English Poetry CBQ Extract |Class X |Board PYQs | Important for 2024-25
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Literature Extract ( ERCs) Questions of Previous Years 2024-2022
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A Tiger in the Zoo
Q1. Read the following extract and the questions that follow
Extract 1
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2024)
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water pole
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws.
Terrorising the village!
(i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat.
(ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be "Snarling around houses at the jungle's edge"? What does he insinuate about the tiger's natural behaviour and habitat?
(iii) The poet's skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words. (2)
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'quiet rage" in the given sentence from the extract?
Answer Key
(i) In the zoo, the tiger is confined and stalks silently within the cage, showcasing its suppressed spirit. In contrast, in the forest, the tiger roams freely and majestically, snarling and instilling fear in the nearby villages.
(ii) The speaker insinuates that the tiger’s natural behaviour is to be powerful, free, and ferocious, roaming fearlessly in its natural habitat near the jungle’s edge, asserting its dominance and instilling fear among nearby houses.
(iii) The poet uses striking imagery like the tiger’s "vivid stripes" and "pads of velvet quiet" to highlight its regal yet restrained nature. The image of its "quiet rage" vividly portrays its frustration and helplessness in captivity.
(iv) suppressed anger
Extract 2
(Set 2/3/1 | All India 2024)
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
(1) Explain the contrast created by the words, 'stalks' and few steps of his cage'.
(ii) Which of the following best describes the tiger's feelings in the context?
(A) anger
(B) conflicted
(C) pessimism
(D) apprehension
(iii) Comment in about 40 words on the poet's use of imagery in the above extract.
(iv) Which word in the stanza means the same as 'clear and bright'?
Answer key
(i) The contrast between "stalks" and "few steps of his cage" highlights the tiger's natural confidence and majestic freedom in the wild versus his subdued and restricted movement in captivity, emphasizing the loss of his true essence.
(ii) (A) anger (iii) The poet uses vivid imagery to contrast the tiger's majesty and confinement. Phrases like “velvet quiet” and “stalks in vivid stripes” highlight its grace, while “quiet rage” vividly captures its frustration and helplessness in captivity, evoking empathy.
(iv) vivid
Extract 3
(Set 2/4/1 | All India 2024)
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
(i) Why is the tiger 'stalking the length of his cage'?
(ii) What is the significance of the use of the word 'locked' to describe the concrete cell where the tiger is kept and how does it contrast with the tiger's presence in its natural habitat? Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option:
The lines from the poem tell us that the tiger is
(A) enjoying his time in the cell
(B) being indifferent to visitors because it is a daily routine for him
(C) not as strong as his counterpart in the jungle
(D) wanting to be free from the cage
(iv) Identify the literary device used in the line 'But he's locked in a concrete cell.'
Answer Key
(i) The tiger is "stalking the length of his cage" because his movement is restricted within the confines of the cage. He has no freedom to roam or run, which makes him restless and agitated. The cage limits his natural instincts and behaviour.
(ii) The word "locked" signifies the tiger's inability to escape, highlighting the confinement and loss of freedom. In contrast, in its natural habitat, the tiger moves freely, asserting its power and dominance, showcasing its true strength and majesty.
(iii) (B) being indifferent to visitors – it’s a daily routine for him.
(iv) Yes, the literary device used in the line "But he's locked in a concrete cell" is alliteration. The repetition of the "c" sound in "concrete" and "cell" creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the confinement of the tiger in the concrete cell.
Extract 4
(Set 2/2/1 | All India 2023)
He hears the last voice at night.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
A few steps of his cage.
(i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger ?
(a) police jeep (b) patrolling cars (c) watchmen (d) roar of lion
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. It is clear that repetition is the poetic device used for 'his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars.' because __________. (Clue : explain how repetition applies here)
(iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are
(a) tiger and deer.
(b) cruelty and sympathy.
(c) confinement and freedom.
(d) master and slave.
(iv) ) The use of the word 'stalks' creates an image of
(a) cowardice.
(b) frustration.
(c) lethargy.
(d) purposefulness.
(v) State whether the following statement is True or False :
The poem uses staring at the sky to symbolize the freedom 'he yearns for.'
Answer Key
(i) (a) patrolling cars
(ii) creates a musical effect/emphasises the brilliance
(iii) (c) confinement and freedom.
(iv) (b) frustration
(v) True
The Ball Poem
Extract 1
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2024)
No use to say 'O there are other balls
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where his ball went.
I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless.
Now He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions.
People will take Balls,
balls will be lost always, little boy
And no one buys a ball back.
Money is external He is learning.
(i) Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards the boy's reaction to losing his ball?
(A) indifferent as the ball is inexpensive
(B) sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy's loss
(C) mocking, finding the boy's reaction exaggerated and unnecessary
(D) panicked, sharing the boy's distress over the last hall
(ii) Comment on the use of metaphor in the above extract
(iii) Explain the phrase all his young cays into the harbour' with reference to the extract
(iv) Briefly state in about 40 words the boy's journey from 'shoking grief to' he is learning' in the above extract
Answer Key
(i) (B) – sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy’s loss
(ii) Ball is a metaphor for possessions/childhood innocence (iii) The phrase "all his young days into the harbour" symbolizes the boy's realization of losing his childhood innocence with the loss of the ball. It marks a moment of transition, as he begins to understand responsibility and cope with loss, signifying growth and maturity. (iv) The boy's journey from "shocking grief" to "he is learning" reflects his transition from innocence to maturity. Initially devastated by the loss, he gradually understands that loss is inevitable and irreplaceable, marking a step toward accepting life's realities.
Extract 2
(Set 2/3/1 | All India 2024)
And no one buys a ball back, Money is external
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up.
(1) When the poet says that "no one buys a ball back", what does he refer to in the context of the poem?
(ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate option:
The lines from the poem tell us that the boy is experiencing
(A) distress
(B) terror
(C) realisation
(D) elation
(iii) What is the significance of the term "desperate" used to describe the boy's eyes in the poem, and how does it contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem?
(iv) Identify and discuss the poet's use of metaphor in the poem "The Ball Poem".
Answer Key
(i) When the poet says, "no one buys a ball back," he refers to the inevitability of loss and how certain things, like memories and relationships, are irreplaceable. This emphasizes the boy's journey toward accepting life's transient nature and responsibilities.
(ii) (C) realisation
(iii) The term "desperate" used to describe the boy's eyes signifies his helpless yearning to retrieve his lost ball, symbolizing his deep sense of loss and attachment. It enhances the poem's somber tone and stoic mood, reflecting the inevitability of accepting life's losses.
(iv) In The Ball Poem, the poet uses the metaphor of the lost ball to represent significant losses in life. The ball symbolizes cherished possessions or moments, and its loss reflects life's inevitable separations. This transformative experience encourages emotional growth and maturity, teaching resilience and acceptance.
Extract 3
(Set 2/5/1 | All India 2024)
In a world of possessions.
People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
(i) Fill in the blank with one word.
When the speaker says "People will take balls, Balls will be lost always, little boy", his tone is _______
(ii) The poet says that money is external. What inference can be drawn from this statement? Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards material possessions?
(A) indifferent
(B) emotional
(C) casual
(D) respectful
(iv) Identify the poetic device used in "And no one buys a ball bark
Answer Key
(i) Instructive/Practical/Realistic/Matter-of-fact (Any other appropriate synonym)
(ii) The statement "money is external" suggests that money can replace material possessions, like a ball, but it cannot restore the emotional value or love attached to them. True emotional connections and personal growth cannot be bought with money.
(iii) (A) Indifferent
(iv) The poetic device used in "And no one buys a ball back" is alliteration, as the repetition of the "b" sound in "buys" and "ball" creates a rhythmic effect.
Extract 4
(Set 2/5/1 | All India 2023)
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do ? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street and then
Merrily over there it is in the water : (The Ball Poem)
(1) What does the expression 'what, what is he to do' denote?
(a) loss of the ball
(b) ask the poet for another ball
(c) boy's grief over the loss of the ball
(d) go down the street
(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The poet was delighted to watch the ball bouncing down the street into the water.
(iii) The poet repeats the word 'what' in order to ______
(iv) There is no use to say "O there are other balls indicates that the poet feels that it would be_____ to console the boy.
(a) helpful
(bi futile
(c) easy
(d) shameful
(v) ) 'What is the boy now, who has lost his ball'
Which feeling is expressed in this line ?
(a) regret
(b) cheer
(c) despair
(d) thrill
Answer Key
(i) (c) boy’s grief over the loss of ball
(ii) False
(iii) The poet repeats the word 'what' to emphasize the boy's confusion and helplessness, highlighting the emotional turmoil he experiences after losing his ball.
(iv) (b) futile
(v) (c) despair
How To Tell Wiid Animals
Extract 1
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2024)
The true Chameleon is small
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn't any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
"Tis the Chameleon you see.
(How To Tell Wild Animals)
(i) Fill in the blank with one word:
When the speaker says "If there is nothing on the tree, Tis the Chameleon you see", he refers to a true Chameleon. as characteristic trait of _____
(ii) What does the speaker mean when he says, "A lizard sort of thing"?
(iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker's disposition while describing the Chameleon?
(A) indifferent
(B) playful
(C) dismissive
D) respectful
(iv) Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines. Answer in about 40 words
Answer Key
(i) Camouflage / Changeability
(ii) The speaker refers to "a lizard sort of thing" to describe a chameleon, which resembles a lizard in appearance but is distinct due to its unique ability to change colour and adapt to its surroundings.
(iii) (B) playful
(iv) The poet employs a humorous and engaging tone, using simple, easy-to-understand language to make the descriptions vivid and entertaining. The use of rhyme, rhythm, and figures of speech like metaphors adds charm and ensures the poem's informative nature remains appealing.
Extract 2
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2023)
Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus :
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re crocodiles.
(i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract :
Crocodiles can be identified by their _______.
(a) tears
(c) smiles
(d) attacks
(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False :
Hyenas are famous for weeping.
(iii) ‘Novice’ in line 2 means the same as :
(a) learner
(b) beast
(c) tender foot
(d) beginner
(iv) In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______.
(v) The poet uses ‘A novice might nonplus” instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact the poem ?
(a) adds an incorrect option.
(b) it is associated with beasts.
(c) it rhymes and adds humour.
(d) it simplifies the meaning.
Answer Key
(i) (a) tears
(ii) False
(iii) (d) beginner
(iv) smiling of the hyena and the crying of the crocodile
(v) (c) It rhymes and adds humour.
Extract 3
(Set 2/2/1 | All India 2023)
Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(i) Who is the 'noble wild beast' in the above lines?
(a) zebra
(b) Asian Tiger
(c) Asian Lion
(d) Bengal Tiger
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that alliteration is the poetic device used for 'roaming round' because ___________. (Clue : explain how alliteration applies here)
(iii) State whether the following statement is True or False :
The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger.
(iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create ? 'Just notice if he eats you.' This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(a) irony
(b) terror
(c) sympathy
(d) criticism
(v) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the 'noble beast'.
(a) rule
(b) discern
(c) roaming
(d) notice
Answer Key
(i) (d) Bengal Tiger 1
(ii) repetition of same consonant sound (Here it is R- roaming round)
(iii) True
(iv) (a) irony
(v) (b) discern
Extract 4
(Set 2/6/1 | All India 2023)
If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has leapt on you,
You'll know it's the leopard.
Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He'll only lep and lep again.
(i) One can find out that it is a leopard by the way it
(a) leaps
(b) eats
(c) looks
(d) roars
(ii) State whether the following statement is true or false:
When an animal repeatedly leaps at a person, it is a leopard.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
It is clear that repetition is a poetic device used for 'lep and lep again' because ______
(Clue: explain how repetition is applied here.)
(iv) The Royal Bengal Tiger has black stripes on yellow skin whereas a leopard has _____
(v) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract claws nails?
claws: nails :: ? : skin .
Answer key
(i) (a) leaps
(ii) true
(iii) they want to show the repeated action of leaping / jumping
(iv) dark coloured spots/black spots
(v) hide
The Trees
Extract 1
My head is full of whispers
Which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward into the night.
Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror.
its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak.
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2024)
(1) Identify the figure of speech used in the line: "The Trees are stumbling forward into the night"
english-cbq-extract-class-x-board-pyqs-important-for-2024-25(ii) Explain the significance of the line "The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak." Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. In the third line, the word Listen is used to
(A) serve no purpose but to complete the sentence.
(B) emphasize listening carefully to the sound of glass breaking.
(C) emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place.
(D) make the reader more attentive.
(iv) What does the line: "My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent" tell us about the poet's state of mind?
Answer Key
(i) The figure of speech used in the line "The Trees are stumbling forward into the night" is personification. The trees are attributed human qualities like "stumbling," which brings them to life, symbolizing their struggle for freedom from confinement.
(ii) The line "The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak" signifies societal change, symbolizing the triumph of women breaking free from patriarchy. The fragmented moon reflects their victory and empowerment.
(iii) (C) emphasize on listening carefully as a change is about to take place.
(iv) The line "My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent" reflects the poet's restless and apprehensive state of mind, indicating internal conflicts or uncertainties that may resolve or fade with time.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Extract 1
(Set 2/1/1 | All India 2024)
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage.
But Custard cried for a nice and safe cage
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
(1) Comment upon the contrast that is reflected in the last two lines of the extract.
(ii) Fill in the blank with one word.
While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker says that they could chase lions down the stairs. By saying so, he is revealing the __________ characteristic of their personality.
(iii) Comment on the poet's use of language in these lines in about 40 words.
(iv) Which of the following best describes the theme of the poem?
(A) Bravery and heroism
(B)Humility leads to bravery
(C) Valour and diligence
(D) Crisis reveals character
Answer key
(i) The contrast shows the dog, typically tame, displaying bravery like a tiger, while the dragon, despite its natural fierceness, prefers the safety of its cage, highlighting an ironic reversal of expected behaviour.
(ii) fearless/valorous/daring/heroic/ bold/ courageous
(iii) The poet uses simple, accessible language, enriched with similes, alliteration, and vivid imagery. The humorous tone and whimsical descriptions of the characters contribute to the playful nature of the ballad, making it engaging and lighthearted.
(iv) (D) Crisis reveals character.
Extract 2
(Set 2/5/1 | All India 2023)
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose.
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.
(i) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract.
sharp blunt: above:: _____
(ii) Which one of the following is not feature of the Dragon?
(a) big sharp teeth
(b) spikes on the top
(c) brave as a lion
(d) could release fire from the mouth
(iii) What effect does the poet want to create by the simile 'mouth like a fireplace'?
(a) emphasis
(b) compassion
(c) rhyme
(d) pathos
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that Metaphor is the poetic device used for 'Chimney for a nose' because _____(Clue: Explain how metaphor applies here)
(v) State whether the following statement is True False based on the given extract.
Custard's formidable appearance is a true reflection of his courage.
Answer key
(i) underneath
(ii) ( c) brave as a lion
(iii) (a) emphasis
(iv) the nose is compared to a chimney as it breathes out smoke like a chimney
(v) False
Amanda
Extract 1
(Set 2/5/1 | All India 2024)
Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you,
Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;)
(Amanda)
(i) What is the central idea of the poem as reflected in the lines above? Answer in about 40 words.
(ii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.
"Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you, Amanda tells us that the mother's attitude is
(A) loving
(B) relaxed
(C) authoritative
(D) thoughtful
(iii) Identify any one poetic device used in the above extract.
(iv) For what reason does Amanda imagine herself to be Rapunzel ?
Answer Key
(i) The central idea of the poem revolves around the tension between freedom and control. Amanda represents the longing for freedom, while her mother embodies the restrictions imposed on her, highlighting the conflict between a child's desire for independence and parental authority.
(ii) (C) Authoritative
(iii) The poetic device used in the extract is Allusion. Amanda's comparison to Rapunzel alludes to the fairy tale character who is confined in a tower, symbolizing Amanda's own desire for freedom and escape from her mother's control.
(iv) Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel to escape her mother's constant nagging and control. In the tower, Rapunzel is free, isolated, and peaceful—living a life without interference, a contrast to Amanda's current situation.
Extract 2
(Set 2/4/1 | All India 2023)
Don't eat that chocolate Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you Amanda!
(1 am Rapunzel, I have not a care,
life in tower is tranquil and rare,
I'll certainly never let down my bright hair)
(i) The Speaker's tone is
(a) loving
(b) hopeful.
(c) instructive.
(d) indifferent
(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
rare: uncommon :: peace : ______
(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
(iv) Select the appropriate option
Amanda's mother is continuously ______Amanda.
a) encouraging
(b) reprimanding
(c) motivating
(d) disappointing
(v) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word 'dull"?
(a) dreary
(b) Shaky
(c) bright
(d) angry
Answer Key
(i) (c )instructive
(ii) Tranquil
(iii) True
(iv) (b) Reprimanding
(v) (c) bright
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