Paders is the name given to traditional bakers in Goa. They are so called even today.

Paders are friends of children because they come at least twice a day, and the jingling thud of their bamboo staff wakes the children up and excites them. Children do not care about the loaves of bread — those are bought by the servants. What the children eagerly wait for are bread-bangles (small, bangle-shaped breads) which they get to choose carefully, and sometimes sweet bread of special make. The baker's arrival with his musical "jhang, jhang" sound fills children with joy and anticipation.

Source: Glimpses of India — A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

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• The question has two parts: who are paders + why they are friends of children — answer both clearly.
• Key point examiners look for: paders = Goan bakers; children's attraction is for bread-bangles, NOT the regular loaves (a commonly tested detail).
• Mention the bamboo/jingling sound as it explains how children know the pader has arrived.
• Keep the answer to about 3 tight points — one point per mark is a safe rule for 3-mark questions.

The statement implies that the baker was a central, joyful figure in the children's lives. He visited at least twice a day, and his arrival — announced by the 'jhang, jhang' of his bamboo staff — was eagerly awaited. Children rushed out not for the bread loaves but for the bread-bangles they loved. The baker interacted warmly with the household, greeted everyone, and his presence was a daily highlight. He was a familiar, comforting figure who brought both food and excitement, making him a true friend and companion of childhood.

Source: Glimpses of India — A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

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The question asks you to interpret the quoted statement by linking it to the baker's role and behaviour. Examiners look for:

• His frequent visits and the way children eagerly received him
• The excitement he brought (bread-bangles, the bamboo sound)
• His warm, familiar relationship with the household

Avoid just retelling the story — focus on what it shows about his character (friendly, dependable, beloved). At 3 marks, give 3 clear, distinct points in a short paragraph.

(i) The figure of speech used is Personification. Trees are given the human quality of stumbling (walking unsteadily), as if they are living beings moving forward.

(ii) The simile "broken like a mirror" suggests the moonlight is scattered into fragments by the tree branches. As the trees move into the open, moonlight reflects in broken pieces on the Oak's crown, symbolising the triumph of nature reclaiming its freedom and the breaking of all artificial barriers.

(iii) (C) — to emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place.

(iv) The line reveals that the poet is deeply conscious of an impending change. Her mind is currently troubled with restless thoughts ("whispers"), but she knows that once the trees break free and nature is restored, this inner conflict will end.

Source: The Trees, poem

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• (i) Personification is the key term — trees cannot literally "stumble"; this human action is transferred to them.
• (ii) For 2 marks, mention the figure of speech (simile) AND its symbolic meaning (nature's freedom/triumph).
• (iii) Option C is correct because the imperative "Listen" signals an important transformation — not just a sound, but a momentous event unfolding.
• (iv) Focus on the poet's inner conflict and awareness of change — the "whispers" are her doubts/restlessness that will cease once nature is free.

(i) Rajvir was curious and observant by nature. Even though he loved detective stories, his excitement about the new surroundings shows he was more interested in experiencing the real world than in fiction at that moment.

(ii) False. Rajvir did not read the detective book because he was eager to look at the beautiful scenery outside, not because the book was uninteresting. He himself was an ardent fan of detective stories.

(iii) Rajvir, who had come from a city, had "never seen so much greenery before." The magnificent view of endless tea bushes against densely wooded hills clearly fascinated him, suggesting that city-dwellers, unused to such natural abundance, are easily captivated by open green landscapes.

(iv) The phrase that correctly substitutes 'doll-like figures' is tiny/small human figures — workers who appeared very small in comparison to the tall, sturdy shade-trees towering over the tea bushes.

Source: Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam

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• (i) Inference questions require you to read between the lines — here, Rajvir's preference for scenery over a beloved hobby shows curiosity and wonder.
• (ii) The extract gives no evidence the book was dull; the reason is his keenness for the scenery. Always base True/False on the text only.
• (iii) Link the statement to the extract — use "never seen so much greenery" as your textual evidence. ~40 words required.
• (iv) 'Doll-like figures' refers to the tea workers who looked tiny from a distance. Examiners accept any phrase conveying smallness of human figures.

(i) The metaphorical expression used is "the trees are stumbling forward" — the trees' movement into the night is compared to the unsteady, forceful stumbling of living beings.

(ii) The tone of the extract is urgent and tense. Adrienne Rich presents a conflict in which nature (the trees) forcefully reclaims its freedom from man-made confinement. The breaking glass and stumbling trees suggest a violent, inevitable rebellion. The poet sides with nature, implying that man's attempt to contain nature is doomed to fail.

(iii) (B) Eerie and foreboding

(iv) The whispers will be silent tomorrow because the trees would have fully escaped into the open by then. Once the trees complete their journey into the night, the quiet struggle and murmuring of their movement will end — the act of liberation will be over, leaving silence behind.

Source: "The Trees," Adrienne Rich — First Flight (Class 10 Poetry)

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• (i) Look for a metaphor — "stumbling forward" gives human-like movement to trees.
• (ii) Focus on tone words (urgent, tense, rebellious) and link them to the man-vs-nature theme. Two marks = two developed points.
• (iii) "Glass breaking," "broken mirror," "stumbling" all create an eerie, unsettling mood — (B) is correct.
• (iv) The "whispers" are the sounds/signs of the trees' escape; once the escape is complete, all becomes silent. Connect the movement of the trees to the end of their struggle.

Modern India recognizes the courageous tradition of Coorgi culture in several ways:

1. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, reflecting the martial heritage of its people.
2. General Cariappa, a Coorgi, became the first Chief of the Indian Army, symbolizing the community's outstanding military contribution.
3. Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence — a privilege granted in recognition of their brave, warrior tradition.

Source: Glimpses of India (Coorg), Chapter 5, Paragraph 4

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Examiners expect three distinct points for 3 marks. Each point must be specific: the Coorg Regiment, General Cariappa, and the firearms licence. Avoid vague statements like "they are brave people." The question asks how modern India recognizes the tradition, so focus on government/military acknowledgements, not just cultural descriptions. Quote key facts (most decorated, first Chief of Army, firearms without licence) — these are the scoring phrases.

Pranjal (Pranjol) was born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam, so tea gardens were a familiar, everyday sight for him. When Rajvir excitedly cried "Hey, a tea garden!", Pranjol remained unmoved and casually remarked, "Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!" His indifference was natural — what was new and breathtaking for Rajvir was routine for him.

Rajvir, on the other hand, was seeing the lush green tea country for the first time. He had never seen so much greenery before and was deeply fascinated. He had also researched tea beforehand, which added to his curiosity and excitement. Thus, familiarity bred indifference in Pranjol, while novelty bred enthusiasm in Rajvir.

Source: Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam, Chapter 5

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• The examiner expects a contrast between the two characters, using textual evidence (Pranjol's dialogue + Rajvir's reaction).
• Key phrase to include: "born and brought up on a plantation" — this is the textbook's own explanation.
• Avoid writing too generally; anchor every point to what happens in the chapter.
• 3 marks = 3 clear points: Pranjol's indifference (reason), Rajvir's excitement (reason), brief conclusion on the contrast.

I. The lines create a calm yet secretive mood. The imagery of the "fresh" night and the "whole moon" shining in an "open" sky suggests serenity and openness in nature. However, the speaker's deliberate avoidance of mentioning "the departure of the forest" while writing "long letters" creates an undertone of suppressed awareness and quiet unease.

II. C — allowing access and vision - expanse of space

III. The speaker conspicuously avoids mentioning the departure of the forest from the house in the long letters she is writing.

IV. C — 4 and 5 (fresh and bright/whole moon shines)

Source: The Trees, First Flight (CBSE Class 10)

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• Q I: Examiners look for two things — identifying the mood AND explaining how the imagery creates it. Mention both "fresh night/whole moon" (calm) and the omission of the forest's departure (tension/unease).
• Q II: 'Doors open' = allowing access/vision; 'sky still open' = expanse of space. Option C captures both meanings accurately.
• Q III: Directly quote/paraphrase from the extract: "the departure of the forest from the house." Full marks for this specific detail.
• Q IV: The poem says "night is fresh" and "whole moon shines" (implying brightness). Options 4 (fresh) and 5 (bright) are correct → Option C.

The baker became essential to Goan celebrations because his products were required at every important occasion. Sweet bread called bol was a must as a marriage gift, sandwiches were prepared for a daughter's engagement, and cakes and bolinhas were essential for Christmas and other festivals. Thus, a party or feast lost its charm without bread.

Source: A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

The examiner expects you to list specific occasions linked to specific bakery products — bol (marriage), sandwiches (engagement), cakes/bolinhas (Christmas). Quoting the text phrase "a party or a feast loses its charm without bread" shows you've read closely. Avoid vague statements like "he was important" without supporting examples.

Coorg attracts visitors with its stunning natural beauty — evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, spice gardens and rolling hills. Adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling and rock climbing draw thrill-seekers. Nature lovers enjoy spotting wildlife such as elephants, langurs and macaques. The Brahmagiri hills and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe are also popular attractions.

Source: Glimpses of India – Coorg, Paragraphs 1, 6, 7, 8

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The examiner expects 2–3 specific attractions mentioned from the passage — natural beauty, adventure sports, and wildlife are the key categories. Naming specific examples (rafting, elephants, Brahmagiri hills) scores better than vague statements. Avoid copying full sentences; paraphrase neatly. Stay within 40–60 words.

During his childhood in Goa, the writer recalls the baker (pader) as his friend, companion and guide. The baker visited twice daily, and children would run to meet him on hearing the 'jhang, jhang' sound of his bamboo staff. They eagerly chose bread-bangles from his basket. The writer still recalls the typical fragrance of those loaves.

Source: Glimpses of India — A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

The question asks specifically about the writer's personal childhood memories, not general information about bakers. Examiners expect: (1) the baker's role as friend/companion/guide, (2) his twice-daily visits, (3) children running to meet him, (4) the sound of the bamboo staff, and (5) the children's love for bread-bangles and the fragrance of loaves. Stick to the text; do not add general information about Goa.

Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because it is a hilly region situated midway between Mysore and Mangalore. Its landscape is characterised by undulating hills covered with evergreen rainforests, spice gardens, and coffee plantations. The entire misty landscape of these hills offers a panoramic and scenic view.

Source: Glimpses of India – Coorg, Chapter 5

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The phrase "land of rolling hills" is taken directly from the text: "This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men..." Examiners expect you to quote/paraphrase this and support it with geographical and landscape details (hills, rainforests, coffee plantations). Two marks = two clear points. Avoid copying large chunks word-for-word; paraphrase slightly for better presentation.

The Goan baker (pader) remains essential to village life in several ways:

1. Social customs: Sweet bread (bol) is a must for marriage gifts, sandwiches are prepared at a daughter's engagement, and cakes and bolinhas are necessary for Christmas and other festivals.
2. Daily presence: The baker still visits homes, and the thud and jingle of his bamboo staff can be heard in some places.
3. Continuity of tradition: Even if the father is gone, the son carries on the profession, keeping the age-old furnaces burning.
4. Cultural identity: The baker's plump appearance and dress (pader) remain part of Goan culture even today.

Thus, the baker's furnace is absolutely essential to village life.

Source: A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

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This 3-mark answer requires three clear points. Examiners look for: (1) the role of bread in festivals/ceremonies, (2) the baker's continued daily visits, and (3) the passing down of the profession through generations. Quoting specific examples like bol, bolinhas, and the bamboo staff shows close reading. Avoid padding — keep points crisp and text-based.

Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam. Tea gardens were a common, everyday sight for him, not something special or exciting. He had seen them all his life, so Rajvir's enthusiastic reaction seemed unnecessary to him. He simply said, "Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!" — showing that for him, the tea gardens held no novelty or wonder.

Source: Tea from Assam, Chapter 5

The examiner wants you to contrast Rajvir's perspective (first-time visitor, filled with curiosity) with Pranjol's perspective (local, grown up surrounded by tea gardens). The key phrase from the text — "Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn't share Rajvir's excitement" — is the direct answer. Always quote or paraphrase the textual reason; don't just say "he was bored."

According to the Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants, when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep. This legend connects the origin of tea to a monk's spiritual discipline and his struggle against sleepiness during meditation.

Source: Tea from Assam, Chapter 5

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• The question asks specifically about the Indian legend, not the Chinese one — make sure you don't mix them up.
• Key details examiners look for: Bodhidharma (name is important), eyelids cut off, ten tea plants grew, leaves banished sleep.
• At 3 marks, you need all three key plot points: the act (cutting eyelids), the result (tea plants grew), and the effect (drinking the leaves removed sleepiness).
• Quoting or closely paraphrasing the text is safe and correct here.

Location: Coorg, or Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

Two characteristics of the people of Coorg:

1. Martial and independent: The people of Coorg are fiercely independent with strong martial traditions. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

1. Possibly of Greek or Arabic descent: The Kodavu people are believed to be descendants of Alexander's army or Arab settlers, which is reflected in their distinct marriage, religious rites, and the traditional kuppia coat resembling the Arab kuffia.

Source: Glimpses of India — Coorg, Chapter 5

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• This is a 3-mark question: ~1 mark for location, ~1 mark each for two characteristics.
• Name both the alternate names (Coorg/Kodagu) and both reference towns (Mysore/Mangalore) for full credit on location.
• For characteristics, pick distinct points — martial tradition and origin/descent are the two clearest textbook points. Avoid vague statements; use specific evidence (Coorg Regiment, kuppia/kuffia) to show you've read the passage.
• Keep each point concise — examiners reward accuracy over length.

During the train journey to Assam, Pranjol read his detective novel while Rajvir gazed at the scenic beauty outside. Rajvir was deeply fascinated by the lush green landscape and the vast stretches of tea gardens he had never seen before.

Rajvir also shared interesting legends about the origin of tea with Pranjol — the Chinese emperor's legend and the Indian legend of Bodhidharma. He mentioned that tea was first drunk in China around 2700 B.C. and came to Europe only in the sixteenth century.

Rajvir did all this because he had read extensively about tea before the trip and was genuinely excited to visit a tea garden for the first time.

Source: Tea from Assam, Chapter 5

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The question has two parts: what they did and why. Examiners expect both. Key points to cover:

• Pranjol read a detective book (contrast with Rajvir).
• Rajvir admired the scenery and tea gardens.
• Rajvir narrated legends about tea's origin.
• Why: Rajvir had done his homework on tea and was seeing tea country for the first time; Pranjol, being from Assam, was less excited.

Avoid padding — three focused points at this word count is enough for 3 marks.

During childhood in Goa, the baker was a friend, companion and guide because he visited the children at least twice a day. His bamboo staff made a 'jhang, jhang' sound that woke the children from sleep, and they eagerly ran to meet him. The children were not attracted by the bread loaves but by the bread-bangles and sweet bread of special make. They would even climb benches to peep into the baker's basket. His visits were a joyful event, full of warmth and fond memories.

Source: Glimpses of India — A Baker from Goa

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• The question asks you to elaborate, so give specific details: the twice-daily visits, the bamboo sound, the children running out, and their love for bread-bangles — not ordinary loaves.
• Avoid simply copying sentences; paraphrase and connect the ideas logically.
• 3 marks = 3 clear points, each explained briefly. Examiners check: why he was a friend (excitement, bond), how (bamboo sound, visits), what the children sought (bangles, sweet bread).

The writer calls Coorg "a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God" because of its extraordinary natural beauty and unique character. It is a land of rolling hills covered with evergreen rainforests and lush coffee plantations. The air is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee, and colonial bungalows sit tucked under tree canopies. The river Kaveri, rich with wildlife like kingfishers and mahaseer fish, adds to its charm. Adventure activities like river rafting, rock climbing, and trekking make it a paradise for tourists. The pleasant weather from September to March and the panoramic view from Brahmagiri hills complete this heavenly picture.

Source: Glimpses of India – Coorg, Chapter 5

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The question asks you to justify the description, so you must give specific details from the text — landscape, coffee aroma, wildlife, weather, adventure sports, and scenic views. Avoid vague statements; cite particular examples the writer uses. Do not copy one line; synthesise 3–4 distinct points. Mentioning the exact quote at the start shows examiner you understand the reference. 3 marks = 3 clear points with brief elaboration.

The description of the baker's lifestyle evokes nostalgia in several ways:

• The elders reminisce fondly about the "good old Portuguese days" and their famous loaves of bread, showing a longing for a bygone era.
• The author recalls the baker as a "friend, companion and guide" during childhood, and children eagerly running at the "jingling thud" of his bamboo staff.
• The "typical fragrance of those loaves" and the choice of bread-bangles are vivid, personal memories that create a warm, wistful tone.
• The baker's prosperous, plump appearance and his family's happiness represent a simpler, contented way of life that the author clearly misses.

Source: Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

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Examiners look for at least 3 distinct points drawn from the text: the elders' nostalgia for Portuguese times, childhood memories of the baker's arrival (sound + fragrance), and the baker's prosperous lifestyle. Avoid vague statements — anchor each point in a specific detail from the passage (bamboo sound, bread-bangles, plump physique, etc.). The question asks how nostalgia is evoked, so link each detail to the feeling it creates.

(i) The simile compares the boughs to newly discharged patients — weak, stiff, and half-dazed — to show that the trees have been unnaturally confined indoors. It reinforces the poem's theme that nature, though suppressed, slowly reclaims its freedom.

(ii) (B) transition and uncertainty

(iii) The stiff movement of the twigs suggests the struggle (or strain/effort) of the trees to free themselves after long confinement.

(iv) The poet uses 'shuffling' to show that the boughs are moving slowly and weakly, like beings who have been cramped for too long and have not yet regained full strength or ease of movement.

Source: The Trees, Extract — stanza describing leaves, twigs, and boughs

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• (i) Focus on TWO things: what the simile literally means AND how it connects to the poem's theme (nature's suppression and longing for freedom). Examiners want theme linkage, not just paraphrase.
• (ii) The words "half-dazed," "shuffling," and "strain" all point to a mood of transition and uncertainty — nothing is settled yet. Avoid (C); there is no chaos, just slow, uncertain movement.
• (iii) One word is enough — "struggle," "strain," or "effort" all work. The key idea is that movement is not easy; it costs the trees something.
• (iv) 'Shuffling' specifically implies slow, dragging, effortful movement — link it to the physical reason (long confinement) to score full marks. One sentence is sufficient for 1 mark.

When the trees move out of the house, it loses its natural warmth and life. The smell of leaves and lichen still reaches into the rooms, and the poet's head is full of whispers — but these will be silent by morning. The moon, earlier shining whole, is shattered like a broken mirror as the trees push through the glass, stumbling into the night. The house is left empty, just as the forest had been empty before. The departure signals a return to nature and leaves the house stripped of its living, breathing presence.

Source: The Trees (Poem), Chapter 5

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The question asks about the effect on the house when the trees leave. Focus on:

• The glass breaking as trees force their way out
• The lingering smell of leaves and lichen (temporary)
• The moon's image changing from whole to broken
• The house becoming empty/silent — a reversal of the earlier empty forest

Examiners expect you to use evidence from the poem (glass breaking, moon broken like a mirror, whispers going silent) and link it to the idea of the house losing its natural essence.

The baker's attire and role highlight the deep cultural roots of bread-making in Goa. The baker, or pader, wore a kabai — a single-piece long frock reaching the knees — which became so iconic that even today anyone wearing shorts reaching just below the knees is said to be "dressed like a pader."

Socially, bread was indispensable: bol (sweet bread) was essential for marriage gifts, sandwiches for engagements, and cakes and bolinhas for Christmas. The baker's furnace was thus "absolutely essential" for the village. His prosperous, plump appearance reflected baking as a profitable profession, ensuring his family never starved.

Source: Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

Examiners look for three things here: (1) the description of the baker's dress and its cultural legacy, (2) the role of bread in festivals/social occasions (specific examples score marks), and (3) the baker's social/economic status. Quoting specific terms like kabai, bol, bolinhas, and pader shows textual grounding. Avoid vague generalisations — always anchor points to the text.

Rajvir's excitement: Rajvir was seeing the vast tea plantations of Assam for the first time. The magnificent view of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye could see, against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, was completely new to him. He had also read extensively about tea and was eager to observe and learn more during his visit.

Pranjol's lack of enthusiasm: Pranjol had been born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam. For him, tea gardens were an everyday, familiar sight. He found nothing unusual or exciting in them, saying casually, "You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!"

Source: Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam, Chapter 5

This is a 3-mark contrast question — examiners expect you to address both Rajvir's excitement AND Pranjol's indifference, with textual reasons for each. The key contrast is novelty vs familiarity: Rajvir is a first-time visitor from Delhi who has also done background reading; Pranjol is a local who has grown up there. Quote or closely paraphrase the text for full marks.

Bread is deeply embedded in Goan culture, as the following evidence shows:

1. Social occasions: Marriage gifts are considered meaningless without the sweet bread called bol. A party or feast loses its charm without bread. Sandwiches are a must at a daughter's engagement, and cakes and bolinhas are essential for Christmas and other festivals.

1. Daily life: The baker (pader) was a friend, companion and guide during childhood, visiting at least twice a day. Children eagerly awaited bread-bangles and special sweet bread.

1. Continuity of tradition: Even after the Portuguese era ended, baking traditions continue. Sons carry on the family profession, and age-old furnaces still burn.

Thus, bread is central to Goan social, cultural and festive life.

Source: Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5

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• Examiners expect 3 distinct points for 3 marks — one per point.
• Support each point with specific textual evidence (bol, bolinhas, bread-bangles, etc.) — vague general statements lose marks.
• Use the exact terms from the text (pader, bol, bolinhas, kabai context is not needed here).
• Structure clearly; a short intro + 3 points + concluding line is ideal for this type of question.

Valli and Rajvir both embody youthful curiosity and a burning desire to go beyond the familiar.

Valli, an eight-year-old, is captivated by the bus that passes her village each hour. She watches it day after day until the wish to ride it becomes "an overwhelming desire." She plans meticulously — secretly gathering information, thriftily saving sixty paise by resisting peppermints, balloons, and even the merry-go-round at the village fair. Her journey is entirely self-driven. On the bus she is filled with wonder, laughing at the runaway cow and gazing "struck dumb" at the town's glittering shops. However, she also witnesses the dead cow on her return, and this encounter introduces her to the mystery of life and death, deepening her understanding of the world beyond childhood innocence.

Rajvir, travelling through Assam, is equally enthusiastic. He eagerly absorbs the landscape of tea gardens, shares fascinating legends about the origin of tea with his friend Pranjol, and asks questions about how tea is processed. His curiosity transforms a train journey into a learning experience.

Both characters show that genuine curiosity, careful observation, and the courage to step beyond one's comfort zone are the best tools for understanding the world.

Source: 'Madam Rides the Bus', First Flight (Class 10); 'Tea from Assam', First Flight (Class 10)

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• Examiners expect you to discuss both characters equally in a comparative question — roughly half the answer each.
• Key points to hit: Valli's meticulous planning + self-reliance + emotional growth (dead cow episode); Rajvir's enthusiasm + knowledge-sharing + curiosity about tea.
• Quote or closely paraphrase the text (e.g., "overwhelming desire," "struck dumb," "thriftily saved") — this shows textual grounding and fetches full marks.
• End with a brief comparative conclusion linking both to the central theme; examiners reward this.
• Keep the answer within ~130–150 words for a 6-mark question.

(i) All night the roots work to disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor.

(ii) Every part of the trees struggles to break free from the confines of the house. The roots try to free themselves from the veranda cracks, the leaves strain towards the glass, the small twigs are stiff with effort, and the long-cramped boughs shuffle under the roof, straining to get outside.

(iii) The long branches are compared to newly discharged patients.

(iv) (A) disorientation and fragility

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• (i) Direct retrieval — quote the line exactly.
• (ii) Mention all four parts: roots, leaves, twigs, and boughs, with their specific actions. This earns both marks.
• (iii) The simile "like newly discharged patients" is used for the "long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof" — so the answer is newly discharged patients.
• (iv) "Half-dazed" conveys confusion and weakness as the branches adjust to the open space — exactly like patients unsteady after leaving a clinic. Option (A) is correct.

The baker (pader) is deeply woven into Goa's cultural and social life. Bread is not merely food — it is central to every celebration. Sweet bread (bol) is a must as a marriage gift, sandwiches are essential at a daughter's engagement, and cakes and bolinhas are required at Christmas and other festivals. A feast without bread loses its charm entirely.

The pader was also a childhood companion — his 'jhang jhang' bamboo announced his arrival, and children eagerly waited for bread-bangles. Even his plump appearance and distinctive dress (kabai) became part of Goan cultural memory and everyday expression.

Source: A Baker from Goa, Chapter 5 — Glimpses of India

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• Examiners look for two aspects: bread's role in festivals/ceremonies AND the baker's personal/social presence in village life.
• Name specific items: bol, bolinhas, sandwiches — these show textual grounding.
• Mention the pader's cultural imprint (dress, physique becoming idioms) to score the third mark.
• Avoid vague statements like "bread is important" without the specific examples the text provides.

(i) The narrator is portrayed as contemplative and emotionally restrained. She sits indoors, writing long letters, yet deliberately avoids mentioning the significant departure of the trees. This suggests a quiet, introspective person who is aware of the change around her but chooses not to confront it directly in words.

(ii) The trees' movement from the house to the forest reflects the broader theme of nature reclaiming its freedom and the struggle between the natural world and human-made spaces.

(iii) The poet has hardly mentioned the departure of the forest (trees) from the house in her letter, even though it is a significant event happening around her.

(iv) (A) 1 and 4
The extract creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and loss — the smell of leaves still lingers, and the moon shines in a sky "still open," suggesting things are fading away.

Source: "Trees" by Adrienne Rich, First Flight (Class 10)

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• (i) Focus on what the narrator does (sits, writes) and what she avoids (mentioning the departure) — this shows emotional detachment or restraint, worth 2 marks.
• (ii) Key theme of the poem is nature vs. confinement — trees escaping indoors to their natural habitat = freedom of nature.
• (iii) Direct textual answer: "scarcely mention the departure of the forest from the house."
• (iv) "Still" repeated twice and the lingering smell suggest things are ending (loss) and the speaker remembers (nostalgia) — Option A is correct. There is no joy, and serenity alone doesn't capture the tone fully.