CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EXAMINATION

CBSE-2022-23

Paper: ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Date: 27-02-2023

Max. Marks: 100 SOLUTIONS (2/2/2) Time allowed: 3 hours

Section A: READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
I. Read the passage carefully : 20
(i) Organic food is very popular these days. It can also be very expensive. Some organic
food costs twice as much as non-organic food. Parents of young children and even
some pet owners, will pay high prices for organic food if they think it is healthier. But
many others think organic food is just a waste of money.
(ii) There is one main difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farms
do not use agricultural chemicals such as pesticides that stop insects from damaging
crops. In many countries, foods that claim to be organic must have special labels that
guarantee they’re grown organically.
(iii) Some people think organic also means ‘locally grown’ and originally it was indeed
true. But over a period of time organic farming has become a big business, with many
organic foods now being grown by large agricultural companies that sell their
products far from where they’re grown. Processed food made with organic
ingredients has also become more popular. At first, only small companies produced
these products. But as demand overtook supply, big food companies that had been
selling non-organic products for many years also began selling organic products.
(iv) Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate.
Many farmers and consumers believe it is safer and more nutritious. They think
agricultural chemicals can cause serious illnesses such as cancer, but there isn’t much
evidence proving this is true. However, recent studies have shown that eating
organically grown produce reduces your chances of developing heart diseases. Many
doctors think it is more important to stop dangerous bacteria from contaminating
foods. These bacteria can contaminate both organic and non-organic fruits and
vegetables, and doctors recommend washing produce carefully before eating it. Meat,
fish and chicken can also become contaminated so washing your hands before
handling these foods is also very important.

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ENGLISH
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given
below.
(i) People are willing to pay high prices for organic food because
(a) it is not easily available.
(b) it helps in weight loss
(c) it is produced by small companies.
(d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals.
Ans. (d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals.
(ii) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following :
In organic food safer and more nutritious ? This is an important part of the debate.
(a) denial (b) confirmation (c) caution (d) acceptance
Ans. (b) confirmation
(iii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3.

Opinion Reason
Big food companies
have started selling
organic food products.

Ans. Because demand overtook supply

(iv) The writer contrasts organic food to non – organic food.
State one point of comparison between the two.
Ans. Organic food is safer as it is produced without using agricultural chemicals
(v) Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food.
Ans. Reduces the chances of developing heart diseases
(vi) What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands ?
Ans. Washing hands can prevent contamination of food by bacteria.
(vii) The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food.
Select the reason for his sceptical view.
(a) the price decides the popularity
(b) There is no confirmed evidence
(c) it is tastier
(d) it is marketed by big food companies.
Ans. (b) there is no confirmed evidence
(viii) Supply one point to justify the following:
Some people think organic also means ‘locally grown’.
Ans. As initially it was produced by small companies only.

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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
(ix) Supply one method of how we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic
food.
Ans. By washing hands before touching it.
(x) List one factor that certifies food to be organic.
Ans. The food products claiming this have labels on them in many countries.
2. Read the following passage carefully:
(1) According to a new study, a vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting
down sunlight by 10 per cent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns
and putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk.
(2) It is said, “Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops
and trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth’s
surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading to several hundreds of
thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher levels of respiratory diseases.”
(3) “The haze has cut down sunlight over India by 10 per cent (so far) – a huge amount ! As a
repercussion, the North-west of India is drying up,” V Ramanathan said when asked
specifically about the impact of the haze over India. He said, “We are still in an early stage
of understanding of the impact of the haze.”
(4) Prof. V. Ramanathan was asked whether the current droughts in most parts of India after
over a decade of good monsoons was owing to the haze. He said, “It was too early to reach
a conclusion. If the droughts persist for about four to five years, then we would start
suspecting that it may be because of the haze.” India, China and Indonesia are the worst
affected owing to their population density, economic growth and depleting forest cover.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
(i) Infer one reason for the following based on the information in paragraph 1:
In India rainfall patterns are changing
Ans. Because of a vast blanket of pollution.
(ii) The population spreading across South Asia is affecting India by _____________
Choose the correct option from the ones given below.
Spoiling IV I Damaging
blankets agriculture

Pollution

Putting II III
Modifying
people rainfall pattern
at risk

(a) I, II and III (b) I, III and IV (c) II, III and IV (d) I, II and IV
Ans. (a) I, II and III

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ENGLISH
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase from paragraph 2.
possibility : _____________ : : suspecting : doubting
Ans. Potential
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the sentence.
____________ droughts were cause by the haze.
(a) Strong evidence suggested that
(b) Past surveys confirmed that
(c) There has not been enough time to determine that
(d) Superstitious people believe that
Ans. (c) There has not been enough time to determine that.
(v) From the following pie chart, identify one reason each which does and does not contribute
to weather disruption :

Reduced
Population sunlight
boom
Organic
farming
Aerosols
Ash

Depletion of
forest cover
Good
Acid rain
monsoon

Ans. Does – Depletion of forest cover, does not – organic farming.

(v) List two phenomena which lead to weather disruptions.
Ans. Depleting forest cover, pollution
(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.
Ash falling on leaves can _____________ the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth’s surface.
(a) worse (b) encourage (c) diminish (d) support
Ans. (a) worsen
(vii) Substitute the word ‘repercussion’ with one word similar meaning in the following
sentence from paragraph 3.
The haze has cut down sunlight over India _____A s a repercussion, the North-West of India
is drying up.
Ans. Consequence
(viii)List any two countries which are affected due to depleting forest cover.
Ans. India and China
(ix) Which of the following means the same as ‘persist’ in ‘droughts persist’ as used in para 4?
(a) destroying (b) halting (c) continue (d) blocking
Ans. (c) continue

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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
(x) Select the option that titles paragraphs 1-4 appropriately with reference to information in
the text.
(a) (1) Impact of Pollution in South Asia
(2) Effect of Acid Rain
(3) Understanding Consequences of Haze
(4) Debate over Droughts
(b) (1) Impact of Droughts (2) Understanding Acid Rain
(3) Effect of Haze (4) Debate over Pollution
(c) (1) Impact of Pollution is South Asia (2) Effects of Acid Rain
(3) Debate over Droughts (4) Understanding Haze
(d) (1) Impact of Haze (2) Understanding Acid Rain
(3) Debate over Pollution (4) Effect of Haze
Ans. (a) 1. Impact of Pollution in South Asia
2. Effects of Acid Rain
3. Understanding Consequences of Haze
4. Debate over Droughts

Section B: GRAMMAR (10 Marks)

3. Attempt any Ten of the following twelve questions:
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
If I were attending the workshop, I ___________ stay on till end of the second session as well.
(a) would (b) may (c) can (d) should
Ans. (a) would
(ii) Read the conversation between a passenger and the clerk at the ticket counter.
Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
The clerk at the ticket counter : Where do you want to go ?
Passenger : Please given me a ticket to Bhopal.
The clerk at the ticket counter enquired where the passenger wanted to go. The passenger
requested the clerk _______________.
Ans. To give him a ticket to Bhopal
(iii) Select the correction option to fill in the blank for the given line :
Aa a true patriot, I ____________ lay down my life for my motherland.
(a) might (b) could (c) will (d) should
Ans. (c) will

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ENGLISH
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following
lines:
Option No. Error Correction
(a) live living
(b) at on
(c) hates hate
(d) there their
Ans. (b) at-in
(v) Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
When I was a very younger girl, ______________ grocery shopping was considered a major
outing for me
(a) to be going (b) going (c) having gone (d) went
Ans. (b) going
(vi) Fill in the blank by suing the correct from of the word in the brackets :
The package ____________ (arrive) at time in the morning, the day after tomorrow.
(a) will arrive (b) would arrive (c) can arrive (d) cannot arrive
Ans. (a) will arrive
(vii) Report the dialogue between Tony and Sarita, by completing the sentence :
Tony : Why did you call me ?
Sarita : will you go to the museum with me ?
Tony asked Sarita why she had called him Sarita wanted to know whether Tony ____________.
Ans. Would go to the museum with her
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
Do you know that slouching should cause many problems ?
Use the given format for your response

Error Correction

Ans. Should-can
(ix) Roma asked Gopal to go by the metro Report Gopal’s question.
Which way is the metro station ?
Ans. Gopal asked Roma which way the metro station was
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
Drivers _____________ wear helmets for their safety.
(a) must (b) cant (c) don’t (d) ought
Ans. (a) must

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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
(xi) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option
Economics _________ difficult for the student of grade nine.
(a) is (b) are (c) has (d) were
Ans. (a) is
(xii) The father said, “I bought a watch.” (Change the speech)
(a) The father said that I bought a watch.
(b) The father said that he bought a watch.
(c) The father said that he had bought a watch.
(d) The father said that he has bought a watch.
Ans. (c) The father said that he had bought a watch.
4. Attempt any one form (A) and (B) given below
(A) You are Arman/Anjali of C-63. Panvel. You recently read a magazine article which
highlighted the condition of underage children working in hazardous conditions. Instead
of going to school, they are working in dimly lit factories, tea stalls, in garages etc. to
supplement family incomes. Write a letter to the editor of "The Time of India" in about
100–120 words, drawing attention to this national problem and suggesting solutions.
Ans. Letter to Editor
Through the columns of your esteemed Newspaper I want draw attention of concern
authority
The Indian government has taken a step forward by enacting a law to ban domestic work
and some other forms of labour by children under age 14-but it doesn’t visible in common
Indian scenario
Many child labourers in India are working for starvation wages on tea stall, textile
factories- staggering number of girls are victims of child trafficking in India, whether
through traditional bondage or through organized crime.
Parents and communities are aware and alert, disruption in children’s education can be
prevented and many of them will not get pushed into child labour.
OR
(B) You are Rohit/Riya of Hauz Khas, New Delhi. You bought a pair of shoes from M/s. Shoe
Factory, GK-II, New Delhi, On unpacking them, you found to your amazement that both the
shoes are meant for your left food. Write a letter of complaint to the Manage of M/s. Shoe
Factory asking for replacement at their cost. Word limit : 100 – 120 words .
Ans. Complaint Letter
Yesterday I purchased a pair of shoes from Ms. Shoes factory , GK-II , New Delhi..
Puma brand size- UK-8, Invoice no.- 24567/February 2023
Greatly bewildered to see both shoes of left foot only- highly disappointing and against the
reputation of firm
Looking forward for replacement as soon as possible-expenses of courier must be bear by
firm only

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ENGLISH
5. Attempt any one form (A) and (B) given below :
Given below are the pollution figures for some major towns and cities in India:
Suspended Sulphur Dioxide Nitrogen Oxide
Particulate Matter
Permissible Limits 200 80 80
Ludhiana 453 20 64
Delhi 680 124 137
Mumbai 485 27 53
Chennai 262 45 34
Using the information given above along with your own ideas, write an analytical
paragraph in 100-120 words.
Ans. The given paragraph is showing the data of four cities' pollution.
Out of all the cities, Ludhiana is not a metropolitan city as Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai but it
has a huge cloth industry. That is the reason that it has 453 Suspended Particulate Matter
which is higher than even Chennai. If we talk about Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide
then Delhi has it maximum because of pollution done by vehicles. Delhi is at the top in
pollution as all the pollutants are maximum in comparison to other cities. Ludhiana has
minimum Sulphur Dioxide but Nitrogen is near to the level of Mumbai.
Mumbai is also having very less Sulphur Dioxide may be because of the use of CNG.
we must say that Delhi is at the peak of pollution and it must be curbed otherwise this
will harm the health of the people living there. The high rate of Suspended Particulate
Matter in Ludhiana and Mumbai must be taken care.
OR
(B) The given pie chart represents the amount of money spent by a family on different items
in a month. Write an analytical paragraph in 100 – 120 words using the information given
in the pie charge.

23 %
Grocery
19 %
18 %
Clothes Transportation

20 %
Education

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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
Ans. The given pie chart has given the expenditures on different things in a family. The expense
percentage on Grocery is 23% which is maximum in comparison to clothes, transportation,
education, rent and miscellaneous expenses. In the chart we see clothes with 19%
expenses, education with 20%, and transportation with 18 % expenses are almost similar.
It is surprising to see that 15 % expenses are miscellaneous which are apart from core
essential amenities like food, shelter and clothes.
If we want to cut the expenses then the amount spent on clothes and miscellaneous can
be reduced as other things are extremely important, so these can't be compromised with.
Section-C
Literature
6. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
I wrote the three pages Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking
is a student's trait and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would
never be able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did, if not
more, and that there's not much one can do about inherited traits.
(i) Who was Mr. Keesing ?
(a) English teacher (b) Social Science teacher
(c) Warden (d) Principal
Ans. Maths teacher
(ii) According to the extract, the incorrigible habit possessed by the speaker was
I. making noise in class II. talking to much
III. procrastinating IV. coming late to class
V. asking irritating questions
Select the correct option :
(a) I and III (b) Only II (c) I, IV and V (d) Only III
Ans. (b) Only II
(iii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract.
routine : habit : : characteristic : _______________
Ans. Trait
(iv) Select the reason why the narrator is unable to control her trait.
(a) She had deliberately practised it.
(b) She wanted to be different from her brother
(c) Her teacher had encouraged her to continue as she was.
(d)She had inherited it.
Ans. (d) She had inherited it

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ENGLISH
(v) Which of the following most nearly means the opposite of the phrase ‘under control’ ?
(a) to spend less (b) unable to take on the challenge
(c) find it difficult to manage (d) being very stubborn
Ans. (c) find it difficult to manage
OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house,
To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus it was that he became
a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible – until he
happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked !
(i) Griffin’s landlord tried to eject him because
(a) he was a lawless person (b) he had set his house on fire
(c) he didn’t like him (d) he was a drug addict.
Ans. (c) He didn’t like him
(ii) Fill in the blanks with one word only.
Griffin deliberately removed his clothes because he wanted to become ___________.
Ans. Invisible
(iii) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 'fire' as used in this
extract.
(a) Griffin said that he would fire the manager
(b) His remarks provoked heavy fire from the political opponents.
(c) The Amar Place was completely destroyed by the fire.
Ans. (d) The Amar Palace was completely destroyed by the fire.
(iv) Griffin's presence was felt when
(a) He jumped into the water with a splash.
(b) he wore cloths.
(c) he left muddy footprints.
(d) he stepped in mud.
Ans. (c) He left muddy imprints.
(v) Which of the following is not true with reference to the given extract ?
(a) Griffin had become penniless.
(b) Griffin promised to behave himself.
(c) Griffin revealed himself by his muddy footprints.
(d) No one could see Griffin when he took off his clothes.
Ans. (b) Griffin promised to behave himself
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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
7. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :
(a) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 5 × 1 =5
Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(i) Who is 'the noble wild beast' ?
(a) zebra (b) Asian Tiger (c) Asian Lion (d) Bengal Tiger
Ans. (d) Bengal tiger
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that 'Alliteration' is the poetic devices used for 'roaming round' because
_________________. (Clue: explain how alliteration applies here)
Ans. The first letter (a consonant) in both the words is same
(iii) State whether the following statement is True or False.
The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger.
Ans. True
(iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create?
'Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.'
(a) irony (b) terror (c) sympathy (d) criticism
Ans. (b) Terror
(v) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the 'noble beast'?
(a) rule (b) discern (c) roaming (d) notice
Ans. (b) Discern
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
He hears the least voice at night.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
A few steps of his cage.
(i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger ?
(a) police jeep (b) patrolling cars (c) watchmen (d) roar of lion
Ans. (b) Patrolling cars

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ENGLISH
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that 'Repetition' is the poetic device used for 'his brilliant eyes at the brilliant
stars' because ___________. (Clue : explain how repetition applies here)
Ans. The word ‘brilliant’ has been repeated here (used twice)
(iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are
(a) tiger and deer. (b) cruelty and sympathy.
(c) confinement and freedom. (d) master and slave.
Ans. (c) Confinement and freedom
(iv) The use of the word 'stalks' creates an image of
(a) cowardice (b) frustration (c) lethargy (d) purposefulness
Ans. (b) Frustration
(v) State whether the following statement is True or False :
The poem uses 'string at the sky' to symbolize the freedom 'he' yearns for.
Ans. True
8. Answer any four of the following questions in about 40-50 words each :
(a) Valour and hospitality are inherent in the people of Coorg. Explain.
Ans. Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women. They are very hospitable
and entertain their guests relating stories of their fathers and sons. Coorgi soldiers are
brave. Coorgi regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian army. Coorgis

are the only people in India who can carry firearms without license .
(b) In what way would writing a letter to God help Lencho tide over his crisis ?
Ans. Lencho poor and hardworking farmer
Needed a downpour for good crops
Hail destroyed his crop
Utterly devasted
Wrote letter to God
Asked for money
Help received from postmaster in disguise
(c) "I'll take the risk. "What is the risk ? Why does the narrator take it ?
(The Black Aeroplane)
Ans. Pilot flying old Dakota at midnight
Desperately wished to go home
Wanted to have big English breakfast and be with his family
Saw stormy clouds
Fuel insufficient
Decided to fly straight in the clouds

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 CBSE BOARD SOLUTIONS (2022-2023)
(d) What impression do you from about Amanda in the poem ?
Ans. The poem tells us that Amanda is a young, restless girl with a vivid imagination. Even as
she is being scolded by her mother, Amanda's mind wanders to imaginary scenarios where
she is a mermaid, an orphan or Rapunzel.
(e) What did Siddhartha Gautama come across by chance when he was about twenty-five years
old?
Ans. Lived life of a royalty
Went out of palace for hunting
Chanced encounter with an old man, a sick man, a monk begging for alms and saw a
funeral procession too.
9. Answer any two of the following questions in about 40–50 words each:
(a) How did Hari Singh justify the himself his stealing Anil's money ?
Ans. Hari Singh justified his action of robbing Anil by saying that he had robbed a person who
was not attentive. Also, he told himself that stealing was his habit and regular practice of
stealing has made him rob Anil.
(b) How did Ebright's mother help him to become a scientist ?
Ans. Ebright's mother a great supporter and guide to him
Sparked his curiosity in learning
Bought the right equipment for conducting experiments
Took him on trips
Bought friends home for him
Gave him a book the travels of monarch X
(c) Why was Mr. Herriot shocked at Tricki's appearance ?

Ans. Mr Herriot was shocked at Tricki's appearance as he had become very obese. His eyes were
red and watery and his tongue was lolling..
10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-120 words :
(a) The people and surroundings are a great book to learn from. Valli in the lesson 'Madam
rides the Bus' learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her
to learn from people and her surroundings.
Ans. This curiousness led her to listen to the conversations of people going on the bus ride and
asking discreet questions so that she could gather as much information as she can
regarding the bus journey.
On the bus journey, Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider
herself to be any less than an adult. She was focused on fulfilling her dream and did not
get tempted to go outside the bus and explore the town when the bus reached the town.
On the return journey, she learnt about death when she came to terms with the dead cow.
This made her aware of the fact that death is a part of life and should be accepted as it is a
natural phenomenon. Thus, the bus journey made her learn a lot of things.

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ENGLISH
OR
(b) Mandela Said, "People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught
to love." Discuss.

Ans. Nelson Mandela refer to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people
"as an extraordinary human disaster" white people snatched freedom from the coloured
people of South Africa to whom the country really belonged. The blacks were subjected to
oppression for long. they were not even allowed to discharge the their obligations to their
own families ,community and their country .white people had no compassion for them
and oppressed their own people and put them in prison if they asserted their freedom it
was curtailed. the black people live like slaves. thus Mandela came to believe that since a
system like that apartheid could be based on hate they could definitely build a system
which could be based on love and respect for each other this convey action was the basic
of the long struggle against apartheid.
11. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-120 words :
(a) Mme Loisel's disposition invites her doom. Elucidate with reference to the text.
Ans. Mme. Loisel belongs to a family of clerks. Her existence is quite average. They live on
meager income, enough for basic needs but not to fulfill aspirations. She gets married to a
clerk and is so caught up with her dreams of wealth and pleasure that she is out of touch
with the truths of her real life. In order to keep up appearances just to flatter her pride,
she blows up four hundred francs on a gorgeous dress. And, not contented, she goes on
borrowing a necklace from her friend. And, all of this is just to impress the wealthy and
the rich with her beauty and glamour (even if on loan). No doubt, her pride is flattered
and her wish of fine dining, expensive dresses and jewels satisfied but at a great price.
Unfortunately, the necklace has lost and the couple has to cough up their entire
inheritance and borrow as well to replace it. Repayment of the debt eats away the next
ten years of their youth. They live poor. All the house hold chores and cares of a life of
poverty visit them. Hence, her disposition invites her doom.
OR
(b) Bholi was believed to be a 'dumb cow'. What turned her into a fearless, hold and confident
girl ?
Ans. Bholi was attacked by smallpox when she was two years old. She recovered from the
disease but the scars were left on her face. Moreover she once fell off from the bed and
hurt a part of her brain. She started stammering.
Other children used to make him of her. Hence she stopped talking and also lost her
confidence. However when she went to the school, her teacher did not laugh at her. She
was compassionate and understanding. She encouraged Bholi to speak and started giving
her special attention.
This way, Bholi got education and also got confidence. However nobody knew that. But
when Bishamber demanded dowry, she could not take that any more and boldly refused
to marry him. Her confidence amazed others who considered her a dumb cow.

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