Bholi – important questions for Boards 2027

CBSE Class 10 English

1. SA · 2 marks

   How does Bholi’s teacher respond when Bholi struggles to say her name, and how does this help build Bholi’s confidence? (2 marks)

   Answer

   When Bholi stammers over her name, the teacher encourages her with “Well done” and patiently asks her to continue. She pats her affectionately, assures her that fear can be overcome and helps her feel accepted.

2. LA · 5 marks

   Name two works included in the suggested-reading material and explain how a list of supplementary readings can extend a student’s engagement with a lesson. (5 marks)

   Answer

   Supplementary reading can extend a student’s interest beyond Bholi’s story and encourage independent exploration. 1. Two listed works are ‘The Brass Gong’ by Qazi Abdul Sattar and ‘Old Man at the Bridge’ by Earnest Hemingway. Their titles and authors provide clear starting points without assuming what either work contains. 2. I would select a title that interests me, obtain the complete text from a reliable source and read it attentively. This would let me encounter a work beyond the lesson itself. 3. After reading, I would note its ideas, memorable details and questions, supporting my responses with evidence from the text. I could then discuss my interpretation with classmates. 4. I would also consider how my reading experience differs from reading Bholi, without assuming that the works share the same subject or message. The reading list makes a lesson a starting point for wider reading, reflection and discussion.

3. VLA · 6 marks

   Describe how Bholi responds when Bishamber demands money at the wedding. How does her education help her speak and stand up for herself? (6 marks)

   Answer

   Bholi’s education gives her confidence and the courage to reject a humiliating marriage proposal. 1. When Bishamber sees her pockmarks, he demands five thousand rupees before agreeing to marry her. Ramlal pays because he fears disgrace and wants the wedding to proceed. 2. Bholi understands that Bishamber is greedy and that the match is unequal. She is nevertheless initially willing to marry him for her father’s honour. 3. When Ramlal pays the money, Bholi strikes out at the garland and throws it into the sacred fire. She removes her veil and clearly tells her father to take back the money. 4. She refuses to marry Bishamber, calling him a mean, greedy and contemptible coward. She speaks without stammering, startling the assembled family and guests. 5. Her teacher’s encouragement and schooling have helped her overcome fear and recognise her own worth. Bholi can now speak firmly against injustice. Bholi’s education enables her to choose dignity over an unfair marriage.

4. VLA · 8 marks

   Trace the early difficulties that shaped Bholi’s life, including the effects of her fall and smallpox and the ridicule she faced. Explain why she initially agrees to marry Bishamber despite recognising the unequal match. (8 marks)

   Answer

   Bholi’s childhood brought physical difficulties, ridicule and neglect, shaping her uncertain view of herself. 1. At ten months, she fell off a cot on her head. The injury perhaps damaged part of her brain, leaving her backward and earning her the name Bholi, meaning “the simpleton.” 2. At two, smallpox left deep black pockmarks over her body, although her eyes were spared. She could not speak until five and then stammered. 3. Other children mocked and mimicked her speech. Their ridicule made her talk very little, while her family neglected her and passed down her sisters’ old clothes. 4. Bholi recognised that Bishamber was old, limped and had grown-up children from his first wife. She initially agreed because she had been taught to accept her family’s decision and believed she might otherwise remain unmarried. 5. She was willing to marry him for her father’s izzat, despite the unequal match. When Bishamber demanded money over her pockmarks, she rejected his greed and asserted her dignity. Bholi’s later refusal shows how education and encouragement helped her find her voice.

5. VLA · 9 marks

   Using Bholi’s experience, discuss how education can change a girl’s confidence, choices and ability to speak up for herself. (9 marks)

   Answer

   Bholi’s experience shows that education can help a girl gain confidence, make independent choices and speak up against injustice. 1. At home, Bholi was neglected and called a simpleton. Her stammer and fear made her feel helpless, while the school initially seemed unfamiliar and frightening. 2. Her teacher welcomed her kindly and patiently encouraged her to say her name. When Bholi succeeded, the teacher praised her, helping her feel capable rather than ashamed. 3. The teacher gave her a picture book and promised that learning would help her speak without stammering and earn people’s respect. Bholi began attending school with hope, and education gradually strengthened her confidence. 4. As an adult, Bholi could judge Bishamber’s greed and refuse an unequal marriage. She spoke firmly before her family and guests, returned the money and defended her dignity. 5. She chose a future of her own, promising to teach at the school that had helped her. Her decision shows how education can give girls both a voice and meaningful choices. Bholi’s story demonstrates that supportive education can turn fear into self-respect and empower a girl to shape her own life.

6. MCQ · 10 marks

   Why do Ramlal and his wife accept Bishamber’s proposal? Choose the best answer. (10 marks) A. They believe he is wealthy, initially asks for no dowry, and fear Bholi may otherwise remain unmarried. B. They know Bholi has already agreed to marry him for love. C. They want Bholi to leave the village and live alone. D. They believe Bishamber will help Ramlal educate all his daughters.

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7. SA · 2 marks

   What does Bishamber demand after seeing Bholi’s pockmarks, and why does Ramlal pay him? (2 marks)

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8. LA · 5 marks

   The suggested-reading material includes ‘The Old Man at the Bridge’ and ‘The Brass Gong’. Describe how you would use the titles and the accompanying reading list to select a text for further reading, without assuming details not supplied in the list. (5 marks)

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9. VLA · 6 marks

   Describe Bholi’s apprehension about going to school and what makes her think it may be better than home. Contrast the care she receives from her teacher with her neglected home life. (6 marks)

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10. VLA · 10 marks

    Bholi’s teacher helps her overcome social barriers through encouragement. Suggest practical ways students and communities can challenge the social attitudes that limit girls’ opportunities. (10 marks)

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