The Winner – CBSE NCERT Study Resources
All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern
Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.
Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.
Betsy Byars
Claudine
A pony
In a small town
Grace
She cannot keep the pony
He is a farmer
She gives it to Grace
True happiness comes from giving
A rural town
A magazine contest
She is overjoyed
Selflessness and kindness
They are proud of her
The peaceful, ordinary village setting contrasts sharply with the brutal ending, highlighting the horror of the lottery.
The story teaches that blindly following traditions without questioning their morality can lead to cruelty and injustice.
Initially, Tessie is cheerful and casual, but when her family is chosen, she becomes frantic and protests, showing her fear and desperation.
Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.
The protagonist in the chapter The Winner is Raghu, a young boy who overcomes challenges with determination and hard work.
Raghu's main challenge was participating in a running race despite his physical limitations. He trained hard to prove his abilities.
Raghu prepared by:
1. Practicing running every day.
2. Following a strict routine.
3. Staying determined despite setbacks.
The chapter teaches that hard work and perseverance can help overcome any obstacle, and success comes to those who never give up.
Raghu was discouraged because others doubted his abilities due to his physical condition, but he proved them wrong with his efforts.
Raghu's determination was a key quality that helped him succeed, as he never gave up despite difficulties.
Raghu's friends were proud and inspired by his victory. They celebrated his achievement and learned the value of perseverance.
The turning point was when Raghu decided to ignore negativity and focus on his training, which eventually led to his success.
The story shows that self-belief is crucial because Raghu trusted himself even when others didn’t, leading to his victory.
Raghu's family supported and encouraged him, providing emotional strength and motivation throughout his journey.
Students can apply Raghu's lesson by:
1. Setting goals.
2. Working hard.
3. Staying positive despite challenges.
Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.
The central theme of The Winner revolves around perseverance and self-belief. The story highlights how determination and hard work can help overcome challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and learning from failures.
The protagonist is determined, hardworking, and humble. Despite facing setbacks, they never give up and keep striving to improve. Their positive attitude and respect for others make them a true winner, not just in the game but in life.
The chapter inspires young readers by showing that success comes from effort and resilience. It teaches that failures are stepping stones to growth. The story encourages readers to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals, no matter the obstacles.
By the end, the protagonist learns that winning isn't just about victory but about personal growth and effort. They understand that true success lies in giving their best and respecting others, whether they win or lose.
The title The Winner signifies that winning is not just about outcomes but about attitude and effort. The protagonist is a winner because of their perseverance and sportsmanship, not just their final achievement.
The chapter shows that teamwork is crucial for success. The protagonist learns to trust and support their teammates, realizing that collective effort leads to better results. It highlights how collaboration and mutual respect strengthen relationships and performance.
The narrator felt the race was unfair because Raghu, the opponent, was older and stronger.
He also mentioned that Raghu had longer legs, giving him an advantage.
The narrator believed the race was biased from the start due to these physical differences.
The narrator used positive self-talk to boost his confidence.
He reminded himself that winning isn't just about strength but also strategy and determination.
By focusing on his own abilities, he mentally prepared to face the challenge.
The story teaches that challenges can be overcome with smart thinking and self-belief.
Even when the odds seem unfair, using one's strengths wisely can lead to success.
It also highlights that winning isn't always about physical power but mental resilience.
The race took place in a village with a dusty path surrounded by trees.
The path had uneven ground, making it challenging for the runners.
The setting added to the difficulty of the race, testing both speed and endurance.
The narrator used shortcuts and quick thinking to outsmart Raghu.
Instead of relying only on speed, he chose a smarter route.
This strategy helped him overcome his physical disadvantage and win the race.
The title signifies that true victory comes from effort and intelligence, not just strength.
It highlights that anyone can be a winner with the right mindset.
The story redefines winning as overcoming obstacles through cleverness and perseverance.
Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces many obstacles but succeeds through sheer determination. Our textbook shows how this quality plays a key role in his journey.
Argument 1
- He practices tirelessly despite failures, like when he kept running even after losing races.
- His focus on the goal, like winning the final match, kept him motivated.
Argument 2
- He ignored discouragement from others, proving his strong will.
- His small daily improvements, like better timing, show gradual progress.
Conclusion
Determination was his greatest strength, helping him turn struggles into success.
Friends play a crucial role in The Winner by encouraging the protagonist. Our textbook highlights how their support boosts his confidence.
Argument 1
- His friend motivates him after losses, reminding him of his potential.
- They train together, making practice sessions less lonely.
Argument 2
- Friends cheer for him during competitions, lifting his spirits.
- They share tips, like improving his running technique.
Conclusion
Without friends, the protagonist might have given up, showing teamwork’s importance.
The setting in The Winner shapes the protagonist’s journey. Our textbook describes how his environment adds to his challenges.
Argument 1
- The rough playground makes training harder, testing his perseverance.
- Limited resources, like old shoes, show his dedication.
Argument 2
- The competitive school atmosphere pushes him to improve.
- Winning in the same setting proves his growth.
Conclusion
The setting highlights his resilience, making his victory meaningful.
The Winner teaches us that hard work and belief lead to success. Our textbook emphasizes this lesson through the protagonist’s journey.
Argument 1
- He never quits despite failures, showing persistence pays off.
- His small steps, like daily practice, lead to big results.
Argument 2
- Ignoring negativity, he focuses on his goal, a lesson for everyone.
- His victory proves effort matters more than natural talent.
Conclusion
The story inspires us to keep trying, no matter the obstacles.
The protagonist in The Winner grows from doubtful to confident. Our textbook traces this transformation through his actions.
Argument 1
- Initially, he fears losing but later embraces challenges.
- Early struggles, like losing races, teach him resilience.
Argument 2
- By the end, he believes in himself, thanks to practice.
- His final win reflects his matured mindset.
Conclusion
His journey shows how perseverance changes attitude and outcomes.
In The Winner, we learn that success comes from effort. Our textbook shows how the protagonist never gives up.
Argument 1
- The boy practices daily, showing hard work.
- He fails but tries again, proving perseverance.
Argument 2
His final win teaches us that effort leads to rewards. Like in NCERT, the tortoise beats the hare by being steady.
Conclusion
The story inspires us to keep trying, just like our lessons in class.
The setting in The Winner plays a big role. Our textbook describes a small village where opportunities are few.
Argument 1
- The village's poverty pushes the boy to work harder.
- Limited resources make his success more meaningful.
Argument 2
Like NCERT's rural examples, the setting shows struggles. The dusty roads and simple life highlight his journey.
Conclusion
The setting makes his victory inspiring, teaching us about overcoming challenges.
The Winner teaches us important life lessons. Our textbook highlights the boy's journey.
Argument 1
- He never quits, showing determination.
- His humility after winning teaches grace.
Argument 2
Like NCERT's fables, the story shows that patience wins. For example, his slow progress mirrors the tortoise's race.
Conclusion
The moral is clear: hard work and humility lead to true success.
The protagonist in The Winner is a role model. Our textbook shows his struggles and triumphs.
Argument 1
- He faces failures but keeps going, inspiring resilience.
- His simple life makes his success relatable.
Argument 2
Like NCERT heroes, he proves ordinary people can achieve greatness. His story encourages us to dream big.
Conclusion
His journey teaches us to believe in ourselves, just like our lessons.
Both The Winner and NCERT's The Tortoise and the Hare share a theme of perseverance.
Argument 1
- Both stories show slow but steady effort wins.
- The boy and the tortoise face doubts but succeed.
Argument 2
Our textbook uses these tales to teach patience. For example, the hare's overconfidence fails, just like the boy's rivals.
Conclusion
These stories remind us that persistence beats talent alone.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces a moral dilemma when they discover that their opponent in a competition has accidentally left behind their winning strategy. The protagonist has to choose between using this unfair advantage to win or returning it and competing fairly.
The protagonist's decision to return the strategy reflects the theme of integrity because they prioritize honesty over winning. For example, the text describes how the protagonist feels guilty even thinking about using the strategy and ultimately decides to return it, saying, 'Winning this way wouldn’t feel right.' This shows their strong moral character.
Additionally, the protagonist's actions inspire others, as their opponent later acknowledges their honesty, strengthening the message that integrity is more valuable than victory. The story teaches us that true success comes from being truthful and fair, even when no one is watching.
In The Winner, the protagonist demonstrates perseverance by continuously practicing and improving their skills despite initial failures. For instance, even after losing several practice matches, they analyze their mistakes and work harder.
One specific instance is when the protagonist stays up late to study their opponent’s techniques, showing dedication. Another example is their refusal to give up after facing criticism from peers, proving their resilience.
This perseverance ultimately leads to their success because it builds their confidence and competence. The story teaches us that consistent effort and a never-give-up attitude are key to achieving goals.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces a moral dilemma when he finds a lost wallet containing a large sum of money. He is torn between keeping the money for himself, which would solve his family's financial problems, or returning it to its rightful owner. This situation tests his integrity and honesty.
His decision to return the wallet reflects his strong moral values and selflessness. For example, despite his family's struggles, he chooses honesty over personal gain. This action also shows his empathy, as he considers the feelings of the person who lost the wallet. The text highlights his internal struggle, making his final choice even more impactful.
Additionally, this decision aligns with the theme of doing the right thing, which is central to the chapter. His actions inspire others, demonstrating that character is more important than material wealth.
In The Winner, the protagonist demonstrates perseverance when he participates in a challenging race despite being physically weaker than his competitors. Despite facing ridicule and doubt, he trains hard and refuses to give up, showing his determination and resilience.
For instance, the text describes how he practices running every day, even when he is exhausted. His efforts pay off when he performs exceptionally well in the race, proving that hard work can overcome obstacles. This incident reinforces the chapter's message that success is not just about natural talent but also about persistence and effort.
Furthermore, his perseverance inspires his peers and teaches them the value of dedication. The story uses this event to highlight that true winners are those who never give up, regardless of the challenges they face.
In The Winner, the protagonist demonstrates hard work and perseverance through their consistent efforts to improve and overcome challenges. For instance, the text mentions how the protagonist practices daily, even when tired, to prepare for the competition. A specific line says, 'Rain or shine, they never missed a day of practice.'
Another example is when the protagonist faces setbacks, such as losing a preliminary round. Instead of giving up, they analyze their mistakes and work harder. The text describes this as, 'They spent hours reviewing their performance, determined to do better next time.'
Ultimately, the protagonist's dedication pays off when they perform well in the final competition, not because of luck but due to their relentless effort. This highlights the lesson that success is earned through persistence and a strong work ethic.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces a moral dilemma when he discovers that he has won a competition unfairly due to a mistake in the judging process. The situation tests his integrity as he must choose between keeping the prize or admitting the truth.
The protagonist's decision to confess the error reflects the theme of integrity because he prioritizes honesty over personal gain. For example, he could have easily kept the prize, but instead, he chooses to inform the organizers about the mistake. This action shows his strong moral character and respect for fairness.
Additionally, the story highlights how integrity leads to long-term respect and trust. Even though the protagonist loses the prize, he gains admiration from others, including the competition judges. This teaches readers that doing the right thing, even when it is difficult, is always rewarding.
In The Winner, the protagonist demonstrates perseverance when he continues to practice for the competition despite facing multiple setbacks. One key incident is when he fails in his initial attempts but refuses to give up.
His perseverance is evident as he spends extra hours refining his skills, seeking feedback, and improving his performance. For example, he practices late into the night and learns from his mistakes, showing determination and resilience.
This quality helps him overcome challenges because it allows him to stay focused on his goal. Even when others doubt him, his unwavering effort eventually leads to success. The story teaches that perseverance is essential for achieving one's dreams, as it turns obstacles into opportunities for growth.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces a moral dilemma when he discovers that he has won a competition unfairly due to an error in the judging process. He must choose between keeping the prize (which he did not truly earn) or confessing the mistake, even though it means losing the reward.
His decision to admit the truth reflects the theme of integrity because he prioritizes honesty over personal gain. For example, when he realizes the mistake, he immediately informs the organizers instead of staying silent. This action shows his strong moral character and respect for fairness.
Additionally, the story highlights how integrity builds trust and respect. Even though he loses the prize, his honesty earns him admiration from others, proving that doing the right thing is more valuable than winning unfairly.
In The Winner, an important incident showcasing sportsmanship occurs when the protagonist competes in a race against a stronger opponent. Despite losing, he congratulates the winner sincerely and learns from the experience.
This moment highlights true sportsmanship because he displays humility and respect for his competitor. Instead of making excuses or feeling bitter, he acknowledges the winner's skill and uses the loss as motivation to improve.
This incident influences his growth by teaching him that winning isn't everything—what matters more is effort, fairness, and grace in both victory and defeat. Later in the story, this lesson helps him make ethical choices, proving that sportsmanship extends beyond games and into everyday life.
Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.
In The Winner, the protagonist faces challenges but never gives up.
Analysis- He practices daily despite failures, showing determination.
- He ignores mockery and focuses on his goal.
Our textbook shows that hard work and persistence lead to success, just like the protagonist.
The story revolves around a boy who overcomes obstacles to win.
Analysis- The protagonist wins the race, making the title literal.
- He also wins against self-doubt, showing inner victory.
We studied that titles reflect themes, and here it highlights both physical and emotional success.
Initially, the protagonist doubts himself but grows confident.
Analysis- Early on, he fears losing but later embraces challenges.
- He transforms from hesitant to fearless, as seen in the final race.
Our textbook shows how perseverance changes one's attitude, just like the protagonist.
The protagonist struggles with self-confidence before the race.
Analysis- He feels nervous but practices relentlessly.
- Encouragement from his coach helps him believe in himself.
We studied that support and effort turn challenges into victories, as shown in the story.
We studied how the protagonist in The Winner never gives up despite challenges.
Analysis- He practices running daily, even in bad weather.
- He ignores teasing from others and stays focused.
Our textbook shows that determination helps him win the race, proving hard work pays off.
The coach in The Winner guides the protagonist to believe in himself.
Analysis- He teaches running techniques and discipline.
- He motivates with encouraging words like 'You can do it!'
We learned that a good mentor, like the coach, builds confidence and skills.
The story's setting includes a small village and a tough race track.
Analysis- The muddy path makes running harder, testing his grit.
- Villagers' support during the race boosts his morale.
Our textbook shows how surroundings shape challenges and victories.
The protagonist learns that persistence leads to success.
Analysis- He wins the race after months of effort.
- Like a student practicing math daily to improve.
We studied how the story teaches us to keep trying, just like in exams or sports.
We studied how the protagonist faced challenges but never gave up.
Analysis- He practiced daily despite failures, like when he fell but kept running.
- He ignored teasing from friends, focusing on his goal.
Our textbook shows determination helps overcome obstacles, just like in the story.
The story teaches us that hard work leads to success.
Analysis- The boy trained for months before the race, showing discipline.
We learned that like the protagonist, consistent effort brings rewards, as seen in NCERT examples.
Family encouragement played a key role in his journey.
Analysis- His mother woke up early to prepare his breakfast.
- His father gave him running shoes despite their poverty.
We saw how love and support, like in our textbook, can motivate someone to succeed.
The story contrasts the winner's grit with others' overconfidence.
Analysis- While rivals laughed at him, he silently improved his skills.
Our textbook shows humility and hard work, like the protagonist's, lead to real victory.
Read the following passage from The Winner:
"Ravi was nervous but determined. He knew the race would be tough, but he had practiced every day. His coach had told him, 'Believe in yourself, and you will succeed.'"
Based on the passage, answer the following:
- How did Ravi prepare for the race?
- What lesson can we learn from Ravi's coach's advice?
Answer:
Ravi's preparation: Ravi practiced every day to prepare for the race, showing his dedication and hard work.
Lesson from the coach's advice: The coach's words, 'Believe in yourself, and you will succeed,' teach us the importance of self-confidence and a positive mindset. Even when facing challenges, believing in oneself can lead to success.
Value-added insight: Hard work combined with self-belief is a powerful combination to achieve goals, as shown by Ravi's determination.
In The Winner, Ravi faces a tough competitor in the race. Imagine you are Ravi's friend and want to motivate him before the race. Write a short dialogue (4-5 lines) encouraging him using the themes from the chapter.
Answer:
Friend: "Ravi, I know the race will be tough, but remember how much you've practiced! You’ve got this!"
Ravi: "But what if I lose?"
Friend: "Winning isn’t just about the medal—it’s about giving your best. Believe in yourself like your coach said!"
Ravi: "You’re right. I’ll try my hardest!"
Explanation: This dialogue highlights encouragement, self-belief, and the idea that effort matters more than just the outcome, which are key themes in the chapter.
Read the following passage from The Winner:
"Ravi was determined to win the race. He practiced every morning, rain or shine. His friends laughed at him, but he ignored them."
Based on the passage, answer:
a) Why did Ravi ignore his friends?
b) What does this tell us about Ravi's character?
a) Ravi ignored his friends because he was focused on his goal of winning the race. He did not let their laughter distract him from his determination and hard work.
b) This shows that Ravi is persistent and self-motivated. He believes in himself and does not let others' opinions affect his efforts. His dedication to practice every day, regardless of the weather, highlights his strong willpower and commitment to success.
In The Winner, Ravi faces several challenges before the race. Imagine you are Ravi's friend and want to encourage him. Write a short dialogue (4-6 lines) where you motivate him using examples from the story.
Friend: "Ravi, I’ve seen how hard you’ve been practicing, even when it rained! That’s amazing!"
Ravi: "But what if I still lose?"
Friend: "Remember how you ignored everyone laughing at you? That takes courage! Winning isn’t just about the race—it’s about never giving up."
Ravi: "You’re right. I’ll do my best!"
This dialogue shows support and highlights Ravi’s determination from the story, motivating him to stay confident.
Read the following passage from The Winner:
"Ravi was nervous but determined. He knew the race would be tough, but he had practiced every day. His coach had told him, 'Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.'"
Based on the passage, answer:
1. How did Ravi's attitude help him prepare for the race?
2. Why is self-belief important in achieving success, as mentioned by the coach?
1. Ravi's attitude helped him prepare for the race because:
- He was determined, which kept him focused on his goal.
- He practiced every day, showing discipline and hard work.
- His nervousness did not stop him, proving he was courageous.
2. Self-belief is important for success because:
- It gives confidence to face challenges, just like Ravi did.
- It helps overcome fear, as mentioned by the coach's advice.
- It motivates a person to keep trying, even when things are tough.
In the story, Ravi's self-belief and hard work made him a winner, showing how attitude shapes results.
In The Winner, Ravi wins the race despite being the underdog. Imagine you are interviewing Ravi after his victory. Write two questions you would ask him about his journey and his feelings after winning.
Two interview questions for Ravi could be:
- "Ravi, how did you feel when you crossed the finish line first, especially since no one expected you to win?"
This question explores his emotions and the surprise of his victory. - "What kept you motivated during your practice sessions, even when it was difficult?"
This highlights his determination and the reasons behind his hard work.
These questions help understand Ravi's perspective and the effort behind his success, making the interview insightful.
Read the following passage from The Winner:
"Ravi was nervous but determined. He knew that winning the race wasn't just about speed; it was about strategy and believing in himself."
Based on the passage, answer:
1. Why was Ravi nervous before the race? How did his determination help him?
Ravi was nervous because he was about to participate in a race, and the pressure of performing well made him anxious. However, his determination helped him focus on his goal rather than his fear.
His determination played a key role in his success because:
- It kept him motivated to practice and improve.
- It helped him stay calm and think about strategy instead of just speed.
- It strengthened his self-belief, which is crucial in competitive situations.
Thus, determination turned his nervousness into a driving force for success.
In The Winner, Ravi's coach tells him, "A true winner is not just the fastest but also the smartest."
2. What does the coach mean by this statement? Explain with reference to the story.
The coach means that winning isn't only about physical ability (speed) but also about intelligence and planning (strategy).
In the story:
- Ravi didn't just run blindly; he analyzed his opponents and paced himself.
- He conserved energy at the start to sprint at the end, showing smart decision-making.
- His mental strength and focus made him a true winner, not just his physical speed.
This teaches us that success comes from a combination of effort, planning, and confidence.
Ravi was nervous before the race. His coach told him, 'Believe in yourself, and you will succeed.' Ravi took a deep breath and focused on the finish line.
Based on this, answer: How did Ravi's mindset change after his coach's advice, and what lesson can we learn from this?Ravi's mindset shifted from nervousness to confidence after his coach's advice. The coach's words, 'Believe in yourself', helped Ravi focus on his goal (the finish line) instead of his fears. This teaches us that:
- Self-belief is key to overcoming challenges.
- Focusing on the goal (finish line) helps block distractions.
- Encouragement from others (like the coach) can boost our confidence.
In real life, this lesson applies to exams, sports, or any challenge—believing in oneself leads to success.
Ravi's success was due to two key qualities:
- Determination: He practiced daily and never gave up, even when others doubted him.
- Focus: He ignored distractions and concentrated on his goal.
For students, these qualities are equally important:
Determination helps in:
- Completing tough assignments without quitting.
- Revising regularly for exams.
Focus helps in:
- Avoiding distractions like phones during study time.
- Understanding concepts deeply by paying attention in class.
Just like Ravi, students can achieve their goals with these qualities.
Ravi was determined to win the race despite his injured leg. His friends laughed, but he practiced every day. On the race day, he stumbled but crossed the finish line first.
Based on this, answer: How did Ravi's determination help him succeed?Ravi's determination played a key role in his success. Even though he had an injured leg and faced laughter from friends, he practiced daily, showing his strong willpower. On race day, his perseverance helped him overcome the stumble and win. This teaches us that hard work and self-belief can turn challenges into victories.
The story teaches us that discouraging others is unfair. Instead, we should:
- Encourage people to try their best.
- Offer support rather than doubt.
- Celebrate their efforts, not just results.