📚 CBSE Grade-10 Study Guide
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English — Language and Literature (184) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [6]
How is Bholi shown to be a fearless, bold and confident girl?
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 2/2/1 Q11(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:11 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Bholi, initially a stammering, neglected girl, gradually transforms into a fearless and confident young woman, largely due to her teacher's encouragement.

At school: Though terrified on her first day, Bholi responds to her teacher's kindness. When the teacher gently encourages her, she manages to say her name and even says "Yes" aloud — astonishing herself. This small victory plants the seeds of confidence.

At the wedding: Bholi's true courage shines when the greedy bridegroom Bishamber demands ₹5,000 dowry, humiliating her father. Bholi strikes down the garland into the sacred fire and boldly declares, "I will not marry this man." She speaks without the slightest stammer — a remarkable change.

Facing society: When taunted as a "dumb cow," she confronts the crowd fearlessly: "The dumb cow is now speaking."

Planning her future: She calmly tells her father she will serve her parents and teach in the same school — showing independence and purpose.

Source: Bholi, Chapter 8

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Explanation

Examiners look for 4–6 specific points drawn directly from the story, covering both the school episode and the wedding scene. Mention the transformation clearly — from a frightened, stammering child to a bold woman who speaks without a stammer and rejects a greedy match. Use brief quotes to strengthen your answer. Avoid retelling the whole story; focus on evidence of fearlessness, boldness, and confidence specifically.

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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.