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English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [3]
Describe how Custard the dragon fights with the Pirate. (The tale of Custard the Dragon)
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 2/4/1 Q8 (e)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:16 · grounding rag
Model Answer

When the pirate enters the house, all the others — Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard — cry for help and hide in fear. But Custard, the little dragon who was always mocked for being a coward, bravely charges at the pirate. He snorts smoke and jumps on the pirate with a clatter, gobbles him up completely, and then wags his tail politely. Thus, the so-called cowardly Custard proves to be the true hero.

Source: The Tale of Custard the Dragon, poem

Explanation

The examiner expects: (1) the contrast between Custard's earlier image as a coward and his brave act, (2) specific details of the fight — charging, snorting smoke, gobbling the pirate — and (3) the irony that the "coward" was the only brave one. Avoid just saying "he fought bravely" — include the action details for full marks.

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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.