ICSE Class 10 English Literature Sample Paper 2024 with Solutions

SECTION A

(Attempt all questions from this Section.)

Question 1

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.
(Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.) [16]

(i) What does Shylock demand from Antonio? [1 Mark]
(a) A pound of flesh
(b) Six thousand ducats
(c) An apology
(d) compassion

Answer: (a) A pound of flesh

Shylock strictly demands the exact penalty stated in the bond when Antonio fails to repay the loan.

Teacher's Note:
a) Recall that Shylock rejects Bassanio's offer of money and insists on his bond.
b) Students must remember that Shylock's demand forms the central conflict of the trial scene.

(ii) What does Portia ask for when Bassanio steps up to take the casket test? [1 Mark]
(a) A banquet
(b) Music to be played
(c) A garland
(d) Applause

Answer: (b) Music to be played

Portia orders that music be played while Bassanio makes his choice.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that Portia compares the music to the swan-like end reflecting a dying swan's song.
b) Avoid confusing this with general celebrations held after the successful choice.

(iii) What does Portia mean when she tells Bassanio, '… I am lock'd in one of them:'? [1 Mark]
(a) That she was locked in a cell and unable to escape.
(b) That she was a prisoner in her father's house.
(c) That her portrait lay hidden in one of the caskets.
(d) That she was bound firmly by her promise to her father.

Answer: (c) That her portrait lay hidden in one of the caskets

Her picture is placed inside the lead casket as part of her father's will.

Teacher's Note:
a) This metaphor signifies that her hand in marriage is tied to the correct casket.
b) Pay close attention to figurative language used in the casket scenes.

(iv) Portia: There are some shrewd contents in yon same paper…
What does the 'paper' in this extract refer to? [1 Mark]
(a) Portia's letter to Bellario
(b) Bellario's letter to the Duke
(c) Bassanio's letter to Antonio
(d) Antonio's letter to Bassanio

Answer: (d) Antonio's letter to Bassanio

The letter informs Bassanio of Antonio's catastrophic failure and forfeiture of the bond.

Teacher's Note:
a) Shrewd here means severe, painful, or critical news.
b) Ensure students trace plot triggers correctly across acts.

(v) Why does a quarrel break out between Nerissa and Gratiano in the final Act of 'The Merchant of Venice'? [1 Mark]
(a) Gratiano admits that he had given away the ring which Nerissa had given to him.
(b) Nerissa admits that she had accompanied Portia to Venice disguised as a lawyer's clerk.
(c) Gratiano is annoyed with Nerissa for giving away his ring to a stranger in Venice.
(d) Nerissa is angry with Gratiano for leaving for Venice on the very day they were married.

Answer: (a) Gratiano admits that he had given away the ring which Nerissa had given to him

Gratiano gave his wedding ring to the young clerk in lieu of payment.

Teacher's Note:
a) The ring plot creates dramatic irony and comedy in Act V.
b) Students should keep track of both ring pairs given by Portia and Nerissa.

(vi) How does Lorenzo recognize Portia even before he sees her when the two young women return from Venice? [1 Mark]
(a) by the clothes she wears
(b) by the sound of her voice
(c) by the perfume she wears
(d) by her touch

Answer: (b) by the sound of her voice

Lorenzo identifies Portia through her distinct voice before seeing her.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lorenzo notes that sounds travel differently and highlights her vocal quality.
b) Pay attention to minor details in the final moonlight scene.

(vii) Which of the following statements is NOT true of Sibia? [1 Mark]
(a) She had long golden hair
(b) She had to work hard from her early years
(c) She was twelve years old
(d) She had no money to buy glass beads at the bazaar

Answer: (a) She had long golden hair

Sibia is a poor Indian village girl, not described with long golden hair.

Teacher's Note:
a) Read character descriptions in 'The Blue Bead' carefully.
b) Statement (a) contradicts her native background.

(viii) What had the little match girl's grandmother told her about falling stars? [1 Mark]
(a) When a star falls, a soul goes up to God.
(b) If she made a wish when she saw a star fall, her wish would come true.
(c) A falling star meant that it would be a cold winter.
(d) When a star falls, an angel dies.

Answer: (a) When a star falls, a soul goes up to God

The grandmother was the only person who loved her and taught her this belief.

Teacher's Note:
a) This belief foreshadows her ultimate death and ascent with her grandmother.
b) Remember key motifs in Andersen's fairy tale.

(ix) Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order.
1. Joe sighed in relief - he realised that this meant his wife no longer resented Maggie's presence.
2. After supper, Joe went to the bedroom where Maggie lay waiting.
3. Joe looked in through the window and saw Maggie in conversation with his wife Jane.
4. He entered the house noisily and Jane hurried into the kitchen to make him his supper. [1 Mark]
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2

Answer: (d) 3, 1, 4, 2

Chronological ordering starts with Joe looking through the window, followed by his realization, entering noisily, and going to the bedroom after supper.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sequence questions require careful mapping of plot progression in 'The Blue Bead' / prose stories.
b) Check each step against the narrative text in 'Among the Graysons' or 'Chief Seattle' / 'The Little Match Girl' / 'A Horse and Two Goats' / 'My Greatest Olympic Prize' / 'An Angel in Disguise'.

(x) Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statements (1) and (2) from All Summer in a Day.
1. One day, while in the school shower room, Margot had clutched her hands to her ears and covered her head, screaming and refusing to let the water touch her.
2. Margot realised that she was different from the others and that the children knew this difference and stayed away. [1 Mark]
(a) 1 is the cause for 2
(b) 1 is an example of 2
(c) 1 is independent of 2
(d) 1 is a contradiction of 2

Answer: (b) 1 is an example of 2

Her psychological trauma from water reflects her profound alienation and difference from the Venus-born children.

Teacher's Note:
a) Statement 1 illustrates the general psychological state stated in Statement 2.
b) Distinguish clearly between causes and illustrative examples.

(xi) At the running broad jump trials Jesse Owens exclaims, “Did I come 3000 miles for this?” Which of the following words best describes Jesse's mood? [1 Mark]
(a) envious
(b) frustrated
(c) confused
(d) thwarted

Answer: (b) frustrated

Failing his first two qualifying jumps leaves him deeply frustrated and angry.

Teacher's Note:
a) Frustration arises from the immediate threat of elimination.
b) Keep emotional descriptors precise when analyzing autobiographical extracts.

(xii) The fickle-mindedness of his followers made the central character in Browning's poem The Patriot feel _________ .
1. ambitious
2. disillusioned
3. bitter
4. optimistic [1 Mark]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 1

Answer: (b) 2 and 3

The protagonist experiences disillusionment and bitterness as crowds turn from adulation to execution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyze how public opinion shifts rapidly in Robert Browning's poem.
b) Statements 2 and 3 accurately capture his psychological trajectory.

(xiii) What is the caged bird in Maya Angelou's poem, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' blinded by? [1 Mark]
(a) Her narrow cage
(b) Her rage
(c) The sun's orange rays
(d) Her fears of the unknown

Answer: (b) Her rage

She sings of freedom with a fearful trill, her vision clipped and shadowed by her internal anger and oppression.

Teacher's Note:
a) Notice the metaphorical imagery of rage shadowing her sight.
b) Memorize key poetic phrases from Maya Angelou's work.

(xiv) What was Abou Ben Adhem doing when the angel appeared in his room one night? [1 Mark]
(a) writing in a book of gold
(b) sleeping soundly
(c) walking in the moonlight
(d) asking questions

Answer: (a) writing in a book of gold

He awoke from a dream of peace and saw an angel writing in a book of gold.

Teacher's Note:
a) The angel was making a list of those who love the Lord.
b) Do not confuse Abou's actions with the angel's actions.

(xv) What special human quality does the poem 'Nine Gold Medals' celebrate? [1 Mark]
(a) rivalry
(b) jealousy
(c) empathy
(d) selfishness

Answer: (c) empathy

The athletes abandon competition to help a fallen runner, highlighting human empathy and solidarity.

Teacher's Note:
a) The poem subverts traditional themes of ruthless sporting rivalry.
b) Empathy forms the core moral message of David Roth's poem.

(xvi) Which of the following lines contains the same literary device as the one in Wordsworth, “Ten thousand saw I at a glance,” [1 Mark]
(a) A hundred years should go to praise / Thine eyes and on thy forehead gaze;
(b) A fair breeze blow, the white foam flew / The furrow followed free,
(c) Frail as a dragon-fly's wing
(d) Because I could not stop for Death / He kindly stopped for me —

Answer: (a) A hundred years should go to praise / Thine eyes and on thy forehead gaze;

"Ten thousand saw I at a glance" uses hyperbole (exaggeration for poetic effect), matching Marvell's use of hyperbole in option (a).

Answer: (a) (the marking scheme also accepts option (a))

Hyperbole is employed to convey vast numbers or grand exaggerations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify figures of speech like hyperbole, simile, and personification accurately.
b) Option (c) is a simile, and (d) is personification.

SECTION B

(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)

DRAMA

(The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare)

Question 2

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Bassanio: A gentle scroll. —-- Fair lady, by your leave; [Kissing her]
I come by note, to give and to receive.
Like one of two contending in a prize,
That thinks he has done well in people's eyes
Hearing applause and universal shout
Giddy in spirit, still gazing in a doubt
Whether those peals of praise be his or no;

(i) Where did Bassanio find the 'gentle scroll'? What 'prize' had Bassanio just won? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bassanio found the scroll inside the correct lead casket.
2. The 'prize' he won was Portia's hand in marriage and her love.
3. The scroll confirmed his success and contained Portia's portrait.

Teacher's Note:
a) Point out the connection between opening the lead casket and finding the scroll.
b) Ensure all parts of the question are answered concisely.

(ii) Explain why Bassanio said he felt 'Giddy in spirit, still gazing in a doubt'. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bassanio felt overwhelmed by sudden, immense joy and disbelief upon winning Portia.
2. He compared his state to a competitor winning a contest amidst applause, barely believing his extreme good fortune.
3. The sudden shift from anxiety of failure to the reality of success left him stunned.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the simile of the contestant in a prize event used by Bassanio.
b) Highlight his emotional state of disbelief.

(iii) Soon thereafter, Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of her love. What does this gift symbolise? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The ring symbolises love, faith, and eternal commitment between Portia and Bassanio.
2. It represents Portia's total surrender of herself, her lord, and her worldly goods to him.
3. It also serves as a crucial plot device that drives the comedic conflict in the final act.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize both the symbolic and structural importance of the ring.
b) Mention Portia's vow that parting with the ring would signify the ruin of their love.

(iv) What assurance does Bassanio give her while accepting this gift? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bassanio assures Portia that when the ring parts from his finger, it will part from his life.
2. He declares that he will wear it with utmost loyalty until his death.
3. He states that even breath will forsake him before his love for her and the ring does.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote or reference Bassanio's solemn oath regarding the ring.
b) Point out the dramatic irony, as he eventually parts with it in Venice.

(v) What does Portia urge Bassanio to do when she learns that his friend Antonio is in trouble? What aspect of her character do her words reveal? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Portia urges Bassanio to immediately pay the debt to Shylock and leave for Venice to help his friend.
2. She tells him to marry her first, take twenty ducats, and fly to his friend's relief.
3. Her words reveal her generosity, nobility of spirit, deep loyalty, and selflessness.
4. She places friendship and human life above her own newly found marital happiness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight Portia's readiness to sacrifice her personal desires for Antonio.
b) Examiners look for traits like nobility, selflessness, and devotion.

Question 3

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Shylock: Shall I not have barely my principal?
Portia: Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture,
To be so cut taken at thy peril, Jew.

(i) What is the 'forfeiture' Portia mentions? How will it prove perilous for Shylock? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The forfeiture refers to a pound of flesh to be cut from Antonio's chest.
2. It is perilous because Venetian law forbids shedding a single drop of Christian blood or taking more or less than exactly one pound.
3. Violating this law makes Shylock liable to lose all his lands and goods under the state laws.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the strict legal loophole exploited by Portia.
b) Emphasize the exactness required in cutting the flesh.

(ii) What does Portia go on to tell Shylock about the laws of Venice, as applicable for a foreigner? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Portia warns Shylock that if a foreign alien directly or indirectly plots against the life of any citizen, his life is at the mercy of the Duke.
2. Half of his goods are confiscated by the state and the other half goes to the targeted citizen.
3. The offender's life remains at the mercy of the Duke alone, separate from all public tax.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cite the alien law in Venice concerning conspiracies against citizens.
b) Show how this completely turns the tables on Shylock.

(iii) How does Gratiano mock Shylock at this point? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Gratiano mocks Shylock by throwing his earlier harsh words back at him.
2. He shouts "A second Daniel! A Daniel, Jew!" echoing Shylock's praise of Portia earlier.
3. He ridicules Shylock's helplessness and tells him to thank the Duke for sparing his life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Point out Gratiano's vengeful and mocking tone towards Shylock.
b) Contrast Gratiano's vindictiveness with Antonio's mercy later.

(iv) What 'mercy' does the Duke now offer to Shylock? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Duke spares Shylock's life before he even asks for it.
2. He reduces the state's forfeiture of half his wealth to a fine, taking only a half while the other half goes to Antonio.
3. Antonio further mitigates this by offering to let Shylock keep half his wealth in trust during his lifetime, provided he becomes a Christian and leaves his property to Jessica and Lorenzo.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the components of the Duke's pardon and Antonio's mercy.
b) Note that losing his wealth and religion was considered a severe punishment by Shylock.

(v) How does Shylock react to the Duke's decision on his punishment? What are your feelings for Shylock at this point in the play? Give reasons. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Shylock reacts with absolute despair, stating that his life is forfeit since they take away his means of living and his house.
2. He asks them to take his life and all, rather than taking those things for which he lives.
3. Audience feelings are mixed; while he brought ruin upon himself through unrelenting cruelty and hatred, his utter humiliation, forced conversion, and total desolation also evoke profound pity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyze Shylock's tragic downfall and his plea "I pray you, give me leave to go from hence".
b) Encourage balanced personal responses backed by textual evidence.

SECTION C

(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)

PROSE - SHORT STORIES

(Treasure Trove — A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 4

Read the extract from Ray Bradbury's short story, 'All Summer in a Day' given below and answer the questions that follow:
The girl standing in the open, held out her hand
“Oh look, look,” she said, trembling.
They came slowly to look at her opened palm.
In the center of it, cupped and huge, was a single raindrop. She began to cry, looking at it. They glanced quietly at the sun.
“Oh. Oh”

(i) How old were 'they'? Where were they living? What had they been doing until the girl called their attention to the raindrop? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. They were nine years old children.
2. They were living on the planet Venus in an underground settlement.
3. They had been rejoicing, playing, running, and basking in the warm, glorious sun after waiting seven years for it.

Teacher's Note:
a) Recall the setting of Bradbury's science fiction story on Venus.
b) Emphasize the children's age and their brief exposure to sunlight.

(ii) Mention any three ways in which their lives on this planet differed from life on earth. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. They lived in underground tunnels and houses on Venus.
2. It rained continuously for seven years without stopping, accompanied by violent storms and tempests.
3. They had never seen the sun except once when they were two years old, whereas on Earth sunlight is a daily occurrence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast the gloomy Venusian environment with Earth's natural climate.
b) Point out the psychological impact of endless rain on the children.

(iii) Why does the girl begin to cry when she looks at the raindrop? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The girl begins to cry because the single raindrop signals the end of the short-lived summer.
2. It reminds her that the grey, dreary, endless rain is returning immediately.
3. It shatters their brief hour of joy and warmth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain how the raindrop acts as a harbinger of the storm.
b) Note the emotional disappointment of losing the sun.

(iv) Describe the dramatic change in the weather immediately after the raindrop fell. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. A cold wind began to blow around them.
2. Lightning struck sharply, followed by a loud peal of thunder.
3. A heavy downpour of rain swept across the area, washing away the summer warmth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Trace the swift transition from sunlight back to stormy weather.
b) Highlight the sensory details used by Bradbury.

(v) What feelings do 'they' experience at the end of the story? What had they done earlier that made them feel this way? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. At the end, the children experience deep guilt, shame, remorse, and silence.
2. Earlier, driven by jealousy and cruelty, they had cruelly locked Margot up in a dark closet, causing her to miss the entire hour of sunshine.
3. Remembering Margot's suffering when the sun has vanished makes them unable to meet each other's eyes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the thematic undertone of bullying and remorse.
b) Connect their final silence to the realization of their cruelty toward Margot.

Question 5

Read the following extract by Jesse Owens from 'My Greatest Olympic Prize', and answer the questions that follow:
An angry athlete is an athlete who will make mistakes, as any coach will tell you. I was no exception. On the first of my three qualifying jumps, I leaped from several inches beyond the take-off board for a foul.

(i) When and where is this story set? What reason does the narrator, Jesse Owens, give for the heightened nationalistic feelings at this time? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The story is set at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany.
2. The heightened nationalistic feelings were due to Adolf Hitler's pet theory of Aryan supremacy, believing his performers were members of a master race.
3. This atmosphere added immense pressure and political tension to the games.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the historical backdrop of the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
b) Explain Hitler's ideology of Aryan superiority.

(ii) In which event had Owens been confident of winning a gold medal? Why? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Owens was confident of winning the gold medal in the broad jump (long jump).
2. He had set the world record of 26 feet 8¼ inches prior to the Olympics.
3. He had every reason to expect an easy victory based on his past performances.

Teacher's Note:
a) State Owens' athletic credentials and world record.
b) Contrast his prior confidence with his sudden setback during qualifications.

(iii) What had made Owens angry enough to make mistakes? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Owens was angered by the tense political atmosphere and the Nazi propaganda of Aryan supremacy.
2. Seeing Hitler's obsession with showing his athletes as members of a master race irritated him.
3. This inner anger caused him to lose focus and foul on his first qualifying jump.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect his anger to the political tension surrounding the games.
b) Note how anger impaired his athletic precision.

(iv) Name Owens' rival who approached him at this point? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Luz Long, a tall German athlete, approached Owens.
2. Long was a prime exponent of the Nazi Aryan supremacy theory.
3. Despite expectations, he came forward to offer friendly advice and encouragement to Owens.

Teacher's Note:
a) Introduce Luz Long and his significance in the story.
b) Highlight the contrast between Nazi ideology and Luz Long's sportsmanship.

(v) How did the two athletes perform in the finals? What does Jesse Owens consider his 'Greatest Olympic Prize'? Why? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. In the finals, Luz Long broke his own personal record and pushed Owens to his peak performance, leading Owens to win the gold medal with a jump of 26 feet 5&frac516; inches.
2. Jesse Owens considers his lifelong friendship with Luz Long as his 'Greatest Olympic Prize'.
3. He values it because it embodied Pierre de Coubertin's ideal that the important thing in the Olympics is not winning but taking part, and genuine human brotherhood triumphed over nationalism.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the climax of the broad jump competition.
b) Emphasize the core message of sportsmanship and friendship over medals.

SECTION D

(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)

POETRY

(Treasure Trove — A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 6

Read the following extract from the poem 'Abou Ben Adhem' by Leigh Hunt and answer the questions that follow:
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

(i) What did Abou Ben Adhem see when woke from a deep sleep one night? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abou saw an angel in his room.
2. The angel was writing in a book of gold.
3. The room was making it rich and like a lily in bloom in the moonlight.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote or reference the imagery of the angel writing in the golden book.
b) Establish the serene atmosphere at the start of the poem.

(ii) What did Abou Ben Adhem ask the angel? What was the angel's response? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abou asked the angel what it was writing.
2. The angel raised its head and replied that it was writing the names of those who love the Lord.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note Abou's polite and curious demeanor.
b) Record the angel's clear response regarding the contents of the golden book.

(iii) What did Abou request the angel to do when he learnt that his name did not appear among the names of those who loved the Lord? What does this reveal to us of Abou Ben Adhem's character? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abou requested the angel to write his name as one who loved his fellow men.
2. This reveals Abou's humility, selflessness, and deep love for humanity.
3. It shows his belief that true love for God is expressed through love and service to mankind.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize Abou's cheerful resignation and altruistic request.
b) Highlight the central humanist philosophy of the poem.

(iv) When and how did the angel appear to Abou Ben Adhem again? What did the angel show Abou this time? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The angel appeared the next night with a great wakening light.
2. It showed Abou the book of gold containing the names of those whom love of God had blessed.
3. To Abou's astonishment, his name topped the list of those blessed by God.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note the divine reward for loving one's fellow men.
b) Explain how Abou's name headed the list of God's favored.

(v) What does the poet mean by 'May his tribe increase!'? Why do you think he says this? What is the central message of the poem? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. 'May his tribe increase!' means may there be more people like Abou Ben Adhem on Earth.
2. The poet says this to praise Abou's benevolent, loving, and selfless nature towards mankind.
3. The central message is that true devotion to God is demonstrated through love, compassion, and service to fellow human beings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the benediction uttered by the poet at the beginning.
b) Reinforce the theological theme: loving humanity equates to loving God.

Question 7

Read the extract from David Roth's poem, 'Nine Gold Medals' given below and answer the questions that follow:
And the banner above and nine smiling faces
Said more than these words ever will
Said more than these words ever will.

(i) What was 'special' about the athletes who were participating in this Sports Meet? What special quality of theirs does the poem celebrate? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The athletes were special because they were differently abled competitors who had trained hard for years to compete in the Special Olympics.
2. The poem celebrates empathy, compassion, sportsmanship, and mutual cooperation over individual glory.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the participants as athletes in the Special Olympics.
b) Emphasize the core theme of human solidarity.

(ii) Which race was the highlight of the day? What was the signal that the athletes waited for? What how many athletes participated in this race? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The hundred-yard dash was the highlight of the day.
2. The athletes waited for the explosion of the pistol as the starting signal.
3. Nine athletes participated in this race.

Teacher's Note:
a) Recall details of the final event in David Roth's poem.
b) Verify the number of runners matching the title 'Nine Gold Medals'.

(iii) How does the poet describe the state of mind of the athletes as they lined up for the race? Who won the race? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The athletes were full of hope and determination, blocking out past failures and focusing entirely on winning the medal.
2. All nine athletes won the race together because they stopped to help the fallen runner and crossed the finish line hand in hand.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast their competitive mindset at the start with their collective finish.
b) Note that all nine athletes were awarded gold medals.

(iv) If you had to give this poem an alternate title, what would you call it? Give reasons for your answer. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. An alternate title could be 'Triumph of Empathy' or 'The True Champions'.
2. This is because the poem celebrates human kindness, cooperation, and empathy rather than athletic victory alone.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accept any logical alternate title provided suitable justification is given.
b) Ensure reasons align with the poem's core moral lesson.

(v) Give a brief account of what happened after the youngest athlete fell to the ground. Why do you think the author use the word 'strange' to describe the behaviour of the athletes? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. After the youngest athlete stumbled and fell, all the other eight runners stopped running, turned back, helped him up, and walked together to the finish line.
2. The author uses the word 'strange' because in standard competitive sports, athletes focus solely on winning and ignoring fallen opponents, making this display of collective compassion unusual.

Teacher's Note:
a) Describe the turning point of the narrative.
b) Explain why their cooperative action defies conventional athletic norms.