English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

From Matilda's story, I learn that a single act of carelessness — losing the borrowed necklace — can destroy years of happiness and comfort. Her ten years of poverty, hard labour, and sacrifice resulted from one moment of negligence and, more importantly, her refusal to confess the truth to Mme Forestier. Had she been honest immediately, she would have learned the necklace was fake, worth only 500 francs.

In life, I would:

• Be honest in difficult situations rather than hide the truth.
• Avoid vanity and discontentment, accepting what I have.
• Face problems directly — seeking help or confessing early prevents greater loss.
• Understand that pride and dishonesty carry a far heavier cost than the mistake itself.

Source: The Necklace, Chapter 7

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This is a value-based question, so examiners look for: (1) a clear lesson drawn directly from Matilda's experience, (2) personal reflection on how YOU would act, and (3) reference to key story events (losing the necklace, hiding the truth, ten years of ruin, the twist ending). Avoid retelling the full story — just use events as evidence. Four crisp points with brief justification fit the 4-mark length perfectly.