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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [3]
Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify. (Footprints Without Feet)
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 2/1/1 Q9 (i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:18 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Scientists are expected to use their discoveries for the benefit of humanity. However, Griffin proves to be the opposite.

Griffin was a brilliant scientist who discovered how to make the human body invisible. Instead of using this discovery for good, he misused it repeatedly. He set fire to his landlord's house out of revenge, robbed a shopkeeper after attacking him from behind, and stole money from a clergyman's home. He terrorised the villagers of Iping and violently assaulted a constable.

Thus, Griffin's brilliance served only selfish, destructive, and criminal purposes, making him an antithesis to the idea that scientists make the world a better place.

Source: Footprints Without Feet, Chapter 5 – "Footprints Without Feet" by H.G. Wells

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Explanation

Examiners look for: (1) acknowledgement that Griffin was a gifted scientist, (2) specific examples of his lawless/harmful actions (arson, robbery, assault), and (3) a concluding link to the statement that he misused science rather than benefiting society. The word "antithesis" in the question signals you must show the contrast between the ideal scientist and Griffin's actual conduct. Keep examples crisp — two or three are enough for 3 marks.

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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.