Class 10 English Chapter 8 Previous Year Questions - Bholi

Ans: Her teacher’s kind and encouraging words filled Bholi with new hope and confidence. For the first time, she felt valued and believed she could overcome her fear and stammering. The teacher’s affection and assurance inspired her to learn, giving her a sense of self-worth and a desire to improve herself.

Ans: Bholi evolves from a neglected, fearful, and stammering girl into a confident and self-respecting young woman. At first, she is ridiculed for her looks and speech, making her timid and withdrawn. Her transformation begins when her kind teacher treats her with love and patience, encouraging her to speak and learn. Education becomes the key to her empowerment, giving her confidence, courage, and dignity. By the end of the story, Bholi stands up against a greedy bridegroom, rejecting the unfair marriage proposal. Her self-respect, courage, and sense of right and wrong show her remarkable growth. She chooses independence and service over compromise, proving that education and encouragement can transform even the most neglected child.

Ans: The expression “a new hope and a new life” signifies Bholi’s awakening to self-worth and confidence after meeting her compassionate teacher. For the first time, she feels loved, encouraged, and hopeful about her future. Education opens a new path for her, replacing fear and humiliation with dignity and courage.

Ans: Bholi was sent to school not for learning, but because her parents considered her unattractive and thought no one would marry her. Ironically, this decision became the turning point in her life. Education empowered her, transforming the timid, neglected girl into a confident, self-respecting young woman.

Ans: Bholi was frightened to go to school because she had never been treated kindly before and didn’t know what a school was like. She thought her father might sell her, just as he had sold their cow, Lakshmi. Fearful and unsure, she cried and resisted going with him.

Ans: It was not easy for Bholi to refuse the marriage, but her education and her teacher’s encouragement had given her courage and self-respect. She realized her own worth and refused to marry the greedy Bishamber, choosing dignity and independence over societal pressure and humiliation.

Ans: 

Date: ………

Dear Diary,
Today was the most important day of my life. I stood up for myself for the first time. When Bishamber demanded dowry after seeing my face, I felt deeply insulted. All my fears disappeared, and I realized I could not spend my life with such a greedy man. My teacher’s words echoed in my mind — to be brave, to value myself, and to never let anyone make me feel inferior. I refused the marriage, even though everyone was shocked. I know people will talk, but I feel free and proud. I have chosen respect over disgrace. From now on, I will live with confidence and dignity.

— Bholi 

Ans: Bholi’s teacher truly embodies the saying that a good teacher is a guiding light. She treated Bholi with love, patience, and respect when no one else did. Instead of mocking her stammer or appearance, she encouraged her to speak, learn, and believe in herself. Her gentle words and faith in Bholi’s potential replaced fear with confidence and self-esteem. Through education and emotional support, the teacher awakened Bholi’s courage and self-respect. Years later, this guidance gave Bholi the strength to reject a greedy bridegroom and stand up for her dignity. The teacher not only educated her but also shaped her into a confident, independent young woman — truly a pillar of light in Bholi’s dark life.

Ans: (b) Bholi’s refusal to marry Bishamber.

Ans: The teacher was happy because Bholi, once a timid and fearful girl, had found the courage to stand up for her dignity. Her refusal to marry the greedy Bishamber showed that she had truly absorbed her teacher’s lessons of self-respect and confidence.

Ans: The extract reveals that the teacher played a transformative role in Bholi’s life. She was not only her educator but also her guide and moral support. By nurturing Bholi’s confidence and faith in herself, the teacher became the inspiration behind Bholi’s courage and independent identity.

Ans:
12 March 20XX, Wednesday 3 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I am feeling utmost proud of myself for rejecting the marriage with the old man. From the moment I was born, I was ridiculed by my family members and friends because of my pock - marked face. People used to call me Bholi because they considered me a simpleton whom nobody would marry. My teacher showed me a world where my stammering and pockmarked face didn't matter because of her kind words and patience.  Where others saw limitations, she saw potential in me. I've discovered my voice in education. I defied injustice today by declining to wed a man who treated me like a commodity. My education has given me the confidence to dream bigger and to challenge social norms.
Bholi

Ans: Bholi was turned into a fearless, bold, and confident girl by her teacher who encouraged, inspired, and showed her love and affection. Education played a crucial role in transforming Bholi's life and giving her the courage to stand against the oppressive and greedy Bishamber Nath. Through education, Bholi gained the confidence to refuse his marriage proposal based on dowry demands. She decided to become economically independent by becoming a teacher and taking care of her aged parents.

Ans: In the story 'Bholi', education is portrayed as a powerful tool for empowering women in society. Bholi, who was initially considered a neglected and dumb child, had her life transformed through education. Her teacher played a significant role in encouraging and inspiring her, which led to an increase in her confidence and self-esteem. With education, Bholi was able to stand up against societal norms and refuse a marriage proposal based on dowry demands. She chose to become economically independent and pursue a career as a teacher. This demonstrates how education can empower women by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to challenge oppressive norms and make independent choices.

Ans: It is true that education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. Bholi was an educated girl and this helped her swim through the challenge by  her fiance Bishamber Nath. He was a wealthy landlord who had Grown-up I wonder if she is fierce or caring.  parents agreed to marry her to him only because they thought Bholi could never get married due to her appearance and dull mind. 
On the day of wedding, Bishamber asked a huge amount of dowry from Bholi’s father as a compensation for marrying their pock - marked face daughter. Bholi instantly rejected marrying Bishamber, knowing his greed. She decided not marry ever and serve her village by teaching the children. All of this was possible due to Bholi’s education, which made her aware of her rights and made her independent enough to make her own life’s decision.

Ans: As Bholi, I would deliver the following speech on 'Girl Education and Empowerment':
Respected teachers, staff, and fellow students,
I stand before you today to shed light on the importance of girl education and empowerment. In our society, girls often face numerous challenges and barriers when it comes to education. They are often considered secondary to boys, and their potential is overlooked. However, I strongly believe that girl education is not just a necessity but a powerful tool for empowerment.
Education is the key that unlocks countless opportunities and opens doors to a brighter future. When girls are educated, they become aware of their rights, their abilities, and their worth. Education gives them the knowledge and skills to navigate the world with confidence and resilience. It enables them to break free from traditional gender roles and challenge societal norms.
By educating girls, we are investing in the development of our society as a whole. Educated girls grow up to become empowered women who contribute to the progress and prosperity of their communities. They become leaders, innovators, and agents of change. They have the power to shatter glass ceilings and inspire future generations.
Education not only equips girls with academic knowledge but also nurtures their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. It empowers them to make informed choices, advocate for their rights, and stand up against injustice. Education provides them with the tools to break free from the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
We must recognize that every girl deserves access to quality education. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no girl is left behind simply because of her gender. We need to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations. This includes providing safe and conducive learning spaces, addressing social and cultural barriers, and promoting equal opportunities for all.
In conclusion, girl education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about empowering girls to realize their full potential. It is about creating a society where every girl can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully. Let us join hands, break down barriers, and champion the cause of girl education and empowerment. Together, we can build a future where every girl can dream, learn, and rise to greatness.
Thank you.

Ans: The phrase "a new hope and a new life" means that Bholi's heart was filled with optimism and excitement. She saw education as an opportunity to change her life and have a fresh start. It symbolized a chance for her to be equal with others and overcome the challenges she faced due to her physical appearance and speech difficulties.

Ans: Bholi did not marry Bishamber because he demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees after seeing the pockmarks on her face. Bholi's father pleaded with Bishamber to reconsider, but he remained adamant. Bholi, realizing that Bishamber was a mean and greedy man, threw away the garland and refused to marry him.

Ans: Bholi disliked Bishamber because he was a mean, greedy, and cowardly man. He demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees after seeing Bholi's pockmarks, showing his materialistic and shallow nature. Bholi saw through his true character and refused to marry him.

Ans: Education brought a remarkable and positive transformation in Bholi's personality. Initially struggling with a stammer when she started school, she found support and encouragement from her teacher, who instilled confidence in her and taught her to read, write, and speak effectively. This newfound self-assurance enabled Bholi to stand up for herself and her father. On her wedding day, she boldly refused to marry the greedy groom and insisted her father reclaim his money. Without the opportunity to attend school, Bholi might have remained a timid, shy girl burdened by her stammer throughout her life.

Ans: Bholi's parents accepted Bishamber's marriage proposal because he was a rich man from another village who did not know about Bholi's physical flaws. Additionally, he did not demand a dowry, which was a relief for her parents as they were worried about finding a suitable husband for Bholi. They saw this as an opportunity to secure Bholi's future and agreed to the proposal.

Ans: When Bishamber demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees after seeing Bholi's pockmarks, Bholi's father pleaded with him not to cancel the marriage. However, Bholi, realizing that Bishamber was a mean and greedy man, threw away the garland into the fire and refused to marry him. She stood up for herself and refused to be treated as a commodity.

Ans: Bholi, originally named Sulekha, was considered different from other children due to her physical and speech impairments. When she was just ten months old, she fell on her head, resulting in damage to a part of her brain. At the age of two, she contracted smallpox, which left deep black pockmarks on her entire body, except for her eyes. Additionally, Bholi's speech was not clear, and she stammered when she spoke. This made her a target of mockery and laughter by other children, further isolating her.
Due to her differences, Bholi was neglected and treated indifferently, even by her own family. She remained a quiet and introverted child, choosing not to speak much to avoid being ridiculed. However, when she started going to school, her life began to change. Her teacher provided her with the necessary encouragement, inspiration, and love, which boosted her confidence and transformed her into a smart, fearless, and confident girl. Bholi's teacher played a crucial role in changing the course of her life, showing that with the right support and education, children who are considered different can overcome neglect and laughter and become empowered individuals.

Ans: Education played a crucial role in empowering Bholi to face the challenge posed by Bishamber's greed. Being educated, Bholi developed self-confidence, self-respect, and the ability to stand up for herself.
When Bishamber demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees after seeing Bholi's pockmarks, her father pleaded with him to reconsider. However, Bholi, realizing that Bishamber was a mean and greedy man, threw away the garland and refused to marry him. She refused to be treated as a commodity and stood up against the unjust demand for dowry.
Bholi's education gave her the courage to defy societal expectations and prioritize her self-worth. She understood that her value as a person went beyond her physical appearance and that she deserved respect and dignity. By refusing to marry Bishamber, Bholi demonstrated her strength and independence, showing that education had equipped her to face challenges head-on.

Ans: School education played a transformative role in Bholi's life, turning her from a "dumb cow" into a bold and confident girl. This transformation empowered her to save her father from a huge expense and become his support in his old age.
When Bishamber demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees to marry Bholi, her father, Ramlal, pleaded with him not to cancel the marriage. However, Bholi, realizing that Bishamber was a mean and greedy man, threw away the garland and refused to marry him. She took a stand against the dowry system and the mistreatment of women.
By refusing to marry Bishamber, Bholi saved her father from the financial burden of paying a hefty dowry. Instead, she decided to become a teacher and support her parents in their old age. Her education gave her the skills and confidence to pursue a career and become economically independent.
Bholi's transformation from a neglected and underestimated girl to a bold and responsible woman showcases the power of education in changing lives and breaking societal barriers. Her story serves as an inspiration for all girls who face adversity, showing them that education can be their greatest asset and a path to empowerment.

Ans: Bholi’s teacher treated her with love and compassion, and encouraged her to read and study. She inspired Bholi to become a teacher herself. Education helped Bholi gain her self-confidence. She became aware of self-respect and bravely enough, refused to marry the aged, mean, greedy and cowardly Bishamber Nath.

Ans: Bholi became aware of her rights through education. Education gave her self-confidence and taught her about self-respect. She realized that she had the right to live a dignified life and make her own choices. Bholi used her rights by refusing to marry a greedy and contemptible man and by standing up against the practice of dowry. She also decided to take care of her parents in their old age, showing her sense of responsibility and love for her family.

Ans: Bholi's transformation into a fearless, bold, and confident girl was brought about by her teacher's encouragement, inspiration, and love. The teacher believed in Bholi's potential and motivated her to overcome her fears and insecurities. The teacher's words of encouragement, "Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like anyone else," helped Bholi gain confidence in herself. With the teacher's support, Bholi started studying more and emerged as a bold girl who was no longer intimidated by others. She learned to face the world bravely and assert her rights.

Ans: Sulekha was nicknamed Bholi because she couldn't speak until she was five years old, and when she finally learned to speak, she stammered. The other children often made fun of her and mimicked her, which led to the nickname "Bholi," meaning a simpleton or a person who is slow-witted.

Ans: Bholi was sent to school for unusual reasons. The Tehsildar had advised Bholi's father, Ramlal, to send his daughters to school. The main reason was that Bholi had little chance of getting married due to her physical appearance and speech difficulties. Sending her to school was seen as a way to improve her prospects and give her a chance at a better future.

Ans: Bishamber's marriage with Bholi did not take place because he demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees after seeing Bholi's pockmarks. Bholi's father pleaded with him, even putting his turban at Bishamber's feet, but Bishamber remained indifferent. Bholi, realizing that he was a mean, greedy, and cowardly man, threw away the garland and refused to marry him.

Ans: Bholi was filled with a new hope when she heard her teacher's soft and soothing voice. No one had ever spoken to her so kindly and encouragingly. Her teacher gave her a book to read and promised to give her more books that would help her learn new things. This filled Bholi with optimism and a renewed interest in education.

Ans: Sulekha later came to be known as Bholi. This nickname was given to her because she couldn't speak until she was five years old, and when she finally learned to speak, she stammered. The other children often made fun of her and mimicked her, which led to the nickname "Bholi," meaning a simpleton or a person who is slow-witted.

Ans: The social attitude towards Bholi, considering her a "dumb cow," made her feel inferior and lacked self-confidence. Bholi was constantly ridiculed and laughed at by others, which made her withdraw into herself and become introverted. She feared speaking up because of her stammering and the fear of being ridiculed further.
To help such children face the world bravely, it is essential to change the social attitude towards them. They should be treated with love, care, and respect, just like any other child. Encouragement, support, and understanding from teachers, parents, and society can make a significant difference in their lives. Creating a safe and inclusive environment where they feel accepted and valued will help them build confidence and overcome their insecurities. Providing opportunities for their talents to shine and recognizing their achievements will boost their self-esteem. Additionally, counseling and therapy can also be beneficial in helping them overcome their fears and develop the necessary skills to face the world bravely.

Ans: In the text, there are several examples that show Bholi was a neglected child. Her parents did not make new clothes for her and she always wore hand-me-downs from her elder sisters. She was unbathed and her hair was unwashed. Bholi's parents were willing to marry her off to an old, lame widower because of her physical appearance and speech difficulties. These instances indicate that Bholi did not receive the same care and attention as her siblings.

Ans: On Bholi's first day at school, the teacher asked her to say her name. However, Bholi's stammering made it difficult for her to speak clearly. After the class, the teacher called Bholi to herself and lovingly made her say her full name. The teacher praised Bholi for her efforts, patted her affectionately, and told her to put fear out of her heart, assuring her that she would be able to speak like anyone else. This built up Bholi's confidence and encouraged her to overcome her speech difficulties.

Ans:  To change the social attitudes illustrated in the story of 'Bholi', one can contribute in several ways. Firstly, raising awareness about the social evils and discriminatory practices depicted in the story is crucial. This can be done through various means such as discussions, debates, and campaigns that highlight the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender or physical appearance.
Education plays a vital role in changing social attitudes, so promoting and advocating for equal access to education for girls and women is essential. This can involve supporting initiatives that provide scholarships or financial assistance to girls who face barriers to education.
Additionally, promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles can help in changing social attitudes. Encouraging girls and women to pursue their dreams and aspirations, regardless of societal expectations, can contribute to breaking gender stereotypes.
Lastly, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity within families, communities, and institutions is crucial. By treating individuals with dignity and valuing their contributions, we can create an environment where everyone feels empowered and respected, regardless of their background or physical appearance.