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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [4]
Valli was sensitive, but at the same time she was fearless and quite determined. Explain with reference to the text.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2022 2/3/1 Q7 (ii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:13 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Valli was a sensitive girl as seen when she felt shy after the conductor and passengers laughed at her, and was emotionally affected by the sight of the dead cow on the way back, which made her lose all interest in the journey.

At the same time, she displayed remarkable fearlessness and determination. She boldly stopped the bus with a raised hand and boarded it alone at just eight years old. She refused the conductor's help saying, "I can get on by myself." She thriftily saved sixty paise over many months, resisting temptations like peppermints, balloons, and even the merry-go-round at the fair. She also carefully planned the trip around her mother's afternoon nap, showing strong willpower and independent spirit.

Source: Madam Rides the Bus, Chapter 7

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Explanation

Examiners expect a balanced answer addressing both traits — sensitivity AND fearlessness/determination — with textual evidence for each. Common mistake: students write only about her determination and ignore sensitivity. Mention at least 2 examples per trait. Keep quotes short and accurate. Four marks = roughly 4 solid points with evidence.

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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.