CBSE Class 10 English (Language & Literature) — Short Answer Questions

Read the following text : (1) Pancakes, a beloved breakfast dish across the world, has a surprisingly long and diverse history. Archaeological evidence shows that people were cooking pancake as food as far back as 30,000 years ago on hot stones and primitive griddles. (2) In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were often served as a sweet treat during festivals or special occasions. In medieval Europe, pancakes became a popular dish during Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent began. In France, thin crepes became a national delicacy, often filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. In Russia, blinis were made using buckwheat flour and served with sour cream or caviar. In Ethiopia, the spongy injera became a staple food, made from teff flour and used as both a plate and utensil. Similarly, in China, pancakes are often savoury while in Japan, fluffy "souffle pancakes" have become a modern favourite. (3) The American version of pancakes, thick and soft, gained popularity in the 18th century. The use of baking powder made them light and airy, and they were often served with butter and maple syrup - a symbol of hearty comfort food. Over time, pancakes became a universal dish, symbolizing community and celebration. Whether sweet or savoury, thick or thin, every culture has found a way to adapt this simple food to its own taste and traditions. (4) India has its own rich tradition of similar dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Across the country, almost every region has a version of a pancake - whether sweet or savoury - made from grains, pulses, or rice. These Indian pancakes not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the diversity of India's culinary culture. In South India, dosas and adai are the most famous forms of pancakes. Made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, dosas are crisp and light, while adai is thicker and more filling. The fermentation process adds a unique sour flavor and makes them nutritious and easy to digest. In Kerala, the appam, made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is soft in the center and crispy at the edges. Moving north, we find the western style cheela, a simple and wholesome Indian pancake made from gram flour, spiced with onions, chillies and coriander. In Maharashtra, the thalipeeth is a multigrain pancake that uses flours like jowar, bajra and rice mixed with spices and vegetables. It is both flavorful and filling, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins. (5) In the eastern parts of India, pitha is a traditional pancake made during festivals and special occasions. Varieties like patishapta in Bengal are sweet, filled with coconut and jaggery. In Assam and Odisha, pithas can be steamed, fried, or roasted, depending on the custom and region. In the western deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, people prepare chilla and handvo, which are savoury western pancake-like dishes baked in traditional ovens. These pancakes are a blank canvas for toppings, waiting for a splash of fruit or a scattering of condiments. (6) Today, pancakes continue to evolve with new recipes, from vegan and gluten-free varieties to those infused with fruits, oats, or even protein powder. Despite their many forms, they remain a timeless reminder of how food connects mankind through shared history and creativity. Each pancake tells a story of regional identity, food traditions and a deep love for food that brings people together. Pancakes are warm, edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day.

Read the following text : (1) Rate of Internet Reach in India : 2014-2024. The rate of internet reach in India rose over 52% in 2024 from about 14% in 2014. Although these figures seem relatively low, it meant that more than half of the population of 1.4 billion people had internet access that year. This also ranked the country second in the world in terms of active internet users.

How are American pancakes made light and fluffy ? When did the American-style pancakes gain popularity ? (Paragraph 3)

Yamini asked her friend Shifa, “ Would you like to come for my birthday party tomorrow ?” Report Yamini's question correctly.

List any two points from the passage that support the statement, 'pancakes are a timeless reminder of how food connects people.' (Paragraph 6)

Read the given sentence from a self-help book. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format : To identifying your goal is the biggest step in your success story. [Table with columns: Error | Correction, both cells blank for student to fill]

Read Somil's request to his mother : “Can you teach me to swim ?” Report Somil's request by completing the following sentence correctly : Somil asked his mother __________.

According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate.

Why does the poet believe both fire and ice can destroy the world equally ?

OR (B) Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus, The crocodile you always may Tell from the Hyena thus : Hyenas come with merry smiles But if they weep they're crocodiles. (How to tell Wild Animals)

Explain the irony in the last two lines of the stanza.

"Mijbil the Otter" sensitises human beings especially city people to wildlife. What emotions are conveyed through the association of Mijbil and Maxwell ?

Report the dialogue between a flight attendant and a passenger by filling in the blank : Attendant : Did you have your dinner, sir ? Passenger : Yes, thank you! The flight attendant asked the passenger __________. The passenger replied in affirmation and thanked him.

Why does Omega call Think–Tank great and mighty ?

Lencho's last letter to God depicts astute faith on one level and irony on the other. Bring about the element of faith and irony in the situation. (A Letter to God)

What is the contribution of the extended metaphor in the poem "Fog" ?

How does "Madam Rides the Bus" bring alive Valli's attributes and experiences through its narrative style ?

Explain why time is probably one of the most valuable possessions that one intensely regrets losing. (The Ball Poem)

Working through his project of collecting and tagging butterflies, Ebright developed a scientific temperament. Elaborate. (Making of a Scientist)

Mention how Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. (The Midnight Visitor)

Mention any two reasons that substantiate that Bholi's mother was a negative presence in her life. (Bholi)

Which are the two ways to bridge the gap of digital unawareness ?

Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each : $2 \times 3 = 6$

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each : $4 \times 3 = 12$