Class 10th English

Keywords / Key phrases for questions and answers

First Flight

1. A Letter to God

Lencho, Faith in God, Farmer's plight, Natural calamity, Request for help, 70 pesos,
Postmaster's generosity, Human spirit, Optimism, Irony of fate, Self-reliance, Naivety,
Gratitude vs suspicion, Symbolism of the storm, Trust and hope, Simple yet profound, Village
life, Harvest destruction

2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Apartheid, South Africa's struggle, Inauguration ceremony, Long walk to freedom, Sacrifices
for liberty, African National Congress, Racial discrimination, Legacy of courage, Oppression,
Universal suffrage, Responsibility of leaders, Ubuntu philosophy, Mandela's humility, Twin
obligations, Freedom fighters, Courage over fear, Transition to democracy, Nobel Peace Prize

3. Two Stories about Flying

Part I - His First Flight

Seagull's fear, First solo flight, Parental support, Hunger as motivation, Fear of failure, Trust in
instincts, Flight to independence, Lesson on confidence, Symbolism of flight, Sibling rivalry

Part II - The Black Aeroplane

Dakota plane, Mysterious pilot, Risk and decisions, Courage during crisis, Ghost plane mystery,
Magnetic compass failure, Sense of relief, unidentified help, and Fog symbolism

4. From the Diary of Anne Frank

Anne Frank, Diary as a friend, World War II, Teenage emotions, writing as solace, Jewish
oppression, Inner conflicts, Fear of discovery, Hope and resilience, Secret Annex, Bond with
family, Adolescent perspective, Power of words, Holocaust, Historical importance

5. Glimpses of India

Part I - A Baker from Goa

Goan baker, Traditional profession, Baker's products (bread, cake, etc.), Portuguese influence,
Baking tradition, Famous bread (pav, poi), Baker’s song, Importance of bakers in Goa, Baker's
attire (shorts, cap), Cultural heritage, Goa's food culture
Part II - Coorg

Coorg (Kodagu), Coffee plantations, Natural beauty, Mountains, rivers, forests, Kodava tribe,
Traditional Coorgi hospitality, Spices and wildlife, Unique culture, Madikeri (capital),
Siddhartha's view of Coorg, Trekking and adventure tourism, Coorgi cuisine, Popular tourist
destination

Part III - Tea from Assam

Assam, Tea gardens, Tea cultivation, Rich history of Assam tea, Tea pickers, Assam's tea
industry, Tea as a global commodity, Assam's geographic location, Assamese hospitality,
Assam’s tea estates, Tea processing and production, Tea's cultural significance in Assam

6. Mijbil the Otter

Mijbil the otter, Exotic pet, Maxwell’s bond, Training Mijbil, Playful nature, Journey to London,
Misunderstandings with locals, Adaptability, Natural habitat, Animal-human bond, Otter’s
intelligence, Importance of care, Funny incidents, Wildlife awareness, Companionship

7. Madam Rides the Bus

Valliammai (Valli), Curiosity about the world, Innocence and maturity, Bus ride adventure,
Observing the countryside, Life lessons, Small joys of life, Child’s perspective, Importance of
independence, First solo journey, Fascination with the bus, Sense of wonder, Humor in daily
life, Reality of death, Learning from experience

8. The Sermon at Benares

Gautama Buddha, Enlightenment, Kisa Gotami, Truth of life and death, Cycle of suffering,
Universal suffering, Impermanence of life, Self-realization, Compassion and wisdom,
Teachings of Buddha, Acceptance of loss, Seeking solace, Grief and understanding, Philosophy
of detachment, Spiritual awakening

9. The Proposal

Anton Chekhov, Satire on marriage, Lomov and Natalya, Argumentative nature, Social norms,
Materialistic motives, Comedic misunderstandings, Pride and ego, Marriage as a business deal,
Quarrels over property, Humorous irony, Family interference, Russian society, Proposal mishap,
Love amidst chaos

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First Flight (Poetry)

1. Dust of Snow - by Robert Frost

Keywords: Robert Frost, Crow and hemlock tree, Symbolism of nature, Mood transformation,
Optimism and hope, Importance of small moments, Simple yet profound, Rejuvenation, Change
of perspective, Power of nature

Theme: The poem reflects the power of nature to change our mood. A small moment of
connection with nature can change our perspective and brighten our outlook on life.

Central Idea: A simple incident of a crow shaking the dust of snow from a tree on the poet’s
head changes his mood from sadness to joy, illustrating the healing power of nature.

Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

Poetic Devices:

 Alliteration: “Dust of Snow” (repetition of the "d" sound)

 Metaphor: The dust of snow represents a small, simple thing that can have a profound
effect.
 Personification: The crow is depicted as performing an action (shaking the dust).

Poetic Style: The poem is written in a simple, direct style. It uses natural imagery and a
conversational tone, typical of Robert Frost’s style.

2. Fire and Ice – by Robert Frost

Keywords: Destruction themes, Fire as desire, Ice as hatred, Symbolism, Duality of human
nature, Apocalypse theories, Emotional conflicts, Restraint vs excess, Moral message, Human
flaws

Theme: The poem explores the destructive powers of emotions like desire (fire) and hate (ice),
suggesting that both can lead to the end of the world.

Central Idea: The poem compares the potential destructive forces of fire (representing passion)
and ice (representing hatred) to discuss human emotions and their consequences.

Rhyme Scheme: ABAABCBCB

Poetic Devices:

 Alliteration: “Some say the world will end in fire.”

 Metaphor: Fire and ice represent intense emotions (desire and hate).
 Symbolism: Fire symbolizes desire and ice symbolizes hatred.

Poetic Style: The poem is short, direct, and uses simple language to discuss complex ideas
about human emotions and their destructive nature.
3. A Tiger in the Zoo - by Leslie Norris

Keywords: Imprisoned tiger, Loss of freedom, Nature vs. captivity, Symbol of strength,
Helplessness, Restricted movements, Zoo environment, Wild instincts, Human intervention,
Poignant imagery

Theme: The poem highlights the contrast between the freedom of a tiger in the wild and the
captivity of a tiger in a zoo. It speaks about the loss of dignity and freedom.

Central Idea: The poet contrasts the image of a tiger in the zoo, confined and defeated, with the
image of a tiger in its natural habitat, where it is majestic and free.

Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

Poetic Devices:

o Alliteration: “He stalks in his vivid stripes.”

o Personification: The tiger’s eyes are described as "burning" with anger.
o Imagery: The imagery of the tiger’s movement in the zoo versus its wild freedom is
stark.

Poetic Style: The poem uses a descriptive style to evoke sympathy for the tiger, using contrast
and imagery to highlight the difference between captivity and freedom.

4. How to Tell Wild Animals - by Carolyn Wells

Keywords: Carolyn Wells, Identifying wild animals, Humor and satire, Jungle scenes, Irony in
descriptions, Ferocious animals, Poetic style, Nature’s diversity, Whimsical tone, Observational
humor

Theme: The poem is a humorous look at identifying different wild animals based on their
distinctive characteristics. It also touches on the theme of nature’s diversity.

Central Idea: The speaker humorously suggests ways to identify wild animals, including their
behavior and physical traits, while playfully warning about their dangerous qualities.

Rhyme Scheme: AABB

Poetic Devices:

o Rhyme: The poem uses simple, rhyming couplets, which make it playful and light-
hearted.
o Hyperbole: "If ever you are by chance in the jungles of the East" exaggerates the
potential dangers of encountering wild animals.
 o Imagery: Descriptions of the animals are vivid, bringing them to life in the reader’s
imagination.

Poetic Style: The style is playful and light-hearted, with a humorous tone and rhyming couplets
that make the poem engaging for readers.

5. The Ball Poem - by John Berryman

Keywords: Loss and grief, Ball as a symbol, Childhood innocence, Life’s harsh realities,
Acceptance of loss, Growing up, Philosophical tone, Maturity through pain, Emotional
resilience, Universal experience

Theme: The poem deals with loss and the emotional process of coming to terms with it. It
reflects on how loss is a part of life, and how one must learn to let go and grow.

Central Idea: The loss of a ball becomes a metaphor for the loss of something important in life.
The poem explores how one must accept loss and the inherent nature of life.

Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is irregular, giving the poem a free-flowing structure,
mirroring the disorientation of loss.

Poetic Devices:

o Metaphor: The ball symbolizes something of value, representing material possessions or

even innocence.
o Alliteration: “I am sorry I lost it.”
o Repetition: The repeated reference to the ball emphasizes the emotional connection to
what is lost.

Poetic Style: The poem is written in free verse with no regular rhyme or meter, which mirrors
the theme of confusion and loss.

6. Amanda! - by Robin Klein

Keywords: Teenage rebellion, Nagging parents, Amanda’s imagination, Desire for freedom,
Role of society, Individuality, Idealized escape, Overprotective upbringing, Creative thinking,
Silent defiance

Theme: The poem discusses the theme of independence and freedom, focusing on how societal
pressures can stifle a child's natural instincts and desires.

Central Idea: The poem addresses Amanda, a young girl, who is constantly told what to do by
her mother. She imagines herself in various scenarios where she could be free from such
restrictions.
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

Poetic Devices:

o Repetition: The name "Amanda" is repeated to emphasize the mother’s nagging tone.
o Alliteration: “She should be a child of the sun.”
o Imagery: Amanda imagines herself in beautiful, free environments like a mermaid or a
butterfly.

Poetic Style: The poem uses dialogue between the mother and Amanda, and the imagery is
used to illustrate Amanda’s fantasies of freedom.

7. The Trees - by Adrienne Rich

Keywords: Feminist undertones, Nature reclaiming space, Trees as symbols, Freedom and
escape, Human-nature relationship, Silent protest, Imagery and symbolism, Conflict with
urbanization, Voice of nature, Poetic activism

Theme: The poem reflects on growth, renewal, and liberation. It uses trees as symbols of life,
freedom, and regeneration.

Central Idea: The poem describes how trees, after being confined and trapped, break free and
grow, symbolizing liberation from oppression or restriction.

Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

Poetic Devices:

o Personification: The trees are described as “pushing” and “breaking free.”

o Metaphor: The trees symbolize individuals or forces breaking free from societal
constraints.
o Imagery: Rich visual imagery is used to describe the growth and freedom of the trees.

Poetic Style: The poem is descriptive and uses natural imagery to reflect a deeper philosophical
message about life and liberation.

8. Fog - by Carl Sandburg

Keywords: Carl Sandburg, Fog as a metaphor, Cat-like movements, Nature’s quietness,

Transience, Poetic brevity, Urban life, Observation skills, Power of simplicity, Minimalist
imagery

Theme: The poem explores the theme of nature’s transient beauty and its ability to obscure and
change our perception of the world around us.
Central Idea: The fog is described as a cat, gently moving over the city and leaving a soft,
mysterious effect.

Rhyme Scheme: None (free verse)

Poetic Devices:

o Metaphor: Fog is compared to a cat, showing its gentle and mysterious nature.
o Personification: The fog is described as moving silently and quietly like an animal.
o Alliteration: "On little cat feet."

Poetic Style: The poem is written in free verse with simple language, using a metaphor to
describe the fog in a unique and engaging way.

9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon - by Ogden Nash

Keywords: Narrative poem, Custard the dragon, Cowardice vs. bravery, Belinda and pets,
Battle with the pirate, Irony of appearances, Adventure and humor, Light-hearted tone,
Character contrasts, Moral takeaway

Theme: The poem is a humorous exploration of bravery, fear, and heroism. It pokes fun at the
traditional concept of a brave hero and a fierce dragon.

Central Idea: The poem tells the story of Custard, a seemingly cowardly dragon, who
unexpectedly saves the day, showing that even those who seem weak or afraid can be brave
when needed.

Rhyme Scheme: AABB

Poetic Devices:

o Rhyme: The poem uses regular rhyming couplets to create a light-hearted and humorous
tone.
o Alliteration: “Poor Custard,” “he was a coward.”
o Humor: The poem uses a playful and humorous approach to discuss bravery.

Poetic Style: The poem is written in a light, whimsical style, using rhyme and humor to tell a
moral story.

10. For Anne Gregory - by W.B. Yeats

Keywords: Beauty vs. personality, Inner vs. outer charm, Love and acceptance, Religious
reference, Spiritual insight, Poetic dialogue, Individual worth, Materialistic love, Philosophical
depth, Timeless themes
Theme: The poem explores the theme of love, beauty, and the importance of inner qualities
over external appearance.

Central Idea: The speaker tells Anne Gregory that beauty is only skin-deep and that true love
comes from inner qualities, not outward appearance.

Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

Poetic Devices:

o Metaphor: The “flowers” in the poem symbolize fleeting beauty.

o Alliteration: “The flowers of the world.”
o Imagery: The poem uses images of flowers to represent beauty and its transient nature.

Poetic Style: The poem is reflective, using a gentle tone to impart wisdom about the
impermanence of beauty and the importance of love beyond the superficial.

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Footprints Without Feet

1. A Triumph of Surgery

Tricki the dog, Mrs. Pumphrey, Overfeeding issues, Transformation of Tricki, Balanced diet,
Vet's cleverness, Pet parenting, Recovery process, Deceptive indulgence, Satirical humor

2. The Thief's Story

Hari Singh, Trust and betrayal, Honest thief, Anil’s generosity, Kindness overcomes guilt,
Turning point, Human values, Self-transformation, Role of empathy, Inner conflict

3. The Midnight Visitor

Ausable, the secret agent, Fowler, the writer, Max, the intruder, Cleverness and wit, Fake
balcony trick, Danger and suspense, Underestimation of Ausable, Humor in crisis, Twisted
narrative, Role of intellect, Unexpected heroism, Diplomatic secrets, Spy genre elements, Irony
and humor, Moral: Brains over brawn

4. A Question of Trust

Horace Danby, the thief, Love for rare books, Clever lady thief, Trust vs. deceit, Unsuccessful
robbery, Manipulation and trickery, Burglar’s ethical dilemma, Irony in justice, Overconfidence,
Lesson on gullibility, Sudden twist, Crime and punishment, Wealth vs. happiness, Role of wit,
Human flaws

5. Footprints Without Feet

Griffin the scientist, Invisibility formula, Misuse of science, Wandering footprints, Theme of
morality, Suspense and thrill, Science fiction, Power and greed, Consequences of actions,
Unseen impact, Power of science, Griffin's anger, Self-centered behavior, Unethical use of
science, Invisible footprints, Frightened shopkeeper, Escape and destruction, Police
investigation, Science vs. morality, Abuse of power, Consequences of greed, Supernatural tone

6. The Making of a Scientist

Richard Ebright, Childhood curiosity, Role of mentors, Science projects, Learning through
failure, Butterflies collection, Research on DNA, Harvard University, Science fairs,
Perseverance, Contribution to biology, Role of curiosity, Quest for knowledge, Role of family
support, Focused ambition

7. The Necklace

Mathilde Loisel, Vanity and materialism, Loss of necklace, Social disparity, Sacrifice and
hardship, Irony of fate, False pride, Costly mistake, Life of poverty, Lesson on contentment,
Real vs fake, Madame Forestier, The price of vanity, Humility and regret, Unexpected twist

8. Bholi

Sulekha (Bholi), Neglect and discrimination, Education as empowerment, Supportive teacher,

Rural setup, Marriage proposal, Courage to reject, Self-respect, Transformation through
learning, Society’s expectations, Dowry system criticism, Role of women in change, Innocence
to strength, Family dynamics, Importance of confidence

9. The Book That Saved the Earth

Martian invasion, Think-Tank, the leader, Noodle and wisdom, Children’s book (nursery
rhymes), Misinterpretation of Earth, Comedy of errors, Theme of intellect, Humorous
misunderstandings, Peace vs. war, Irony and satire, Role of literature, Ridicule of arrogance,
Unity in diversity, Preservation of culture, Message on coexistence

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