Class X Literature Practice Worksheet 1 | Board PYQs | Important for 2026

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow :

(a) It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking. showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

(Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom)

(i) What effect does the experience as described in the lines below have on the speaker?

Time and again. I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea.

(ii) Select one inference about the idea of courage from the given context:

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

(A) being fearless

(B) absence of fear

(C) feeding your fears

(D) ability to overcome fear

(iii) Answer in about 40 words, with reference to the extract:

According to the author, what does true courage entail? How does this perspective differ from a common misconception about courage?

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct phrase from the bracket in the context of the given extract:

Men stood up to torture showing strength and resilience that is ____________ (impossible to understand/seeped in reality).

Extract 2

There was a fifty rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered. "I made some money yesterday," he explained. "Now you'll be paid regularly." My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night's rain. "Today we'll start writing sentences," he said. He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. (The Thief's Story)

(i) In the context of the given extract: What was the feelings UNLIKELY to have been on seeing 'a fifty rupee note between his fingers'?

(A) joyous

(B) sad

(C) unhappy

(D) worried

(ii) How does the prospect of being paid regularly affect the narrator's motivation and hope for the future? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 

The person spoken about did not let the narrator realise that his act of stealing was caught. It reflects the _______ (nobility /dishonesty) of his character.

(iv) Compare the meanings of the expressions: "My heart sank", and "My spirits rose".

Extract 3 :

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. (The Trees)

(i) The metaphorical expression used by the poet to describe the movement of the trees is _____

(ii) Based on the tone, discuss how Adreinne Rich presents the conflict between man and nature.

(iii) What is the mood or atmosphere conveyed by the imagery in the passage?

(A) Calm and tranquil

(B) Eerie and foreboding

(C) Joyful and celebratory

(D) Melancholic and traumatic

(iv) Why would the whispers be silent tomorrow?

Extract 4

(I am Rapunzel, I have not care;

life in a tower is tranquil and rare;

I'll certainly never let down my bright hair!)

Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!

You're always so moody, Amanda!

Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda!

(Amanda)

(i) Complete the following suitably:

Amanda sulked and became moody because ________

(ii) What does the girl constantly yearn for? What do you pattern about Amanda from the poem ?

(iii) What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line, "life in a tower is tranquil and rare"?

(iv) The tone of the speaker in the exclamation "Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!" is

1. uncertain

2. aggressive

3. dominating

4. meek

5. moody

(A) 1,2,4

(B) 2 and 3

(C) 2, 4 and 5

(D) 4 and 5

II. Short Questions ( First Flight)

Answer the following five questions in about 40-50 words.

(i) "Not from weeping or from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind; on the contrary his pain will be greater and his body will suffer." Validate this preaching of Buddha with reference to the story 'A Sermon at Benaras'.

(ii) The Ball Poem' deals with the undertones of loss and responsibility. How is the poem very relatable to our lives and what important message/s do we learn from it?

(iii) The story, 'Mijbil the Otter', has it all emotions, humour, certain surprising incidents and the freshness of a new and unique type of story. Explain how Maxwell has highlighted these in his story.

(Mijbil The Otter)

(iv) "He was not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards, he was no longer afraid." Describe the young seagull's feelings, emotions and experiences, just before this moment. (Two Stories about Flying) 

(v) The idea of beauty is a one-dimensional cultural conception or one that has been created by human beings themselves. Comment on the statement with reference to the conventional ideas of beauty in the poem 'For Anne Gregory'. (For Anne Gregory)

III. Short Questions (Footprints)

Q1. Examine the witty strategy used by Ausable in emerging as a super spy.

(The Midnight Visitor)

Q2. The Necklace' is a lesson in discontentment and unreasonable materialism. In light of the preceding statement, discuss Matilda's greatest failing. ( The Necklace)

Q3. Think-tank excelled in misinterpreting and mispresenting things. Do you agree? Justify giving appropriate reasons.

Long Questions (First Flight)

Q1.  Examine the role of Nature in the poems "The Dust of Snow' and 'Fog'.

Q2. The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli teach us the vital lesson that optimism and self-assurance empower women to rise above circumstances and overcome obstacles. Examine the similarities. (Diary of Anne Frank & Madam Rides the Bus)

Long Questions (Footprints)

Q1. Ebright's journey of becoming a leading scientist conveys a strong message to us. His inquisitiveness and competency drove him to become a great scientist. In what manner does Richard Ebright's perseverance, dedication and inquisitiveness inspire you to pursue your dreams? (The Making of a Scientist)

Q2.  It is truly said that a good teacher is the light that helps one cross even the darkest of paths through honing their inherent qualities which enable them to shine bright and strong in life. In what ways, does Sulekha's teacher epitomize this saying? How did she become the pillar of support and strength for Sulekha? (Bholi)

Answer Key

Extract 1: Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom

(i)

The experiences deeply influence the speaker by shaping his understanding of courage. Seeing men and women risk their lives for a cause inspires him and teaches him that true courage comes from sacrifice, endurance, and commitment to an ideal rather than personal safety.

(ii)

Correct option: (D) ability to overcome fear

(iii) (40 words)

According to the author, true courage means conquering fear despite feeling afraid. It involves strength and resilience in difficult situations. This differs from the common belief that courage means being fearless, whereas Mandela shows that brave people feel fear but rise above it.

(iv) Correct phrase: impossible to understand

Extract 2: The Thief’s Story

(i) Correct option: (A) joyous

(ii) The promise of regular payment fills the narrator with hope and motivation. It makes him feel trusted and valued, encouraging him to change his dishonest ways. The moment gives him a chance to live honestly and build a better future through education.

(iii) Correct word: nobility

(iv) “My heart sank” shows fear and guilt when the narrator thought he was caught stealing. “My spirits rose” shows relief and happiness when he realised he was forgiven and trusted. The expressions highlight the narrator’s emotional conflict and inner transformation.

Extract 3: The Trees

(i)

The metaphorical expression is “The trees are stumbling forward into the night.”

(ii)

Adrienne Rich presents the conflict between man and nature through powerful imagery. Nature appears restless and rebellious, trying to free itself from human control. The breaking glass and moving trees suggest resistance, showing how nature struggles to reclaim its freedom.

(iii) Correct option: (B) Eerie and foreboding

(iv) The whispers will be silent tomorrow because the trees will finally escape confinement. Once free, there will be no suppressed voices or secret movements. Nature will no longer need to struggle quietly, as it will regain its rightful place.

Extract 4: Amanda

(i) Amanda sulked and became moody because she was constantly nagged, instructed, and restricted by elders, leaving her no freedom or peace.

(ii) Amanda constantly yearns for freedom, peace, and solitude. She dreams of living like Rapunzel or a mermaid to escape control. The poem shows Amanda as sensitive, imaginative, and emotionally overwhelmed by constant instructions and expectations.

(iii) The line paints a peaceful and isolated picture of freedom. The tower symbolises escape from noise, rules, and interference. It reflects Amanda’s desire for calmness, independence, and a life untouched by constant correction or control.

(iv) Correct option: (B) 2 and 3

Short Questions – First Flight (40–50 words each)

(i) A Sermon at Benaras

Buddha teaches that grief only increases suffering. Kisa Gotami’s pain does not lessen by mourning her dead child. When she realises that death is universal, she gains peace. Acceptance of reality, not sorrow, helps overcome suffering.

(ii) The Ball Poem

The poem reflects how loss is part of growing up. Losing the ball teaches the boy responsibility and acceptance. Similarly, in life, we face losses that shape maturity. The poem teaches that material loss prepares us for emotional strength.

(iii) Mijbil the Otter

Maxwell blends humour, emotion, and surprise through Mijbil’s playful behaviour. Incidents like Mijbil sliding on floors and escaping during travel add freshness. The affectionate bond between Maxwell and Mijbil brings warmth and emotional depth to the story.

(iv) Two Stories About Flying

Before flying, the young seagull felt fear, hunger, and hesitation. He was afraid of falling and watched his parents fly confidently. Hunger forced him to jump, and once in the air, his fear vanished as he discovered his ability to fly.

(v) For Anne Gregory

The poem challenges traditional ideas of beauty based on appearance. The poet suggests that beauty is not just physical but lies in personality and inner qualities. Human beings create narrow standards of beauty, ignoring deeper emotional and moral values.

Short Questions – Footprints Without Feet (40–50 words)

Q1. The Midnight Visitor

Ausable uses his presence of mind to outwit Max. He remains calm even when held at gunpoint. He cleverly fabricates a story about a balcony as an escape route. He also lies about a waiter bringing the police, which frightens Max and saves Ausable.

Q2. The Necklace

Matilda’s greatest failing is her dissatisfaction with her simple life. She desires luxury and status beyond her means. Her pride and materialism lead her to borrow a necklace, causing years of hardship that could have been avoided with contentment.

Q3. The Book That Saved the Earth

Yes, Think-Tank excelled in misinterpreting things because of his vanity and pride. He did not understand metaphors. He mistook storybook characters as threats to Mars. He thought Humpty Dumpty was an assassination plan. He believed books were sandwiches. He jumped to conclusions. He ignored Noodle’s intelligent suggestions.

Long Questions – First Flight

Q1. Role of Nature in The Dust of Snow and Fog

In The Dust of Snow, nature plays a healing and transformative role. The poet begins the day in a sad and regretful mood, as suggested by the line “a day I had rued.” A small, unexpected natural incident changes everything. When a crow shakes snow from a hemlock tree onto the poet, his mood instantly improves. The crow and the hemlock tree are usually seen as symbols of negativity, yet here they bring positivity. This simple act of nature saves “some part” of his day, showing how even small natural moments can lift human spirits and bring emotional change.

In Fog, nature is shown as mysterious, calm, and powerful. The fog is compared to a cat that comes quietly “on little cat feet.” It sits silently over the harbour and city and then moves away without disturbance. Nature here acts independently, gently reminding humans of its quiet strength and control.

Together, the poems show nature as both nurturing and commanding. It influences human emotions, teaches acceptance, and reminds us of forces beyond our control.

Q2. Anne Frank and Valli – Similarities

The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli highlight how optimism and self-assurance help women overcome difficult circumstances. Anne Frank lives in hiding during the Holocaust, facing fear, isolation, and loss of innocence. Yet, her optimistic spirit keeps her hopeful about the future. Lacking a true friend, she turns her diary into a companion and expresses her thoughts honestly. Even when her teacher scolds her for being a chatterbox, Anne responds confidently through creative and thoughtful essays, eventually winning her teacher’s appreciation and friendship.

Similarly, Valli in Madam Rides the Bus shows remarkable confidence and determination despite her young age. She carefully plans her journey to the town, manages her limited money wisely, and travels alone with great self-belief. Her independence and maturity help her face new experiences without fear. Both Anne and Valli prove that inner strength, optimism, and confidence empower women to rise above limitations and face challenges courageously.

Long Questions – Footprints Without Feet

Q1. The Making of a Scientist

Richard Ebright’s journey strongly inspires me to pursue my dreams with perseverance and curiosity. From a very young age, he showed deep inquisitiveness by collecting all 25 species of butterflies by the time he was in grade two. His excellence as a student, securing second rank among 1500 students at Harvard, reflects his dedication and discipline.

When he failed to win the county science fair initially, he did not lose hope. Instead, he continued experimenting and studied butterflies more deeply, leading to the discovery of the gold spot hormone and important work on cell theory.

His unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry and his refusal to give up in the face of setbacks teach me that failure is only a step toward success. Ebright’s life motivates me to embrace curiosity, remain focused, and persist despite challenges to achieve my goals.

Q2. Bholi – Role of the Teacher

Bholi's teacher truly proves that a good teacher is a guiding light in a student’s life. From the very beginning, she recognises Bholi’s hidden potential instead of focusing on her physical appearance or stammer. With patience and compassion, she nurtures Bholi and encourages her to attend school regularly.

Through constant motivation and gentle support, the teacher helps Bholi overcome her fear and gradually cure her stammer. She boosts her confidence and inspires her to find her own voice, transforming her self-image from weakness to resilience.

Her assurance that Bholi would one day be the most learned person in the village gives her hope and direction. Ultimately, the teacher’s guidance helps Bholi become independent, take a bold stand against an unjust marriage, and dream of becoming a teacher herself.

_____________________________ End ____________________________________