NCERT Class 10 English – First Flight – Chapter 7: Madam Rides the Bus
Exercise Questions: Short Answers & Simple Explanations
Oral Comprehension Check (Section I)
Q1. What was Valli's favourite pastime?
Answer: Valli’s favourite pastime was looking out of the window and watching the world outside.
Explanation: She loved observing her surroundings, which brought her joy and curiosity.
Q2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Answer: Traveling in a bus was a source of unending joy. Her strongest desire was to take a bus ride alone to explore the city.
Explanation: Valli was fascinated by buses and longed for independence and adventure.
Q3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Answer: She found out the bus schedule, the fares, and the route. She gathered these details by observing and asking people.
Explanation: Valli planned carefully by collecting information to make her first solo journey possible.
Q4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Answer: Valli was planning to take a bus ride on her own without informing anyone.
Explanation: Her actions show curiosity, independence, and eagerness for adventure.
Oral Comprehension Check (Section II)
Q1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
Answer: He calls her ‘madam’ because she speaks confidently and acts mature for her age.
Explanation: Valli’s behaviour and appearance give the conductor an impression of politeness and maturity.
Q2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Answer: She stands up to get a better view of the street and the people. She sees the city from a higher perspective.
Explanation: Standing allows Valli to explore and enjoy the new experience fully.
Q3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Answer: She politely agrees and continues with her journey.
Explanation: Valli respects the elderly man’s view but remains confident in her own adventure.
Q4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Answer: She wanted to stay independent and enjoy the journey alone.
Explanation: Valli valued personal freedom and the excitement of solo exploration.
Oral Comprehension Check (Section III)
Q1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
Answer: Valli saved small amounts of money from her daily allowance. It was not easy, but she managed patiently.
Explanation: Her determination and planning helped her achieve her goal despite challenges.
Q2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Answer: She saw people and animals behaving in funny ways.
Explanation: Valli’s sense of humor and observation of life around her brought her joy.
Q3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Answer: She wanted to explore the city further and enjoy the ride fully.
Explanation: Valli prioritized her adventure over stopping at familiar places.
Q4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
Answer: She wanted to keep her focus on the journey and not be distracted. This shows her determination.
Explanation: Valli’s independence and curiosity guided her decisions.
Oral Comprehension Check (Section IV)
Q1. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge”?
Answer: She means that many events occur in life that we do not notice or understand fully.
Explanation: Valli reflects on life’s unpredictability and observes thoughtfully.
Thinking About the Text
Q1. What was Valli's deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Answer: Her deepest desire was to travel alone in a bus and explore the city.
Explanation: Phrases like “I wanted to go alone” and her careful planning show her determination.
Q2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Answer: She observed the bus route, schedule, and fares, and saved small amounts daily until she could afford the ride.
Explanation: Valli’s meticulous observation and saving habits made the solo trip possible.
Q3. What kind of a person is Valli? Pick sentences from the text to support your answer.
Answer: Valli is curious, independent, and brave. Sentences like “I wanted to go alone” and her careful planning show this.
Explanation: Her actions demonstrate intelligence, courage, and a love for adventure.
Q4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
Answer: Because she behaves confidently and politely like a grown-up.
Explanation: Her maturity and self-assurance impress the conductor.
Q5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Answer: Lines describing her laughter and observation of streets and people show her enjoyment.
Explanation: She experiences excitement and wonder during the journey.
Q6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Answer: She wants to keep the memory of her adventure in her mind rather than watch the scenery.
Explanation: Valli cherishes her personal experience more than external sights.
Q7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge”?
Answer: She acknowledges that life has events beyond our observation or control.
Explanation: Valli reflects on life’s small unnoticed happenings thoughtfully.
Q8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement?
Answer: The text shows her wonder, curiosity, and amusement at ordinary events, typical of a child’s perspective.
Explanation: Valli’s innocent interpretations highlight her age and viewpoint.
Speaking and Writing
Mimic a person or persons who spoke to you, saying what they said, along with your replies.
Answer: Example – “The conductor said, ‘Where are you going, madam?’ I replied, ‘I am going to explore the city.’”
Write a page (three paragraphs) on one of the following topics:
Topics & Sample Answer:
- Planning something on your own: I once planned a surprise party for my friend. I made a list, invited guests secretly, and arranged decorations. It felt exciting to manage everything myself and see the happiness on my friend’s face.
- An unforgettable journey: During a school trip, I travelled alone in a train for the first time. The journey was full of excitement, new sights, and experiences, making it memorable.
- Concern about traffic and road safety: I feel unsafe when vehicles over-speed. To improve road travel, people should follow traffic rules, use pedestrian crossings, and avoid distractions while driving.
Poem – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Q1. Who is Custard and what makes him different from other dragons?
Answer: Custard is a cowardly dragon, unlike brave dragons, who is gentle and likes safety.
Q2. How do the other characters react to Custard?
Answer: They tease him for being cowardly but depend on him during danger.
Q3. What happens when danger comes?
Answer: Custard bravely defeats the pirate, showing unexpected courage.
Q4. What moral does the poem convey?
Answer: Courage and bravery can come from unexpected sources; appearances can be misleading.
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