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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [5]
Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The crocodiles you always may Tell from the Hyena thus : Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they're crocodiles.
Attempt any one of the given two extracts:
  1. (i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract: Crocodiles can be identified by their _______. [1]
    1. (a) tears
    2. (b) attitude
    3. (c) smiles
    4. (d) attacks
  2. (ii) State whether the following statement is True or False: Hyenas are famous for weeping. [1]
  3. (iii) 'Novice' in line 2 means the same as: [1]
    1. (a) learner
    2. (b) beast
    3. (c) tender foot
    4. (d) beginner
  4. (iv) In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______. [1]
  5. (v) The poet uses 'A novice might nonplus' instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact the poem? [1]
    1. (a) adds an incorrect option.
    2. (b) it is associated with beasts.
    3. (c) it rhymes and adds humour.
    4. (d) it simplifies the meaning.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 2/1/1 Q7(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:18 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer

(i) (a) tears

(ii) False. Hyenas are famous for their merry smiles, not weeping. It is crocodiles that weep.

(iii) The correct options are (a) learner and (d) beginner — both mean the same as 'novice'. (If only one is expected: (a) learner)

(iv) The two behavioural traits are: merry smiling (associated with Hyenas) and weeping (associated with Crocodiles).

(v) (c) it rhymes and adds humour.

Source: The extract presented in the question.

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Explanation
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