Class 10 English Notes Maharashtra Board – Chapter 1.3: On Wings of Courage

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Chapter Title and Brief Introduction

Chapter 1.3: On Wings of Courage is an inspiring story that highlights the power of courage and determination. It teaches students how facing challenges bravely can help us achieve our goals. This chapter motivates learners to develop inner strength and never lose hope in difficult situations.

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Author Information

The story "On Wings of Courage" is written by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a renowned scientist. Dr. Kalam’s writings often focus on youth empowerment, motivation, and the value of courage and hard work. His works are known for their simple language and deep messages that encourage readers to dream big and persevere.

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Summary of the Chapter

"On Wings of Courage" narrates the life of a young boy who dreams of flying an airplane but faces many obstacles. Despite the challenges, he never gives up. Through perseverance, hard work, and a fearless attitude, he overcomes his fears and limitations. The story conveys that courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to face it. It emphasizes that success comes to those who dare to try, no matter how difficult the journey is.

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New Words and Meanings

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Figures of Speech with Examples

• Metaphor: "On Wings of Courage" — Here, 'wings' symbolize courage giving freedom to fly and achieve dreams.

• Alliteration: “Face the fear, fight the fight” — repetition of ‘f’ sound emphasizes courage.

• Personification: "Fear whispered doubts" — fear is given human qualities to show its effect.

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Poetic Appreciation

Note: This is a prose story, but we will appreciate it like a poem for a richer literary study.

Title: On Wings of Courage symbolizes how courage empowers one to soar above difficulties, just like wings lift a bird to fly.

Theme: The central theme is courage and perseverance. It inspires students to face challenges boldly and persist until they achieve their goals.

Language: The language is simple, clear, and motivational, making it accessible to young readers. The author uses powerful imagery and relatable situations to engage the reader.

Figures of Speech: Metaphors and personification add emotional depth, helping readers connect with the struggle and triumph of the protagonist.

Message/Moral: The story teaches that courage is essential to overcome fear and obstacles. Success is reserved for those who dare to keep trying, no matter how tough the path. It encourages readers to believe in themselves and have confidence in their abilities.

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Grammar and Language Study

• Tenses: Mostly past simple and past continuous are used to narrate events.

• Reported Speech: Examples of how dialogues are turned into reported speech.

• Active and Passive Voice: Sentences describing actions are in active voice. Practice converting them into passive voice.

• Vocabulary: Use of adjectives to describe emotions like fear, bravery, and determination.

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Important Exam Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main message of the story "On Wings of Courage"?
   Answer: The main message is that courage and perseverance help us overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.

2. Who is the author of the chapter?
   Answer: The author is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

3. Define ‘courage’ in your own words.
   Answer: Courage is the ability to face fear and difficulties bravely without giving up.

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Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the obstacles faced by the protagonist in "On Wings of Courage" and how he overcame them.
   Answer: The protagonist faces many challenges such as fear of failure and physical difficulties. He overcomes them by staying determined, practicing hard, and believing in himself. His courage helps him keep going even when things seem impossible.

2. Explain the importance of perseverance as shown in the story.
   Answer: Perseverance is crucial because it means not giving up even when faced with problems. The story shows that the protagonist’s success is due to his continuous efforts and refusal to surrender to fear. This quality inspires readers to work hard and stay focused on their goals.

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Central Idea or Moral Message

The central idea of "On Wings of Courage" is that true success comes from courage and persistence. The story demonstrates that fear is natural, but it should not stop us from chasing our dreams. With a brave heart and determination, every obstacle can be turned into a stepping stone for success. It teaches young readers that challenges are part of life, but those who confront them with courage soar high, just like a bird on wings. This story encourages us all to be fearless, work hard, and keep our hopes alive even during tough times.

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Previous Board Exam Questions (Last 5 Years) with Answers

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Practice Questions with Answers for Exam Preparation

Very Short Answer Questions

1. What does courage mean?
   Answer: Facing fear bravely.

2. Who inspired the story?
   Answer: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

3. What does the phrase ‘wings of courage’ symbolize?
   Answer: It symbolizes the power of courage to help us achieve our goals.

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Short Answer Questions

4. Why is courage important according to the story?
   Answer: Courage helps overcome fear and obstacles to reach success.

5. How does the story motivate students?
   Answer: It motivates students by showing that hard work and bravery lead to success.

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Long Answer Questions

6. Narrate the story in brief.
   Answer: A boy dreams of flying but fears failure. With courage and determination, he faces challenges, works hard, and finally succeeds.

7. Explain how courage can help in real life situations.
   Answer: Courage helps us face problems like exams, fears, or failures and keeps us moving forward until we succeed.