Subject: English Class: 10
Write the answers for the questions given below. (100-120 words)
Points to be noted while writing it:
i. Underline keywords (not to underline everything)
ii. Split the answers into paragraphs
iii. Short and crisp sentences
iv. Take care of tense consistency
Questions:
1. From the Diary of Anne Frank
Anne writes in her diary, "Paper has more patience than people." What does this reveal
about her personality and her experience in the Secret Annex? How does her diary become
a source of comfort for her?
2. Glimpses of India
Each sub-part of “Glimpses of India” explores a unique cultural and regional identity. How
do these narratives promote the idea of unity in diversity?
3. Mijbil the Otter
How does the story of Mijbil and the narrator reflect the bond between humans and
animals? Support your response with examples from the text.
4. How to Tell Wild Animals
How does the poet use humour and exaggeration to teach about wild animals in the poem
“How to Tell Wild Animals”? Explain with examples.
5. The Ball Poem
What life lesson does the poet convey through the metaphor of the lost ball? How is this
lesson relevant to young readers?
6. Amanda!
How does the poem “Amanda!” portray the conflict between a child's imagination and adult
expectations? Discuss with reference to Amanda’s responses.
7. The Trees
What is the symbolic meaning of the ‘trees’ in the poem, and how does their movement
reflect a deeper human longing?
8. The Midnight Visitor
How does the story “The Midnight Visitor” challenge the stereotypical image of a spy?
Support your answer with examples.
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9. A Question of Trust
How does the story explore the irony of trust between two criminals? What does this reveal
about human nature?
10. Footprints Without Feet
In what ways does the story “Footprints Without Feet” blend science fiction with human
emotion? Discuss how this duality adds to its appeal.
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ANSWERS FOR REFERENCE:
1. From the Diary of Anne Frank
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Anne Frank’s statement, “Paper has more patience than people,” reflects her introverted
nature and emotional maturity. Living in constant fear and confinement, she often felt
isolated and misunderstood, especially by adults and her mother. Writing became her
emotional outlet—her way of expressing feelings she couldn’t share openly. The diary,
which she named Kitty, offered her silent companionship, never judging or interrupting. This
shows that Anne was introspective and found solace in self-expression. Her diary was more
than just a record; it became her confidante, helping her maintain sanity and hope during
one of history’s darkest times. It highlights how writing can be a powerful tool for emotional
healing and reflection.
2. Glimpses of India
“Glimpses of India” celebrates India’s cultural richness through three distinct regional
narratives. The first part introduces Coorg and its brave Kodavas, highlighting their
traditions, coffee plantations, and hospitality. The second part describes Assam’s tea
gardens, blending history, colonial legacy, and linguistic charm. The third focuses on Goa’s
Portuguese influence, seen in its baking tradition and joyful lifestyle. Despite differences in
customs, languages, and landscapes, each region contributes to India’s composite culture.
The stories promote unity by showing how regional uniqueness coexists harmoniously.
Together, they emphasize India’s strength lies in its diversity, where every region adds
flavour to the national identity.
3. Mijbil the Otter
The story of Mijbil the Otter beautifully captures the evolving bond between the narrator and
his pet otter. Initially, Mij is cautious and reserved, unfamiliar with humans. However, the
narrator’s patience and affection help the otter adapt to a domestic environment. Mij's
antics, curiosity, and playful behaviour bring joy and companionship to the narrator. Despite
challenges in transporting Mij across countries, the narrator's commitment never falters,
showcasing deep care and responsibility. Their relationship goes beyond that of a pet and
owner—it becomes a true friendship. This bond illustrates how empathy and love can bridge
the gap between species and foster meaningful connections.
4. How to Tell Wild Animals
The poet, Carolyn Wells, uses humour and exaggeration in “How to Tell Wild Animals” to
make learning about wild animals entertaining. Through ironic instructions—such as
identifying a lion only if it eats you—she mocks the idea of dangerous close encounters as a
learning method. Describing the Bengal Tiger as a “noble beast” who will “just eat you” and
the bear who “hugs you very, very hard” are humorous exaggerations that play on fear and
reality. This playful tone makes the poem memorable and amusing. Instead of
straightforward descriptions, the poet uses absurd logic, which adds comic relief while still
describing animal traits effectively.
5. The Ball Poem
Through the metaphor of a boy losing his ball, the poet John Berryman teaches a valuable
life lesson about loss and responsibility. The boy’s emotional response represents the pain
of losing something cherished for the first time. The ball symbolizes childhood possessions
or innocence, and its loss marks a step towards maturity. The poet emphasizes that no
external help can ease such personal experiences; one must accept loss and learn to cope.
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For young readers, the poem mirrors their journey into adulthood where they face
disappointments, changes, and responsibilities. It encourages emotional resilience and
acceptance—key skills in growing up and navigating real life.
6. Amanda!
“Amanda!” by Robin Klein highlights the common conflict between a child’s desire for
freedom and the adult world’s constant instructions. Amanda’s daydreams act as an escape
from the relentless nagging she receives about posture, cleanliness, and behaviour. She
imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel—figures who live in solitude and
do as they please. These fantasies contrast sharply with the mundane, rule-bound life
imposed on her. Amanda’s silence is misunderstood as sulking, showing how adults often
fail to understand children’s emotional needs. The poem captures the struggle between
individual expression and societal norms, shedding light on the importance of empathy in
parenting.
7. The Trees
In Adrienne Rich’s poem “The Trees,” the trees symbolize freedom, resistance, and nature’s
reclaiming of its space. Their silent movement from the confined house back to the forest
represents the human desire to break free from artificial boundaries. The act of the trees
pushing out of the house becomes a metaphor for rebellion against control—whether social,
political, or environmental. The poet contrasts the lifelessness of the indoors with the
dynamic power of the trees striving to return to their roots. This movement reflects a deeper
human longing for liberation, natural belonging, and the right to grow freely in one’s true
environment.
8. The Midnight Visitor
“The Midnight Visitor” subverts the traditional image of a spy by presenting Ausable, a
secret agent, as overweight, calm, and living in a modest hotel room—far from the sharp,
glamorous stereotype. Yet, it is this unconventional appearance that makes him effective.
When faced with danger from the intruder Max, Ausable’s quick thinking and fabricated
story about a non-existent balcony cleverly disarms the situation. He uses wit, not weapons,
to outsmart his enemy. This challenges the reader's assumptions about heroism and
intelligence, showing that true skill lies in presence of mind and clever strategy rather than
physical strength or looks.
9. A Question of Trust
“A Question of Trust” is built on irony—Horace Danby, a thief who prides himself on his
neatness and reliability, is outwitted by a young woman posing as the owner of the house
he’s robbing. Trust, in this context, becomes ironic because a criminal places his faith in
another lawbreaker. Horace’s mistake lies in assuming that appearances and confidence
equal honesty. This incident reveals a paradox in human nature: even those who deceive
others dislike being deceived themselves. The story emphasizes how trust, when
misplaced, can lead to one’s downfall, especially when driven by arrogance or
overconfidence.
10. Footprints Without Feet
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“Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells merges scientific imagination with the emotional
and moral challenges faced by its protagonist, Griffin. The concept of invisibility is rooted in
science fiction, but the story explores how such a power affects human behaviour. Griffin,
once a brilliant scientist, turns into a vengeful and selfish man, misusing his discovery for
personal gain. His invisibility creates awe and fear but also isolation and instability. The
duality of scientific wonder and emotional downfall makes the story compelling. It warns that
without ethical responsibility, even the most groundbreaking inventions can lead to chaos
and destruction.
