English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Role of School/Education for Village Girls (as seen in 'Bholi')

1. Opens new opportunities: The primary school gave Bholi, a neglected girl with no prospects, access to education and a chance to build her own future.

1. Builds confidence: The teacher's encouragement helped Bholi overcome her stammer and low self-esteem, transforming her from a "dumb cow" to a confident, articulate woman.

1. Challenges social barriers: Bholi's education empowered her to reject a greedy, humiliating match — something unthinkable for an uneducated village girl.

1. Offers independence: At the end, Bholi chooses to teach at the same school, gaining financial and social independence rather than depending on marriage.

School thus plays a liberating role for village girls by giving them voice, dignity, and self-reliance.

Source: Chapter 8 – Bholi, Think about it / Read and Find Out sections

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• Examiners expect 4 distinct points for a 4-mark answer — one point per mark is the safe structure.
• Ground every point in story events (the teacher's encouragement, Bholi rejecting Bishamber, her decision to teach) — don't write vaguely.
• The question is essentially about the theme of girls' education, so connect each point to that theme.
• Avoid retelling the plot; instead, interpret what each event shows about the role of school.