10th Class English Grammar (All Topics) Practice Exercise

Practice Exercise
A. Correct the following sentences:

1. They had hardly gone a few steps that they saw a lion.

2. The thief was able to easily make his escape.

3. I did nothing but to gossip and to waste time.

4. He impressed me by his good behaviour.

5. The magistrate and collector were present there.

B. Fill in the blanks with suitable form of verbs given in brackets:

6. He was tired and ...........asleep immediately. (fall, fell)

7. We shall go out as soon as you ....... ready. (are, were)

8. She said she would go on knitting as long as she ......... on the chair. (has been sitting, was sitting)

9. He died after he .......... ill a long time. (has been, had been)

10. He ...... in the last war. (has been killed, was killed)

C. Make correct sentences with the suitable forms of the verbs given in brackets:

11. The baby (cry) because it is hungry now.

12. When I went out in the morning, my little sister (sleep).

13. I (wait) here for my friend since 5 o'clock.

14. If you (go) there, you would have met him.

15. I (see) the Taj Mahal and know how beautiful it is.

D. Put the verbs in brackets into correct forms:

16. The boy jumped off the bus while it (move).

17. I (not see) him since yesterday.

18. lt is time we(return)home.

19. He will not meet me if he (come) tomorrow.

20. As I (wait) in the hall, the head master came to me and (ask) me in a gentle voice, 'Now, Raju, how (be)
your mother?
E. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable modals from brackets:

21. The article stated that he............ read at the age of three. (might, could)

22. You ...........take a sweater in case it gets cold. (should, might)

23. It's going to rain all afternoon........... we go to the cinema? (Shall, Should)

24. Scott............ be 21 at the end of the month. (will be, would be)

25. Julie said the traffic was heavy, so she ......... be late for the meeting. (should, would)

F. Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions:

26. Not only he ........his father was also present.

(a) Is

(b) But

(c) Can

(d) Also

27. You can ........see the clouds in the sky.

(a) Although

(c) Since

(c) Even

(d) Have

28. Do not go ........he comes.

(a) Since

(b) Till

(b) Up to

(d) From

29. ………………….he is ill, he cannot come.

(a) As

(b) For

(c) Because

(d) Like
30. You have opposed me, ........ I cannot help you.

(a) So

(b) Since

(c) For

(d) Therefore

G. Change into indirect speech:

31. She said, "Raja, can you tell me where Sumit is working now?"

32. "Go home, boys," said the teacher.

33. "Yes, I have broken the cups," admitted the maid.

34. "Shall I call the doctor?" he asked.

35. They said, "What is the matter?"

H. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:

36. I was so absorbed ........my book that I did not notice the time.

37. He was very ashamed ........his rude behaviour.

38. She is distantly related ...........my wife.

39. One soon becomes weary ........the winter.

40. He is a bad student, he never seems really interested ...... his work.

I. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph with suitable modals:

41. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He ........be exhausted after such a long flight.

42. The book is optional. My professor said we could read it if we needed extra credit. But we .............
read it if we don't want to.

43. Susan ......... hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.

44. The television isn't working. It............ damaged during the move.

45. Pinky: Can you hold your breath for more than a minute? Nupur: No..........

J. Change the voice:

46. Someone was knocking at the door.

47. When will you have completed your work?

48. When will the police have caught the thief?

49. He shall have given the letter to courier agency.

50. He will not have changed clothes before my arrival.

K. Fill in the blanks with correct determiners:

....... (51) name is Sartaj. This is ....... (52) friend Natraj. He's 12........ (53) sister is nine. ....... (54) pet is a
budgie. His name is Bonny. Natraj and I go to the same school. There are 450 boys and girls in ....... (55)
school. Natraj goes for tuition to Mrs. Biswas. She has got a pet, too........ (56) pet is a tortoise. Our class
teacher is Mr. Shastri. Ilike ....... (57) lessons. He has two dogs. The dogs love to play in ....... (58) garden.
Sometimes, I go to .......(59) cousin's house and play with his pet. Now I have a question for you.
What's....... (60) pet?

L. The sentence against each of these questions has a portion bold.

There are four alternatives for the bold portion. Select the option which best describes the bold portion
with correct English.

61. Tagore was a man of letters.

(a) of wide contents

(b) An excellent letter dictator

(c) A great writer of letters

(d) Proficient in literary art

62. His friends beat the boy to pay off old scores.

(a) to refund old dues

(b) to take revenge

(c) to force him to be a scorer in a match

(d) because he had not scored well earlier

63. Chin tan is so innocent that he wears his heart on his sleeve.
(a) wears dress that does not match

(b) expresses his feelings openly

(c) wears colorful dresses

(d) expresses his feelings with the shape of heart printed on its sleeve

64. It was a red letter day in the history of the world.

(a) a day of bloodshed

(b) a dangerous note about the destruction

(c) a day memorable for some joyful event

(d) a day with love and warmth

65. The poor subordinates are made scapegoats by their superiors.

(a) punished for other's misdeeds

(b) developed poor relations

(c) treated humbly and respectfully

(d) scolded with arrogant reactions

M. In each of these sentences there are four parts and one of these parts contain error. Find out and
mark that part as your answer.

66. I may go to the (1) / dancing class tomorrow (2) / if I have recovered (3) / from the cold. (4) / No error
(5)

67. The prime minister announced (1) /that the taxes will be (2)/ increasing from the (3) / beginning of the
next year. / no error (5)

68. He is the most (1) / intelligent and also (2) / the very talented (3) / student of the college. (4) / No error
(5)

69. She immediately quit (1) / the job in which (2) / neither the skill nor (3) / knowledge were required.
(4) / No error (5)

70. The meteorological department (1) / predicted that the (2) / rains and thunderstorm may (3) /
continue throughout today. (4) / No error (5)

ANSWER KEY
1. when they saw a lion 36. in
2. to make his escape easily 37. of
3. but gossip and waste time 38. to
4. with his good behaviour 39. of
5. was present there 40. in
6. fell 41. must
7. are 42. don't have to
8. was sitting 43. couldn't
9. had been 44. must have been
10. was killed 45. can't
11. crying 51. My
12. sleeping 52. my
13. have been waiting 53. His
14. would have gone 54. Their
15. have seen 55. our
16. moved 56. Her
17. have not seen 57. his
18. eturn 58. his
19. comes 59. my
20. waited, asked, is 60. your
21. could 61. (D)
22. might 62. (B)
23. Should 63. (B)
24. wouldbe 64. (C)
25. would 65. (A)
26. (b) 66. (3)
27. (c) 67. (2)
28. (b) 68. (3)
29. (a) 69. (4)
30. (d) 70. (3)
1. They had hardly gone a few steps when they saw a lion.

2. The thief was able to make his escape easily.

3. I did nothing but gossip and waste time.

4. He impressed me with his good behaviour.

5. The magistrate and collector was present there.

6. He was tired and fell asleep immediately.

7. We shall go out as soon as you are ready.

8. She said she would go on knitting as long as she was sitting on the chair.

9. He died after he had been III a long time.

10. He was killed in the last war.

11. The baby is crying because it is hungry now.

12. When I went out in the morning, my little sister was sleeping.

13. I have been waiting here for my friend since 5 o'clock.

14. If you would have gone there, you would have met him.

15. I have seen the Taj Mahal and know how beautiful it is.

16. The boy jumped of the bus while it moved.

17. I have not seen him since yesterday.

18. It is time we return home.

19. He will not meet me if he comes tomorrow.

20. As I waited in the hall, the head master came to me and asked me in a gentle voice, 'Now Raju, how is
your mother?'

21. The article stated that he could read at the age of three.

22. You might take a sweater in case it gets cold.

23. It's going to rain all afternoon. Should we go to the cinema?

24. Scott would be 21 at the end of the month.

25. Julie said the traffic was heavy, so she would be late for the meeting.

26. Not only he but his father was also present.

27. You can even see the clouds in the sky.

28. Do not go till he comes.

29. As he is ill, he cannot come.

30. You have opposed me, therefore I cannot help you.

31. She asked Raja whether he could tell where Sumit was working then.

32. The teacher ordered the boys to go home.

33. The maid admitted that she had broken the cups.

34. He asked if he would call the doctor.

35. They inquired what the matter was.

36. I was so absorbed in my book that I did not notice the time.

37. He was very ashamed of his rude behaviour.

38. She is distantly related to my wife.

39. One soon becomes weary of the winter.

40. He is a bad student, he never seems really interested in his work.

41. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He must be exhausted after such a long flight.

42. The book is optional. My professor said we could read it if we needed extra credit. But we don't have to
read it if we don't want to.

43. Susan couldn't hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.

44. The television isn't working. It must have been damaged during the move.

45. Kate: Can you hold your breath for more than a minute? Jack: No, I can't.

46. In passive voice, the sentence can be formed basing on prepositional verbs as 'The door was being
knocked at?

47. The sentence can be formed correctly in passive voice which is in future perfect tense as 'When will
have your work been completed by you?'

48. In passive voice, the sentence can be formed as 'When will the thief have been caught by the police?'

49. The sentence can be formed in passive voice which is in future perfect tense as The letter will have
been given to courier agency by him.'

50. Basing on the rule, the sentence can be formed correctly in passive voice which is in future perfect
tense as 'Clothes will not have been changed by him before my arrival'
My (51) name is Sartaj. This is my (52) friend Natraj. He's 12. His (53) sister is nine. Their (54) pet is a
budgie. His name is Bonny. Natraj and I go to the same school. There are 450 boys and girls in our (55)
school. Natraj goes for tuition to Mrs. Biswas. She has got a pet, too. Her (56) pet is a tortoise. Our class
teacher is Mr. Shastri. I like his (57) lessons. He has two dogs. The dogs love to play in his (58) garden.
Sometimes, I go to my (59) cousin's house and play with his pet. Now I have a question for you. What's
your (60) pet?

61. (d) proficient in literary art

62. (b) to take revenge

63. (b) expresses his feelings openly

64. (c) a day memorable for some joyful event

65. (a) punished for other's misdeeds

66. (3) There are two possibilities in future. Hence, the first possible event should be expressed in Simple
Present. Therefore, replace 'if I have recovered' by' if I recover'.

67. (2) In Indirect statement, if the Reporting Verb is in the Past Tense then the Verb in the Reported
Speech will also be in Past Tense. Hence, 'that the taxes would be....' will be the correct usage.

68. (3) It is improper to use article 'the'. There is discussion of only one person and no two articles are
needed.

69. (4) When we use 'Neither... nor' the verb agrees with the number/ person of the noun / pronoun used
after 'nor'. Hence, 'knowledge was required ...' will be the correct usage.

70. (3) Here, the Reporting Verb is in Past Tense. Hence, replace 'rains and thunderstorm may' by 'rains and
thunderstorm might'.
CBSE Class 10 English Most Repeated Questions 2024-25
Preparing for the CBSE Class 10 English exam becomes easier by focusing on the most repeated questions
from previous years. These questions highlight students to efficiently revise and improve their chances of
scoring well in the 2024-25 exams.
Class 10 English Repeated Questions: Glimpses of India

 What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

 Who invites the comment –“ he is dressed like a pader? ”Why ?
 Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
 How do we get to know that the makers of bread still exist?
 Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood. After reading
about all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do you think such a keenness
on the part of children is desirable?
 ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.’ What does
this statement imply in relation to the character of the baker?
 Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life, in olden days. Based on your reading of the “A
Baker from Goa”, describe the Goan culture.
 Describe the pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker.

Class 10 English Repeated Questions: Madam Rides the Bus

 What kind of a person was Valli?

 What did Valli see when she peered over the blind?
 How did Valli manage to leave the house?
 Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
 Why does the conductor refer to Valli as 'madam'?
 Why did Valli not get off from the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?
 Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
 What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
 Valli was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What was her favourite pastime?
 Valli didn't like the way adults treated her during her bus journey. Do you disagree with Valli's
attitude towards elderly people in the story? Why?
 In such a fast-moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do you think
Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
 Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which characteristics of
Valli help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender age?
 What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read.

Class 10 English Repeated Questions: The Sermon at Benares

 How is the city of Benares important?

 What did the Buddha preach to the people?
 How did Kisa Gotami realise that life and death is a process?
 How did Siddhartha Gautama get enlightenment? Why did he name the peepal tree as the Bodhi
tree?
 What did Buddha say about death and suffering ?
 Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami also passes through a period of grief in her life. How
does she behave in those circumstances?
 How did Gautam Buddha get enlightenment? Explain with reference to the story.
 “The World is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms
of the world”. Express your view with reference to the story “The Sermon at Benares”.

Class 10 English Repeated Questions: The Proposal (Play)

 What happens to Lomov when he is in an excited state?

 What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?
 Describe Chubukov’s reaction when he comes to know about Lomov’s purpose of visit.
 Which qualities are common in all three characters of the play ‘The Proposal’?
 Justify the title of the play, ’The Proposal’?
 What do you learn about Natalya from the play, The Proposal?
 “The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought over pretty issues is against the behaviour and
mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment. What would you have done to resolve this issue if you
were in place of Chubukov?
 Bring out the humorous elements in the one-act play, ‘The Proposal’
 Give a brief character sketch of Natalya Stepanova.

Class 10 English Repeated Questions: The Tale of Custard the Dragon

 Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to help ?

 How is the “ The Tale of Custard the Dragon” a ballad ?
 Why did everyone make fun of the dragon ?
 How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the death of the pirate?
 “Belinda tickled him, she tickeld him unmerciful. ”Why?

Class 10 English Repeated Questions: Animals

 What do humans do to other human beings who lived thousands of years ago?
 Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Give reason for your answer
 Why does the poet like animals?
 Differentiate between humans and animals in terms of desire.
 “I think I could turn and live with animals…” What is the poet turning from?
 What conclusion does the poet come to at the end of the poem?
English Important Questions Class 10 for 2 Marks

Class 10 English Important Questions of Chapter – Glimpses of India

1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

Answer: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days and their love of bread and
loaves. The writer says that the eaters of the loaves have left but the makers still exist.

2. How do we get to know that the makers of bread still exist?

Answer: The narrator states that the eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still
there.They say that those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist and the fire in the furnaces has not yet
been extinguished.

3. Who invites the comment –“ he is dressed like a pader? ”Why ?

Answer: Any person who is wearing a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites this comment.
This is because the baker, known as a pader, used to dress like that.

4. What did the bakers wear -i) in the Portuguese days ? ii) when the author was young?
Answer: (i)The bakers were usually dressed up in a peculiar dress called Kabai.It was a single piece long
frock reaching down to the knees.

(ii) During his childhood days, the author saw the bakers wearing shirt and trousers which were shorter
than full length ones and longer than half pants.

5. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?

Answer: Bread is still an important part of Goan life. Marriage gifts are meaningless and a party or a feast
loses its charm without bread. Sandwiches are important for a daughter’s engagement.

This shows the fact that the bread makers are still there.
Class 10 English Important Questions of Chapter – Madam Rides the Bus

What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Valli was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What was her favourite pastime?
Why did Valli not get off from the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?
Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
How did Valli manage to leave the house?
How did Valli calculate and plan?
What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?
What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli’s head?
What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?
Why didn’t Valli want to have a look at the sights alone?
What kind of a person was Valli?
Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Why was Valli overcome with shyness?
What did Valli see when she peered over the blind?
Why didn’t Valli like the remark of the elderly man? What did she say to him?
How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside?
Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?

Class 10 English Important Questions of Chapter – The Sermon at Benares

1. Who was Gautama Buddha? When and where was he born?

Answer: Gautama Buddha was a Prince who was named Siddhartha Gautama by his parents. He was born
in 563 B.C. in North India. He had been shielded from the sufferings of the world.

2. Why did Prince Siddhartha leave the palace and become a monk?

Answer: While going out for hunting Prince Siddhartha saw a sick man, an aged man and then a funeral
procession. Then he saw a beggar begging for alms. These sights mourned him very much. He realised that
the world is full of sorrows. He thus turned into a monk.

3. What is a sermon? Is it different from a lecture or a talk?

Answer: A sermon is a spoken or written address on a religious or moral subject. It is a serious talk. It is
different from a lecture or a talk. It is because a lecture or a talk can be on anything. A sermon has to be on
religion or a moral subject.
4. What did the Buddha do after he had attained enlightenment?

Answer: When Buddha attained enlightenment, he started preaching and telling people about life and its
meaning. He spread his preaching far and wide. He shared his knowledge with people through his
teachings.

5. Why was Kisa Gotami sad? What did she do in her hour of grief?

Answer: Kisa Gotami was sad because her only son had died. In her hour of grief, she went from house to
house in search of a medicine to cure him. She had become selfish in wanting her son back.

6. What did her neighbours think about Kisa Gotami?

Answer: Kisa Gotami’s only son had died. She was overwhelmed with grief. She carried the dead child to all
her neighbours. She asked them for medicine to cure her son. The neighbours thought she had lost her
senses. A dead child could never be cured.

7. Why did Kisa go to Gautama Buddha?

Answer: One of the neighbours advised Kisa Gotami to go to Buddha who could have given her some
lifesaving medicine for her son.

8. What did Buddha ask the lady to do?

Answer: Buddha asked the lady to bring a handful of mustard-seeds. But these must be taken from a house
where no one had ever lost a child, husband or a friend. Then he would be able to help her.

9. How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life?

Answer: Buddha changed Kisa’s thinking with the help of a simple act—asking her to procure a handful of
mustard seeds from that house where none had died. She could not understand it. But, gradually she
understood that death is inevitable.

10. Where did Buddha preach his first sermon?

Answer: Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares, which is regarded as the most
holy of the dipping places on the river Ganges.
Class 10 English Important Questions of Chapter – The Proposal (Play)
1. What happens to Lomov when he is in an excited state?

Answer: When Lomov is in an excited state his heart beat increases, lips tremble and there is a twitch in his
right eyebrow. When he goes to sleep in such a state something pulls him from his left side and he jumps
like a lunatic.

2. Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov when he comes to his house?

Answer: When Chubukov sees Lomov, he suspects that he must have come to borrow money from him.
Chubukov is not at all sincere in saying “And I’ve always loved you, my angel as if you were my own son.”
But in the entire play Chubukov and Lomov are seen fighting over the property or the dogs.

3. Why does Lomov say that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a land-grabber ?

Answer: Lomov has his reasons to think that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a land-grabber. His
aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows for ‘temporary’ and free use to Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants.
He doesn’t intend to give up his claim over the Meadows. Good neighbours don’t behave like this. Only
land-grabbers behave in this fashion.

4. What did Natalya say about Guess?

Answer: Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess – Lomov’s dog. Lomov said that his dog Guess
was better than Squeezer. Natalya believed that Guess had become old and ought to be shot. She also
claimed that Squeezer was a hundred times better than Guess.

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

Answer: Lomov is hypochondriac and nervous. He thinks he is cold, he has a roaring in his ears, he
complains of a weak heart, insomnia, strange aches and palpitation. He also suffers from numbness of
limbs. He gets nervous very often. His heart collapses twice. He considers himself weak and helpless, and
needs sympathy.

6. Describe Chubukov’s reaction when he comes to know about Lomov’s purpose of visit.
Answer: Chubukov is extremely happy and excited to know about Lomov’s proposal. He assures him that
Natalya would agree to the proposal. He showers his affection on Lomov and sheds a tear out own
happiness and says that it is his heartfelt desire. He does so because he thinks that Lomov would make a
good match for his daughter.

7. Why does Natalya ask her father Chubukov to fetch Lomov in at once? Why does she accuse her
father?

Answer: Natalya asked her father to fetch Lomov at once as she had come to know that Lomov had come
to propose to her. She accused Chubukov of driving Lomov out of their home.
8. Why does Lomov wish to propose to Natalya?

Answer: Lomov wishes to propose to Natalya because he feels she is an excellent housekeeper, not bad
looking, and is also well-educated. Moreover, he feels that he is already thirty-five, which is a critical age
and he ought to lead a regular and settled life.

9. Which qualities are common in all three characters of the play ‘The Proposal’?

Answer: All the characters in the play are argumentative, full of pride and possessiveness. They are always
ready to argue about petty things. They even fought over the breed of dogs.

10. What according to Chubukov is Lomov worth doing?

Answer: The speaker Chubukov doesn’t think that his neighbour Lomov is worth anything. He only knows
how to argue with people and interfere with their dogs. He can’t be a good hunter at all.

Class 10 English Important Questions of Poem – Amanda

1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Answer: Amanda’s age could be between 10-12 years old. We can guess this because of the reference to
mermaid or Rapunzel. These stories are read by children of age group of 10-12 years. Amanda’s mother
also makes a reference to acne, which appears during adolescence.

2. Why is Amanda getting scolded for having chocolate?

Answer: Amanda is getting scolded for having chocolates as previously it had caused her acne.

3. What can you depict of Amanda’s nature?

Answer: Amanda is a moody girl. She is nagged most of the time. She often escapes from reality and goes
into an imaginary world.

4. Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?

Answer: Amanda wants to be Rapunzel because she wants to live a rare and tranquil life in tower like
Rapunzel.

5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?

Answer: The little girl Amanda wants to be a mermaid and the only resident of the beautiful green sea. She
thinks that her life will be very relaxing in the sea and she will be taken away with the currents of water.

6. Who do you think is speaking to her?

Answer: One of her parents is speaking to her. Most probably it is her mother. In a traditional household
mother is held responsible for the conduct of child.
7. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?

Answer: A girl like Amanda yearns for freedom and space for herself. She likes to be let alone and does not
like to be questioned or nagged at.

8. Is Amanda a student? How do you know?

Answer: Yes, Amanda is a student because she is asked to complete her homework.

9. What does the line “never let down my bright hair” tell us about Amanda?

Answer: It tells us that Amanda does not want anybody to come up and spoil the silence or disturb her in
any way.

10. The reader sympathises with the speaker in the poem. Support this opinion with a reason.

Answer: The speaker, probably her mother, is worried about her posture, skin, and school homework. But,
Amanda gives her a deaf ear which makes the reader sympathizes with the speaker.

Class 10 English Important Questions of Poem – Animals

1. What does the poet wish to do at the beginning of the poem?

Answer: The poet wishes that he could transform and become one with animals.

2. What do humans do to other human beings who lived thousands of years ago?

Answer: Human beings hold their ancestors in great respect.

3. What conclusion does the poet come to at the end of the poem?

Answer: The poet says that as a human being he must have lost his natural virtues sometime in the past.
Presently those virtues are possessed only by the animals.

4. “I think I could turn and live with animals…” What is the poet turning from?

Answer: The poet is turning away from living with other humans as he finds them complicated and false.
He would rather live with animals that are self-contained and non-complaining.

5. Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Give reason for your answer.

Answer: Yes, humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago. They worship their
ancestors and pray by kneeling in front of their portraits. They hold religious sermons and ceremonies in
their memory.
6. Why does the poet like animals?

Answer: The poet likes animals for their self-contained and quiet nature. The fact that animals are not like
human beings and are satisfied with their lives appeals to the poet a lot.

7. Explain the satisfaction that animals have and humans don’t.

Answer: Animals do not have the desire to possess worldly things. On the other hand, the more humans
own, the more their desire to own grows, leaving them dissatisfied forever. The absence of this greed in
animals keeps them satisfied and its presence keeps humans dissatisfied.

8. Why do animals not weep for their sins?

Answer: Animals do not weep for their sins because they do not need to do so. They are innocent creatures
that commit no sins. It is the humans who commit sins and later weep for it too.

9. What makes the poet sick?

Answer: The fact, that humans commit all kinds of sins and still discuss their duty to God, makes the poet
sick. This shows the hypocrisy of humans, who on one hand do wrong and on the other pray to God.

10. Differentiate between humans and animals in terms of desire.

Answer: Animals are very different from humans as they have no desire to own things. They are happy
without an unending greed while humans become maniacs in their greed for possessing valuables.

Class 10 English Important Questions of Poem – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1. How did each of Belinda’s pets react at the sight of the pirate?

Answer: At the sight of the pirate , Belinda’s pets ran away and hid , for they were scared of the pirate.

2. How is the “ The Tale of Custard the Dragon” a ballad ?

A ballad is a poem that tells a story . This poem has qualities of adventure and bravery. And the poet is
showing these qualities in a humorous way.

3. Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to help ?

Answer: Since Belinda was scared of the pirate ,she cried for help. The Custard came to her help.

4. Who all lived in the white house with Belinda ?

Answer: Ink – a black kitten, Blink- a grey mouse, Mustard – a yellow dog, Custard -a dragon and a red
wagon.
5. Why did everyone make fun of the dragon ?

Answer: Every one made fun of the dragon, because he always cried for a safe cage, but others boasted
about their bravery.

6. Where did Belinda live ? Which animals lived with Belinda ?

Answer: Belinda lived in a little white house. A black kitten , a grey mouse, a yellow dog and a pet dragon
lived with Belinda.

7. Belinda and other animals have been described as brave. But on seeing the pirate,they behaved in a
cowardly way . How did they react ?

Answer: Belinda turned pale with fear. She cried for help. Mustard ran barking fearfully. Ink

went to the bottom of the house. And the little mouse ran into his hole.

8. How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the death of the pirate?
Answer: They became very happy . Belinda embraced him and mustard licked him. Ink and Blink jumped
with happiness. .Thus they expressed their joy .

9. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly dragon”?

Answer: The custard was coward. That is why he was called “cowardly dragon”. All other animals laughed
at him. He did not like that. So he cried for a nice safe cage.

10. “Belinda tickled him, she tickeld him unmerciful. ”why?

Answer: Belinda tickled Custard to tease him for his cowar

English Important Questions Class 10 for 3 Marks

english important questions class 10 in the section for 3 marks is given below.

English Important Questions Class 10 for Glimpses of India

1. ”Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.”
Explain.

Answer: Bakers had a plump physique which meant they were happy and prosperous and hence, even
today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is compared to a baker.
2. ’Baking was indeed, a profitable profession.’ Justify the statement with reference to the extract ‘A
Baker from Goa’.

Answer: Baking was indeed, a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family never starved.
He, his family, and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open
testimony to this.

3. How does the writer know about the arrival of the baker? Why are they anxiously waiting for him?

Answer: The children would know about his arrival from the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his bamboo stick. They
would run to meet and greet him. They tried to surround the basket but were pushed aside till the bread
was delivered to the maid. Then, they were allowed to choose their bread bangles.

4. What did the baker mean to the narrator during his childhood? How many times did he pay a visit?

Answer: The baker or pader was an important person in the author’s life. He was treated like a friend. He
used to come twice a day, once in the morning to sell the bread and then while returning after emptying
his basket. The author used to run to meet him in order to take the bread – bangles. He chatted and
gossiped with him.

5. Why did the young children in Goa not wash their mouth?

Answer: When the children got bread bangles from the baker in the morning, they wanted to eat those
without waiting to brush their teeth or wash their mouths properly. They argued that the tiger never
brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything very nicely.

English Important Questions Class 10 for Madam Rides the Bus

Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner.
How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow? Support your answer with examples.
What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick up these details?
Give reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Why did Valli listen to the conversations? What did she get from them?
How did Valli board the bus? Why did she say, ‘I can get on by myself’?
How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very grown-up madam?”
What careful and painstaking elaborate plans did Valli have to make for her first journey and how did she
save the money for it
Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?
Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?
Why didn’t Valli accept a free drink from the bus conductor? What does this act show about her character?
What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?
How can you say Valli’s bus ride remained a secret from her mother and aunt?
Why did Valli smile to herself? Did her mother and aunt have any chance of knowing the secret of her
smile?
What did Valli see out of the window on her first journey?
Why did Valli didn’t enjoy her bus ride back home?
What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.

English Important Questions Class 10 for The Sermon at Benares

1. How is the city of Benares important??

Answer: Benares is a sacred city of the Hindus as the river Ganga flows through it. Gautama Buddha
preached his first sermon at the city of Benares. It was about accepting death as an inseparable part of life
and not grieving unduly over it.

2. What is the moral of the lesson,’ The Sermon at Benares’?

Answer: The moral of the lesson is that one should understand that human beings are mortal and no one
can escape death. People must understand that thinking about bound situations will increase one’s stress
and lead to sorrow. So, our primary focus should be on neglecting sorrows and focusing on things that
make us happy.

3. What were the sights that moved and shocked Gautama?

Answer: Prince Gautama had been deliberately shielded from all the sufferings of the world. One day he
chanced upon a sick man, then an aged man and then a funeral procession. Finally, he saw a monk begging
for alms. These sights moved him. He went out into the world to seek the solution of all these sufferings.
He wanted to seek enlightenment.

4. What did the Buddha preach to the people?

Answer: Buddha said that death is common to all mortals. You cannot avoid it. No amount of Weeping and
lamenting can bring back a dead. So wise men don’t grieve. Weeping and lamenting rather spoil one’s
health. To overcome sorrow, become free of sorrow.

5. According to Kisa Gotami what is the greatest grief of life?

Answer: According to Kisa Gotami, the greatest grief in life is the death of one’s loved ones and one’s
inability to stop them from dying. She had tried in vain to revive her son. Finding her so miserable the
Buddha thought of a way to teach her to stop grieving. She eventually understood the lesson that Buddha
wanted to convey- death should be accepted as it is inevitable.
6. How did Kisa Gotami realise that life and death is a process?

Answer: Kisa Gotami went from house to house to bring a handful of mustard seeds but was unable to find
one house where nobody died. She sat down by the roadside and saw the lights of city flickering and
extinguishing. Thus she realised that the human life is similar to the lights.

7. How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gautami the truth of life and death?

Answer: Kisa Gotami had lost her son. The Buddha told her to bring mustard seeds from the house where
there had been no deaths. When she could not fulfil this condition she understood that death is the
ultimate truth. All creatures that are born must die one day. This is what Buddha wanted her to
understand. Finally the grieving mother accepted the death of her beloved son.

8. How did Siddhartha Gautama get enlightenment? Why did he name the peepal tree as the Bodhi tree?

Answer: Gautama wanted a final solution for the sufferings and pains that afflicted the people of the world.
He wandered for seven years for seeking enlightenment. Finally, he sat down under a peepal tree. He
vowed to stay there until enlightenment came. Enlightened after seven days, he renamed the peepal tree.
It was named as the Bodhi Tree or Tree of Wisdom.

9. What did Buddha say about death and suffering ?

Answer: After enlightenment, Buddha started to spread his teachings about life, truth and the likes of it. He
told that death and suffering are the part and parcel of life. None can avoid this truth. Whoever has born,
will die one day. In the hour of grief, one must remain calm and composed so that grief doesn’t overcome
one. Only wise accept the truth. People should not get distressed with pain, suffering and death.

10. Can grieving and lamentation avoid death and decay in this world? What did the Buddha say in this
regard?

Answer: This world is afflicted with death and decay. Therefore, the wise don’t grieve. No one will ever get
peace of mind by weeping or grieving. Weeping or grieving only makes a person sick and pale. Only the
person who has overcome all sorrows will be free from sorrow. He will then be blessed.

English Important Questions Class 10 The Proposal

1. Who are Lomov and Chubukov and how are they related to each other?

Answer: Lomov and Chubukov are landlords. They are neighbors too. According to lomov, he has been
coming to Chubukov for help. Chubukov has helped him even earlier. There seems to be a dispute over the
ownership of Oxen Meadows. Each one claims that the land belongs to him. Lomov is interested in
marrying Chubukov’s daughter Natalya and considers her a suitable match for him.
2. Justify the title of the play, ’The Proposal’?

Answer: The title of the play “The Proposal” is apt. The title justifies the main theme- the marriage of
Natalya and Lomov. No doubt, both Lomov and Natalya want to be life partners. However, unnecessary
quarrels over Oxen Meadows and their dogs Squeezer and Guess temporarily spoil their game. The
message is very clear. The main issue must not be clouded and lost sight of by indulging in unnecessary and
avoidable quarrels.

3. What do you learn about Natalya from the play, The Proposal?

Answer: Natalya is the only daughter of the landowner Chubukov. She was very possessive about her land
and was very determined not to part with it. She was a short-tempered lady who used to quarrel with
everyone very often. She always pinpointed the amount of help she had offered to her neighbours. Though
well educated, she did not use her education wisely and thoughtfully.

4. Describe the first fight between Lomov and Natalya.

Answer: Although Lomov had come to Chubukov’s house to propose his daughter Natalya, he started
fighting with her over a small piece of land. This land adjoined her land and his Oxen Meadows touched her
Birch woods. Natalya told Lomov that Oxen Meadows belonged to her, but Lomov claimed that the Oxen
Meadows are his. Lomov tried to convince Natalya by telling her that his aunt’s grandmother gave the
meadows for the temporary and free use to Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand
money for it for a long time, so the Chubukov’s misunderstood that the meadows belonged to them. While
Chubukov insisted that yelling could not prove anything because everyone knows that meadows belonged
to Chubukov’s since last three hundred years. Both threatened each other.

5. “The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought over pretty issues is against the behaviour and
mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment. What would you have done to resolve this issue if you were
in place of Chubukov?

Answer: Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to Chubukov’s house to propose Natalya.
But instead of proposing, they started fighting over petty issues like Oxen meadows and quality of dogs.
This is not the quality of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like friends. There should be a positive
relationship between the two neighbours. There should be understanding and patience among neighbours,
The fight between Lomov and Chubukovs could have been avoided, if handled carefully. The issue of
meadows could be solved calmly peacefully by a good conversation. There must have been some
documents showing the ownership of the meadows or both parties could be convinced by making them
understand that if they got married, the meadows will belong to both of them. Similarly, the issues of dog
could be solved by discussing the positive features of the dogs instead of counting the negative points of
each other’s dogs.
English Important Questions Class 10 for 4 Marks
In this section, we have provided important 4-mark questions for the CBSE class 10 English subject.

Most Repeated Questions in English Class 10 – Glimpses of India

1. Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood. After reading
about all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do you think such a keenness on
the part of children is desirable?

Answer: I don’t think that the keenness of children these days to enter adulthood is desirable. Children
these days are in a hurry to enter adulthood and have access to technology. Due to this they are learning
things earlier than usual and getting matured beyond their age. Hence, they are losing out on their
childhood and missing the joys that it brings with it. In my thinking, they should grow at a slow pace and
enjoy their childhood to the fullest. Children who miss out on their childhood cannot be a complete adult.
So, they should not hurry up to be an adult and grow at nature’s pace. They must enjoy their childhood to
the fullest.

2. After reading the story ‘A Baker from Goa”, do you think our traditions, heritage, values and practices
are the roots that nourish us? Why/why not?

Answer: ‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the importance of the traditional practice of making breads for every
occasion and festival of the Goan people. This tradition continues even today. This shows how our
traditional practices can keep us to our past and heritage. Traditional values shape our personality and also
provide us emotional support. They enable us to face difficult situations and makes us mentally strong.
Traditional practices also have an impact on our behavioural pattern towards the other people in society.

3. ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.’ What does this
statement imply in relation to the character of the baker?
Answer: This statement tells us that the baker was a very respected person in the Goan society because he
would guide the children about good behaviour (when he mildly rebuked them for peeping into his basket
and giving respect to the elders (when he wished “Good morning” to the lady of the house) etc. He was
very informal with the children and so the author considered him as a friend and companion. He was not
simply a vendor interested in selling what he made. Thus, he was an important character in the Goan
society of those days.

4. Describe the pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker.

Answer: There is a deep impact of Portuguese culture on Goan life. The baker is also a part of this culture.
They are known as paders in Goa. When author was a child, one could see the traditional baker in the
village. He used to be friend of children. He visited the house twice a day. Children arose with the sound of
thud and jingle of the bamboo in the morning. They would run to greet him. Children were fond of sweet
bread and the bread bangles. The ladies of the house bought the bread. Bakers were professional and it
was a family business. It was a profitable business and most of the bakers were plump. They had their
peculiar traditional dress called Kabai.
5. Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life, in olden days. Based on your reading of the “A
Baker from Goa”, describe the Goan culture.

Answer: Goa in west India, called golden Goa by the Portuguese, has an important Portuguese colony in
Asia. The Portuguese were driven by their desire to spread their faith to the local population. Thus the
culture of Goa is deeply influenced by Portuguese culture. Modern day Goa, a state of India, is a quaint
blend of tradition, religion and modernity. Hindu temples are as much a part of Goa as are Christian
monuments. The culture of Goa today is a synthesis of Portuguese and Indian cultures. It is one of the most
attractive cultures in India. A Goan is said to be born with music in his blood and music literally
accompanies him from the cradle to the grave. Musical traditions run in generations.

Most Repeated Questions in English Class 10 of Chapter – Madam Rides the Bus

Valli didn’t like the way adults treated her during her bus journey. Do you agree disagree with Valli’s
attitude towards elderly people in the story? Why?
In such a fast-moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do you think Valli did
right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
The people and surroundings are a great book to learn. Valli in the lesson ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ learns a
lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from her surroundings.
Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which characteristics of Valli
help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender age?
What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read.

Most Repeated Questions in English class 10 of Chapter – The Sermon at Benares

1. Personal losses are a part and parcel of life. Instead of wailing on them, we should move on in life.
This message of Gautama Buddha has become more relevant in this pandemic situation. Do you agree?
Why /why not?
Answer: Yes, I agree with the message that Gautama Buddha has given about life. The prevailing pandemic
has made a huge impact on all of us. In the modern times, people have a lot to explore and move with the
world at the same pace. If people don’t understand the practicality of life, they will be under stress which
would in turn will affect their personal and professional lives dearly. People need to understand that
everyone who is born to this planet will have to leave it one day. There is no use being sad or crying over
the loss. People should accept the reality of loss, remain calm and composed in such situations. They
should face the truth and move on in life resolutely.

2. Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami also passes through a period of grief in her life. How
does she behave in those circumstances?
Answer: Kisa Gotami became extremely sad after the death of her only child. She carried her dead child to
her neighbours in order to get medicine to bring him back to life. Her neighbours concluded that she had
gone insane as she was unable to accept the reality. Seeing her agony someone suggested her to meet
Gautama Buddha. When she met Gautama Buddha asked her to collect mustard seeds from a house where
no one has ever died. She went from one house to another but was unable to find a single house in the
village where no one has died. This way she realised that death is a part of life and anyone who is born is
bound to die one day. Thus, Buddha changed her understanding of death by this exercise. could come to
terms with the truth.
4. What is the nature of the life of the human beings according to the Buddha?

Answer: According to Buddha, “The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with
pain. For there is not any means by which those that have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old
age there is death; of such a nature are living beings. As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals
when born are always in danger of death. As all earthen vessels made by the potter end in being broken, so
is the life of mortals. Both young and adult, both those who are fools and those who are wise, all fall into
the power of death; all are subject to death.”

5. How did Gautam Buddha get enlightenment? Explain with reference to the story.

Answer: At about the age of twenty-five, Siddhartha went for hunting. He happened to see a sick man, an
aged man, a funeral procession and finally a monk begging for alms. These sights administered a shock for
him as he was insulated from the sufferings of the world. He renounced worldly pleasures and went out
into the world to seek enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had witnessed. Siddhartha wandered for
seven years pursuing enlightenment and finally sat down under a peepal tree. On the seventh day, he
received enlightenment and renamed the tree as ‘Bodhi Tree’. He became known as the Buddha (the
Awakened or the Enlightened) and began to teach and to share his new understandings. Buddha preached
his first sermon at the city of Benares, regarded as the spiritual capital of India and one of the world’s
oldest continually inhabited cities

6. “The World is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of
the world”. Express your view with reference to the story “The Sermon at Benares”.

Answer: According to Gautama Buddha, the world is afflicted with sufferings, disease or pain, death and
decay. Neither from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind; on the contrary, his pain
will be the greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale, yet the dead are not saved
by his lamentation. We have to accept personal loss as a reality and pursue our journey of life with positive
thoughts. Nothing is constant in the world, including human life. Keeping eyes shut can’t diminish the
reality in front of us. Those who have overcome all sorrows will become free from sorrow, and be blessed.

Most Repeated Questions in English Class 10 of Chapter – The Proposal

1. Bring out the humorous elements in the one-act play, ‘The Proposal’.
Answer: One can see several humorous elements in Anton Chekov’s play ‘The Proposal’ where the
characters act in a silly manner over petty issues yet the play ends on a happy note. Lomov comes to the
house of Chubukov with the intention of proposing Natalya, his daughter. But he cannot talk in a straight-
forward manner. He beats about the bush. She starts quarrelling with her over a piece of land. When he
comes back, he quarrels about the superiority of his dog. She immediately looks to her father to induce
them to war, until Natalya discovers that he had come with the purpose of proposing her. Chubukov is also
a humorous character. He knows that Lomov has come to ask for his daughter’s marriage, even then he
quarrels with him. We laugh at the words used by them and their behaviour. The sudden marriage of
Lomov and Natalya creates laughter. Chubukov puts his daughter’s hand in Lomov’s in a foolish manner.
Lomov is a comic character. His complaints about his poor health provoke laughter. Thus, the play gives us
a lot of laughter.
2. Write a brief character sketch of Lomov.

Answer: Lomov was a middle aged man of thirty five. He suffered from palpitations and sleeplessness. So,
he was desperate to settle down in life, and lead a quiet and normal life. Despite his ailments, Lomov was a
rich and prosperous farmer. This makes Chubukov secretly wish him to marry his daughter Natalya. As
Lomov was desperate to have a life partner he decided to propose and marry Natalya. Lomov was however
hesitant to ask for her hand from Chubukov. This made him beat about the bush, argue with Natalya and
leave without proposing. Thus we can find that Lomov’s conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is
an eligible, assertive, rich bachelor, who will be liked by any girl. However, we also know that he is nervous,
lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a long-winded manner.

3. Give a brief character sketch of Natalya Stepanova.

Answer: Natalya was the only daughter of Stephan Stepanovich Chubukov. She was a good housekeeper,
not bad to look at and educated, that was why Lomov wanted to marry her. She could be a good wife to
him. Natalya wishes that somebody should love her and propose to her. Her father calls her ‘a love-sick
cat’.She secretly loved Lomov. She became hysterical when she came to know that Lomov had come to
propose to her. She asked her father to call him back. To please Lomov, she asked him to forgive her and
agreed to his ownership of the Oxen Meadows. She was greedy and short-sighted. She got the whole field
of hay cut. She was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why Lomov was dressed up formally. She was
touchy and short-tempered and fell into contradiction and argument on two occasions – Once over the
ownership of Oxen Meadows and second time over the superiority of her dog Squeezer. She is as rigid as
Lomov. She is not ready to give up even after getting ready to marry him.

4. Based on your understanding of the play ‘The Proposal’ how do you think good relationship can be
maintained? Why in today’s time we see so many people going away from each other?

Answer: The play ‘The Proposal’ teaches us how anger and arguments can easily ruin a relationship. Thus,
to maintain a good relationship, it is important to have control over your anger. Having arguments over
unimportant or small issues is extremely harmful and a waste of time. If someone commits a mistake, one
should be ready to forgive and forget rather than being angry and arguing with the person endlessly. In the
play, the way all the characters lose their temper shows that anger can easily affect a relationship. None of
them were ready to forgive and forget. All of them were too self-centric. They never tried to be courteous
in their speech nor tried to understand the feelings of others. In today’s world, too people try to find only
the negatives in others and often forget to see and accept the positive qualities. Hence it is becoming
extremely difficult to maintain a good and cordial relationship with others.