NIOS Secondary Course
NIOS Syllabus / Paper Review
English (202) | Set A1 • Code 71/S/202/A1
Official Examination Solutions • Detailed In-Depth Model Answers
English (202)
Complete Solved Paper
Comprehensive step-by-step solutions strictly matching the NIOS Class 10 blueprint. Covers every question from Part A & Part B, full model formats for Articles, Letters, Notices, and Messages, plus exhaustive answers for both options of every OR choice.
• Section A (Reading): 7 + 8 = 15 Marks
• Section B (Writing): 13 + 12 = 25 Marks
• Section C (Grammar): 15 + 15 = 30 Marks
• Section D (Literature): 15 + 15 = 30 Marks
Sectional Division
PART - A (50 Marks)
Compulsory Questions
SECTION A
Reading Comprehension (Passage 1)
[7 Marks]
Unseen Reading Passage: Village Life and Its Essence
Village life mirrors the honest and hard work of its people. It showcases the beauty of the human-nature relationship. Villagers, who are mostly farmers, give their souls and bodies to produce food that satisfies both local and international consumers. Farming remains the backbone of any nation. In spite of their noble service to the world, they suffer a lot. The technological advancements that city people enjoy are not available to the villagers.
Though the villagers lack certain facilities, they live a healthy life. There is absolutely no pollution in the villages. Unlike the city people, they create a pollution-free environment. On the other hand, city life is much polluted owing to industries and heavy population. But things are changing, and the government agencies are reaching out to the remote villages and creating the required comfort zones nowadays. There are many schemes and funds allotted to improve the quality of life of the villagers. They include setting up of hospitals, health and hygiene services, schools, electricity, and safe houses.
Crimes rarely occur in villages, as the majority of the villagers are poor and innocent. Moreover, they know one another better by living there for generations. There is no rush and crowd in villages. Since most of them are self-employed, they live a calm and peaceful life. The whole village lives as a single social unit, helping one another. They know the value of brotherhood better than the city people.
Q. 01One-Word Comprehension
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Answer the following questions in ONE word:
What remains the backbone of any nation?
What is absolutely not there in the villages?
What rarely occurs in villages?
Verified AnswerExact Passage Match
(i) Farming (or Agriculture) — "Farming remains the backbone of any nation."
(ii) Pollution — "There is absolutely no pollution in the villages."
(iii) Crimes — "Crimes rarely occur in villages..."
Q. 02Vocabulary in Context
[1 Mark]
Choose a word from the passage which means, "because of":
(A) innocent
(B) backbone
(C) owing to
(D) absolutely
Verified Answer• Option (C)
Ans. (C) owing to Contextual Justification: The second paragraph states: "On the other hand, city life is much polluted owing to industries and heavy population." Here, the prepositional phrase "owing to" functions as a direct synonym for "because of" or "due to".
Q. 03True or False Statements
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Based on your understanding of the passage, write True or False:
City people are not enjoying technological advancements.
Government schemes help the villages live in safety.
Generally, poor and innocent people don't commit crimes.
Verified AnswerAudit: Confirmed
(i) False — The text says: "The technological advancements that city people enjoy are not available to the villagers." Hence, city people do enjoy them.
(ii) True — The passage notes that government schemes and funds allot resources for "setting up of hospitals... electricity, and safe houses."
(iii) True — Passage confirms: "Crimes rarely occur in villages, as the majority of the villagers are poor and innocent."
SECTION B
Applied Writing Skills (MCQs)
[13 Marks]
Q. 04Notice Writing Format & Content
[4 × 1 = 4 Marks]
Context: Write a notice as Radhika, Secretary of Health Club, XYZ school informing that the club is organising Yoga classes for the students from June 11 to June 20, 2026. The notice should include all details and specific instructions to the participants.
(i) Since the classes are being conducted in June, the notice should mention:
(A) World Health Day
(B) International Yoga Day
(C) Indian Medical Association Day
(D) World Food Safety Day
(ii) The notice must avoid:
(A) the course fee
(B) the secretary's personal information
(C) the list of items to be brought by the participants
(D) the dress code
(iii) The most appropriate title for the notice may be:
(A) Inhale Peace, Exhale Stress
(B) Sleep and Relax
(C) Eat and Run
(D) Stop and Watch
(iv) Which of the following would suit the beginning of the notice?
(A) Interested individuals must contact me
(B) The duration of the classes is 10 days
(C) All participants must bring their own mats
(D) Here is an opportunity to tune your body and soul
Verified Answer Key
(i) → (B) International Yoga Day (June 21 is celebrated globally as International Yoga Day).
(ii) → (B) the secretary's personal information (A formal notice must only state official designation, never private personal data).
(iii) → (A) Inhale Peace, Exhale Stress (An apt, catchy, and thematic header for yogic well-being).
(iv) → (D) Here is an opportunity to tune your body and soul (Provides an engaging, inspiring opening call).
Q. 05Article Writing Conventions
[4 × 1 = 4 Marks]
Context: You are Manohar. Write an article highlighting the ill-effects of drugs on the youth of the world. Give suggestions to get rid of the addiction and undergo rehabilitation therapies.
(i) The paragraphs of the article should discuss ideas in which of the following orders?
(A) Remedy, Challenges, Causes, Conclusion
(B) Introduction, Challenges, Remedy, Conclusion
(C) Causes, Conclusion, Remedy, Introduction
(D) Challenges, Introduction, Causes, Remedy
(ii) Which of the following titles will suit the article the best?
(A) Do as Romans Do
(B) Blood is thicker
(C) Haste is waste
(D) Prevention is better than cure
(iii) What is by-line of an article?
(A) The line showing the name of the writer of the article.
(B) The last line of the article.
(C) Beginning line of every paragraph of the article.
(D) The first line of the article.
(iv) Which of the following need not appear in the article?
(iii) → (A) The line showing the name of the writer of the article (e.g., By Manohar)
(iv) → (B) The drug manufacturing companies (Irrelevant and inappropriate for an awareness composition on youth drug abuse)
Q. 06Informal Letter Writing Principles
[5 × 1 = 5 Marks]
Context: You are Jayant. Write a letter to your friend suggesting him to pick up good reading habits. Include the need for reading the great books of the world to become a matured human.
(i) The letter must focus on:
(A) List of books
(B) Publishing companies
(C) Steps needed to improve reading
(D) Selling old books
(ii) What should be excluded from this letter?
(A) Buying books
(B) Borrowing books
(C) Visiting libraries
(D) Choice of food
(iii) The correct salutation of the letter is:
(A) Respected friend
(B) Dear XYZ
(C) Hai fellow
(D) Respected sir
(iv) Letters written to friends are classified under:
(A) Informal letters
(B) Formal letters
(C) Circular letters
(D) Character reference letters
(v) Which of the following sayings must be included in this letter?
(A) Man proposes, God disposes
(B) Man is mortal
(C) Man is a social animal
(D) Books are the best companions of man
Verified Answer Key
(i) → (C) Steps needed to improve reading
(ii) → (D) Choice of food
(iii) → (B) Dear XYZ
(iv) → (A) Informal letters
(v) → (D) Books are the best companions of man
SECTION C
Grammar & Structure
[15 Marks]
Q. 07Subject-Verb Agreement
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Fill in the blanks to complete the note: Human greatness (i) ______ lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people (ii) ______ and shortcomings, but all of us (iii) ______ with a basic goodness.
(i):
(A) do not (B) has not (C) does not (D) did not
(ii): (A) have faults (B) has faults
(C) did fault (D) had faults
(iii):
(A) is born (B) born (C) are born (D) were born
Grammar Rules & Answers
(i) (C) does not — Uncountable abstract singular subject "Human greatness" requires singular negative auxiliary does not.
(ii) (A) have faults — Plural subject "all people" takes plural verb have.
(iii) (C) are born — Universal present truth with plural subject "all of us" takes passive auxiliary are born.
Q. 08Verb Conjugation & Adjective Form
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Fill in the blanks to complete the note with the correct form of words given in brackets: There is not an issue when a child (i) ______ (work) to progress his life skills without compromising his health. Often (ii) ______ (young) children may do chores for their parents or small jobs to gain work experience. This work (iii) ______ (prepare) them for their adult working life.
Verified Answer
(i) works — Singular subject a child takes 3rd person singular present tense works.
(ii) young (or comparative younger) — Adjective qualifying noun children.
(iii) prepares — Singular uncountable subject This work requires singular verb prepares.
Q. 09Modals, Question Tags & Tenses
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks:
______ (May/Might) I borrow your bi-cycle, please?
They are not blaming us. ______ (Is/Are) they?
It ______ (have been/has been) raining since morning.
Verified Answer
(i) May — Polite modal used for asking permission in the present.
(ii) Are — Negative statement takes a positive tag agreeing with pronoun they (Are they?).
(iii) has been — Singular pronoun It takes has been in the present perfect continuous.
Q. 10Prepositions
[4 × 1 = 4 Marks]
Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions:
The heat comes ______ the Sun.
He sat ______ his father and his mother.
We started our journey ______ a Sunday.
She spoke ______ two hours.
Verified Answer
(i) from — Indicates origin or source.
(ii) between — Used when positioned in the middle of two distinct individuals.
(iii) on — Used specifically before days of the week.
(iv) for — Designates a continuous duration of time.
Q. 11Conjunctions
[2 × 1 = 2 Marks]
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions:
You will pass the examination, ______ you work hard.
He could not buy a car ______ he was poor.
Verified Answer
(i) if (or provided that) — Expresses the necessary condition.
(ii) because (or as / since) — Expresses the underlying cause or reason.
SECTION D
Literature Comprehension (Objective)
[15 Marks]
Q. 12Poetry: A Prayer For Healing
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Identify the following sentences as True or False:
The poem "A Prayer For Healing" is about saving life on earth.
Earth is a home only for humans.
Healing of earth renews life.
Verified Answer
(i) True — The central theme is restoration and preservation of life on Earth.
(ii) False — Earth is the shared home of all living beings, birds, animals, plants, and rivers.
(iii) True — Healing nature revitalizes and sustains the entire cycle of existence.
Q. 13Prose: A Birthday Letter
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Identify the following sentences as True or False (A Birthday Letter):
Indira wrote a letter to her father on his birthday.
Nehru, her father was in prison.
Bapuji's message did not have any effect on Indians.
Verified Answer
(i) False — Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote the letter from prison to his daughter Indira on her 13th birthday.
(ii) True — Nehru was imprisoned in Central Prison, Naini, Allahabad.
(iii) False — Mahatma Gandhi's message inspired millions of ordinary men and women to become freedom fighters.
Q. 14Character Matching
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Match the characters with the story:
Character
Story
(i) Verghese Kurien
(a) Snake Bite
(ii) Jijabai
(b) Co-operate and Prosper
(iii) Grandfather
(c) The Return of the Lion
Verified Answer
(i) → (b) Co-operate and Prosper (Dr. Kurien led the dairy cooperative movement — Amul).
(ii) → (c) The Return of the Lion (Jijabai was Chhatrapati Shivaji's mother awaiting his return from Agra).
(iii) → (a) Snake Bite (Grandfather carried Raja to the old cure-man after the wasp sting).
Q. 15Textual Extract: A Tiger Comes to Town - I
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
"Sheer hopelessness seemed to have seized the towns people. They withdrew into their homes and even there remained nervous. All doors and windows everywhere were shut, bolted and sealed. Some even thought that I was some extraordinary creature who might pass through the walls and lie in wait on the roof or in the basement. Why should an ordinary, simple tiger have any interest in them, either to destroy or to safeguard? I rested for a moment at the door of a restaurant, the coffee drinkers and tiffin-eaters sat still at their tables, uttering low moans on seeing me. I wanted to assure them, 'Don't fear, I am not out to trouble you. Eat your tiffin in peace, don't mind me ...'"
Based on your understanding of the passage, fill in the blanks given below:
All doors and windows everywhere were shut, ______ and sealed.
A simple tiger has no interest in them, either to ______ or to safeguard.
The tiger wanted to assure them, '______ I am not out to trouble you.'
Verified Answer
(i) bolted
(ii) destroy
(iii) Don't fear,
Q. 16Prose: Ustaad Bismillah Khan
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Complete the following sentences (Ustaad Bismillah Khan):
Khan received India's highest civilian award ______ in 2001.
Khan started learning to play the shehnai from his ______.
His favourite mode of transport was the ______.
Verified Answer
(i) Bharat Ratna
(ii) maternal uncle, Ali Bux
(iii) cycle-rickshaw (or bicycle)
Sectional Division
PART - B (50 Marks)
Descriptive & Applied Analysis
SECTION A
Reading Comprehension (Passage 2)
[8 Marks]
Reading Passage: Agro-Ecological and Organic Farming
In the face of climate change, diet related ill-health and widespread decline in wildlife, the need to change our food systems has never been greater. A transition towards agro ecological farming systems, like organic, can make a world of difference.
No other defined system of farming and food production comes close to delivering so many benefits for wildlife, society and the natural world. Organic farmers work to a strict set of standards to ensure that their farms sustain the health of: soils, ecosystems, animals and people. These standards are built on the key principles of organic agriculture: health, ecology, care and fairness.
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill insects and other pests, including weeds and fungal diseases. Instead of relying on pesticides, organic farmers aim to create a natural balance between plants and animals to prevent pests. Healthy wildlife populations can help control pests; farmers encourage birds, beetles and other 'beneficial insects' on to their farms to eat pests like aphids, slugs and caterpillars. Likewise, crop rotations and careful choice of crop breeds lower the risk of plant disease, and weeds are managed by practices like mechanical weeding and planting natural weed suppressants.
Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, as the principles of organic farming are based on nourishing plants naturally, by building fertile soils. Farmers do this using clover and legumes to 'fix' nitrogen, as well as using compost, animal manure and green manures, and crop rotations to maintain healthy, nutrient-rich soils.
Animal welfare is one of the most important aspects of organic farming. Every aspect of welfare is covered under organic standards, from living conditions and feed, to their transportation and humane slaughter.
Q. 17Antonyms / Opposites from Passage
[2 Marks]
Find words from the passage having meanings opposite to those given below: (a) wellness (b) instability
Verified Answer
(a) wellness × ill-health (from the passage: "diet related ill-health") or disease.
(b) instability × balance (from the passage: "to create a natural balance").
Q. 18Textual Analysis (Climate Impact)
[2 Marks]
What can make a world of difference in the face of climate change? Explain.
Model Answer
A transition towards agro-ecological farming systems, like organic farming, can make a world of difference. It eliminates dependence on harmful fossil-fuel-based synthetic chemicals and fosters sustainable farming standards based on health, ecology, care, and fairness, directly benefiting wildlife, human society, and natural ecosystems.
Q. 19Biological Pest Control
[2 Marks]
Why do farmers encourage healthy wildlife population? Give examples.
Model Answer
Organic farmers encourage healthy wildlife populations to establish natural biological pest control instead of spraying toxic pesticides. For example, they attract birds, ground beetles, and other beneficial insects onto their fields to naturally prey upon and devour destructive agricultural pests such as aphids, slugs, and caterpillars.
Q. 20Soil Regeneration Techniques
[2 Marks]
What do farmers do to maintain healthy, nutrient-rich soils? Elaborate.
Model Answer
To nourish soils naturally without synthetic fertilizers, organic farmers grow clover and leguminous crops that fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. In addition, they integrate organic compost, farmyard animal manure, green manures, and practice systematic crop rotations to enrich and preserve soil fertility.
SECTION B
Advanced Writing Skills
[12 Marks]
Q. 21 (Long Essay)Article or School Report
[6 Marks • 150–200 Words]
Write an article (150-200 words) for a weekly magazine about the plight of the street beggars. You are Ahmed of class-X. Use the following clues: Poverty & Unemployment; Organized crime groups control beggars; Child Exploitation; No sanitation, or proper healthcare; Discrimination, abuse, and violence from society; Vulnerability: to theft, assault, sexual exploitation, and abuse; Weather Extremes; Failed social policies.
Option 1 Solution: Magazine Article
The Dark Plight of Street Beggars: A Humanitarian Crisis
By Ahmed, Class X
At every busy traffic intersection, railway terminal, and bustling market square, one inevitably encounters the tragic faces of street beggars. Their outstretched palms tell a harrowing tale of acute poverty, structural unemployment, and failed social welfare policies. Stripped of basic human dignity, these individuals survive on the fringes of society without clean drinking water, sanitation, or access to essential healthcare.
What is even more alarming is that a vast number of beggars do not beg out of personal choice. Ruthless organized crime syndicates operate clandestine begging mafias, kidnapping vulnerable children, deliberately mutilating them, and forcing them into street bondage. These helpless victims endure daily humiliation, verbal abuse, physical assault, and sexual exploitation from society. In addition, living on open pavements leaves them defenseless against weather extremes, from bone-chilling winter freezes to blistering summer heatwaves.
Merely tossing a loose coin will never cure this systemic malaise. The government must crack down aggressively on organized begging cartels, enforce child protection laws, and set up state-of-the-art rehabilitation centers offering vocational training, nutrition, and psychological counseling. Only collective social empathy and comprehensive rehabilitation can restore human dignity to these forgotten lives.
OR (Alternative Option Fully Solved)
You are Sophia of class-X. Write a report to be published in your school magazine about 'Smart Phone Addiction by Children'. Explain how the students are affected extensively and suggest ways and means to create awareness. Draft the report (150-200 words).
Option 2 Solution: School Magazine Report
The Alarming Rise of Smartphone Addiction Among School Children
Reported by Sophia, Class X (Student Editor)
In contemporary society, smartphones have transformed from valuable educational tools into compulsive digital traps for young students. Recent surveys conducted across secondary schools reveal an alarming spike in smartphone addiction, with teenagers spending anywhere from five to eight hours daily playing video games, viewing short reels, and browsing social media platforms.
The consequences of this continuous screen exposure on young minds are profoundly devastating. Physically, children suffer from severe digital eye strain, chronic neck pain, insomnia, and sedentary obesity. Academically, attention spans have drastically deteriorated; students find it difficult to concentrate during classroom lectures, resulting in poor test scores and fragmented memory retention. Emotionally, the constant craving for virtual validation triggers anxiety, irritability, depression, and social detachment from family members and peers.
To counter this growing menace, proactive awareness campaigns are imperative. Schools must organize interactive digital detox workshops and enforce strict 'no-phone zones' on campus. Concurrently, parents should institute device-free dinner hours, supervise screen allowances, and encourage children to participate in competitive outdoor sports, arts, and reading. Balancing digital utility with real-world engagement is vital for healthy holistic development.
Q. 22Letter / E-mail Writing
[4 Marks • ~100 Words]
You are Manisha of 12, Second Street, Global Enclave, Pune, Maharashtra. You are invited by your friend Raj Kumar to his parents' wedding anniversary. Write a letter accepting his invitation and ensuring your presence at the party. (100 words)
Option 1 Solution: Informal Letter of Acceptance
12, Second Street, Global Enclave, Pune, Maharashtra – 411014
24th October, 2026
Dear Raj Kumar,
Thank you so much for your warm invitation to your parents' Silver Jubilee wedding anniversary celebration on November 5th. It is truly a magnificent milestone, and I extend my heartiest congratulations to Uncle and Aunty!
I am delighted to accept your gracious invitation and gladly confirm my presence at the party. I would not miss this joyous evening for anything in the world. Please let me know if you need any assistance with event arrangements, gifts, or decorations beforehand.
Looking forward to meeting you and having a wonderful time together.
Yours affectionately, Manisha
OR (Alternative Option Fully Solved)
You are Stephen of B3, New Castle Apartments, Jaipur, Rajasthan. You need a couple of books in Math for your board exam preparation. Write an e-mail to the Golden Publishing House, New Delhi ordering two reference books. (100 words)
Option 2 Solution: Formal Order E-mail
To: sales@goldenpublishing.com Subject: Urgent Order for Class 10 Mathematics Reference Books
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 10 preparing for the upcoming Secondary Board Examinations. I wish to place an urgent order for the following reference books published by your esteemed house:
1. Secondary Mathematics: Concepts and Exemplar Problems – 1 Copy
2. Standard Board Exam Mathematics Practice Workbook – 1 Copy
Kindly dispatch these books via express courier to: Stephen, B3, New Castle Apartments, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302001. Please arrange delivery via Cash on Delivery (COD) or share your bank account details for instant UPI payment. A student discount would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanking you, Yours sincerely, Stephen Contact: 9876543210
Q. 23Message Writing
[2 Marks • ~40 Words]
Rakesh: I love football.
Coach: Then join the team.
Rakesh: My father feels that my academics will suffer.
Coach: He is wrong. In fact, playing games improves academic performance.
Rakesh: Can you talk to my father?
Coach: Share his mobile number. I will send him a message.
Rakesh: Thank you.
You are the coach. Write the message to Rakesh's father. (40 words)
Model Message
MESSAGE
Dear Mr. Sharma,
Rakesh has exceptional football talent. Far from disrupting his studies, regular sports instill discipline, mental stamina, and stress relief, which actually boost academic performance. Please encourage him to join the school team.
— Coach
SECTION C
Grammar & Applied Structure
[15 Marks]
Q. 24Direct to Indirect Reported Speech
[3 × 1 = 3 Marks]
Change into reported speech:
"I am going to the library", Mala said.
He said to me, "Kindly get me a glass of water".
The manager asked Ravi, "Why are you late?"
Verified Transformation Rules & Answers
(i) Mala said that she was going to the library. Rule: Present continuous (am going) changes to past continuous (was going); 1st person pronoun 'I' changes to 'she'.
(ii) He requested me to get him a glass of water. Rule: Imperative sentence with 'Kindly' converts into reporting verb 'requested' followed by infinitive 'to get'; pronoun 'me' becomes 'him'.
(iii) The manager asked Ravi why he was late. Rule: Wh-question changes from interrogative inversion to affirmative word order: wh-word + subject + past verb ('why he was late').
Q. 25Prepositions of Place
[2 × 1 = 2 Marks]
Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:
A bridge is built ______ the entrance of the palace.
The child kept its doll ______ the table.
Verified Answer
(i) at (or near / across) the entrance of the palace.
(ii) on (or upon) the table.
Q. 26Dialogue Completion
[2 × 1 = 2 Marks]
Complete the following dialogue by filling in the blanks with suitable words:
Master: Ramu, go to the market and bring some fruits.
Ramu: Which (i) ______ you want, sir?
Master: Bananas that are well ripen.
Ramu: Sure sir. I will (ii) ______ the best ones.
Verified Answer
(i) fruits do (or ones do)
(ii) bring (or buy / select / fetch)
Q. 27Verb Forms & Correct Tense Usage
[4 × 1 = 4 Marks]
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks using the correct form of verbs given in brackets:
He ______ (paints, painted) his door last week.
They ______ (have been/has been) watching television since 6 pm.
Priya ______ (do, does) not know French.
Who ______ (will/ will be) win the next world cup cricket?
Verified Answer
(i) painted — Past time marker "last week" necessitates simple past tense.
(ii) have been — Plural subject They agrees with have been.
(iii) does — Third-person singular subject Priya takes does.
(iv) will — Future modal will precedes base verb win ("will be" would require present participle winning).
Q. 28Conjunctions & Connectors
[4 × 1 = 4 Marks]
Complete the sentences given below using proper conjunctions:
My father owns two scooters ______ a car.
She wants to help the poor, ______ her income is very low.
I wish to become either a teacher ______ a lawyer.
Be on time, ______ you will miss the train.
Verified Answer
(i) and (or as well as) — Cumulative conjunction joining nouns.
(ii) but (or yet / although) — Adversative conjunction showing contrast.
(iii) or — Correlative pair either ... or expressing alternative choice.
(iv) or (or otherwise / or else) — Conditional negative connector.
SECTION D
Literature Comprehension (Short & In-Depth)
[15 Marks]
Q. 29Textual Short Answer
[3 Marks • ≤ 40 Words]
How did the old man treat the boy for snake bite? (Snake Bite)
Option 1 Solution:
The old man made Raja sit quietly without speaking or moving. He poured water into a small brass vessel, recited magical incantations (mantras), and washed Raja's finger. He then declared that the dangerous snake poison was cured, earning praise and gifts from Raja's grandfather, although Raja had only been stung by a wasp.
OR (Alternative Option Fully Solved)
What moved the heart of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? (Co-operate and Prosper)
Option 2 Solution:
Sardar Patel was deeply moved by the acute exploitation and misery of the poor dairy farmers of Kaira district. Greedy middlemen purchased milk at throwaway prices in flush seasons and refused it during lean periods, keeping the hardworking farmers in perpetual poverty. This inspired him to organize them into an independent cooperative.
Q. 30Poetry: The Truth
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
How is the mental pain inflicted on us different from the physical pain? (The Truth)
Model Answer
Physical wounds caused by sticks and stones break bones and bruise skin, but they heal quickly. Conversely, cruel, harsh words pierce deep into our mind and soul, leaving permanent, invisible emotional scars that linger and ache for a lifetime.
Q. 31Prose: The Last Stone Mason
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
How did Salim surprise his master? (The Last Stone Mason)
Model Answer
When the master woke up expecting his unfinished statue of Lord Krishna to be ruined, he was astonished to see Salim, his orphan servant boy, delicately and masterfully carving the stone with chisel and hammer, proving that the traditional art had survived.
Q. 32Play: The Return of the Lion
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
How did the third Sadhu surprise Jijabai? (The Return of the Lion)
Model Answer
The third sadhu fell at Jijabai's feet and removed his headgear and ascetic disguise. Jijabai was overwhelmed with joy to discover that the sadhu was her beloved son Shivaji, who had safely escaped from Aurangzeb's captivity in Agra.
Q. 33Autobiography: Stealing and Atonement
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
Why did Gandhiji and his relative decide to commit suicide? (Stealing and Atonement)
Model Answer
Gandhiji and his cousin were tormented by their complete lack of personal independence. Being unable to do anything without elders' permission or smoke beedis freely, they felt life under such suffocating restrictions was unbearable and decided to end it.
Q. 34Prose: Kondiba – A Hero
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
What rewards did Kondiba receive for his daring rescue of a drowned boy? (Kondiba – A Hero)
Model Answer
Kondiba was praised by dignitaries and awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,000 along with financial assistance from a charity to undergo training in bottling at a blind school workshop, securing him a dignified livelihood and ending his days of begging.
Q. 35Poetry: Indian Weavers
[2 Marks • ≤ 30 Words]
For whom do the weavers weave at the break of the day and in the moonlight chill? (Indian Weavers)
Model Answer
At daybreak, weavers weave a gay blue robe for a newborn infant (symbolizing the joyful dawn of life). In the moonlight chill, they weave a solemn white shroud for a dead man's funeral (symbolizing the end of life and eternal peace).