ICSE Class 10

General instructions: Answer all questions. Marks are shown in brackets [ ].

Objective

1. 1.
   51. Choose the option that arranges these details in the correct order: 1. Bhisma Lochan Sharma's voice is heard from Delhi down to Burma. 2. The poem humorously sets a summer backdrop. 3. He sings as though he has placed a wager on his performance. 4. Listeners become dizzy but note he means no harm.

   1. A. 2, 1, 4, 3
   2. B. 1, 3, 2, 4
   3. C. 2, 1, 3, 4
   4. D. 3, 4, 2, 1
   [1]
2. 2.
   Which creature also lines the roadside in dismay once Bhisma begins his performance?

   1. A. Horses
   2. B. Elephants
   3. C. Tigers
   4. D. Rhinos
   [1]
3. 3.
   The goat “downs his horns and charges straight,” with a _______ that rivals Bhisma’s volume.

   1. A. hush
   2. B. bellow
   3. C. whisper
   4. D. question
   [1]
4. 4.
   43. Many listeners become ______ upon hearing Bhisma, eventually deciding to walk away.

   1. A. dizzy and disoriented
   2. B. calm and collected
   3. C. excited and overjoyed
   4. D. thoughtful and reflective
   [1]
5. 5.
   42. Bhisma belts out tunes as if forced by ______ or as if he has placed a wager on his singing.

   1. A. comedic illusions
   2. B. imposing circumstances
   3. C. intense curiosity
   4. D. urgent personal desires
   [1]
6. 6.
   Once the goat acts, Bhisma Lochan “grants the world the golden gift of _______.”

   1. A. regret
   2. B. silence
   3. C. flowers
   4. D. sky
   [1]
7. 7.
   20. The poem states “mighty mansions tumble,” meaning:

   1. A. Quakes happen occasionally
   2. B. Construction is faulty in these areas
   3. C. Even large buildings collapse under his overwhelming voice
   4. D. People orchestrate demolitions to rebuild
   [1]
8. 8.
   49. Which of these lines demonstrates the same figure of speech found in: "He sings as though he's staked his life, he sings as though he's hell-bent."

   1. A. "She moved as quietly as a cat skulking in the night."
   2. B. "They soared above the hills with unstoppable might."
   3. C. "I offered him gentle words that eased his sorrow."
   4. D. "He remembered old tales of lost battles."
   [1]
9. 9.
   19. How does the poet depict the stage of final desperation among listeners before the goat’s arrival?

   1. A. They peacefully accept it
   2. B. They cry, “We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?”
   3. C. They laugh at the novelty
   4. D. They gather more instruments to play along
   [1]
10. 10.
    Observe these statements (1) and (2) from the poem and choose the correct option: Statement (1): The welkin (sky) "weeps," and mighty mansions collapse, indicating extreme noise. Statement (2): Spectators form a festival, praising Bhisma's glorious voice as uplifting.

    1. A. (1) is true and (2) is false
    2. B. (2) is true and (1) is false
    3. C. (1) leads to (2)
    4. D. (1) and (2) are independent
    [1]
11. 11.
    The poem states “the welkin weeps” at Bhisma’s “screech,” meaning:

    1. A. The forest transforms into a desert
    2. B. The sky laments or reacts sorrowfully
    3. C. Cities rejoice at the noise
    4. D. Rainbows form overhead in celebration
    [1]
12. 12.
    46. Which of the following lines contains the figure of speech that appears in the following line from The Power of Music: “The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty mansions tumble.”

    1. A. “The windy valley breathed gently at dawn.”
    2. B. “Clouds drifted aimlessly, forming silent shapes.”
    3. C. "The old door groaned in protest as it swung open."
    4. D. "Morning sunlight fell across the quiet meadows."
    [1]
13. 13.
    18. Birds turning turtle in flight upon hearing Bhisma’s tune indicates:

    1. A. Even the sky’s creatures lose balance
    2. B. The birds want to dance above him
    3. C. They plan a synchronized mid-air routine
    4. D. They are enthralled by the music
    [1]
14. 14.
    Determine how statements (1) and (2) fit together in Sukumar Ray's comedic verse: Statement (1): Birds flip upside down mid-flight, prompting onlookers to exclaim they might die from his singing. Statement (2): Bhisma remains undeterred, ignoring pleas and continuing at maximum volume.

    1. A. (1) is true and (2) is false
    2. B. (2) is true and (1) is false
    3. C. (1) triggers (2)
    4. D. (1) and (2) reinforce each other
    [1]
15. 15.
    50. Determine which line displays the same figure of speech that appears in: "The very trees collapse and shake—you hear the crash a mile hence."

    1. A. "Her laughter was a lightning bolt sparking the room with brightness."
    2. B. "He tiptoed so softly, like a passing breeze."
    3. C. "The hills echoed her name gently."
    4. D. "It seemed to him that time stood still, motionless in wonder."
    [1]
16. 16.
    Consider statements (1) and (2) for the poem's overall resolution, then select the correct relationship: Statement (1): Bhisma finally "grants the world the golden gift of silence" at the poem's end. Statement (2): Listeners at last relax, relieved that his performance has ceased.

    1. A. (1) is true and (2) is false
    2. B. (2) is true and (1) is false
    3. C. (1) is unrelated to (2)
    4. D. (1) and (2) complement each other
    [1]
17. 17.
    The poem mentions that “mighty _______ tumble” when Bhisma’s voice reaches them, adding to the chaos.

    1. A. palaces
    2. B. mansions
    3. C. temples
    4. D. markets
    [1]
18. 18.
    What do frightened onlookers exclaim, begging Bhisma to stop his performance?

    1. A. “We’ll pay you to continue!”
    2. B. “We’re happily mesmerized!”
    3. C. “We’re going to die, oh stop!”
    4. D. “Please sing louder, we love it!”
    [1]
19. 19.
    41. During the ______, Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s voice fills the air, resonating across hills and plains.

    1. A. scorching summer season
    2. B. freezing winter nights
    3. C. misty autumn mornings
    4. D. calm monsoon afternoons
    [1]
20. 20.
    The welkin, meaning the sky, “________ to hear his screech,” expressing sorrow at the dreadful tune.

    1. A. yawns
    2. B. weeps
    3. C. nods
    4. D. brightens
    [1]