The Sermon at Benaras – important questions for Boards 2027

CBSE Class 10 English

1. SA · 2 marks

   According to the passage, what is the ultimate cause of human problems, and what makes intelligence useful? (2 marks)

   Answer

   The ultimate cause of human problems lies within the human mind, although economic and political power also contribute. Intelligence becomes useful when accompanied by human affection, compassion and human feeling.

2. LA · 5 marks

   Explain how the speaker in ‘Death Is Nothing At All’ presents death as a separation rather than an ending, and what the speaker says has happened when someone dies.

   Answer

   The speaker describes death as a separation that does not end life’s bonds or shared memories. 1. The speaker says, “I have only slipped away into the next room” and insists that nothing has happened. The speaker’s identity and the old life shared with loved ones remain unchanged. 2. The speaker asks loved ones to use the familiar name, speak in their usual way and continue laughing at shared jokes. The speaker discourages forced solemnity or sorrow. 3. The speaker describes death as “absolute and unbroken continuity” and a “negligible accident.” Being out of sight does not mean being out of mind; the speaker is waiting nearby, “just round the corner.” 4. The speaker says nothing is hurt or lost and that, after a brief interval, loved ones will meet again and laugh about the trouble of parting. Thus, death separates loved ones temporarily, but does not destroy their affection or connection.

3. VLA · 6 marks

   Find the words in “The Sermon at Benaras” that are antonyms of these words: (a) unfit, (b) joy, (c) contentment, (d) found, (e) cheered, and (f) lively. (6 marks)

   Answer

   The antonyms express contrasts in suitability, emotion, satisfaction and condition. 1. Fit is the opposite of unfit. A fit person is suitable for a task, whereas an unfit person is unsuitable. 2. Sorrow is the opposite of joy. Kisa Gotami feels sorrow after her only son dies, rather than happiness. 3. Discontent is the opposite of contentment. A discontented person is dissatisfied, while a contented person is satisfied. 4. Lost is the opposite of found. Kisa Gotami has lost her son and searches for a way to bring him back. 5. Saddened is the opposite of cheered. A cheered person is made happy, while a saddened person feels unhappy. 6. Dull is the opposite of lively. A lively person or thing is energetic, whereas a dull one lacks energy or animation. These pairs provide the requested opposites and distinguish each word through its meaning and use.

4. VVLA · 20 marks

   Explain how an individual’s intentions and society’s moral values affect people. In your answer, describe the roles of education and family life, explain what “spiritual development” means in this passage, and discuss the benefits of a compassionate heart. (20 marks)

   Answer

   The passage explains that a happier humanity depends on addressing the root of human problems. Economic conditions and political power can cause difficulties, but the ultimate cause lies within the human mind. Human actions, whether verbal or physical, are motivated, including actions that may seem minor. Proper motivation and proper development therefore matter to individuals and to society. An individual’s intentions are closely connected with society’s interests. The passage describes a definite correlation between them: the intentions with which people act affect the people around them, while society’s moral values and standards of behaviour shape the conditions in which individuals live. When moral values and standards become negative, each member of society suffers. A person’s choices are therefore not entirely private; their effects can contribute to the well-being or harm of the wider community. Positive intentions, guided by affection and compassion, can help create a more humane society. Education and family life are identified as two important areas in which human development takes place. Education must care for the brain, but intellectual development alone is not enough. It must also support the development of a good and compassionate heart. Family life is important as well because it is a central setting in which people learn how to treat others. Care, concern and respect experienced in family relationships can help individuals develop compassionate intentions. Together, education and family life can support both intellectual growth and the development of humane values. In this passage, “spiritual development” does not mean religious instruction or religious belief. The Dalai Lama defines it as having a good and compassionate heart. This meaning places the emphasis on a person’s concern for others and on the moral quality of their actions. A person can develop spiritually, in this sense, by learning to respond to others with kindness and compassion, regardless of religious identity. A compassionate heart has several important effects. It automatically brings inner strength and allows for less fear and less doubt. With less fear and doubt, a person can face life with greater confidence and steadiness. The passage also explains that such a person becomes happier and more open-minded. An open-minded person is better able to understand others and form positive relationships, and consequently makes more friends in society. Compassion therefore benefits both the individual and the community: it supports personal happiness while helping people build closer, more positive relations with one another.

5. SA · 2 marks

   Why was Father Gilligan exhausted, and what happened while he was praying? (2 marks)

   Answer

   Father Gilligan was exhausted from attending sick and dying parishioners day and night and offering spiritual comfort. One night, he fell asleep on a chair, and God sent an angel to help the dying man.

6. LA · 5 marks

   Rewrite the following in reported speech, choosing suitable reporting verbs and making the necessary pronoun and tense changes: (a) The swan said, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around.” (b) The crow asked the swan, “Have you seen the parrot?” (c) The parrot replied, “I have only two colours.” (d) The crow said, “The peacock must be the happiest bird.” (e) The peacock said, “I am entrapped in this zoo.” (5 marks)

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7. VLA · 6 marks

   For each word—vow, preach, preserve, awaken, enlighten and reign—write one synonym with a meaning nearest to the word as used in the textbook exercise. (6 marks)

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8. VVLA · 20 marks

   Trace what happens after Father Gilligan wakes and hurries to the sick man’s home. Include the wife’s account, Father Gilligan’s feelings and response, and explain how the poem presents God’s compassion toward the vulnerable. (20 marks)

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9. SA · 2 marks

   Give two different meanings of the word ‘sermon’ mentioned in the lesson.

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10. LA · 5 marks

    Change these sentences into reported speech, using an object and an infinitive where appropriate: (a) The doctor said to Ashish, “Drink more water.” (b) The doctor said to Neha, “Please walk regularly.” (c) Ritu said to the doctor, “Please don’t give me any medicine today.” (d) The doctor said to Akash, “Do not cough deliberately.” (e) The doctor said to Rehman, “Please follow my advice.” (5 marks)

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