two labour points / True-False requires checking paragraph 5 / Adulterants must be specific with examples

2. [10 marks] Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions below:

(i) What does the phrase 'luxurious qualities' in paragraph (2) tell you about the silk fabric? Write in 40 words with evidence from the text.

(ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below.
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

(iii) Justify the following statement:
Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation.

(iv) According to the passage, mention the top two countries that produce silk.

(v) "Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are important factors for the production of silk."
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.

(vi) Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text:
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is __________.

(vii) Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021.

(viii) Complete the sentence suitably.
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in __________.

(ix) With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk production is considered labour-intensive.

Answer (i) :

The phrase 'luxurious qualities' tells us that silk fabric is soft and smooth with a comfortable feel on skin. The text also mentions that silk absorbs and releases moisture, which makes it suitable for luxurious clothing.

Answer (ii) :

(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Answer (iii) :

This statement is justified because silk production requires labour-intensive cultivation and specialized knowledge from skilled artisans. Limited production due to natural factors like climate and availability of mulberry leaves makes silk rare. The meticulous process of careful selection for superior quality and the low yield add to its cost and rarity, making it a luxury product.

Answer (iv) :

The top two countries that produce silk are China and India.

Answer (v) :

One inference that can be drawn is that silk production is dependent on specific geographical and environmental conditions, which makes it limited and costly compared to other fabrics.

Answer (vi) :

Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it loses 20% of its strength when wet and also has moderate to poor elasticity. It can be weakened when exposed to sunlight and is easily attacked by insects if dirty.

Answer (vii) :

Karnataka produced the most amount of raw silk in India in 2021, while Uttar Pradesh produced the least amount.

Answer (viii) :

104 kg of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in the production of 1 kg of silk.

Answer (ix) :

Silk production is considered labour-intensive because it requires specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans and craftsmanship throughout the process.

Teacher's Note:
Question (i) needs 40 words with evidence / Question (iii) can reference labour-intensive process, limited production, or specialized knowledge / Weakness reasons include wet strength loss, poor elasticity, sunlight damage / States must match the passage data exactly / At least one specific labour reason required for (ix)

SECTION B Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

3. [10 marks] Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed.

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a letter.
'Thank you for ________ (consider) my application. I look forward to working in your organization.

(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
Ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water is salty ocean water and another two percent is trapping in the Earth's ice caps and glaciers.

(iii) Yukti and Sanjay had a conversation about going to a restaurant. Report Yukti's question.
"Does this restaurant serve good South Indian food?"

(iv) Read the dialogue between Amit and his sister Ananya, regarding her travel to the railway station.
Amit: Are you sure you can manage to go to the railway station on your own?
Ananya: Oh yes! I have already booked a cab.
Select the correct option to report the above dialogue.
Amit asked Ananya __________ to go to the railway station on her own. Ananya replied in the affirmative and said that she had already booked a cab.
(A) if she is sure she can manage
(B) if she was sure she could manage
(C) if she surely can manage
(D) if she was sure to managing

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence taken from a book about 'Birds'.
Each year, thousands of birds ________ (migrate/immigrate/emigrate) southwards to avoid the harsh winter, embarking on an incredible journey that spans thousands of miles.

(vi) Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from an agency's advertisement.
Tell us much about your project and we'll select suitable candidates for you to hire.

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line taken from an article about growing obesity.
Obesity in teenage children is a major concern between parents today.
(A) teenage | teenagers
(B) concern | concerns
(C) between | among
(D) today | now

(viii) Complete the given narrative with the correct option to fill in the blank.
Yesterday, Tanu walked to the park and ________ a breezy evening.
(A) to enjoying
(B) will enjoy
(C) enjoyed
(D) did enjoyed

(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence.
Bhawna: I finished the project yesterday.
Sohail: That's great! Are you going to present it tomorrow?
Bhawna told Sohail that __________. Sohail responded that it was great and asked if she were going to present it the next day.

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the notice on a school notice board.
We are pleased to announce that our Annual Sports Day ________ on 30th April, 2025 at the school playground from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(A) is held
(B) will be held
(C) had been held
(D) to be held

(xi) Complete the slogan on "Save Earth", by filling in the blank with the correct option.
Lets join hands, cultivate conservation, and ________ a greener tomorrow for generations to come.
(A) ensuring
(B) ensure
(C) ensures
(D) ensured

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in an air purifier's instruction manual.
The plug should fit upto the outlet. If it doesn't fit, do not force it in.

Answer (i) :

considering

Answer (ii) :

Error: trapping / Correction: trapped

Answer (iii) :

Yukti asked if that restaurant served good South Indian food.

Answer (iv) :

(B) if she was sure she could manage

Answer (v) :

migrate

Answer (vi) :

Error: much / Correction: more

Answer (vii) :

(C) between - among

Answer (viii) :

(C) enjoyed

Answer (ix) :

she had finished the project the day before.

Answer (x) :

(B) will be held

Answer (xi) :

(B) ensure

Answer (xii) :

Error: upto / Correction: into

Teacher's Note:
Complete 10 out of 12 only / All answers are one mark each, no partial credit / Gerund form required for (i) / Reported speech needs past tense shift and correct punctuation / Phrasal verbs and prepositions must be exact / Tense must match narrative time in each case

4. [5 marks] Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below:

(a) You are Soumya Hansal / Sumit Hansal living at F-32, Shanti Nagar, Vayugarh. Seeing the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in your town, write a letter to the MLA of your area, in about 120 words, suggesting the need for improving existing healthcare facilities and creating more "Wellness Centres" including a specialized hospital for children and women.

OR

(b) You are Risha Khan / Zuhaan Khan, the sports captain of Highrise Public School, New Line, Rai Nagar. You believe that games and sports are an integral part of a student's life. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, sharing your views on the importance of physical education and suggesting the need to establish a dedicated sports university, so that students can pursue and focus on their favourite sport.

Answer (a) :

F-32, Shanti Nagar,
Vayugarh
[Date]

The MLA,
[Area Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention to the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in our town. The existing medical facilities are insufficient to serve our growing population, forcing residents to travel long distances for quality treatment. This has resulted in delayed care and preventable health complications.

I respectfully suggest establishing more Wellness Centres across the town and constructing a specialized hospital dedicated to children and women's healthcare. These facilities would provide accessible, quality medical services and reduce the burden on existing hospitals.

I request your intervention to prioritize this urgent need and work towards improving our town's healthcare system.

Yours faithfully,
Soumya Hansal / Sumit Hansal

Answer (b) :

Highrise Public School, New Line,
Rai Nagar
[Date]

The Editor,
[Newspaper Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to highlight the importance of physical education in a student's overall development. Games and sports are not mere recreational activities but essential components that build discipline, teamwork, mental strength, and physical fitness. They keep students active and help them focus better academically.

However, many students lack opportunities to pursue sports seriously. I propose establishing a dedicated sports university that offers quality training and professional guidance. This would allow talented students to develop their skills and pursue sports at higher levels.

I urge the education authorities to consider this suggestion and support the development of sports infrastructure in our country.

Yours faithfully,
Risha Khan / Zuhaan Khan

Teacher's Note:
Format: sender address, date, recipient address, salutation, closing / 120 words approximately / Organize in three paragraphs: introduction of problem, reasons/suggestions, closing appeal / Use formal tone and vocabulary throughout / Spelling, punctuation, grammar count for one mark / Content requires two clear value points with relevant examples / Address must match character names given

5. [5 marks] Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below:

(a) In the past few years, the teaching-learning process has taken a leap and gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Today, it has become possible to learn not just by sitting in a physical classroom, but from anywhere. Given below is a chart depicting the differences between E-learning and Classroom learning. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of both, by selecting features that support your analysis.

E-learning vs. Classroom learning

• accessible anytime anywhere • same place, same time
• at your own pace • caters to the needs of the class
• no travel costs, saves time • transportation cost and time consuming

OR

(b) Read the given details of a computer.

* electronic device that can store and process information
* makes life easy and simple
* physical description — monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse
* computer technology used in all fields — education, medicine, commerce, entertainment

Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the description and role of computers in today's world.

Answer (a) :

E-learning and classroom learning offer different advantages and challenges. E-learning provides accessibility at any time and place, allowing students to learn at their own pace without travel costs, saving both time and money. However, classroom learning creates a structured environment where teachers can address the specific needs of the whole class. In contrast, e-learning requires self-discipline and can feel isolating, while classroom learning involves transportation costs and fixed schedules that may not suit everyone. Both approaches have merit: e-learning offers flexibility for busy individuals, whereas classroom learning fosters direct interaction and immediate feedback. The choice between them depends on individual circumstances and learning preferences.

Answer (b) :

A computer is an electronic device capable of storing and processing information, making life easier and simpler in today's world. Physically, it consists of a monitor, keyboard, CPU, and mouse that work together to perform various tasks. The significance of computer technology extends across all major fields - education has been revolutionized through online learning, medicine benefits from advanced diagnostics and research, commerce relies on digital transactions, and entertainment has been transformed by digital content creation. From banking to healthcare to entertainment, computers have become indispensable tools that shape modern society. Their ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately has made them central to progress and innovation across every sector of contemporary life.

Teacher's Note:
Use linking words like "however," "in contrast," "therefore." Include at least two value points from the given details. Maintain formal tone and check spelling, punctuation, grammar carefully. Keep exactly to one paragraph structure.

SECTION C Literature

6. [5 marks] Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b):

(a) Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho's soul was filled with sadness. When the storm had passed, he stood in the middle of the field and said to his sons, "A plague of locusts would have left more than this. The hail has left nothing. This year we will have no corn."

That night was a sorrowful one.

"All our work, for nothing."

"There's no one who can help us."

"We'll all go hungry this year."

(A Letter to God)

(i) Why were there no leaves left on the trees?
(A) The locusts ate them up.
(B) An earthquake had occurred.
(C) There was a hailstorm.
(D) The animals grazed on them.

(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets.
Lencho felt __________ (jubilant/devastated) when he saw his destroyed corn fields.

(iii) When Lencho says, "All our work, for nothing," what does he refer to? Explain in about 40 words.

(iv) Why would Lencho have preferred a plague of locusts to a hailstorm?

OR

(b) Later, he patted me on the head and said never mind, he'd teach me to cook. He also taught me to write my name and said he would soon teach me to write whole sentences and to add numbers. I was grateful. I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve.

It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the morning and then would take my time buying the day's supplies, usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.

(The Thief's Story)

(i) What does the following line tell us about the character of Anil?
"I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind."

(ii) Which of the following best describes the realization Hari Singh had while working for Anil?
(A) that he would become a rich person one day
(B) that Anil was a very intelligent master but a miser
(C) that he would be able to accomplish a lot if he gets educated
(D) that Anil made a lot of money from his job

(iii) What did Anil promise to teach Hari Singh, and how did Hari Singh feel about the opportunity to learn? Answer in about 40 words.

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets.
The narrator earned extra money by making a/an __________ (profit/investment) of about a rupee a day.

Answer (a) :

(i) Answer: (C) There was a hailstorm.

(ii) Answer: Devastated

(iii) When Lencho says "All our work, for nothing," he refers to the months of hard labour he and his family put into planting and tending the cornfield. The hailstorm has destroyed everything - the entire crop is gone. All their effort, investment of time and energy, and hope for a harvest have been wiped out in a single storm, leaving them with nothing to show for their work.

(iv) Locusts eat only the crops but leave some vegetation behind. A hailstorm, however, is far more destructive - it destroys not just the corn but also leaves on trees and flowers, stripping everything bare. Locusts would have left more behind for the family to salvage or use.

Answer (b) :

(i) This line shows that Anil was generous, kind, and casual about money. He was not strict or miserly, and did not mind if Hari Singh made a small profit from buying supplies. Anil's tolerance reveals his trusting and lenient nature.

(ii) Answer: (C) that he would be able to accomplish a lot if he gets educated.

(iii) Anil promised to teach Hari Singh to cook, write his name, write whole sentences, and add numbers. Hari Singh felt grateful for this opportunity because he believed that once he could write like an educated man, there would be no limit to what he could achieve in life.

(iv) Answer: profit

Teacher's Note:
In (a)(iii), explain both what Lencho meant and why the crops mattered. For (a)(iv), contrast the damage each causes. In (b)(i), identify the character trait shown by Anil's behaviour. For (b)(iii), include both what was taught and how Hari felt about learning.

7. [5 marks] Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b):

(a) "I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair."

(For Anne Gregory)

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The speaker addresses the person he is speaking to as "my dear" because __________.

(ii) The poet mentions "yellow hair". What is its significance in the context of the statement? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets.
The poet suggests that God's love in comparison to that of a human being is __________ (selfish/selfless).

(iv) As per the above extract, what attributes does God not love a person for? Select the correct option.
1. Wealth 2. Physical appearance
3. Intelligence 4. Inner qualities
5. Youth
(A) 1 and 4
(B) 3, 4, and 5
(C) 2 and 4
(D) Only 4

OR

(b) He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass

(A Tiger in the Zoo)

(i) Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract.

(ii) Fill in the blank with one word.
The tiger's stalking on 'pads of velvet' suggests a movement that is __________.

(iii) Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would best describe the feelings of the tiger?
(A) Calm and content
(B) Both subdued and angry
(C) Both frustrated and happy
(D) Both angry and famished

(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the first four lines of the given extract.
(A) The people along the sand
All turn and look one way
They turn their back on the land
They look at the sea all day
(B) Along the sand, the people
All turn and look one way
They turn back on the sand
They look at the sea all day
(C) The people along the sand
Look one way and all turn
Their backs on the land
They look at the sea all day
(D) The people along the sand
They turn their back on the land
They look one way
At the sea all day.

Answer (a) :

(i) The speaker addresses the person as "my dear" because it is a term of endearment and affection that shows he has a close, intimate relationship or deep feeling of care towards the person he is speaking to.

(ii) The "yellow hair" symbolizes physical beauty and outward attractiveness. The religious man uses this example to explain that humans often love others for such superficial qualities like physical appearance, whereas God's love is not based on these external features. The poem contrasts human attraction based on beauty with God's unconditional, selfless love that sees inner worth.

(iii) Answer: selfless

(iv) Answer: (C) 2 and 4

Answer (b) :

(i) One figure of speech is Oxymoron - found in the phrase "quiet rage." Quiet and rage are contradictory words placed together to show the tiger's suppressed anger and controlled fury within the confined space.

(ii) Answer: soft (or restless, stealthy, smooth, restrained)

(iii) Answer: (B) Both subdued and angry.

(iv) Answer: (B) Along the sand, the people / All turn and look one way / They turn back on the sand / They look at the sea all day. (This follows the AABA rhyme scheme like the original extract.)

Teacher's Note:
For (a)(i), explain why "my dear" is used - it shows relationship or care. For (a)(ii), connect yellow hair to physical beauty and show the contrast between human and God's love. In (b)(i), state the figure of speech name clearly and explain what it means. For (b)(iv), check that the rhyme scheme matches AABA (vivid/rage/quiet/rage).

8. [12 marks] Answer any four of the following five questions in 40 – 50 words each:

(i) Mandela in his speech says, "The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people." Explain the significance of the word "wound" as used by Mandela.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

(ii) 'Dust of Snow', by Robert Frost is a poem about nature and simplicity. Elaborate.

(iii) Explain the reasons for Rajvir's excitement on seeing the plantation and Pranjol's lack of enthusiasm.
(Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam)

(iv) Analyze how Wells employs humour, rhyme, and exaggerated traits to not only entertain, but also educate readers about various wild animals. Explain.
(How to Tell Wild Animals)

(v) Mijbil's transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson.
(Mijbil the Otter)

Answer (i) :

Mandela uses "wound" as a metaphor for the deep, lasting harm apartheid caused. It was not just physical injury but damage to people's dignity, spirit, and sense of humanity. Like a real wound, this pain left scars that take generations to heal, showing how deeply apartheid hurt the nation and its people.

Answer (ii) :

"Dust of Snow" shows nature's power to heal through a small, simple moment. A crow shakes snow from a hemlock tree onto the speaker, changing his mood from sadness to lightness. Frost teaches that we do not need grand events; even a tiny moment in nature can lift our spirits and bring joy.

Answer (iii) :

Rajvir was excited because the tea plantation's vastness and greenery were new and amazing to him. Pranjol felt no excitement because he grew up on a plantation in Assam, so the gardens felt ordinary to him. This shows how familiarity can make even beautiful places seem common.

Answer (iv) :

Wells uses humour and rhyme to make animal facts easy to remember. Each animal gets a witty description of its special features, like the lion's roar or the leopard's spots. By mixing jokes with real facts, Wells keeps readers entertained while quietly teaching them how to identify wild animals safely.

Answer (v) :

Mijbil's trip to England was a nightmare. He was packed into a tiny box, tore its lining from stress, and bolted down the plane in panic when released, scaring passengers. The author also struggled to book flights since most airlines refused pets. The whole journey was cramped, frightening, and traumatic for Mijbil.

Teacher's Note:
Keep each answer between 40-50 words; answer exactly four of five questions. Award 2 marks for content (include two value points) and 1 mark for expression (clarity, coherence). Use examples from the texts to support claims. Avoid padding or restating the question unnecessarily.

9. [6 marks] Answer any two of the following three questions in 40 – 50 words each:

(i) Analyze how Herriot uses Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey's relationship to comment on societal attitudes towards pets and the responsibilities associated with their care.
(A Triumph of Surgery)

(ii) Today reading books is on the decline because of the prevalence of electronic media. Contrarily, earth is saved by a 'Book' in the chapter "The Book That Saved the Earth". Elaborate.

(iii) Discuss the character development of Griffin, as he grapples with the repercussions of his actions and attempts to navigate a world, where his once extraordinary abilities have become a burden.
(Footprints without Feet)

Answer (i) :

Mrs. Pumphrey overfeeds and spoils Tricki without thinking of the harm, showing how owners often pamper pets carelessly. Her refusal to discipline him reflects a common mistake many pet owners make. Herriot uses this relationship to criticise thoughtless pampering and stress that real care means proper diet and exercise, not indulgence.

Answer (ii) :

Though reading is declining due to electronic media, this chapter shows a book's real power. Aliens invading Earth mistake nursery rhymes for true history and grow scared of human violence, so they retreat. The story ironically shows that books still hold great power to protect and influence us.

Answer (iii) :

Griffin starts out obsessed with power and control through invisibility, but slowly faces the results of his cruel choices. His special ability, once his pride, becomes a burden as the world rejects him. Through theft and violence, he finally confronts his mistakes, showing how ambition without ethics leads to suffering.

Teacher's Note:
Focus on any two value points from the marking scheme with textual support. Keep examples specific but brief. Check expression and coherence - ideas should flow logically. Avoid restating the question; jump directly into analysis.

10. [6 marks] Answer any one of the following two questions in 100 – 120 words:

(a) Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts.
(Amanda and Madam Rides the Bus)

OR

(b) In 'The Ball Poem', Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years on the basis of his race and colour.

Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts.
(The Ball Poem and Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

Answer (a) :

Both Amanda and Valli yearn for freedom but express it differently. Amanda feels suffocated by her mother's constant instructions and nagging about behaviour, etiquette, and appearance. She imagines escaping to the sea or becoming a mermaid, showing her desire to break free from parental control. The poem suggests that excessive restriction may breed disobedience and resentment in children.

Valli, an eight-year-old with no friends, dreams of exploring the world beyond her village. She meticulously plans and saves money for a bus journey to the city, achieving her goal through determination and courage. Unlike Amanda's fantasy, Valli takes concrete action to gain independence and experience adventure. Both characters represent the universal longing of the young to explore, decide for themselves, and escape restrictions imposed on them.

Answer (b) :

The Ball Poem teaches that loss and suffering are inevitable parts of growing up. The boy's lost ball represents material loss, but more importantly, it symbolizes life's larger losses. Berryman emphasizes that we must learn to bear pain and accept that nothing is permanent, a harsh but necessary lesson of maturation.

Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom recounts profound loss of freedom and human dignity suffered by Black South Africans under apartheid. Unlike the poem's individual loss, Mandela's suffering was collective and systemic. However, both texts connect loss with growth - the boy learns resilience through a small loss, while Mandela and his nation gained wisdom and democracy through their struggle against oppression.

The Ball Poem teaches acceptance of loss as inevitable, while Long Walk to Freedom teaches active resistance against unjust loss of rights. Both show that suffering shapes character and understanding, making them complementary explorations of how hardship transforms us.

Teacher's Note:
For 10(a): Include specific details from both texts - Amanda's fantasies and mother's control, Valli's bus journey and savings plan. For 10(b): Compare theme of loss but distinguish between personal/material loss and systemic loss of freedom. Ensure clear conclusion tying both texts together. Check grammar and punctuation carefully as this carries 1 mark.

11. [6 marks] Answer any one of the following two questions in 100 – 120 words:

(a) Horace ends up in prison only to regret that a man should not trust anyone blindly without finding out the truth. Do you think his own foolishness was responsible for his arrest? Give a reasoned answer.
(A Question of Trust)

OR

(b) Matilda's character embodies the journey of change or progression throughout the story, encapsulating the transformations she endured as a consequence of her experiences, trials, and engagements with other characters.

In the light of the above information, trace the transformation seen in Matilda's character in the story.
(The Necklace)

Answer (a) :

Horace's arrest was largely the result of his own foolishness combined with blind trust. He was already planning to steal from the safe when the lady in red approached him. Instead of verifying her identity or taking basic precautions like wearing gloves, he carelessly opened the safe for her, assuming she was the owner based solely on her claim.

Horace's detailed planning failed because he was unfamiliar with the actual owner and could be easily deceived. He left fingerprints everywhere and trusted a stranger without confirming facts. His imprisonment taught him a bitter lesson - that blind trust in anyone, no matter how convincing they seem, is dangerous. While the lady's deception was cunning, Horace's lack of caution and verification made him vulnerable. He regretted not investigating the truth before acting, realizing that foolishness born from gullibility was indeed responsible for his downfall.

Answer (b) :

Matilda begins as a vain, ambitious young woman born into a humble family but yearning for wealth and luxury. She feels trapped in her ordinary life and husband's modest position as a clerk. When invited to a grand ball, she borrows what she believes is an expensive diamond necklace to appear rich and glamorous, driven by vanity and a desire to impress others.

The loss of the necklace marks her turning point. For ten years, she and her husband work tirelessly to repay the cost. This hardship strips away her superficiality and teaches her humility. She becomes mature, grateful, and wise - appreciating simple living and her husband's devotion. The irony is revealed when she discovers the borrowed necklace was worthless costume jewelry. Her transformation shows that suffering can cleanse us of vanity and vanity-driven shallow values, replacing them with genuine understanding of what truly matters - honesty, hard work, and inner worth rather than external appearances.

Teacher's Note:
For 11(a): Acknowledge both foolishness and deception - show how his blind trust enabled the crime. Balance responsibility between himself and the lady. For 11(b): Trace clear progression from vanity to humility with the necklace loss as the catalyst. Emphasize the irony of the ending and what Matilda learns. Maintain 100-120 word limit and check spelling and punctuation.

Please click the link below to download pdf file of CBSE Class 10 English (Lang & Lit) Question Paper 2025 Solved Code 2-1-1