NCERT Class 10 First Flight Chapter “Madam Rides the Bus” Extra Question Answers

Introduction to the Chapter

“Madam Rides the Bus” by Vallikkannan is a story about an 8-year-old girl named Valli who dreams of exploring the world beyond her small village. She is fascinated by the bus that travels between her village and the nearby town, and her curiosity leads her to carefully plan and execute a solo journey on the bus. Through her journey, Valli learns important life lessons about joy, independence, and the harsh realities of the world. This heartwarming story captures the essence of childhood innocence, curiosity, and the process of growing up.

Here are some 3-mark and 6-mark questions with value points and answers:

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3-Marks Questions

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1. Why was Valli fascinated by the bus journey? (CBSE 2020)
   • Value Points:
     • The bus represented freedom and adventure beyond her village.
     • Watching the bus daily sparked a strong curiosity in her.
     • She dreamed of seeing the world outside her limited surroundings.
   Answer: Valli was fascinated by the bus journey because it represented freedom and adventure beyond her small village. She watched the bus every day, which sparked her curiosity and led her to dream of exploring the world outside her limited surroundings. The bus journey became her ultimate desire and symbolized an escape from her ordinary life.

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2. How did Valli save money for her bus journey? (CBSE 2019)
   • Value Points:
     • She gave up small treats like peppermints and toys.
     • She avoided spending money on fair rides and other small pleasures.
     • Her sacrifices reflected her determination and maturity.
   Answer: Valli saved money for her bus journey by giving up small treats such as peppermints, toys, and even rides at the village fair. Her willingness to make these sacrifices showed her determination and maturity, as she was focused on achieving her dream of taking the bus journey.

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3. Describe Valli’s experience when she first boarded the bus.
   • Value Points:
     • She was thrilled and excited, feeling a sense of adventure.
     • The conductor found her amusing and playfully called her “Madam.”
     • Valli felt proud and acted confidently, enjoying her journey.
   Answer: When Valli first boarded the bus, she was filled with excitement and felt a sense of adventure. The conductor, amused by her confidence, called her “Madam,” which made her feel grown-up and important. Valli enjoyed the journey thoroughly, observing everything around her with curiosity and confidence.

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4. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when it reached the town?
   • Value Points:
     • Valli’s main goal was to experience the bus ride, not to explore the town.
     • She felt nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar place alone.
     • She was content to observe the town from her seat.
   Answer: Valli chose not to get off the bus when it reached the town because her main goal was simply to enjoy the bus ride. She was nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar place alone, and was content to observe the sights of the town from her seat.

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5. How did Valli react to the sight of the dead cow on the road?
   • Value Points:
     • She was shocked and saddened, contrasting with her earlier joy.
     • Realized the harsh realities of life for the first time.
     • The experience shifted her perspective on the journey.
   Answer: Valli was shocked and saddened when she saw the dead cow on the road. This experience, which contrasted sharply with her earlier excitement, gave her a glimpse of life’s harsh realities. It shifted her perspective on the journey, making her more thoughtful and subdued.

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6-Marks Questions

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1. Describe Valli’s character traits based on her actions in “Madam Rides the Bus.” (CBSE 2018)
   • Value Points:
     • Curious and eager to explore beyond her village.
     • Determined and resourceful: saves money and plans her journey.
     • Independent and confident: rides the bus alone.
     • Sensitive: saddened by the sight of the dead cow.
     • Mature for her age, balancing innocence with new understanding.
   Answer: Valli’s character is a blend of curiosity, determination, independence, and sensitivity. Her curiosity about the world beyond her village drives her to carefully plan her bus journey. She is resourceful and mature, saving money and choosing the right time for her trip. Valli shows confidence in handling the journey alone, yet her sensitivity is evident when she reacts to the dead cow. Her experiences reflect her growth from innocence to a more mature understanding of life’s realities.

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2. What does Valli’s journey teach us about the joys and challenges of growing up?
   • Value Points:
     • Starts with innocence, joy, and excitement for new experiences.
     • Learns about life’s reality when she sees the dead cow.
     • Realizes that life includes both joy and sorrow.
     • The journey marks a step towards maturity and understanding.
   Answer: Valli’s journey highlights both the joys and challenges of growing up. She starts with innocent excitement, thrilled by the idea of a new experience. However, seeing the dead cow on the road shocks her and teaches her that life is not always joyful. This incident brings a sense of maturity as Valli realizes that life includes both happiness and sadness. Her journey reflects a transition from innocence to a more complex understanding of the world.

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3. Explain how Valli’s experience on the bus ride changed her perspective on life. (CBSE 2017)
   • Value Points:
     • Began with excitement and wonder, observing the new sights.
     • Felt thrilled by the bus ride and everything she saw.
     • Shocked and saddened by the dead cow, altering her mood.
     • Shifted from a joyful perspective to a more mature understanding.
   Answer: Valli’s experience on the bus ride changed her perspective on life significantly. Initially, she was full of excitement and wonder, observing each new sight with enthusiasm. However, seeing the dead cow shocked and saddened her, changing her mood entirely. This experience taught her that life is not always filled with happy moments; it also has sorrow. This journey helped her shift from a purely joyful perspective to a more mature understanding of life’s realities.

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4. Discuss the role of the bus conductor in shaping Valli’s experience on her journey. (CBSE 2021)
   • Value Points:
     • Amused by her confidence but treats her with respect.
     • Calls her “Madam,” making her feel grown-up.
     • His kindness enhances her confidence and excitement.
     • Provides guidance without disrupting her independence.
   Answer: The bus conductor plays an essential role in shaping Valli’s experience on her journey. He is amused by her confidence but treats her with respect, calling her “Madam” and giving her the impression of being grown-up. His kindness and friendly attitude enhance her confidence and excitement, making her feel valued. Although he offers guidance, he allows Valli the freedom to explore on her own, making her journey memorable.

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5. How does Vallikkannan use Valli’s journey to convey the theme of curiosity and innocence in the story?
   • Value Points:
     • Valli’s curiosity leads her to observe and plan carefully.
     • Her innocence is seen in her joy and sense of wonder during the journey.
     • The sight of the dead cow introduces her to life’s harsh realities, adding depth to her innocence.
   Answer: Vallikkannan uses Valli’s journey to convey the theme of curiosity and innocence. Valli’s curiosity about the world beyond her village drives her to observe and plan every detail of her journey carefully. Her innocence is evident in the joy and wonder she experiences during the bus ride. However, when she encounters the dead cow, her innocence is challenged by the harsh reality of life. This experience adds depth to her character, blending her childlike innocence with a new understanding of life’s complexities.

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