NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight
Madam Rides the Bus
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
Thinking About the Text
Q.1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and
phrases in the story that tell you this.
Answer:
Valli’s deepest desire was to take a ride on the bus that passed through her village
to the town. The phrases that show this are:
- “She wanted to ride on that
bus, even if just once.” - “This wish became stronger
and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire.”
Q.2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find
out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Answer:
Valli planned her bus ride by gathering information from people who frequently
traveled on the bus. She learned that the bus fare was thirty paise one way,
and it took forty-five minutes to reach the town. Valli saved the fare by
collecting stray coins and resisting temptations to spend money on other things
like peppermints, toys, and balloons.
Q.3. What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this
question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the
blanks.
(i) “Stop the
bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised commandingly.
(ii) “Yes, I simply have to go to town,” said Valli, still standing
outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve
paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself. You don’t have to
help me.”
(v) “I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said, irritably.
(vi) “You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli
said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
Answer:
Valli is a confident, independent, and determined young girl. She is curious
about the world around her and has the courage to take initiative for what she
wants. Despite her young age, she shows maturity by saving money and planning
her bus trip thoroughly. She is also proud and dislikes being treated like a
child.
Q.4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
Answer:
The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam’ in a playful and humorous way. He is
amused by her confidence and independence, as she behaves like a grown-up,
despite being a young child.
Q.5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli
was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Answer:
The lines in the text that show Valli was enjoying her ride are:
- “Oh, it was all so
wonderful!” - “Valli devoured everything
with her eyes.” - “Struck dumb with wonder,
Valli gaped at everything.”
Q.6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on
her way back?
Answer:
Valli refuses to look out of the window on her way back because she is saddened
by the sight of the dead cow lying on the road. The memory of the cow, which
had been full of life earlier, haunts her and dampens her excitement for the
rest of the journey.
Q.7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just
agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge”?
Answer:
When Valli says this, she is reflecting on the conversation between her mother
and aunt about how we cannot always understand or know everything that happens
in life. Valli has just experienced a deeper understanding of life and death
during her bus journey, which her mother and aunt are unaware of.
Q.8. 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:
Yes, the author describes everything from an eight-year-old’s perspective by
focusing on simple, everyday scenes that fascinate Valli, such as the green
fields, distant mountains, and the sight of a cow running in front of the bus.
Valli’s excitement and amazement are conveyed through her childlike reactions,
such as clapping her hands with glee and laughing until there are tears in her
eyes.
Writing
Q.1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your
own, without taking grown-ups into your confidence? What did you plan, and how?
Did you carry out your plan?
Answer:
(Students should write about their own experiences. An example might be:
“I once planned a surprise birthday party for my friend. I saved money
from my allowance, made invitations, and coordinated with our other friends. We
kept it a secret from our parents, and the plan worked perfectly. It was a lot
of fun organizing everything, and my friend was really happy.”)
Q.2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in
some way? What made it memorable?
Answer:
(Students should write about their own memorable journeys. An example might be:
“Last summer, I traveled to the mountains with my family. The scenic views
were breathtaking, and we went hiking through beautiful trails. The journey
became unforgettable when we spotted a rare bird species that we had never seen
before.”)
Q.3. Are you concerned about traffic and road safety?
What are your concerns? How would you make road travel safer and more
enjoyable?
Answer:
(Students should express their views on road safety. An example might be:
“Yes, I am concerned about road safety, especially the increasing number
of accidents. One of my concerns is that many drivers do not follow traffic rules,
like speeding or not wearing seat belts. To make road travel safer, I would
encourage stricter enforcement of traffic laws, create more pedestrian-friendly
spaces, and promote the use of public transport to reduce traffic
congestion.”)