Class 10 English – Most Important Notes for Quick Revision

Class 10 English – Most Important Notes for Quick Revision Download PDF

Here are the most important points from Prose, Poetry, and Grammar of class 10 for a quick and effective revision. These are effective for all boards HBSE, CBSE, and other boards.

7 most important sentences from each chapter for quick revision:

First Flight (Prose)

1. A Letter to God

1. Lencho was a poor but hardworking farmer who relied completely on his crops.
2. A heavy storm and hail destroyed his entire field, leaving him devastated.
3. He had great faith in God and wrote a letter asking for 100 pesos.
4. The postmaster, moved by his faith, collected money and sent it to him.
5. Lencho received only 70 pesos and believed the post office employees had stolen the rest.
6. He wrote another letter asking God not to send money through them.
7. The story highlights faith, hope, and human kindness.

2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

1. Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa and spent 27 years in prison.
2. On 10th May 1994, he became South Africa’s first Black President.
3. He believed that no one is born hating another person because of race or background.
4. Mandela spoke about twin obligations – to family and to society.
5. He felt that oppression made even the kindest person full of hatred.
6. Courage, for him, was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
7. He paid tribute to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for justice.

3. Two Stories About Flying

(i) His First Flight

1. The young seagull was afraid to fly as he feared falling into the sea.
2. His parents and siblings encouraged him, but he refused to move.
3. His mother tricked him by holding food in her beak, making him jump.
4. As he dived, his wings spread naturally, and he began to fly.
5. His family celebrated his success by flying around him.
6. The story teaches that fear is just in the mind and can be overcome.
7. Confidence and courage help in personal growth.

(ii) The Black Aeroplane

1. The narrator was flying his Dakota airplane at night towards England.
2. He saw dark storm clouds ahead but decided to continue his journey.
3. Suddenly, a mysterious black aeroplane appeared and guided him.
4. He safely landed but found that no such plane was detected on the radar.
5. The control room confirmed that he was the only one flying.
6. The mystery remains unexplained, leaving the reader to wonder.
7. The story highlights hope, miracles, and unexplained events in life.

4. From the Diary of Anne Frank

1. Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager, wrote a diary during World War II.
2. She described her feelings, school life, and the horrors of war.
3. She considered her diary, Kitty, as her best friend.
4. Her teacher, Mr. Keesing, punished her for talking too much.
5. She wrote a funny poem on “A Chatterbox,” which amused him.
6. The diary gives a firsthand account of the suffering of Jews during the Holocaust.
7. Anne’s story is a symbol of hope, courage, and resilience.

5. Glimpses of India

(i) A Baker from Goa

1. Baking was an important profession in Portuguese Goa.
2. Bakers, called Paders, were respected and had a special role in festivals.
3. They sold bread, cakes, and sweet buns.
4. The baker wore a Kabai, a long frock-like dress.
5. Children loved to hear the baker’s arrival in the morning.
6. Bread continues to be a part of Goan culture today.
7. The story highlights tradition and nostalgia.

(ii) Coorg

1. Coorg is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, known for coffee plantations.
2. The people of Coorg are brave warriors and are known for their hospitality.
3. The Kaveri River originates from Coorg.
4. The region is home to elephants, birds, and wild animals.
5. The Coorgi people are believed to be descendants of Greek or Arab soldiers.
6. Kodavas are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a license.
7. Coorg is a perfect blend of beauty, culture, and adventure.

(iii) Tea from Assam

1. Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world.
2. Tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor when leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water.
3. In India, the British introduced tea plantations.
4. The story follows Rajvir and Pranjol as they travel through Assam’s tea estates.
5. They see endless stretches of green tea gardens.
6. Rajvir shares legends about the discovery of tea.
7. The chapter highlights India’s rich tea culture.

6. Mijbil the Otter

1. The author, Gavin Maxwell, adopted Mijbil, an otter, in Iraq.
2. Mijbil loved playing in water and was highly intelligent.
3. The author had trouble transporting Mijbil to England.
4. At the airport, Mijbil escaped and created a chaotic but funny situation.
5. In London, he became a source of fascination for people.
6. The story shows the bond between humans and animals.
7. Mijbil’s playful nature made him an unforgettable companion.

7. Madam Rides the Bus

1. Valli was an 8-year-old girl who wanted to experience a bus ride.
2. She secretly saved money and planned her journey.
3. She boarded the bus alone and enjoyed the scenic beauty.
4. She refused to talk to an old woman, finding her boring.
5. On her way back, she saw a dead cow, which saddened her.
6. She returned home unnoticed, fulfilling her dream.
7. The story highlights childhood curiosity and independence.

8. The Sermon at Benares

1. Gautama Buddha was a prince named Siddhartha Gautama.
2. He left his palace to seek the meaning of life and suffering.
3. He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
4. A woman named Kisa Gotami came to him, grieving her dead son.
5. Buddha asked her to find a mustard seed from a house where no one had died.
6. She realized that death is universal and accepted the truth.
7. The sermon teaches detachment and peace.

9. The Proposal

1. The one-act play is about marriage, property, and arguments.
2. Lomov visits Natalya’s house to propose to her.
3. Instead of proposing, they fight over trivial things.
4. Natalya’s father, Chubukov, gets frustrated with their quarrels.
5. When Lomov faints, Natalya realizes she wants to marry him.
6. The proposal happens amidst arguments.
7. The play is a satire on marriage and human nature.

Poems (First Flight)

1. Dust of Snow

1. The poet describes how a crow shakes off snow from a hemlock tree.
2. The falling snow changes the poet’s mood from sadness to joy.
3. Both the crow and hemlock tree are symbols of negativity.
4. The poem shows how small things can bring happiness.
5. Nature plays a role in uplifting our spirits.
6. The poet realizes that a bad day can turn better.
7. The message is that hope exists in every situation.

2. Fire and Ice

1. The poem presents two possible ways the world may end: fire (desire) and ice (hatred).
2. Fire represents greed, lust, and uncontrolled passion.
3. Ice symbolizes hatred, coldness, and indifference.
4. The poet believes that both can destroy humanity.
5. He suggests that hatred is as dangerous as uncontrolled desire.
6. The poem is a warning about self-destruction.
7. It conveys that human emotions shape the world’s fate.

3. A Tiger in the Zoo

1. The poem contrasts a caged tiger’s helplessness with its natural strength.
2. The tiger walks angrily in his cage, unable to escape.
3. He should be in the jungle, stalking his prey.
4. The cage steals his freedom and power.
5. The poem highlights the cruelty of keeping wild animals in captivity.
6. It evokes sympathy for the tiger’s loss of natural habitat.
7. The message is about the importance of freedom for all creatures.

4. How to Tell Wild Animals

1. The poem humorously describes different wild animals.
2. The Asian lion is large and roars loudly.
3. A Bengal tiger has black stripes and can kill in a moment.
4. A leopard attacks instantly without warning.
5. A bear will hug you, but it’s a deadly embrace.
6. The poet uses humor to describe dangerous animals.
7. The poem teaches about identifying animals in a fun way.

5. The Ball Poem

1. A boy loses his ball and feels deep sorrow.
2. The ball represents his childhood and innocence.
3. Losing it teaches him a lesson about loss and responsibility.
4. The poet does not offer another ball because loss is a part of life.
5. The boy must learn to cope with pain and grow up.
6. The poem symbolizes grief and acceptance.
7. It teaches that life goes on after loss.

6. Amanda!

1. The poem is about a young girl named Amanda who dislikes constant instructions.
2. She dreams of being a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel.
3. She wishes for freedom from rules and restrictions.
4. Her parents correct her posture, behavior, and habits.
5. She feels suffocated by their constant scolding.
6. The poem highlights the struggles of childhood.
7. It conveys that children need space to express themselves.

7. The Trees

1. The poem describes trees trying to escape from a house into nature.
2. Trees belong in forests, not indoors.
3. The imagery of roots, leaves, and twigs breaking free symbolizes growth.
4. The poet describes the night as silent, but full of movement.
5. It highlights the importance of nature’s freedom.
6. The poem is a metaphor for human oppression and liberation.
7. It conveys that nature cannot be controlled by humans.

8. Fog

1. The poet compares fog to a cat.
2. It silently arrives and covers the city and harbor.
3. The fog sits quietly like a cat on its haunches.
4. Then, it moves on without warning.
5. The poem is short but creates a vivid image.
6. It highlights nature’s quiet but powerful presence.
7. The message is that nature is mysterious and unpredictable.

9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon

1. The poem is a humorous ballad about a cowardly dragon.
2. Custard the dragon feels afraid, unlike the other brave pets.
3. A pirate attacks, and everyone except Custard is scared.
4. Custard fights bravely and defeats the pirate.
5. The others pretend they were never scared.
6. The poem is a satire on false bravery and real courage.
7. The message is that true courage is seen in tough situations.

10. For Anne Gregory

1. The poem discusses inner beauty vs. outer beauty.
2. Anne Gregory’s yellow hair attracts admirers.
3. The poet says men love her beauty, not her true self.
4. Anne believes someone will love her for who she is.
5. The poet argues that only God sees inner beauty.
6. The poem questions shallow human attraction.
7. The message is that true love values personality over appearance.

Footprints Without Feet (Prose)

1. A Triumph of Surgery

1. Tricki was a fat and overfed dog who became sick.
2. His owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, pampered him too much.
3. Dr. Herriot took him to his clinic and stopped overfeeding him.
4. Tricki recovered by playing and exercising with other dogs.
5. Mrs. Pumphrey was overjoyed but unaware of the real reason.
6. The story highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
7. Overindulgence can be harmful, even in love.

2. The Thief’s Story

1. The narrator, a young thief, meets Anil and plans to rob him.
2. Anil, a kind man, teaches him to read and write.
3. One night, the thief steals money but feels guilty.
4. He returns the money and decides to change his ways.
5. The story shows that kindness can reform a person.
6. Education gives people a better future.
7. Trust and love can change even a thief’s heart.

3. The Midnight Visitor

1. Ausable was a secret agent, but he looked fat and ordinary.
2. A spy named Max entered his room with a gun.
3. Ausable fooled Max by talking about a fake balcony.
4. Max tried to escape through it and fell to his death.
5. The story shows intelligence is more powerful than weapons.
6. A calm mind can handle tough situations.
7. Being clever is more useful than physical strength.

4. A Question of Trust

1. Horace Danby was a thief who loved rare books.
2. He planned a robbery at a rich woman’s house.
3. A young lady tricked him into opening the safe.
4. She turned out to be a thief herself.
5. Horace was arrested, while she escaped.
6. The story highlights that even a smart thief can be fooled.
7. Trusting the wrong person can lead to disaster.

5. Footprints Without Feet

1. Griffin, a scientist, discovered invisibility.
2. He misused his power and became a criminal.
3. He was homeless, stealing to survive.
4. He terrified people by leaving invisible footprints.
5. Griffin’s arrogance led to his downfall.
6. The story warns against misusing science.
7. Science should be used for good, not evil.

6. The Making of a Scientist

1. Richard Ebright was a curious and intelligent child.
2. He collected butterflies as a hobby.
3. His project on gold spots in a butterfly led to a major discovery.
4. He proved that cells control the development of an organism.
5. Hard work and curiosity made him a great scientist.
6. The story highlights the importance of dedication in science.
7. Success comes from observation, research, and persistence.

7. The Necklace

1. Matilda Loisel was unhappy with her simple life.
2. She borrowed a diamond necklace for a ball.
3. She lost it and replaced it with an expensive one.
4. She and her husband worked for ten years to repay the debt.
5. Later, she found out that the lost necklace was fake.
6. The story teaches about contentment and honesty.
7. Vanity and pride can lead to unnecessary suffering.

8. Bholi

1. Bholi was a simple and neglected girl.
2. She had pockmarks and was considered dumb.
3. Her teacher helped her gain confidence.
4. She grew up to be educated and bold.
5. She refused to marry a greedy man.
6. Education empowers women and brings self-respect.
7. The story shows the transformation of a timid girl into a strong woman.

9. The Book That Saved the Earth

1. The story is set in the future, where Martians plan to invade Earth.
2. Think-Tank, the Martian leader, believes Earth is a dangerous planet.
3. He misinterprets a book of nursery rhymes as Earth’s secret weapon.
4. The Martians panic and cancel their invasion.
5. The story is a satirical take on misunderstandings.
6. It highlights the power of books and knowledge.
7. The message is that ignorance leads to fear and mistakes.