Board Previous-Year Questions (PYQs): Poems| Class X | English | Important for 2025 Exams
Explore the Previous year Question papers, Revise them & ace your marks in English in Board Exam 2025
Glossary of Poems
Fog
Set 2/1/1 ( All India 2024)
Dust of Snow
Q1. What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem 'Dust of Snow' initially? What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect?Set 2/1/1 ( All India 2024)
Ans: Initially, the poet is in a gloomy and dejected mood, reflecting despair.
The images of a crow and the hemlock tree, traditionally associated with negativity, bring about a contrast as they ultimately lead to a positive change in the poet's mood.
Q2. It is our attitude towards a situation that makes it positive or negative. Do you agree with it? Express your views with reference to the poem, Dust of Snow'. Set 2/1/2 ( All India 2024)
Yes, I agree that our attitude towards a situation determines whether it becomes positive or negative. In the poem Dust of Snow, the poet, initially in a sorrowful mood, experiences a shift in perspective when a crow shakes the dust of snow onto him. Despite the seemingly negative images—such as the crow and the hemlock tree—his attitude changes, and he feels uplifted. The external factors, although dark or somber, do not dictate his emotional response. Instead, his changed outlook transforms the moment into something positive, helping him forget his troubles. This reflects the power of our attitude in shaping our experiences.
Tiger in the Zoo
Q1. The poem, "A Tiger in the Zoo" moves from the zoo to the jungle; and back again to the zoo. What effect does the poet want to bring out with this? Elaborate. Set 2/5/3 | All India 2024
Ans: In the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, the shift from the zoo to the jungle and back again emphasizes the theme of freedom versus captivity.
Theme of freedom vs captivity: The jungle symbolizes the tiger’s natural freedom, while the zoo represents confinement and restraint.
Longing for freedom: The poet uses the movement between the jungle and the zoo to highlight the tiger's deep yearning for freedom, contrasting the two settings.
Contrast between the two habitats: Moving from the vast freedom of the jungle to the tight confinement of the cage intensifies the contrast, underscoring that the tiger’s true habitat is the jungle, not the zoo.
Highlighting the loss of freedom: This movement serves to bring out the emotional impact of captivity, reminding the reader of the tiger's natural instincts and the tragedy of being locked away from its natural environment.
Q2. State any three disadvantages that the tiger faces inside a cage.
Set 2/5/1 | All India 2023
Ans: Restricted movement: The tiger cannot roam freely and is confined to a small space.
Deprived of natural instincts: It is unable to hunt or engage in its natural behaviors.
Object of display: The tiger becomes a spectacle for visitors, losing its dignity and natural role in the wild.
Q3. How would the tiger behave in the forest ? (A Tiger in the Zoo)
Set 2/5/2 | All India 2023
Ans: In the forest, the tiger would enjoy complete freedom, roaming fearlessly and asserting its dominance. It would growl loudly, terrorize villagers, and hunt deer to satisfy its natural instincts, living a life befitting its majestic and wild nature.
Q4. What does the tiger in the zoo do at night ? (Set 2/5/2 | All India 2023)
Ans: At night, the tiger in the cage remains restless. He hears the last sounds of the patrolling cars and gazes at the shining stars, longing for freedom and the life he would have in the wild.
Q5. With reference to the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’, compare and contrast the life of a tiger in the zoo with the life of a tiger in its natural habitat. (Set 2/S/3 | All India Supplementary Exam 2024)
In the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, the life of the tiger is contrasted between its natural habitat and captivity in a zoo:
In the Forest:
The tiger is free to roam, showcasing its strength and independence.
It snarls and terrorizes the villagers, asserting its dominance.
The tiger actively hunts for prey, living in its natural, wild state.
In the Zoo:
The tiger is caged and helpless, confined to a small space.
It shows "quiet rage," indicating frustration and a longing for freedom.
The tiger’s movement is restricted, unable to roam or hunt, diminishing its natural instincts.
This stark contrast highlights the difference between the tiger’s natural freedom and the confinement it faces in the zoo, symbolizing the loss of its wild essence.
The Ball Poem
Q1. You have been chosen to address the student gathering from the nearby schools, to speak on "How to Deal with Loss Personal or Material". Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the commonality of themes in John Benyman's. "The Ball Poem' and 'A Sermon at Benaras'.
You may begin this way.
Good Morning everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how we can learn to deal with loss.
You may end in this way -
To conclude, I'd like to say that -
Thank you.
Ans: Good Morning everyone,
Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how we can learn to deal with loss. John Berryman's The Ball Poem teaches us to accept material loss as part of growing up. The boy learns that grief and letting go are essential to building resilience and understanding the transient nature of possessions.
Similarly, in A Sermon at Benares, Buddha emphasizes accepting the inevitability of death. The story of Kisa Gotami highlights how loss is universal and urges us to seek peace through detachment and wisdom. Both works remind us that loss, whether personal or material, is a stepping stone to self-realization and emotional strength.
To conclude, I'd like to say that embracing loss helps us grow stronger and wiser, leading us toward a more profound understanding of life.
Thank you.
Q2. The Ball Poem initially appears simple but it is actually quite impactful and intense. Comment upon the theme of The Ball Poem .
(Set 2/4/1 ( All India 2023)
"The Ball Poem" explores the theme of loss and the emotional journey that comes with it. The poem reflects the transition from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for material lo
Q3. You have been chosen to address the school assembly, to speak on the epistemology of loss and the resilience of the human spirit during times of crisis. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to the commonality of themes in "The Ball Poem' by John Berryman and 'From the Diary of Anne Frank'. Set 2/5/1 | All India 2024
You may begin this way:
Good morning everyone.
Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis.
You may end this way:
To conclude, I'd like to say that
Thank you.
Ans: Good morning everyone,
Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with loss and the resilience of the human spirit required during times of crisis.
In The Ball Poem by John Berryman, the boy experiences the loss of a ball, a seemingly small event, yet it becomes a profound lesson in the inevitability of loss as part of growing up. Similarly, in From the Diary of Anne Frank, Anne faces the loss of her home, her family’s safety, and her childhood amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Both works highlight loss as a universal experience, transforming the characters in different ways. While the boy learns to accept and understand the emptiness of loss, Anne's reflections reveal her inner strength and her capacity to endure in the face of unimaginable adversity.
To conclude, I'd like to say that loss, although painful, is a transformative experience, teaching us resilience and the ability to rebuild, just as both the boy and Anne demonstrated in their journeys.
Thank you.
Amanda
Q1. Amanda from the poem 'Amanda' is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box. What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words.
Anne Frank: "Life is unpredictable, Amanda. Even when confined, I found joy in writing and hope in the smallest things. You should cherish your freedom and express yourself."
Amanda: "But Anne, my fantasies are my escape from endless scolding and restrictions.
"Anne Frank: "I understand, but we must balance dreams with reality. Even in tough times, I found beauty in life’s imperfections. Your imagination is a gift, but don’t hide from the world."
Amanda: "It’s just that the world feels so overwhelming sometimes. My daydreams help me cope."
Anne Frank: "I get it. But sharing your thoughts, your creativity, can connect you with others. It might not make life perfect, but it brings meaning.
"Amanda: "Maybe I should try a bit of both—dreaming and living."
Anne Frank: "Exactly! Embrace both the struggles and joys of life. You’ll find strength in both."
Their conversation would reflect their differences, but also a shared understanding of the importance of balancing dreams with reality.
Their conversation would reflect mutual understanding, with Anne inspiring Amanda to embrace both the struggles and joys of life, while Amanda’s imaginative nature might intrigue and comfort Anne.
Q2. Explain why Amanda wants to be an orphan.(Set 2/4/1 ( All India 2023)
Amanda desires to be an orphan to escape constant nagging and restrictions. Lines like “I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet” reveal her longing for solitude and freedom, as she imagines walking silently, away from authority, enjoying the peace and independence she craves.
Q3. In every alternate stanza, Amanda drifts into fantasy and yearns for more freedom and silence. Justify and elaborate the reason. (Amanda) Set 2/4/1 ( All India 2024)
Ans: In the poem "Amanda", the protagonist drifts into fantasy to escape the constant nagging and control of her mother. She feels suffocated and stressed by the restrictions imposed on her, and as a result, she imagines herself as someone else, such as Rapunzel, who enjoys solitude, or as an orphan, who is free from responsibilities. These fantasies provide her with a sense of silence, autonomy, and freedom, offering a stark contrast to her real life, where she is constantly monitored and reprimanded. Through these imagined escapes, Amanda yearns for a life of peace and independence.
Q4. In the poem Amanda , why does the poet use the famous fairy tale character, Rapunzel ? Explain. Set 2/4/2/ | All India 2024
Ans: In the poem Amanda, the poet refers to the fairy tale character Rapunzel to symbolize Amanda's desire for isolation and freedom. Rapunzel lived peacefully in a tower, away from the world’s interference. Similarly, Amanda wishes to escape her mother's constant nagging and imagines life in a tower as serene and free from any disturbance.
Q5. In one instance, Amanda considers herself to be an orphan. What connotation does it entail? Set 2/4/3/ | All India 2024
In Amanda, when Amanda considers herself an orphan, it connotes her desire for freedom and escape from her mother’s constant nagging. An orphan is typically unmonitored and unsupervised, which symbolizes the peace and independence Amanda yearns for. She imagines that being an orphan would grant her the freedom to live without interference and enjoy a peaceful, carefree life.
Q6. What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem ?
Set 2/2/1 | All India 2023
Ans: Amanda is portrayed as a sensitive and imaginative girl who feels suffocated and controlled by her mother’s constant instructions. She longs for freedom and an escape from the restrictions imposed on her. Her tendency to daydream reflects her desire to retreat into a world where she can enjoy peace, independence, and self-expression.
Q7. Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid ? Set 2/6/1 | All India 2023
Ans: Amanda wishes to be a mermaid because she is fed up with her nagging parents and desires to escape their constant instructions. She wants to be alone in the sea, free from any interference, enjoying the peace and freedom that comes with being a mermaid. Q8. Amanda gets a list of instructions from her mother of dos and don’ts. What do these tell you about the relationship between Amanda and her mother ? Set 2/6/2 | All India 2023
Ans: The list of instructions from Amanda’s mother highlights a nagging and controlling relationship. Her mother suppresses Amanda’s individuality and pressurizes her to follow strict rules. In contrast, Amanda feels fed up and yearns to escape, wishing to live freely and independently, away from her mother's constant demands.
Q9. Amanda’s mother gives her a list of do’s and don’ts. What impact does this have on Amanda ?
Set 2/6/3 | All India 2023
Ans: Amanda’s mother’s constant list of do’s and don’ts makes Amanda feel restrained and suffocated. This nagging pushes her to long for freedom and escape from her mother's control. As a result, Amanda retreats into her imagination, daydreaming about a life where she can live on her own terms—whether as an orphan, a mermaid, or Rapunzel, all symbols of independence and peace.
How to Tell Wild Animals
Q1. Discuss the tone of the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ with reference to the usual description of the animals. (How to Tell Wild Animals)
Ans: The tone of the poem How to Tell Wild Animals is humorous and witty, as the poet presents a playful and exaggerated approach to identifying wild animals. Instead of offering scientific descriptions, the poem humorously suggests dangerous ways to identify these animals, such as noting the tiger’s stripes or the bear’s frightening appearance. The poet’s tone is lighthearted, using irony to entertain while simultaneously providing information about the animals. The mix of humor and informative content adds to the charm of the poem, making it both amusing and educational.
Q2.
The Trees
Q2. "The Trees" is a symbolic poem and Adrienne Rich has used trees as a metaphor for human beings. What do they symbolize? Explain. Set 2/5/2 | All India 2024
Ans: In The Trees, Adrienne Rich uses trees as a metaphor for human beings, particularly for women, symbolizing their struggles and desires.
Trees as symbols of people/women trapped by society: The trees represent individuals or women confined within societal norms, much like how trees are trapped inside a house, unable to grow freely.
Neglected and left in the dark: Just as trees are left in the darkness of the house for too long, people or women are neglected and oppressed by society, often left without recognition or freedom.
Desire for freedom: The trees pushing against the walls symbolize the longing for freedom and self-expression, as people or women yearn to break free from societal constraints and claim their rightful space in the world.
Thus, Rich uses the trees to reflect on themes of entrapment, neglect, and the aspiration for liberation.
The Tale of Custard-the Dragon
Q1. What makes Custard, the dragon, look fearsome? Explain.
Custard, the dragon, appears fearsome due to his physical features: sharp claws, spikes on his tail, large teeth, and fiery breath. These characteristics are typical of a fierce dragon, although his timid nature contrasts this appearance humorously.
Q2. How does the poem ‘The Tale of Custard The Dragon’ differ from the traditional ballad ? (Set 2/1/1 | All India 2023)
The poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon differs from traditional ballads that typically glorify courage and heroism. Instead, it humorously portrays Custard, a seemingly cowardly dragon, as the true hero who displays bravery when needed. The use of irony and humor, where the "hero" is initially mocked for cowardice, is a unique deviation from the traditional ballad style.
Q3. Ogden Nash uses vivid imagery in 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' to appeal to the senses. Elaborate the imagery used for the Pirate.
The pirate is described vividly with “black beard” and “one leg,” creating a menacing image. His presence is further emphasized with a “cutlass bright” that glints like lightning. This imagery captures his fearsome nature, appealing to visual and tactile senses, heightening the tension.
Q4. Bring out the central idea of the poem. "The Tale of Custard the Dragon'.
Ans: Ogden Nash's poem highlights that true bravery often lies hidden beneath outward appearances. Custard, mocked as a coward, emerges as the true hero when danger arises. The poem conveys that actions, not appearances, define courage, using humour and whimsical storytelling to challenge stereotypes about strength and valour.
Q5. Belinda and other animals have been described as brave. But on seeing the pirate they behaved in a cowardly way. How did they react? (A Tale of Custard, The Dragon) Set 2/4/1/ | All India 2023
In A Tale of Custard the Dragon, when the pirate appears, Belinda and her pets, typically portrayed as brave, react with fear. Belinda turns pale and begins crying, while the cat, mouse, and even the dog, Custard, run and hide in terror. This contrast to their usual courage adds a humorous twist to the poem.
Q6. The Tale of Custard -the Dragon ' is a humorous ballad. ' How does Ogden Nash create humour and entertainment in the poem ? Set 2/5/1 | All India 2024
In The Tale of Custard the Dragon, Ogden Nash creates humor and entertainment through several techniques:
Use of non-standard language:
Nash uses playful, informal language and rhymes, such as "Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears," adding a whimsical tone to the poem.
Vivid and funny imagery:
The descriptions of the pirate and characters, like "a pirate, with a wooden leg," are exaggerated and humorous, creating a sense of absurdity.
Ironic humour:
The characters are portrayed as brave but are ironically shown to flee at the first sign of danger, particularly the "cowardly" lion and the "brave" Belinda. The humorous contrast between their bravery and their actions adds to the lighthearted tone of the poem.
Q7. Describe how Custard the dragon fights with the Pirate (The tale of Custard the Dragon) Set 2/4/1/ | All India 2023
Ans: When the pirate attacked, Custard sprang into action, roaring and charging fearlessly. Despite being mocked for cowardice, he displayed remarkable bravery, swallowing the pirate whole. His quick and effective response saved the day, proving his worth as the true hero of the group.
Q8. How did the other pets celebrate Custard getting rid of the pirate ? Set 2/1/3/ | All India 2023
Ans: The other pets celebrated Custard’s bravery in defeating the pirate with joy and affection:
Mustard the dog showed his appreciation by licking Custard.
Ink the cat and Blink the mouse danced around him in circles, expressing their delight and acknowledging Custard’s heroic act.
Q9. What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him.Set 2/4/2/ | All India 2023
Ans: Custard’s acceptance that the other animals are braver than him reveals his humility, as he does not boast about his bravery despite proving it. It also shows his lack of confidence, as he underestimates himself, and his being unaware of his inherent strength, which he demonstrates only when faced with a real challenge.
Q10. Describe the pirate who comes through the window. Set 2/4/3/ | All India 2023
Ans: The pirate who enters through the window is depicted as crippled with a wooden leg, giving him a rugged appearance. He has a black beard and carries a pistol in each hand, with a cutlass clenched in his teeth, making him look evil and menacing, embodying the classic image of a frightening pirate.
For Anne Gregory
Q1. Explain why the speaker mentions God in the poem "For Anne Gregory."
The speaker mentions God to emphasize the idea that true love transcends physical appearance. Only God, being impartial and divine, loves individuals for their inner qualities, unlike humans, who often judge based on external beauty.
Q2. Do you think you can love a person for his/her inner beauty alone and not care about the physical appearance? Justify with reference to the theme of the poem 'For Anne Gregory'.Set 2/5/1 | All India 2024
Ans: In the poem For Anne Gregory, the theme of love and its connection to inner beauty is explored.
(Write any one of the following points either 'Yes' if you agree or 'No' in case you disagree)
Yes, you can love people for their inner beauty:
Love for inner beauty is portrayed as a divine and pure form of love, transcending physical appearances.
Anne herself acknowledges that external beauty is temporary, suggesting that true love should be based on deeper qualities rather than fleeting physical features.
No, you cannot love people for their inner beauty:
The young men in the poem are initially drawn to Anne only for her hair, illustrating that physical beauty often takes precedence in romantic attraction.
The poet suggests that only God has the ability to look beyond external appearances, implying that human love is often influenced by surface-level traits.
Thus, the poem presents both perspectives, highlighting the tension between the ideal of loving for inner beauty and the reality of superficial attraction.
Q3. The Poet in the poem ' For Anne Gregory' conveys beauty as temporary. Explain with reference to the poem. Set 2/5/1 | All India 2023
Ans: In For Anne Gregory, the poet emphasizes that inner beauty is the true essence of a person. He conveys that physical appearance is temporary and superficial, as it can change over time. Despite this, young men are often attracted to Anne for her golden hair, not for her true self, highlighting society’s focus on external beauty over inner qualities.
Q4. What is the colour of the woman's hair? Why will she change the colour of her hair? (Set 2/5/2 | All India 2023)
Ans: The color of the woman’s hair is golden. She considers changing its color to ensure that she is valued for her inner qualities and not chosen solely for her physical beauty. Q5. What did an old religious man declare in the poem, 'For Anne Gregory'? (Set 2/5/3 | All India 2023)
In the poem For Anne Gregory, the old religious man declared that only God could love a person for their true self, beyond physical appearance. He found a religious text to support this belief, emphasizing that divine love transcends superficial qualities.
Q6. The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys the idea that real beauty is the inner beauty and not the physical appearance. Discuss with reference to the poem. (Set 2/S/2 | All India Supplementary Exam 2024)
Ans: In the poem "For Anne Gregory," the poet conveys that real beauty lies in one's inner self, not in physical appearance. The conventional idea of beauty focuses on fleeting, superficial traits, such as Anne's golden hair, which may attract admiration but is temporary. As time passes, physical beauty fades, leaving only the essence of who we are. The poet emphasizes that true beauty encompasses qualities such as pure thoughts, nature, and the soul. Only God can truly love someone for their inner beauty, as He sees beyond the external, offering unconditional love. This highlights the poem's central message: inner beauty is eternal, unlike physical appearance.
Q7. ‘Appearance should never be trusted. It can lead us to wrong conclusions. The real beauty lies within.’ Comment on the statement with reference to the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’.(Set 2/S/3 | All India Supplementary Exam 2024)
Ans: The poem For Anne Gregory by William Blake explores the idea that true beauty lies within, not in physical appearance.
Conventional Ideas of Beauty:
People often fall for outward beauty, as seen in the poem where young men admire Anne for her golden hair, assuming that her physical beauty defines her worth.
However, this is superficial, and the poet highlights that beauty fades over time, making it unreliable as a measure of true value.
Central Idea of the Poem:
The poet emphasizes that true beauty is not skin deep. It resides in purity of thoughts, soul, and nature.
External beauty is fleeting and transient, whereas the love of God, which sees the heart and soul, is unconditional and eternal.
The poem suggests that judging someone solely by their appearance can be misleading, and real beauty lies in the qualities that cannot be seen.
Fog
Q1. Interpret how nature is a living entity as characterized by Carl Sandburg in his poem.(Set 2/S/1 | All India Supplementary Exam 2024)
In Carl Sandburg's poem "Fog", nature is portrayed as a living entity through the use of an extended metaphor. The fog is compared to a cat, emphasizing its mysterious and graceful nature. This comparison gives the fog life and vitality, making it appear as if it moves with intention, much like a cat silently and purposefully prowling. By attributing actions such as "sitting" and "licking its tongue," Sandburg imbues the fog with qualities of thought and movement, elevating the natural world from mere weather to something alive, mysterious, and enchanting. The poem reveals how even the most mundane aspects of nature, like fog, possess an eerie yet beautiful life of their own. Q2. According to the poet, in what respect is the fog similar to a cat ? Do you think the comparison made is appropriate ? (Set 2/S/1 | All India Supplementary Exam 2024)
Ans: According to the poet, the fog is similar to a cat in the following ways:
Stealthy movement: Just like a cat, the fog "approaches and departs stealthily," quietly creeping in and out of the scene.
Silent presence: The fog "sits on its silent paws," emphasizing its quiet, unobtrusive nature, much like a cat sitting still and observing.
Vigilant observation: The fog "looks over the city," similar to how a cat may observe its surroundings with a watchful eye.
The comparison made is appropriate as it effectively conveys the fog's mysterious and graceful characteristics, creating an image of a quiet, almost feline presence in the landscape. The metaphor helps to personify the fog, giving it a life-like quality that aligns with the cat's elusive, silent nature.
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