GRADE 10 – PRACTICE QUESTIONS – REPOSITORY
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 MARK EACH)
1. What is the primary symbol in Adrienne Rich's poem "The Trees"?
A) Moon B) Glass C) Trees D) Wind
2. Which literary device is prominently used in "The Trees"?
A) Metaphor B) Simile C) Personification D) Alliteration
3. The Tree’s poem's tone can be best described as:
A) Melancholic B) Hopeful C) Contemplative D) Angry
4. The "departure of the forest from the house" signifies:
A) Loss of identity B) Liberation from societal norms
C) Environmental degradation D) Personal growth
5. The "broken moon" represents:
A) Fragmented self B) Shattered dreams C) Transformation D) Chaos
6. Identify the poetic device used in, “Merrily bouncing down the street”
a) Metaphor b) Alliteration c) Repetition d)Imagery
7. Pick the option that lists the boy’s thoughts, in The Ball Poem, matching with the line- As he stands rigid, trembling,
staring down.
a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4
8. Merrily over- there it is in the water!
Choose the situation that corresponds to the emotion behind the exclamation mark in the poem.
a) option 1 b) option 2 c) option 3 d) option 4
9. What quality of Mandela's leadership made him a global icon?
A) Authoritarianism B) Compassion and resilience
C) Economic expertise D) Military strategy
10. Mandela spent most of his 27-year imprisonment on which island?
A) Mauritius B) Robben Island C) Seal Island D) Snake Island
11. What was the main purpose of the Freedom Charter that Mandela supported?
A) To divide South Africa into independent states C) To establish apartheid laws
B) To set principles for a democratic South Africa D) To enforce martial law
12. What was one of Mandela’s biggest challenges after becoming president?
A) Maintaining apartheid policies B) Balancing racial reconciliation with justice
C) Defeating neighboring countries in wars D) Reducing international trade restrictions
13. What does Mandela’s life exemplify about the concept of ‘Ubuntu’ (an African philosophy emphasizing community and
mutual care)?
A) Selfish individualism C) Competition with others
B) Putting community and shared humanity above personal gain D) Complete self-reliance
14) Coorg is famous for its...
a) forest b) chocolates c) coffee d) all the above.
15) when does the season of joy start in Coorg?
a) September to March b) April to June c) July to August d) all the above
16) Coorgi’s are the descendants of ....................
a) Greek b) Arabs c) Hindu d) both a and b
17) state whether the given statement is true or false.
General Cariappa the first chief of Arab army.
18) Who is the author of the chapter 'Coorg'?
a) Lucio Rodrigues b) Arun Kumar Dutta c) Lokesh Abrol d) none of the above
19. What does the crow represent in the poem Dust of snow?
A) Death B) Messenger C) Intruder D) Symbolic observer
20.What poetic device does Frost use to describe snow?
A) Metaphor B) Simile C) Personification D) Imagery
21.What type of poem is "Dust of Snow"?
A) Sonnet B) Free Verse C) Narrative Poem D) Lyric Poem
22.What symbolizes desire in the poem Fire and Ice
A) Fire B) Ice C) Water D) Earth
23.What poetic device does Frost use to contrast desire and hatred?
A) Metaphor B) Simile C) Personification D) Symbolism
24.Choose the most suitable meaning of the word "deathlessness.”
A) Inevitable B) Furious C) Immortality D) Royal
25.What quantity of mustard seeds did Buddha ask for?
A) a sackful B) a handful C) a pinch D) a cup
26. Which of the following options represents the correct understanding of the word “poor” in the phrase,
“Poor Kisa Gotami”?
A) in need of money B) weak C) unfortunate D) inferior
27. What was the condition imposed upon the source of the seeds?
A) to be borrowed from a man B) to be borrowed from a woman
C) to be borrowed from a child D) None of the above
28. According to Buddha, what is an inscrutable kind of suffering?
A) loss of a loved one B) beating C) hatred D) verbal abuse
29. What is the tone of the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals"?
A) Serious and informative B) Humorous and playful C) Sad and reflective D) Angry and aggressive
30. Which animal is described as having a "terrible" appearance in the poem?
A) Bengal tiger B) Gorilla C) Leopard D) Bear
31. What is the main message of the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals"?
A) It describes the habitats of wild animals B) It tells you how to distinguish different wild animals
C) It discusses the dangers of wild animals D) It explains how animals adapt to different environments
32. What happens if you are attacked by a lion, according to the poem?
A) It will simply scare you B) You will be eaten
C) You will be bitten but survive D) It will leave you unharmed
33. In the poem, how can you tell if an animal is a Bengal tiger?
A) It has a loud roar B) It has black stripes and a face like a cat
C) It is always found in the jungle D) It has sharp teeth and claws
34. It can be inferred from the lesson that a secret agent is expected to be
1) fit 2) compassionate. 3) apologetic. 4) suave. 5) violent.
a) Option 1,3 & 5 b) Option 1 & 4 c) Option 2.4 & 5 d) Option 2 & 3
35. The reason Fowler was disappointed by Ausable when he met him was because Ausable
a) lived in a shady French hotel. b) was related to the cops.
c) didn't have the personality of a spy. d) had a very strange accent.
36. Choose the option that lists the INCORRECT statements about the lesson.
1. Fowler was elated when he met Ausable. 2. Fowler had no expectations at all from Ausable.
3. Ausable was living in France as a spy. 4. Ausable had acquired the French accent over twenty years ago.
a) 1,2. b) 3,4. c) 1,3 d) 2,4
37. "Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where Ausable had a room..." Choose the correct
option to replace the underlined words.
a) expansive, abnormal b) lighted; formal c) damp; dingy d) uncanny; smart
38. Ausable's annoyance at the balcony when he says, "...nuisance of a balcony..." could be called fake, keeping in mind
that
a) Max was the second person to enter the room through it. b) he later admitted that there was no balcony at
all.
c) his balcony was easy enough that anyone could break through it. d) he wanted to make a spy-like impression in
front of Fowler.
39. What was the primary reason the young seagull hesitated to fly initially?
a) He was too hungry to fly. b) He was afraid of falling.
c) He wanted to stay with his family. d) He was not strong enough.
40. How did the young seagull finally overcome his fear of flying?
a) He was pushed off the ledge by his siblings. b) He saw his family flying and wanted to join them.
c) His mother brought him food, prompting him to dive. d) He practiced flapping his wings on the ledge.
41. What does the young seagull's first flight symbolize in the context of personal growth?
a) The importance of family support. b) The necessity of facing one's fears.
c) The joy of flying. d) The instinct to hunt for food.
42. What did the young seagull do to pretend he was sleeping?
a) He closed one eye and then the other. b) He lay down on the ledge.
c) He flapped his wings slowly. d) He hid under his wing.
43. How did the young seagull feel after he successfully flew for the first time?
a) He was still afraid. b) He felt dizzy but happy.
c) He was exhausted and wanted to rest. d) He wanted to return to the ledge.
44. Which century is named the “Era of the Book”, according to the Historian?
(a) twentieth century (b) twenty-first century (c) twenty-second century (d) none of the above
45. What is the place according to the Think Tank where they are about to take a refuge?
(a) hat. (b) storage barn. (c) haberdashery (d) crude refreshment stand
46. Who suggests that the book is a hat?
(a) Oop (b) lota (c) Omega (d) Think Tank
47. The story ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ is set in:
(a) twentieth century (b) twenty-fifth century (c) twenty-fourth century(d) twenty-first century
48. What did they infer from the picture of Humpty Dumpty?
(a) Think tank’s balloon brain b) Earthians are after Think Tank
(c) Earthians have seen Think Tank (d) all of the above
49. Which of the following best captures the main message of the story?
a) Hard work will eventually lead to prosperity.
b) It is better to appreciate what you have than to aspire for superficial things.
c) True friends are those who help you in times of hardship.
d) Honesty and loyalty can prevent unnecessary suffering.
50. Which aspect of "The Necklace" suggests that Maupassant might be critiquing society's values?
a) Madame Loisel’s refusal to attend the party. b) Madame Loisel’s obsession with wealth and status.
c) Monsieur Loisel’s insistence on paying back the debt. d) Madame Forestier’s generous loan of the necklace.
51. Why is the story's ending particularly ironic given Madame Loisel’s desires?
a) She realizes that wealth cannot bring happiness.
b) She spent years suffering for a mistake based on an illusion.
c) She ultimately achieved a better social standing by working hard.
d) She realizes that her friendship with Madame Forestier was worth more than material wealth.
52. "What would likely have happened if Matilda had confessed to losing the Necklace immediately?
a) She would have been praised b) She would have faced a minor inconvenience
c) She would have been disowned by her friend d) She would have discovered the necklace was fake
53. What does Madame Loisel’s envy of wealth and status reveal about her?
a) She is simply bored with her current life and wishes for a change.
b) She resents those who are wealthier and feels entitled to what they have.
c) She is a romantic who dreams of a life beyond her reach.
d) She is too shy to accept her own reality and wants to fit in.
54. Why did Ramlal initially feel hesitant about sending Bholi to school despite the Tehsildar's insistence?
(A) He feared she might be ridiculed at school. (C) He was concerned about finding her a groom if she was educated.
(B) He believed education for girls was unnecessary. (D) He thought education would make her too independent.
55. Bholi’s initial fear of school stems primarily from:
(A) Her parents’ discouragement. (B) A bad experience with her teacher.
(C) Her lack of self-confidence and speech impediment. (D) Negative stories she heard about school.
56. Which quality in Bholi’s teacher most significantly impacted Bholi's growth and confidence?
(A) Strict discipline (B) High academic expectations
(C) Encouraging kindness and patience (D) Her determination for Bholi to marry well
57. What was ironic about Ramlal’s decision to marry Bholi to Bishamber?
(A) Ramlal had once opposed dowry demands. (B) Bishamber was older and had previous marriages.
(C) Bishamber demanded a dowry despite being wealthy. (D) Ramlal believed education was essential for Bholi’s
future.
58. What ultimate message does Bholi’s rejection of Bishamber’s proposal convey?
(A) Education can lead to disobedience in children. (B) Women must stand up against injustice.
(C) Marriage is not essential for a woman's happiness. (D) Wealth is more important than family honor.
59. What does the poet mean by the epistemology of loss?
a) It means that loss is transient. b) It means that loss is painful.
c) It means to understand the nature of loss d) It means to cope with life.
60. The Ball Poem begins with a question. Based on your reading of the poem answer. The speaker……………..
a) wants the boy to answer the question b) expects the passers-by to respond
c) is looking for answers in a self-help book d) is thinking to himself.
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN SHORT. 60 – 80 WORDS. (3 marks.)
1. Analyze the use of imagery in "The Trees" and its impact on the reader's perception of the poem's themes.
2. Discuss the significance of the "veranda" in the poem, exploring its symbolic meaning and relation to the trees'
liberation.
3. Examine the speaker's tone in the poem, highlighting instances where it shifts and exploring the implications of these
shifts.
4. How does the boy ‘Senses first responsibility?
5. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy’s lost childhood? How?
6. What supports theory that the people of Coorg are originated from the Arabs?
7. What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people?
8. Describe the possible descendants of the people of Coorg.
9. Explore the feminist undertones in "The Trees," discussing how Adrienne Rich employs the tree metaphor to represent
women's struggles and empowerment.
10. Discuss the poem's themes of confinement and liberation, analyzing how Rich uses the natural world to comment on
societal expectations and personal growth.
11. What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions?
12. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable or irretrievable then how should one handle
it? What lessons can be learnt?
13. Analyze Frost’s use of imagery in “Dust of snow”poem
14. Discuss the theme of transformation in Dust of snow poem
15. Analyse the theme of duality in the poem Fire and Ice.
16. How does Frost portray human nature in the poem Fire and ice
17. How did Siddhartha get enlightenment? What did he do after getting it?
18. How did Kisa Gotami realise that life and death is a process? Why did she call herself selfish?
19. What made Kisa Gotami compare the man's life with the lights of the city? How did Buddha change her life?
20. How does the young seagull's perception of his family change throughout the story? Describe specific moments that
illustrate this shift in perception.
21. In "His First Flight," the young seagull experiences both fear and hunger. How do these emotions drive his actions?
Provide examples from the text to explain how these feelings influence his decision to fly.
22. What finally motivated the young seagull to take his first flight? Describe the event that led to his decision.
23. Fowler's day took a one-eighty degree turn by the end of the evening. Examine the statement with reference to "The
Midnight Visitor".
24. "Stereotypes are often misleading". Elaborate on the given quote in the context of "The Midnight Visitor".
25. "Attack is the secret of defense." Justify the statement in case of Ausable.
26. "A procrastinatist is one who delays action and invites a tragedy to happen with him". Is Max a procrastinatist, why,
why not?
27. A satire is when a person, idea, or institution is criticised by highlighting their faults and weaknesses using humour.
28. Describe how ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ can be considered a satire with supporting examples from the text.
29. How does Think-Tank interpret the poem on The Cat and the fiddle?
30. The best way to defend is to offend, but the same thing is not seen by Noodle. How does he manage to do that?
31. What does the story suggest about the difference between genuine happiness and the pursuit of a glamorous
lifestyle?
32. Madam Loisel now knew the horrible life of necessity. Do you think Madam Loisel accepted this change willingly? Give
two reasons in support of your answer.
33. Why did Mme. Loisel’s husband gives her his saved money? Why was he saving the money?
34. Explain the significance of Bholi’s physical and intellectual transformation in the story.
35. Describe the role of Bholi's teacher in her life. How did she help Bholi overcome her insecurities?
36. How does Bholi critique the social practice of dowry?
37. What is the 'extraordinary human disaster' Nelson Mandela refers to in his speech?
38. Examine the role of empathy in Mandela’s political philosophy. How did his empathetic approach help bridge divides
between different communities in South Africa, and why was this important in building a stable nation?
39. How does the poet humorously describe the process of identifying wild animals in the poem "How to Tell Wild
Animals"?
40. What are the characteristics of a bear as described in the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals"?
ANSWER IN BRIEF – 100 to 120 WORDS. (6 marks)
1. Analyze Nelson Mandela's statement, "Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the
chains on all of them." What does this reveal about his vision for South Africa?
2. Why does Nelson Mandela consider his fight for freedom as a shared struggle rather than a personal one? How
does this reflect his values?
3. How does Mandela justify that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite? Illustrate with the
help of an example.
4. Describe the Coorg's weather, main crops and the sports which fascinate the visitors.
5. Why does the author call Coorg 'a piece of heaven' that must have drifted from the 'kingdom of God'?
6. The poet was sad and depressed. But one comical incident lifts his spirits. He is full of joy and happiness again.
7. Based on your reading of the poem Dust of Snow, write a paragraph on the topic – Happiness is relative.
8. How does the poem depict’s the two contrasting ideas— ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’? Can hatred destroy us and the world?
9. Explain bringing out values which can make this world a better place to live in.
10. Life is full of trials and tribulations which can be overcome by a human being through his own efforts. Explain with
reference to Kisa Gotami’s life.
11. Personal losses are a part and parcel of life. Instead of wailing, we should move on in life. This message of
Gautam Buddha has become more relevant in modern times. Do you agree? Why /why not?
12. Discuss how the young seagull's experience in "His First Flight" reflects the challenges faced by individuals when
learning new skills.
13. What parallels can you draw between the seagull's fear of flying and a human's fear of trying something new?
Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.
14. Analyze the role of parental encouragement in "His First Flight." How do the actions of the seagull's parents
influence his decision to fly? Discuss the importance of support systems in overcoming fears and achieving
personal milestones, using examples from the story and your own experiences.
15. ‘Misunderstanding of Cultural differences between various races can cause confusion and conflict.’ Comment,
based on the chapter ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.
16. ‘Pride has a fall’. Justify this statement giving relevant points from how Think-Tank reacted to the readings from
the rhyme Mother Goose.
17. Ausable’s employer has been asked to write a recommendation letter for Ausable so that he may be promoted to
a higher rank in the secret services. As his manager, drafts the letter detailing his personality traits with reference
to the instance in the chapter as a prime example of Ausable's genius.
You may begin this way:
22, Rue Nationale Paris
26 March' 78
The General Director,
Department for Intemal Security.
11-A, Rue de Dunkerque Paris
Subject: Letter of Recommendation
Respected Sir.
This is to state that Monsieur Ausable has been a committed employee with us for the past two years. In this time,
he has .(continue)...
Yours sincerely ABC
18. Ausable has the ability to think quickly, act calmly and wisely in a situation of danger and surprise. These are
some values and skills that save us from danger. How did Ausable use the above skills in the story, The Midnight
visitor'?
19. Matilda’s craving for a bubble reputation was the cause of her ruin.’ Draw a conclusion as to how she could have
avoided the misfortune that dawned upon her.
20. 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 símilar to that of Matilda, what would have you done? Write your views.
21. Discuss Bholi’s character development throughout the story. What do her actions at the end signify for her and for
the readers?
22. How does the story of Bholi highlight gender inequality and the importance of education in Indian society?
Illustrate with examples.
23. You are on a safari trip in the jungle, and you have just spotted a wild animal that fits the description in the poem
"How to Tell Wild Animals." Write a diary entry about your experience. Describe the animal you saw, how you
identified it using the characteristics from the poem, and how you felt during the encounter. Use humor and
exaggeration to capture the lighthearted tone of the poem, and describe your reactions to the animal's features
and behavior.
24. Imagine you are having a conversation with a friend who is curious about wild animals. Your friend wants to know
how to tell different wild animals apart, just like in the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals." In the dialogue, explain to
your friend how to recognize animals like the Bengal tiger, lion, and leopard, using the clues and humorous
descriptions from the poem. Be sure to include humor and exaggeration to match the tone of the poem. The
conversation should include both questions and answers.
25. Madam Forestier writes a diary entry after having met Matilda, knowing the truth and seeing the transformation in
her friend. Write a short diary entry as Madam Forestier about your encounter and how you felt.
You may begin like this.
20th July,
Monday
9:00 pm
I couldn't recognise Matilda at all. I wish she had told me the truth about the necklace.
26. Imagine that the narrator shared his story of THE BLACK AEROPLANE, with friends and family once he got
home. One of them, a spiritual leader, decided to incorporate the story as part of his weekly sermon to the
congregation. Another friend, a psychologist, worked the story into his next lecture on survival instinct and crisis
management. Do you think the two interpretations of the story would be different? If so, how? What insights might
the narrator get about his mysterious experience, if he were to attend both the sessions? Answer in the context of
the lesson Two Stories about Flying.
27. Prejudice based on race and colour or any other reason causes profound hurt. Write about any one character
from the chapters in First Flight who was subjected to such prejudice? Discuss the consequence of this prejudice
for the character. Answer in the context of the lesson Long Walk to Freedom.
28. Your teacher conducted a Turn Tables in class, and asked you to put forth your views on Frugality in Life is the
Ideal Way to Live. Write the debate script with points to supplement your stand, both for and against the motion
and conclude with your own views. Answer in the context of the lesson The Necklace. (Frugality in Life is the Ideal
Way to Live -being conscious of your spending and saving more money.)
29. Imagine you're one of the columnists in a magazine. People write to you about their issues, seeking your advice.
Matilda writes to you about the guilt she feels for having lost a necklace and how it changed the course of her life
and her husband's. What would be your advice to her?
30. The play suggests that 20th century was the ‘Era of the Book’. With that reference, what would you like to call the
era of the 21st century? What role does that object/concept play in the lives of human beings?
31. At the end of the play one is told that five centuries later Noodle has acquired the position of Think- Tank. Through
your understanding of both the characters, pen down the account of events that could have led to Think Tank’s
replacement by Noodle.
32. Imagine you are Bholi and you have been invited by a girl’s secondary school in another village to address a
group of students about being independent, fearless and breaking stereotypes. Write that speech.
33. Which character traits of Bholi have had an everlasting impression on you? Why?
34. Imagine that Griffin has been caught by the police and is produced in court. He needs to defend himself and prove
that he is not guilty of the charges. As Griffin prepare a statement that you would use in court to prove your
innocence.
You may begin like this:
I plead not guilty.
I have been accused of …… however ……..
35. Readers believe that Griffin was a man without conscience. You have a class discussion on why our conscience
plays a vital role in shaping our character. Present a summary of your views on this with reference to the lesson,
Footprints without Feet.
