If you are preparing for the CBSE Class 10 English board exam, focusing on 5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English can significantly improve your performance.
Every year, CBSE follows a pattern that focuses on analytical thinking, character evaluation, theme-based interpretation, and application-based answers.
It is based on the official CBSE Class 10 English Question Bank (First Flight) English X and highlights the most repeated and important literature questions that almost always appear in the exam in some form. Let’s break down the most important literature questions chapter-wise and understand why they are repeatedly asked.
Last Minute Revision Tips for Class 10 English 2026 Exam
5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English
5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English are crucial for scoring well in the CBSE boards.
Based on the latest Class 10 English syllabus and exam pattern, these repeatedly asked questions focus on themes, character analysis, and values. Check below, where we have provided detailed explanations, answer approaches, and preparation tips to help you excel in the examination.
1️ “A Letter to God” – Faith, Irony & Human Nature
Most Asked Question Type:
Was Lencho justified in his belief in God? Why or why not?
Was the postmaster a representative of God? Evaluate.
Why This Question Is Important
This chapter tests:
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Faith vs practicality
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Irony in character behaviour
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Human generosity
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Interpretation beyond the text
Key Focus Areas
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Lencho’s unwavering faith
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The irony that he calls the post office employees “a bunch of crooks”
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The postmaster’s generosity
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Symbolism of faith
Sample Analytical Answer Approach
Lencho’s faith in God is absolute and childlike. He writes directly to God after the hailstorm destroys his crops. His belief is pure but naïve. The postmaster and his colleagues collect money for him, acting as instruments of God. However, Lencho doubts them, showing dramatic irony. This highlights how blind faith can coexist with human foolishness.
Exam Tip: CBSE loves questions asking you to evaluate Lencho’s character or the postmaster’s role.
2️ “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” – Meaning of Freedom
Most Asked Question Type:
What does freedom mean according to Mandela?
Why does Mandela call freedom ‘transitory’ in youth?
Courage is triumph over fear – explain.
Why This Is Repeated Every Year
This chapter carries:
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Leadership values
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Moral lessons
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Nationalism and equality
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Personal growth
Core Themes You Must Prepare
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Realisation of true freedom
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Transition from personal freedom to collective freedom
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Sacrifice and responsibility
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Courage and resilience
Sample Answer Structure
Mandela initially believed freedom meant staying out late or choosing what to read. Later, he realised that true freedom means dignity, equality, and justice for all. His understanding evolved from personal desire to social responsibility.
Exam Insight: Questions often require comparison between personal freedom and societal freedom.
3️ “His First Flight” – Overcoming Fear
Most Asked Question Type:
How did the young seagull overcome his fear?
Was the family’s tough love justified?
Explain the metaphorical meaning of the ‘plunge’.
Why This Question Is So Common
This lesson focuses on:
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Fear vs confidence
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Motivation
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Parental strategy
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Psychological growth
Important Angles to Cover
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Hunger as motivation
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Role of mother and father
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Turning point (the dive)
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Confidence after success
Model Explanation
The young seagull is afraid to fly despite watching his siblings. His parents use tough love by isolating him. Hunger becomes the ultimate motivator. When he dives for food, he discovers his natural ability to fly. The ‘plunge’ symbolises stepping out of fear and entering growth.
CBSE frequently asks about literal vs metaphorical plunge.
4️ “A Tiger in the Zoo” – Freedom vs Captivity
Most Asked Question Type:
How does the poet contrast the tiger in the zoo and in the wild?
Is the tiger helpless or strong? Justify.
What is the main theme of the poem?
Why It Is Among the 5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English
This poem involves:
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Strong imagery
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Symbolism
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Contrast technique
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Social message
Exam-Oriented Analysis
The poet uses vivid imagery to contrast the tiger’s natural strength with his confined helplessness. While he is biologically powerful, captivity reduces him to frustration and silent anger. The poem critiques human cruelty.
Long answers often ask whether zoos are justified — prepare both sides.
5️ “The Ball Poem” – Understanding Loss
Most Asked Question Type:
What does the ball symbolize?
Why does the poet not offer money to the boy?
How does the poem teach responsibility?
Why It’s Frequently Asked
This poem addresses:
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Emotional maturity
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First experience of loss
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Psychological growth
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Self-learning responsibility
Central Idea
The loss of the ball symbolises:
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Loss of childhood
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Realisation of responsibility
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Learning to accept loss
Answer Strategy
The poet chooses not to console the boy because loss is a natural part of life. The boy must learn that material possessions cannot always be replaced emotionally. The poem teaches that responsibility and maturity are self-taught.
Often appears as 40–50 word analytical question.
Additional Frequently Repeated Themes in Class 10 Literature
Apart from the above five, CBSE repeatedly focuses on:
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Irony (A Letter to God)
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Freedom & Equality (Nelson Mandela)
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Fear & Confidence (His First Flight)
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Nature vs Captivity (A Tiger in the Zoo)
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Loss & Maturity (The Ball Poem)
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Satire & Humor (How to Tell Wild Animals)
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Symbolism (Dust of Snow, Fire and Ice)
These patterns are clearly visible in the official CBSE question bank provided for Class 10 English.
How to Prepare These 5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English
Here’s a smart preparation plan:
Step 1: Focus on Themes
Understand central themes rather than memorising answers.
Step 2: Prepare Character Analysis
CBSE loves asking:
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Evaluate the character
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Was the approach justified?
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Comment on personality traits
Step 3: Practice Word Limits
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20–30 words → Direct and precise
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40–50 words → Analytical but concise
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100–120 words → Structured with introduction, body, conclusion
Step 4: Learn Literary Devices
Especially for poems:
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Alliteration
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Symbolism
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Irony
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Imagery
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Hyperbole
Why These Questions Keep Repeating in CBSE Exams
CBSE focuses on:
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Value-based learning
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Application and inference
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Real-life connection
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Critical thinking
The board avoids rote memorisation. Instead, it tests:
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Your interpretation
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Your reasoning
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Your ability to support answers with textual evidence
That’s why the 5 Literature Most Asked Questions Class 10 English revolve around themes, character evaluation, and symbolism.
Final Revision Checklist for 2026 Boards
Before your exam, ensure you can:
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Explain themes clearly
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Analyse characters critically
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Identify literary devices
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Write within word limits
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Connect lessons to real life