English — Language and Literature (184) — CBSE Class 10 board question

In The Proposal, Chekhov shows that arguments worsen situations rather than resolve them. Lomov comes with a genuine purpose — to propose marriage to Natalya — but all three characters are quarrelsome by nature. First, Lomov and Natalya dispute over the ownership of Oxen Meadows; then Chubukov joins and the argument turns bitter. The original purpose is completely forgotten. Only economic self-interest forces the proposal back on track. This proves that disputes over petty issues create chaos and never lead to resolution.

Source: The Proposal, Chapter 9

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The examiner expects you to:

• State the central idea clearly (arguments don't resolve problems).
• Give specific evidence from the play: the Oxen Meadows quarrel, Chubukov joining in, the proposal being forgotten.
• Link back to the statement at the end.

Avoid retelling the whole plot — pick only the evidence that directly supports the statement. Three focused points earn full marks here.