Class 10 English Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - First Flight

Q1. “Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, and the people pitied her and said, “Here is mustard seed; take it!” But when she asked, “Did a son or daughter, a father or mother, die in your family?” they answered her, “Alas! the living are few, but the dead are many. Do not remind us of our deepest grief.””
The community’s response to Kisa Gautami in the above extract was somewhat different from before. Why do you think that was the case?
(a) They had learnt from Buddha’s sermons.
(b) They were able to help Kisa Gautami in some way this time.
(c) They understood parental grief.
(d) They liked Kisa and enjoyed talking to her.
Ans: (b)
The community's response to Kisa Gautami changed because they could offer her something helpful this time. When she went from house to house seeking mustard seeds to cure her dead child, the people sympathized with her and offered the seeds. However, when she asked if any of their own family members had died, they realized that they couldn't claim they had not experienced grief. This experience made them more empathetic towards her, understanding her pain and responding with kindness and compassion.

Q2. Which of the following options represents the correct understanding of the word “poor” in the phrase “Poor Kisa Gotami”?
(a) in need of money
(b) weak
(c) unfortunate
(d) inferior
Ans: (c)
In the context of the phrase "Poor Kisa Gotami," the word "poor" means unfortunate. Kisa Gotami is referred to as "poor" because she is going through immense grief and loss due to the death of her only child. The word "poor" here conveys a sense of pity and sympathy towards her unfortunate situation.

Q3. “Do not remind us of our deepest grief.” The tone of the speaker(s) is
(a) disillusioned
(b) sceptical
(c) ironic
(d) solemn
Ans: (d)
The tone of the speaker(s) in the statement "Do not remind us of our deepest grief" is solemn. The response reflects a serious and grave emotion, as they are reminding Kisa Gotami of the painful loss experienced by each household. They are requesting her not to bring up such painful memories, showing empathy and respect for their grief.

Q4. Pick the option that explains — ‘…the living few, but the dead many.’
(a) It shows the high death rate and low birth rate in the city of Benares.
(b) It highlights the holy status of Benares, where many Hindus go to die.
(c) It throws light on the numerous loved ones the villagers had lost over time.
(d) It reflects that many children had died in the village for various reasons.
Ans: (c)
The phrase "the living few, but the dead many" implies that there are few living members in each household, while many loved ones have passed away over time. This reflects the universality of grief and loss experienced by the villagers. They have lost numerous family members in the past, which adds to the sorrowful atmosphere and the collective understanding of grief.

Q5. Who wrote “The Sermon at Benares”?
(a) Betty Smith
(b) Betty Friedan
(c) Betty White
(d) Betty Renshaw
Ans: (d)
The information provided in the questions is incorrect. "The Sermon at Benares" is not written by Betty Renshaw or any of the other options listed. Instead, "The Sermon at Benares" is a well-known Buddhist text that recounts Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment at the Deer Park in Sarnath (also known as Benares).

Q6. Which of the following statements cannot be attributed to the Buddha based on the chapter “ The Sermon at Benares”.
(i) Pain and grief are unavoidable and necessary.
(ii) The inevitability of death makes grieving futile.
(iii) The universality of grief and pain makes us sad.
(iv) Understanding that life is finite leads to wisdom.
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (iv)
Ans: (b)
Based on the chapter "The Sermon at Benares," the statements that cannot be attributed to the Buddha are (i) and (iii). The Buddha did not state that pain and grief are unavoidable and necessary. Instead, he emphasized that suffering arises from attachment and desire. Similarly, he did not mention that the universality of grief and pain makes us sad. His teachings focused on the path to liberation from suffering and the attainment of wisdom.

Q7. Chose the option that appropriately completes the following:
lamentation : grief :: _______ : _______
(a) laughter : joke
(b) discomfort : fear
(c) celebration : joy
(d) resignation: loss
Ans: (c)
The analogy "lamentation : grief :: celebration : joy" reflects a logical relationship between the words. Lamentation is an expression of grief, and similarly, celebration is an expression of joy. The two pairs are related in terms of emotions, where one expresses sorrow (lamentation/grief), and the other expresses happiness (celebration/joy).

Q8. According to the Buddha, peace of mind is attainable by those who
(a) renounce worldly life like the Buddha
(b) take out the arrow and become strong
(c) grieve, suffer and then move on
(d) recognise terms of life and let go of complaint
Ans: (d)
According to the Buddha's teachings in "The Sermon at Benares," peace of mind can be attained by recognizing the impermanence and inherent nature of life (terms of life) and letting go of complaints or desires that lead to suffering. By understanding the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, individuals can achieve peace and liberation from suffering.

Q9. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“the sacred writings of a religion”
(a) Alms
(b) Scriptures
(c) Preachings
(d) Enlightenment
Ans: (b)
The word "scriptures" refers to the sacred writings or religious texts of a particular religion. It includes the teachings, beliefs, and guidance followed by the followers of that faith.

Q10. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“a state of high spiritual knowledge”
(a) Alms
(b) Wander
(c) Preachings
(d) Enlightenment
Ans: (d)
Enlightenment" refers to a state of high spiritual knowledge or awakening, often associated with profound insight and understanding of the true nature of existence and the cessation of suffering. In Buddhism, enlightenment is the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey.

Q11. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“money or food given to poor people; charity”
(a) Alms
(b) Wander
(c) Preachings
(d) Vow
Ans: (a)
"Alms" refer to money, food, or other forms of charity given to the poor or those in need as an act of compassion and generosity.

Q12. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“ something which cannot be understood ”
(a) Royalty
(b) Funeral
(c) Monk
(d) Inscrutable
Ans: (d)
"Inscrutable" means something that cannot be understood or fathomed easily. It refers to something mysterious, complex, or difficult to comprehend.

Q13. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“ deep sorrow ”
(a) Royalty
(b) Funeral
(c) Monk
(d) Desolation
Ans: (d)
"Desolation" means deep sorrow or grief caused by a sense of emptiness or loss. It refers to a feeling of sadness and loneliness.

Q14. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“ deathlessness ”
(a) Royalty
(b) Funeral
(c) Monk
(d) Immortality
Ans: (d)
"Immortality" means the state of being free from death or the ability to live forever. It refers to eternal life or a belief in a state beyond death.

Q15. Choose the most suitable meaning of the given word/words.
“ deathlessness ”
(a) Royalty
(b) Funeral
(c) Monk
(d) Immortality
Ans: (d)
 "Immortality" means the state of being free from death or the ability to live forever. It refers to eternal life or a belief in a state beyond death.