ICSE Total English Class 10 Solution : Chapter 1

Question 1

(i) Write an original story in which a boy, a rich man and a poor man form the main characters.

Answers:- Sachin was a 14-year-old boy from a small village who often felt bitter about his simple life. While his friends wore expensive shoes and carried smartphones, he had to wear old clothes and walk to school. His father, a farmer, always told him, “Hard work and honesty are the real treasures,” but Sachin found it hard to believe. One evening, after another day of feeling left out, he made a terrible decision—he would steal from the richest man in town to change his fate.

That night, under the cover of darkness, Sachin crept into Mr. Malhotra’s mansion. He hid behind a thick curtain as the wealthy man entered, groaning with a headache. “Serve dinner,” Mr. Malhotra ordered his servant. “But sir,” the servant replied, “Madam has gone to a party, and the children are away at boarding school.” The rich man sighed, swallowed a painkiller, and went to bed—alone in his grand but empty house.

Sachin’s hands trembled. He had come to steal, but seeing the rich man’s loneliness made his heart heavy. He quietly slipped out just as rain began pouring. Soaked and shivering, he stumbled upon a tiny hut where a poor cobbler, Ramesh, lived. Seeing the boy drenched, Ramesh invited him inside. His wife warmed a bowl of simple dal and rice, and their children made space for Sachin to sit. Despite their torn clothes and modest meal, the family laughed and shared stories with warmth.

As Sachin ate, he noticed something he had never seen in his wealthy friends’ homes—pure, unconditional happiness. Ramesh had little but was rich in love. Meanwhile, Mr. Malhotra had everything except the joy of togetherness.

The next morning, Sachin returned home and fell at his father’s feet, tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I understand now—money can’t buy happiness.” His father hugged him tightly. From that day on, Sachin worked harder than ever in school, not for wealth, but for a life filled with love and contentment. He had learned that true riches lie not in gold, but in a grateful heart and a loving family.

(ii) A night before an exam is usually one full of stress, worries and nightmares. Narrate your experience of one such night before an exam and state how it turned out to be contrary to what is expected.

Answers:- Exams have always been a source of stress for me, no matter how much I prepare. I usually stay up the night before, revising frantically, only to end up exhausted and anxious. But one such night turned out to be completely different—and surprisingly peaceful.

It was the eve of my Geography exam, and as usual, I had left too much for the last minute. My notes on continents were scattered, and my mind was racing. To clear my thoughts, I decided to take a short break and search online for some extra information about Antarctica. What started as a quick search soon turned into a deep dive. I was fascinated by the icy wilderness, the endless white landscapes, and the penguins waddling across frozen plains. Before I knew it, my imagination took over, and I felt as if I were standing there myself.

The silence of Antarctica, untouched by human noise, was strangely calming. There were no trees, no buildings—just vast stretches of ice under a pale sky. I watched penguins huddle together, their clumsy movements bringing a smile to my face. The cold, the emptiness, and the sheer remoteness of the place made my exam worries seem tiny in comparison. Without realizing it, I drifted into a deep, dream-filled sleep.

When I woke up at six in the morning, I panicked for a second—had I wasted the whole night? But to my surprise, I felt unusually refreshed. The stress was gone, replaced by a strange sense of calm. During the exam, my mind was clear, and I wrote with confidence. The details I had read about Antarctica even helped me answer a few questions!

To my amazement, I scored the highest marks in my class. That night taught me that sometimes, relaxation is more helpful than last-minute cramming. Since then, I try not to overburden myself before exams. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll visit Antarctica for real—not just in my dreams.

(iii)’Emotional Quotient (EQ) is more important than Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for being successful in life.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answers:-
For the View:
In the pursuit of success, while both Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) play significant roles, EQ emerges as the more crucial factor. Intelligence may open doors, but emotional intelligence determines how effectively one walks through them and thrives beyond.

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While IQ contributes to technical skills and analytical thinking, these abilities alone cannot guarantee success. Many intellectually gifted individuals struggle with teamwork, adaptability, and leadership precisely because they lack emotional intelligence. In contrast, those with well-developed EQ can navigate complex social situations, build networks, and inspire others – all critical components of lasting achievement.

Ultimately, while both EQ and IQ have their merits, emotional intelligence provides the foundation for meaningful and sustainable success. It enables individuals to maximize their potential, work effectively with others, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and understanding. In our interconnected world, EQ has become not just valuable but essential for true accomplishment.

Against the View:
While emotional intelligence (EQ) is valuable, intelligence quotient (IQ) remains the more critical factor for success. High IQ individuals possess cognitive abilities that form the foundation for achievement across professional fields, often proving more impactful than emotional skills alone.

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Ultimately, while emotional intelligence has merit, raw cognitive ability remains the more reliable predictor of professional success. In our increasingly complex world, IQ continues to be the dominant factor in determining innovation, problem-solving, and lasting achievement across various fields.

(iv)Describe your recent visit to the Prime Minister Museum (Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya) located in New Delhi, with your classmates and teachers. State what you especially liked about the museum.

Answers:-
Our school trip to the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi turned out to be one of the most enlightening experiences of my academic life. Accompanied by my classmates and teachers, I entered this modern tribute to India’s Prime Ministers with great anticipation.

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As we boarded our return bus, we carried more than just souvenirs – we brought back a deeper understanding of India’s democratic journey and renewed respect for the leaders who shaped our nation. The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya isn’t just a museum; it’s an immersive experience that makes history resonate with young minds like ours.

(v)Study the picture given on the next page. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.

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