Class X Literature Practice Worksheet 2 | Board PYQs | Important for 2026

M
3 days ago
7 min read

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

(a) That was twenty-four hours ago. Since then nobody had come near him. The day before, all day long, he had watched his parents flying about with his brothers and sister, perfecting them in the art of flight, teaching them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish. He had, in fact, seen his elder brother catch his first herring and devour it, standing on a rock, while his parents circled around raising a proud cackle and all the morning the whole family had walked about on the big plateau midway down the opposite cliff taunting him for his cowardice.

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

The use of the phrase 'proud cackle adds to a sense of ______ (noise/pride) in the extract.

(ii) How do the parents teach their young to be independent?

(iii) Describe the contrasting reactions of the parents to their children giving reasons.

(iv) The word 'devour' in the above extract most nearly means

(A) scared

(B) gobbled

(D) cooled

Extract 2

Q2. Lomov : Hear me out, I implore you! The peasants of your father's grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to bake bricks for my aunt's grandmother. Now my aunt's grandmother, wishing to make them a present.

Natalya : I can't make head or tail of all this about aunts and grandfathers and grandmothers. The Meadows are ours, that's all.

Lomov : Mine

Natalya : Ours! You can go proving it for two days on end.

(i) What is Lomov pleading for?

(A) to be heard

(B) bricks for his aunt's grandmother

(D) for two days time to prove himself

(ii) What effect does the following sentence have on Natalya? Why?

"The peasants of your father's grandfather _____used to bake bricks for my aunt's grandmother.'

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

The use of the phrase 'can't make head or tail' adds to a sense of ______ (confusion/realization) to the extract.

(iv) What is Lomov trying to prove?

Extract 3 :

Q3. 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 safe cage. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival

(Tale of Custard the Dragon)

(i) What poetic device is used in the first sentence?

(ii) What was ironical about Custard being referred to as Percival?

(iii) Complete the following suitably:

The word 'unmerciful' in the given context implies that Belinda is

(iv) What image of Custard is created in the above lines?

Extract 4

Q4. Don't bite your nails, Amanda!

Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!

Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!

("There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me

a mermaid, drifting blissfully.") (Amanda)

(i) What image does the above extract create about Amanda's mother

(ii) Why is the second verse written in brackets?

(iii) Amanda calls herself a mermaid because

(A) Mermaid is Amanda's favourite fantasy character.

(B) Amanda loves watching a mermaid drifting in water.

(D) Amanda wants to sail with a mermaid in the deep-sea water.

(iv) Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant in the sea. Elucidate.

II. Short Questions ( First Flight)

Q5. Answer the following five questions in about 40-50 words.

(1) Illustrate Lencho's unwavering faith in the Divine. (A Letter to God)

(ii) In what way did Nelson Mandela's yearning for freedom alter the course of his life?

(Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

(iii) Is it ethical to enclose wild animals within cages? Discuss with reference to the poem, 'A Tiger in the Zoo'.

(iv) Upon encountering the deceased cow on the road, Valli was emotional. Comment with reference to Madam Rides the Bus'.

(v) How does modern India recognize the tradition of courage and bravery in Coorgi culture?

(Glimpses of India)

III. Short Questions (Footprints)

Q6. Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words:

Education acts as a catalyst for a significant transformation in Bholi. Comment. (Bholi)

Refusing to accept our circumstances can result in an unhappy life. Discuss in brief with reference to the story The Necklace'.

How was the Hari Singh's 'appealing smile' at the end different from similar smiles of his on earlier occasions?

Long Questions (First Flight)

Q7. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words:

(a) Self-doubt and fear often act as barriers to success. On the other hand, curiosity leads to learning new things. Justify the statement citing instances from 'His First Flight' and 'Madam Rides the Bus'.

(b) What distinguishes the portrayal of the tiger in the poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' from the depiction of the tiger in the poem 'How to tell Wild Animals'?

Long Questions (Footprints)

Q8. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words:

(a) Imagine you are Bholi and write a diary entry, explaining how you dare to take such a bold step of refusing to marry Bishamber. (Bholi)

(b) In the story, 'A Triumph of Surgery', a wealthy woman's nonsensical behaviour, is depicted. Do you think such individuals are merely displaying foolishness or could their actions potentially, inflict harm upon others? Support your answer from the text.

Answer Key

I. Extract-based Questions

Q1 (a)

(i)Correct word: pride

(ii)The parents teach their young to be independent by training them to fly, skim the waves, dive for fish, and catch food on their own. They encourage learning through practice and expect the young ones to overcome fear by themselves.

(iii)The parents show pride and joy when the elder brother catches his first fish, as seen in their “proud cackle.” In contrast, they taunt the young seagull to shame him for his fear, hoping it will push him to attempt flying.

(iv)Correct option: (B) gobbled

Q2. Extract 2

(i)Correct option: (A) to be heard

(ii)The sentence confuses Natalya because Lomov unnecessarily brings in complex references to ancestors. Instead of clarifying ownership, his explanation irritates her, making her impatient and more rigid in claiming the Meadows as her own.

(iii)Correct word: confusion

(iv)Lomov is trying to prove that the Meadows legally belong to him by tracing ownership through his family history and ancestral documents.

Q3. Extract 3

(i)The poetic device used is a simile.

(ii)It is ironical because Custard is called Percival, a name associated with bravery, while he is actually timid and always cries for safety, unlike the others who pretend to be brave.

(iii)The word unmerciful implies that Belinda is teasing Custard without stopping or showing kindness.

(iv)Custard is shown as timid, fearful, and insecure. He longs for safety and protection, unlike the others who mock him and display false bravery.

Q4. Extract 4

(i)The extract presents Amanda’s mother as strict, dominating, and constantly critical, always instructing and correcting Amanda without understanding her emotional needs.

(ii)The second verse is written in brackets to show Amanda’s inner thoughts and fantasies, which contrast sharply with the harsh instructions she receives in real life.

(iii)Correct option: (C)

(iv)Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant to escape control, instructions, and interference. Being alone in the sea symbolises freedom, peace, and independence from constant nagging.

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

Q5

(i) Lencho shows unwavering faith in God by believing that God will surely help him after his crops are destroyed. He writes a letter asking for money and fully trusts that God will send the required amount.

(ii)

Nelson Mandela’s yearning for freedom led him to sacrifice personal comfort for his people. It transformed him into a leader who fought oppression and devoted his life to ending apartheid and achieving equality for all.

(iii)

The poem shows that caging wild animals is unethical. The tiger loses freedom and dignity in captivity. He belongs in the forest, hunting and roaming freely, not pacing helplessly behind bars.

(iv)

Seeing the dead cow deeply disturbed Valli. It shattered her excitement and exposed her to the harsh reality of life and death. The incident marked her emotional maturity and loss of innocence.

(v)

Modern India recognises Coorgi bravery through military service and traditions. Coorgis are known for courage and discipline, and many serve in the Indian Army, continuing their legacy of valour.

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

Q6 (Any two)

(a)Education transforms Bholi by giving her confidence and self-respect. Her teacher’s encouragement helps her overcome fear and stammering. Education empowers her to think independently and take a bold stand against injustice.

(b)Matilda refuses to accept her simple life and constantly desires luxury. This dissatisfaction leads her to borrow the necklace, resulting in years of hardship. Her discontentment makes her life miserable.

(c) Hari Singh’s final smile is genuine and hopeful. Unlike earlier deceptive smiles, it reflects his inner change, honesty, and desire to reform after being forgiven and trusted by Anil.

IV. Long Questions – First Flight (100–120 words)

Q7 (a)

Self-doubt prevents the young seagull from flying despite his ability. Fear holds him back until hunger forces him to jump, leading to success. In contrast, Valli’s curiosity motivates her to plan and undertake a solo bus journey. Her confidence helps her overcome fear and limitations. While fear restricts growth, curiosity opens doors to learning and experience. Both texts show that courage and curiosity lead to personal growth, while fear delays success.

Q7 (b)

In A Tiger in the Zoo, the tiger is portrayed as majestic yet helpless in captivity, symbolising loss of freedom. He walks angrily behind bars, longing for the forest. In contrast, How to Tell Wild Animals presents the tiger humorously and playfully, warning readers through exaggeration. One poem evokes sympathy, while the other uses humour to entertain.

V. Long Questions – Footprints Without Feet (100–120 words)

Q8 (a) (Diary Entry)

Dear Diary,

Today I found my strength. For years, I lived in fear and silence. My teacher’s words echoed in my heart, reminding me of my worth. I refused to marry Bishamber because I deserve respect. Education has given me courage and confidence. I will now live with dignity and become a teacher like the one who changed my life.— Bholi

Q8 (b)

The wealthy woman in A Triumph of Surgery displays foolish behaviour by overfeeding Tricki. Her excessive affection harms the dog’s health. Such actions are not harmless; they cause suffering. True care requires responsibility, not indulgence. The story warns against blind pampering.

_____________________________ End ____________________________________