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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [6]
Answer in 100-120 words. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was fearless and quite determined. Think of another character from your text book, who displayed similar character traits. Compare and contrast the lives of Valli and the other character, that you have chosen from the text of Two Stories about Flying. You may begin this way. The characters who are fearless and determined from two texts are Valli and ______. (Reference : Madam Rides a Bus & Two Stories about Flying)
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 2/3/1 Q10(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:13 · grounding rag
Model Answer

The characters who are fearless and determined from two texts are Valli and the young seagull (from His First Flight).

Similarities: Both Valli and the young seagull were curious and longed to experience something new — Valli desired a bus ride, while the seagull longed to fly. Both showed determination to overcome their fear and achieve their goal. Both were sensitive to their surroundings and observed everything keenly.

Differences: Valli was a real, practical child who carefully planned her journey — saving sixty paise, resisting temptations, and timing her trip precisely. The seagull, however, acted on instinct when hunger pushed him off the ledge. Valli acted independently and with full awareness; the seagull needed external motivation. Valli's journey was a conscious, deliberate adventure, while the seagull's first flight was driven by desperation.

Both ultimately triumphed through courage and determination.

Source: Madam Rides the Bus, Chapter 7; Two Stories about Flying, Chapter 3

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Explanation
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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.