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Syllabus

The Shoeshine — Syllabus

NIOS · Class 10 · English

What The Shoeshine covers in NIOS Class 10 English: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the NIOS Class 10 English syllabus.

44 questions34 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · NIOS Class 10 English · 2026-27

Topics in The Shoeshine

1

1. Chapter Overview and Central Idea

  • The story is an adaptation of a story by Sasthi Brata and is told in the first person.
  • The narrator is an educated young man who has come to Delhi from Calcutta in search of a job.
  • He has no money except five rupees and some loose change.
2

2. Plot Summary and Key Events

  • The narrator is standing outside the Tea House in Connaught Circus when Shovan Lal approaches him.
  • Shovan Lal asks, 'Cream and polish sir?' and tries to persuade him to get his shoes polished.
  • The narrator says he cannot afford it and reveals that he is looking for a job.
3

3. Character Sketches

  • The narrator is educated, observant, practical, and willing to do honest work without ego.
  • He is in a difficult financial situation but does not become helpless.
  • His quick thinking leads him to see shoeshine work as a possible solution.
4

4. Themes and Message

  • The chapter strongly supports the dignity of labour.
  • It teaches that no work is too small if it is honest.
  • The story values positive attitude in a crisis.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Dignity of labour and cooperation through the story of an educated young man who chooses shoeshine work in Connaught Circus

NarratorShovan LalUnemployment and needDignity of labourPositive attitude and creative thinkingCooperation and teamworkCommunication and EnglishLegal trouble and licence

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Shoeshine for NIOS Class 10 English?
Key topics in The Shoeshine include Chapter Overview and Central Idea, Plot Summary and Key Events, Character Sketches, Themes and Message. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the NIOS Class 10 board exam.
How should I revise The Shoeshine for the NIOS Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 44 practice questions on The Shoeshine. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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