ICSE Class 10 English Literature Board Exam Question Paper 2018 with Solutions

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2018

SECTION A - DRAMA

The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare

Question 1
Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow:
Portia: Go draw aside the curtains and discover
The several caskets to this noble prince -
Now make your choice
Morocco: The first of gold, who is the inscription bears,
"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire";

(i) Who is Morocco? How did he introduce to Portia when they first met in an earlier scene? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Morocco or the Prince of Morocco is one of Portia's suitors who comes to Belmont to try his luck at the caskets.
2. He meets Portia in Act 2 Scene 1 for the first time and introduces himself by asking her not to mislike him for his complexion.
3. He assuages her by mentioning that despite his dark skin, his blood is as red as that of any other suitor and he is no less brave.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must note Morocco's opening line, "Mislike me not for my complexion," which highlights Elizabethan racial prejudices.
b) Ensure all parts of the question are answered to secure full marks in character introductions.

(ii) How would Morocco know that he had made the fight right choice? What would his reward be? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Prince would know that his choice is correct only when he opens the correct casket containing a miniature picture of Portia's likeness.
2. Finding the correct casket would allow the Prince of Morocco to marry Portia as his reward.
3. Marriage to Portia was the ultimate prize stipulated by her father's will for any successful suitor.

Teacher's Note:
a) The word 'fight' in the question paper is a typographical error for 'right'; students should answer based on making the correct choice.
b) Emphasize that the portrait inside the winning casket is the definitive proof of success.

(iii) Which casket did Morocco finally choose? What reasons did he give for rejecting the casket made of lead? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Prince of Morocco finally chooses the gold casket, assuming that the portrait of the most desired woman could only be within it.
2. He reviews the inscriptions and considers the lead casket not worthy of the gamble it offers.
3. He rejects the lead casket, thinking he would neither give nor risk anything for a trivial metal like lead.

Teacher's Note:
a) Morocco is blinded by external appearance and wealth, which leads him to choose gold over modesty.
b) Clear differentiation between why he chose gold and rejected lead is essential for scoring full marks.

(iv) What two Objects does Morocco find in the casket of his choice? What reason does he give to Portia for leaving in haste? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Morocco finds a skull (a carrion Death) inside the eye of the skull and a scroll bearing a message.
2. The scroll contains the famous proverb, "All that glitters is not gold."
3. He bids a quick farewell to Portia by saying that his heart is too grieved to take a tedious leave.

Teacher's Note:
a) The skull and the scroll symbolize the foolishness of judging by external appearances.
b) Students must mention both the physical object (skull) and the text/scroll to get full credit for the first part.

(v) How does Portia respond to Morocco's parting words? What does this reveal of her nature? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Portia responds by saying, "Let all of his complexion choose me so," displaying prejudice against people of his race.
2. Her comment dismissing him as a "gentle riddance" reveals her dislike and relief at his departure.
3. It shows that despite her obedience to her father's will, she shares the racial biases prevalent in Elizabethan society.
4. Her sharp remark highlights her wit and occasional harshness towards suitors she finds unappealing.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight Portia's underlying racism, which is often overlooked by students who view her purely as an ideal heroine.
b) Ensure both her exact parting remark and the psychological inference about her character are included.

Question 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Bassanio : Were you the doctor, and I knew you not?
Gratiaono : Were you the clerk?
Antanio : Sweet lady, you have given me life and living
For here I read for certain that my ships
Are safely come to road
Portia : How now Lorenzo!

My clerk hath some good comforts too for you.

(i) Where does this scene take place? What had Portia directed Antonio to give to Bassanio just moments before the above words were spoken? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. This scene takes place in Belmont, in the garden or avenue near Portia's house.
2. Portia had directed Antonio to give the wedding ring to Bassanio just moments before these words were spoken.
3. Antonio acts as the surety, handing the ring back to Bassanio as he had done previously with his wealth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note the spelling error in the question paper ('Gratiaono' and 'Antanio') which should be understood as Gratiano and Antonio.
b) Clearly specify Belmont as the setting to earn the mark for location.

(ii) Portia had just given Antonio, Bassanio and Gratiano a letter to read. Who had written this letter? What does Bassanio learn about Portia from this letter? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The letter was written by Bellario, a learned doctor of law from Padua.
2. Bassanio learns from this letter that Portia was the young doctor of law who saved Antonio's life in the Venetian court.
3. He also learns that Nerissa acted as her legal clerk during the trial.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Bellario explicitly as the author of the letter.
b) Emphasize the dramatic irony of Bassanio discovering his wife's disguise.

(iii) What good news Portia have for Antonio? How does he respond to it? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Portia hands over a letter to Antonio stating that three of his supposedly wrecked merchant ships have suddenly arrived safely in harbour loaded with wealth.
2. Antonio is completely overwhelmed and speechless upon receiving this miraculous news.
3. He expresses profound gratitude, noting that he has been brought back from financial ruin.

Teacher's Note:
a) This constitutes the comedic resolution where all losses are restored.
b) Students must describe both the news about the ships and Antonio's emotional reaction.

(iv) To whom does Portia refer as 'My clerk'? What good comforts does the 'clerk' have for Lorenzo? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Portia refers to Nerissa, her waiting maid disguised as a legal clerk, as 'My clerk'.
2. The 'good comforts' refer to a special deed or gift document from the rich Jew, Shylock.
3. The document stipulates that after Shylock's death, all his possessions and wealth will be bequeathed to Lorenzo and Jessica.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify Nerissa clearly as the clerk.
b) Ensure the inheritance aspect involving Shylock's will in favour of Lorenzo and Jessica is mentioned.

(v) How was Bassanio persuaded to give away the ring that Portia had given him at the time of their marriage? What does this reveal of Bassanio's relationship with Antonio? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bassanio was persuaded to give away his wedding ring when the young doctor (Portia in disguise) refused any other fee for saving Antonio's life.
2. Feeling deeply indebted and pressured by Antonio's urging, Bassanio relented and sent the ring through Gratiano.
3. This act reveals the profound and supreme bond of friendship and loyalty between Bassanio and Antonio.
4. It shows that Bassanio valued his friend's life and honour above his sacred marriage vow, though it later leads to dramatic conflict.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the conflict of loyalty between wife and friend.
b) Point out that Antonio actually persuades Bassanio to part with the ring, reinforcing their deep bond.

OR

Loyalties: John Galsworthy

Question 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Margare : Here the wind!
Winsor : What's the move now, General?
Canyange : You and I had better see the inspector in De Levis's room
Winsor. [To the others] if you'll all be handy. In case he wants to put
Questions for himself
Margaret : I hope he'll want me; it's just too thrilling
Dancy : I hope he won't want me; I am dog-tired. Come on Mobel.
[He puts his arm in his wife's]

Canyange : Just a minute, Charles.

(i) Who is Margaret? Why does she say 'Here's the wind!'? [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Margaret Orme is a young, free-spirited society woman and a guest at the Winsors' house.
2. She says 'Here's the wind!' referring to the arrival of Charles and Inspector Dede, who arrived rapidly on a motorcycle.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify Margaret correctly as a house guest.
b) Connect the phrase 'the wind' to the speedy motorcycle arrival mentioned earlier in the play.

(ii) Why does Canyange suggest that they see the Inspector in De Levis' room? What does Margaret find 'thrilling'? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Canyange suggests seeing the Inspector in De Levis' room because that is the exact location where the theft of the thousand pounds occurred.
2. Margaret finds the police investigation and ongoing police interrogation thrilling, treating the serious crime like an exciting hotel drama.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the crime scene location.
b) Contrast Margaret's callous thrill with the gravity of the accusation.

(iii) Who enters soon after? What had this person been asked to do earlier? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Treasure, the house butler, enters soon after.
2. He had been asked earlier by Wilson to bring Robert upstairs and check if the garden ladders had been moved.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name Treasure correctly.
b) State his errand regarding the ladder inspection clearly.

(iv) How does De Levis happen to have such a large sum of money on that particular day? What steps does he take to keep the money safe? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. De Levis had the large sum of money because he had sold his horse, Rosemary Filly (originally given by Dancy), to Kentman the bookie.
2. He keeps the money in a leather case inside his locked bedroom drawer.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the horse transaction with Kentman.
b) Note the safekeeping method in his room.

(v) Whom does De Levis suspect of having stolen his money? What leads Canyange to suspect the same person? What is Canyange's opinion of this person? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. De Levis explicitly suspects Ronald Dancy of stealing his money.
2. Canyange is led to suspect Dancy because he recalls that Dancy's coat sleeves were wet as if by rain on the night of the theft.
3. Despite suspecting him, Canyange initially defends Dancy, considering him to be an officer and a gentleman incapable of such a crime.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover all three parts: De Levis's accusation, Canyange's clue (wet sleeves), and Canyange's initial bias.
b) Highlight the social bias operating in favour of Dancy as an army officer.

Question 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

(i) Where is this scene set? What had Dancy just confessed to Mabel? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The scene is set in Ronald Dancy's sitting room.
2. Dancy has just confessed to Mabel that he is guilty of stealing the thousand pounds from De Levis and that he had to pay off a blackmailer.

Teacher's Note:
a) Set the location as Dancy's sitting room.
b) State the confession of theft clearly.

(ii) What had Dancy's lawyer suggested he should do? Why had he made this suggestion? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Dancy's lawyer had suggested that he flee the country to Morocco.
2. He made this suggestion because Dancy had been found legally guilty and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention flight to Morocco.
b) Connect it to the imminent arrest warrant.

(iii) How does Mabel express her loyalty to Dancy soon after he had made the confession? Who knocks at the door at this point? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Mabel expresses her loyalty by helping him to escape, offering to accompany him to Morocco, and promising to love him until he returns from prison.
2. Her loyalty is portrayed as extraordinary because she stands by him despite knowing he committed a crime.
3. At this crucial moment, Inspector Dede and the young constable knock at the door.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize Mabel's unconditional support.
b) Note the arrival of Inspector Dede and the constable at the door.

(iv) Who else enters the house? What sound do they all hear? Why does Mabel faint? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Margaret Orme and Colford enter the house from the passage.
2. They all hear the sharp sound of a gunshot coming from Dancy's dressing room.
3. Mabel faints because she realizes instantly that Dancy has shot himself.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify Margaret and Colford.
b) Describe the gunshot and Mabel's horrified reaction.

(v) What message did Dancy's letter contain? What is your opinion of Dancy at the end of the play? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Dancy's suicide letter, addressed to Colford, stated that killing himself was the only decent thing he could do to spare Mabel further suffering.
2. At the end, Dancy appears as a tragic, reckless character whose major flaw is his inability to face the consequences of his actions.
3. He exhibits an unscrupulous nature by stealing to pay off personal debts, yet retains a warped sense of honour in choosing death over public disgrace.

Teacher's Note:
a) Summarize the suicide note's content.
b) Provide a balanced character evaluation of Dancy as a tragic, flawed figure.

SECTION B - POETRY

A Collection of poems

Question 5
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"I'm grateful, Sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly a man my size so full of vim and zest
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."
(Small pain in my chest - Michael Mack)

(i) Where is 'he' when the narrator encounters him? Describe the scene around him. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. 'He' is lying wounded on the battlefield underneath a tree when the narrator encounters him.
2. The scene depicts a desolate battleground filled with dead soldiers and widespread bloodshed.
3. It is daytime, and the dying soldier is helpless, surrounded by the grim aftermath of intense fighting.

Teacher's Note:
a) Establish the battlefield setting accurately.
b) Highlight the visual imagery of death and bloodshed created by the poet.

(ii) What does 'he' ask the narrator for? What reasons does he give for his request? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The soldier asks the narrator for a sip of water from his canteen.
2. He reassures the narrator that a sip of water will heal him and make him feel better.
3. He explains that he has been fighting day and night without rest, leading to his exhaustion.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the request for water clearly.
b) Note the soldier's innocent belief that water will cure his mortal wound.

(iii) What does the narrator see when he looks at him? How do we know that 'he' is very young and completely unaware of the seriousness of his injury? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The narrator sees the brightest smile on the soldier's face despite his internal suffering.
2. We know he is young and unaware because he dismisses a fatal wound as merely a 'small pain in the chest'.
3. His innocence is further revealed when he asks if it is getting dark as he dies, showing he does not realize he is passing away.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the tragic irony of the soldier's bright smile.
b) Connect his understatement ('small pain') to his youthful naivety.

(iv) How does 'he' describe the battle that had been fought the night before and his role in it? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The soldier describes how they climbed a hill the previous night.
2. As they cleared the crest, an explosion occurred which caused the pain in his chest.
3. He states that he tried to find help amidst craters and dead bodies, kept firing, and fought his best until he was forced to sit down.

Teacher's Note:
a) Trace the narrative of the night battle as told by the soldier.
b) Highlight his relentless determination and bravery during the engagement.

(v) What feeling do you think the narrator must have experienced when he 'put' his arms around him? What is the central theme of this poem? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. When the narrator puts his arms around the soldier, he experiences deep grief, profound emotional pain, and overwhelming empathy.
2. He feels their wounds press against each other, making the soldier's physical pain resonate in his own heart.
3. The central theme of the poem is the futility, horror, and tragedy of war.
4. The poem highlights how young lives are senselessly lost on the battlefield, leaving behind enduring emotional agony for the survivors.

Teacher's Note:
a) Address both the narrator's emotional state and the poem's core theme.
b) Explain how the physical embrace symbolizes shared human suffering in anti-war poetry.

Question 6
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
I am going out rarely, now and then
Only, this is price of old age
But my health is O.K.
(The professor - Nissim Ezekiel)

I. Who is the speaker? What relationship did he share with the listener? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The speaker is Professor Sheth, a retired geography teacher.
2. The listener is a former student of Professor Sheth whom he meets by chance after many years.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the speaker as Professor Sheth.
b) Note the teacher-student relationship between the speaker and the listener.

II. How many sons does the speaker have? What does he say about them? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The speaker has three sons.
2. He boasts that two of his sons are well settled as a Sales Manager and a Bank Manager who own cars, while he dismisses the third son as a 'black sheep' who does not do well in life.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the number of sons (three).
b) Highlight the contrast he draws between his successful sons and the 'black sheep'.

III. What are the names of the speaker's daughters? Why does the speaker believe that his daughters are 'well settled in life'? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The names of the speaker's daughters are Sarala and Tarala.
2. He believes they are 'well settled' simply because they are married to 'nice boys'.
3. This reflects the traditional patriarchal mindset where a daughter's success is measured entirely by her marriage rather than her personal achievements or career.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name both daughters correctly.
b) Critically evaluate the definition of 'well settled' in the context of Indian societal norms depicted in the poem.

IV. How old is the speaker? Why does he say that his health is 'OK'? What reason does he give to explain his state of health? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The speaker is sixty-nine years old.
2. He says his health is 'OK' because he suffers from no major illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart trouble.
3. He attributes his good health to his sound habits and disciplined lifestyle during his youth.

Teacher's Note:
a) State his age and health status clearly.
b) Mention youthful habits as the reason for his current fitness.

V. What characteristics typical of Indian speech and thought does the poet make fun of through this poem? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The poet makes fun of the Indian tendency to boast endlessly about family achievements, material possessions, and children's jobs.
2. He satirizes the obsessive preoccupation with social status, such as counting grandchildren and categorizing children into successful ones and black sheep.
3. The poem also mocks Indian English speech mannerisms, colloquial phrasing, and the habit of speaking incessantly without pausing.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the satirical elements targeting middle-class Indian values.
b) Mention both conversational quirks and societal obsessions like materialism and marriage.

SECTION C - PROSE

Answer one or both questions from only ONE book you have studied, either A collection of short stories or Animal Farm or To Sir with Love

A Collection of Short stories

Question 7
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Sher Singh could feel immediately the heat of the boy's body burning through the cotton cloth.
He felt the weight too, and he wondered how he was going to manage.
'He is too big for you' said the mother. She spoke in the whisper of despair.
'You will never get there.'
Sher singh said nothing.
He set off.

(i) Who was the 'boy'? Why was Sher Singh sure that the little boy would die? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The 'boy' was Sher Singh's younger brother, Kunwar.
2. Sher Singh was sure his brother would die because he could see death in Kunwar's eyes and the pain in his stomach was worsening rapidly.
3. Furthermore, other children in their village had died of similar untreated diseases, their father was away on an expedition, and the hospital was eight kilometres away.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify Kunwar correctly.
b) List the compounding factors that made Sher Singh fear for his brother's survival.

(ii) What did Sher Singh's father do for a living? Mention any two acts of courage he had performed that had earned him the title 'Bahadur'. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sher Singh's father was a Shikari (hunter) who guided expeditions.
2. He earned the title 'Bahadur' for his numerous acts of bravery, such as saving a comrade from a tiger during a fierce tussle where the tiger's claws tore his skull, back, and shoulder.
3. He was also chosen as the lead hunter for dangerous shooting and photographic expeditions because he was the bravest man in the region.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the father's profession as a Shikari.
b) Detail the tiger attack as the primary act of courage that earned him the prestigious title.

(iii) How does his mother use her skill as a hill woman to prepare Sher Singh for his long and dangerous journey? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sher Singh's mother used her traditional knowledge as a hill woman regarding how to carry heavy loads.
2. She made a strong sling using one of her two saris.
3. She tied the sling from Sher Singh's back to his shoulder, creating a secure harness sturdy enough to carry the weight of his sick brother, Kunwar.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the resourcefulness of the hill mother.
b) Mention the makeshift sari sling used to transport the child safely.

(iv) Mention any three challenges that Sher Singh encountered on his way to the hospital. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. He encountered fresh bear tracks in the dust at night, reminding him of a man severely mauled by a bear.
2. He faced a herd of elephants blocking his path and had to pray quietly until they passed by.
3. He struggled to cross dangerous rivers, including battling freezing deep water, slippery slime barefoot, and navigating a submerged, turbulent kucha bamboo bridge.

Teacher's Note:
a) List all three distinct hazards: bears, elephants, and treacherous river crossings.
b) Emphasize the physical hardships he endured while carrying his brother.

(v) How does the doctor at the hospital address Sher Singh at the end of the story? Why do you think he refers to him in this way? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The doctor at the hospital addresses Sher Singh as 'Sher Singh Bahadur'.
2. The first time, the doctor used the title unknowingly, assuming Sher Singh was the famous brave father.
3. The second time, the doctor used it deliberately to acknowledge Sher Singh's extraordinary act of bravery.
4. This recognized how Sher Singh had risked his own life to save his younger brother across the perilous jungle.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate between the accidental and deliberate use of the title by the doctor.
b) Conclude with the thematic significance of Sher Singh earning the title 'Bahadur' in his own right.

Question 8
With close reference to the text, show how Stephan Leacock makes effective use of humour and exaggeration to describe his attempts to get back his 'Lost Dollar'. [16 Marks]

Answer:
1. Stephen Leacock's essay 'The Lost Dollar' is a brilliant satirical piece that uses humour and exaggeration to highlight the universal annoyance of forgotten loans.
2. The narrative begins with a casual interaction where the author's friend, Todd, borrows a single dollar before leaving for Bermuda and subsequently forgets to return it.
3. Leacock employs humorous exaggeration by treating the missing one-dollar bill as a massive financial crisis and a grave moral dilemma.
4. He drops subtle, humorous hints to Todd about American currency and exchange rates, but Todd remains blissfully oblivious, which adds dramatic irony and comedy.
5. Unable to summon the courage to directly ask for his money back due to his own modest and sensitive nature, the author suffers in silent indignation.
6. Escalating the satire, Leacock humorously imagines launching a global campaign called 'Back to Honesty' to reclaim unpaid debts, contrasting the petty amount of one dollar with grand social reform.
7. Through these exaggerations, Leacock exposes the hypocrisy and carelessness of borrowers who spend lavishly on luxury trips while ignoring small, moral debts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must ground their answers in specific textual references, such as Todd's trip to Bermuda and the 'Back to Honesty' campaign.
b) Explain how Leacock uses self-deprecation and exaggeration to elevate a trivial incident into a sharp social satire.