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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [3]
How does Bholi get the confidence to defy the blackmailer/dowry seeker?
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 2/2/1 Q9 (b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:11 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Bholi gains confidence to defy Bishamber through the education and encouragement she receives from her teacher. Her teacher consistently motivated her, telling her she would be "more learned than anyone else in the village" and that people would "listen to her with respect." This transformed Bholi from a stammering, fearful girl into a self-assured young woman. At the wedding, when Bishamber demands dowry, Bholi recognises his greed and cowardice, and boldly rejects him, speaking "without even the slightest stammer" — proving that education gave her both voice and courage.

Source: Chapter 8 — Bholi (K.A. Abbas), Read and Find Out (Parts 2 & 3)

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Explanation

The examiner expects you to link Bholi's confidence directly to her teacher's role — that is the core of the chapter's theme. Three key points to hit:

  1. The teacher's encouragement built her self-belief.
  2. Education gave her the ability to judge right from wrong (Bishamber's greed).
  3. The physical proof — she speaks without stammering at the critical moment.

Avoid vague statements like "she became brave." Always connect courage to education specifically, as that is what CBSE rewards here.

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Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.