Sermon at Benares – Class 10 Descriptive Quiz

Read more about this quiz

Dive into the teachings of Gautama Buddha with descriptive practice questions from "The Sermon at Benares", a chapter in the Class 10 CBSE English textbook.

This free online quiz includes exam-oriented descriptive questions that help students reflect on the central message of detachment, suffering, and enlightenment.

Each question is designed to build your understanding of Buddha's philosophy and its relevance to human life and emotions.

Learn to express how the story of Kisa Gotami conveys the universality of grief and the path to inner peace.

Improve your ability to write clear, structured, and thoughtful long-answer responses in line with NCERT guidelines.

Perfect for board exam preparation, school assessments, and personal reflection on key life lessons.

This quiz supports skill-building in interpretation, expression, and connecting literature with real-world values.

Start your descriptive quiz now and gain a deeper appreciation of this timeless lesson on life and loss.

How Our Descriptive Test on The Sermon at Benares Works

Read more about how it works

In this descriptive quiz on The Sermon at Benares, you will:

  • Write your own answers instead of choosing from fixed options
  • Get instant evaluation with detailed, actionable feedback
  • Build clarity, communication, and critical thinking skills
  • Practice exam-focused questions from textbooks and previous years’ papers
  • Sharpen your writing to score better in school tests and board exams

What is a sermon? Is it different from a lecture or a talk? Can this word also be used in a negative way or as a joke (as in “my mother’s sermon about getting my work done on time…”)?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: A sermon is a serious talk on moral or religious subjects, usually given by a religious leader. Unlike a regular lecture or talk, it often aims to inspire or guide spiritually. Yes, it can also be used humorously or negatively to mean a long or nagging speech, like “my mother’s sermon about doing homework.”

Have you heard of the Sermon on the Mount? Who delivered it? Who do you think delivered a sermon at Benares?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: es, the Sermon on the Mount was delivered by Jesus Christ. The Sermon at Benares was delivered by Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment.

When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why not?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami goes from house to house asking for a mustard seed from a house where no one has ever died. She does not get it, because death has visited every family.

Kisa Gotami again goes from house to house after she speaks with the Buddha. What does she ask for, the second time around? Does she get it? Why not?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: The second time, Kisa Gotami again asks for a mustard seed from a house where no one has died. She does not get it because she realizes that death is common to all, and no house is untouched by it.

What does Kisa Gotami understand the second time that she failed to understand the first time? Was this what the Buddha wanted her to understand?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami understands that death is universal, and no one can escape it. Everyone must face the loss of loved ones. Yes, this is exactly what the Buddha wanted her to realize—that grieving is natural, but one must accept death as a part of life.

Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami understood the truth only the second time because her grief had blinded her initially. The Buddha didn’t explain death directly—he asked her to find mustard seeds from a house where no one had died. When she failed, she realized that death is a common experience. This thoughtful method helped her understand the reality of life and loss more deeply.

How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief’?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: Selfishness usually means thinking only about our own needs and not others'. I agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being selfish in her grief. In her pain, she forgot that death is universal and only focused on her loss. The Buddha helped her realise that others suffer too, and understanding this helped her let go of her sorrow.

The Buddha’s sermon is over 2500 years old. Refer the following two recent texts on the topic of grief: 1. A Guide to Coping with the Death of a Loved One and 2. Good Grief by AMITAI ETZIONI. Read the texts, comparing them with each other and with the Buddha’s sermon. Do you think the Buddha’s ideas and way of teaching continue to hold meaning for us? Or have we found better ways to deal with grief?

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: The Buddha’s sermon, A Guide to Coping with the Death of a Loved One, and Good Grief by Amitai Etzioni all deal with understanding and accepting loss. The Buddha teaches that death is a natural and universal truth. The NCERT guide offers emotional support and coping strategies, while Good Grief encourages accepting sorrow instead of avoiding it. Though modern texts use psychological terms, the core message remains the same — grief is natural, and healing begins with acceptance. The Buddha’s calm, story-based approach still resonates. His teachings continue to hold meaning as they speak to the timeless human experience of loss, even if today we use different tools and words to express it.

Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea requires patience, empathy, and clarity. Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to explain the concept in a simple and relatable way. Using examples or stories can help make abstract ideas easier to understand. Like the Buddha in The Sermon at Benares, who taught Kisa Gotami through a story about a mustard seed, good teachers guide learners step by step. Sometimes, people resist new ideas because they are emotionally overwhelmed or deeply attached to old beliefs. In such cases, the teacher must gently lead them toward understanding, allowing time for the idea to sink in. Encouraging questions and discussion also helps. True teaching happens not just through words, but also through compassion. When we understand what the learner is feeling and thinking, we can connect with them better and help them grow. Teaching is not only about giving knowledge — it is about inspiring understanding.

Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Helping each other to get over difficult times

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: Everyone goes through difficult times at some point in life. In such moments, having someone by your side can make a big difference. Whether it’s by offering kind words, simply listening, or helping with small tasks, being there for someone can help ease their burden. In The Sermon at Benares, the Buddha taught that suffering is a part of life, but we can face it better when we understand we are not alone. When we share our struggles, we realise that others have faced similar pain. Kisa Gotami, for example, learned that death is a part of every family’s life. This helped her come to terms with her grief. Similarly, helping each other builds a sense of community and comfort. Supporting others during tough times not only helps them but also strengthens our own ability to cope. By showing compassion and understanding, we make the world a kinder place.

Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Thinking about oneself as unique, or as one among billions of others

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: Each of us is unique, with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We often see our problems as the biggest and feel that no one else could understand them. However, as The Sermon at Benares teaches us, suffering is a part of every human life. When Kisa Gotami lost her son, she believed her sorrow was unique. But the Buddha helped her realise that death touches everyone and no one is spared from pain. This doesn’t mean we are not special. We all have different qualities and abilities that make us who we are. But remembering that we are one among billions helps us develop empathy and humility. It reminds us to value others’ experiences too. So, while it is important to recognise our uniqueness, it is equally important to understand our shared human journey. This balance helps us grow with kindness and wisdom.

Words: 0 / 0

Important:

  • Free Limit: Solve any 5 descriptive questions per day across all quizzes for free. Upgrade for more.
  • Feedback: Instant, actionable feedback to improve your writing.
  • Mindset: Focus on clarity—practice builds performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this descriptive quiz on "The Sermon at Benares" available for free?

Yes, you can attempt up to 5 descriptive questions per day across all quizzes, including "The Sermon at Benares", for free. To solve more and enjoy an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to premium access.

Will this test on "The Sermon at Benares" help me improve my exam performance?

Absolutely. Each quiz on The Sermon at Benares is crafted to match the relevant syllabus. You'll receive instant evaluation and detailed feedback to improve your writing, clarity, and exam readiness.

How many questions can I solve for free per day?

You can solve up to 5 descriptive questions per day across all quizzes for free. After reaching this limit, you’ll need premium access to continue receiving instant feedback. You can still write and review your answers beyond the free limit, but they won’t be evaluated instantly.

Why does descriptive practice matter?

Descriptive practice develops critical thinking, improves written expression, and strengthens your ability to organize and articulate ideas—all essential for scoring well in CBSE board exams and beyond.

Are other types of quizzes (like MCQs) and topics available for free?

Yes! You can explore our full quiz list, including free MCQ quizzes and more descriptive tests across subjects and topics. MCQ quizzes are unlimited and free to practice. For descriptive quizzes like The Sermon at Benares, the free limit of 5 evaluations per day applies across all quizzes, meaning you can attempt any 5 questions from any quiz each day.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top