Sunday, 21 June 2020

FIRST FLIGHT

CLASS X COMPLETE ENGLISH SOLUTION.


FIRST FLIGHT

FIRST FLIGHT

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1.

(i) Where was ‘the house’ located?    1

Answer: The house was located on the top of a low hill.
(ii) Why do you think it is called ‘the’ house and not ‘a’ house?    1

Answer: It is called ‘the house’ because it is the only house on the top of the hill.

 

2. Why did Lencho keep gazing at the sky?   2

Answer:   Lencho knew that his fields needed water immediately. He was eagerly waiting for the rain, therefore he gazed at the sky.

 

3.

(i) How did Lencho feel when it started raining?   1

Answer: Lencho was excited when he came out of his house to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body. He compared the raindrops with coins, as he knew that a good rain would mean a good crop and a good crop would mean a lot of money.
(ii) What was the effect of the rain on the crops?    1

Answer: The rain brought with it destruction. There was hailstorm for about an hour and it covered the field. The corn was totally destroyed.

 

4. Lencho had only ‘one hope’. What was it?   2

Answer:   Lencho was a God-fearing man and had a firm faith in the benevolence of God, who he thought would certainly help him. God was his only hope.

 

5. “Now we’re really going to get some water, woman.” Is Lencho sure that it is going to rain? Give a reason for your answer.    2

Answer: Lencho was sure that it was going to rain because he kept watching the sky throughout the day. Through his experience, he knew that the clouds would certainly bring rain.


6. What are the raindrops compared to and why?    2

Answer:  Raindrops are compared to coins. He compares big raindrops to ten-cent coins and smaller ones to five-cent coins. He knew that the raindrops would help give him a rich harvest. Naturally, it would make him get more money.

 

7. Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho?   2

Answer: The letter did not reach God but it certainly reached the postmaster who was a God-fearing and kind-hearted man. He decided to send a reply to Lencho as he was moved by the firm faith of a farmer in God, and he did not want to disappoint him.

 

8. Lencho describes the post office employees as ‘a bunch of crooks’.    2
(i) Were they ‘a bunch of crooks’?

Answer:  The post office employees were very good people who tried to help a poor farmer. They were not a bunch of crooks.

.......(ii) How would you describe them?

Answer: They can be described as kind-hearted, generous and helpful men.

 

9. When did Nelson Mandela become the President?   2

Answer: Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa on 10 May 1994.

 

10. Where did the inauguration ceremony take place?    2

Answer: The inauguration ceremony took place at Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.



11. What was the pledge taken by Nelson Mandela?    2

Answer: To liberate all the black people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and racial discrimination.

 

12. Which colours were used in the new flag of South Africa?    2

Answer: Black, red, green, blue and gold.

 

13. What were the two anthems sung on ‘that day’?   2

Answer: ‘Nkosi Sikelel Africa’ and ‘Die stem’.

 

14. Which party did Nelson Mandela join?    2

Answer: Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress.

 

15. Where is Coorg located? Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills?   2

Answer: Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a land of rolling hills and picturesque landscape. Coorg is a coffee country famous for its hills, rainforests and spices. It is surrounded by hills and covered with rainforests. Because of numerous hills, the city is also called the land of rolling hills.



16. What is Kodagu? Why is it famous?    2

Answer: Kodagu is another name of Coorg, the smallest district of Karnataka. It is famous for its coffee gardens, spices and rainforests. It is also famous for its brave people and culture.

 

17. What is the most suitable weather for the visitors to visit Coorg? Why?   2

Answer: The most suitable weather for the visitors begins in the month of September and continues till March. Coorg is covered with rainforests which keep the visitors away during the monsoon. The weather is perfect during the months of September to May.

 

18. What is the origin of the people of Coorg?    2

Answer: According to one story, the people of Coorg are the descent of Greek. The army of Alexander settled here and expanded their families by marrying the locals. According to other belief, the people of Coorg are the descent of the Arabs as their dress resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs.

 

19. What is the story regarding the Greek origin of the people of Coorg?   2

Answer: According to one story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and expanded their family. Hence, it is believed that the people of Coorg are possibly of Greek descent.

 

20. What is Kuppia? How does it make the Kodavus close to the Arabs?   2

Answer:   ‘Kuppia’ is a long, black coat with embroidered waist-belt worn by the people of Coorg. It is very similar to Kuffia worn by the Arabs.



21. What are the two contradictory traits of the character of the Kodavus?   2

Answer: The people of Coorg are peace-loving people. They are known for their hospitality and tradition. On the other hand, they are also known for their bravery. They are the only people in India who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

 

22. Why are the Kodavus permitted to carry firearms without a licence?   2

Answer: Kodavus, the people of Coorg, are known for their loyalty and bravery. The Coorg regiment is one of the most celebrated regiments in the Indian Army. The people of Coorg are the only one in India who are allowed to carry firearms without a licence.



23. What legends are associated with the origin of tea?  2

Answer:

(a) There was one Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water, which gave it a delicious flavour. It is said that they were tree leaves.

 (b) Bodhidharma, an ancient ‘Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water drunk banished sleep.

 

24. Why did Rajvir feel that the view outside the window was magnificent?  2

Answer: Rajvir had never seen such beautiful greenery in his life. He was fascinated to see the tea gardens and the wooded hills so he called it a magnificent view. The tea pluckers looked like dolls to him.

 

25. Why does Rajvir call the workers doll-like figures?    2

Answer: The tea pluckers were the local women. They had covered themselves with clothes from top to bottom. They looked like moving dolls. Rajvir called them doll-like figures. They looked very pretty.

 

26. Why was Pranjol not excited about seeing the tea garden?    2

Answer: Pranjol was born and brought up in Assam. He had been watching the tea gardens since his childhood. There was nothing new for him. So he was not excited about seeing the tea gardens.

 

27. What is the Chinese legend about the discovery of tea?    2

Answer: According to the Chinese legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea accidentally. He used to boil water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of some twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said that they were tea leaves.

 

28. What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?     2

Answer: According to Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt very sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put into hot water and drunk banished sleep.

 

29. How are tea pluckers different from other farmers or labourers on the farms?   2

Answer: The tea pluckers were different from other workers on the farm. They had bamboo baskets on their back. They were wearing plastic clothes. They looked like moving dolls.

 

30. Which tea is considered the best tea? Why?   2

Answer: The tea prepared from the second flush on the sprouting period which begins in the month of May and lasts till the end of July is considered the best tea. It is the best one because it is prepared from the new leaves.



31. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside?     2

Answer: When Valli saw the dead cow by the roadside, she was overwhelmed with sadness. The memory of the dead cow haunted her, depressing her enthusiasm. She no longer wanted to look out of the window.

 

32. Who was Valliammai? What was her favourite pastime?    2

Answer: Valliammai was an eight-year-old girl. She was a mature girl but did not have any playmate of her age. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.

 

33. What did Valli wish? How did this desire creep in her mind?    2

Answer: Valli wished to have a ride on the bus. She used to listen to the passengers’ conversation carefully. She heard about the city and many more things through them. A tiny wish crept into her mind and became a desire.

 

34. Why did Valli feel jealous of her friend?    2

Answer: Valli had a strong desire to ride the bus. One of her friends had already visited the city. She wanted to describe her experience to Valli. Valli was so jealous that she did not listen to her and shouted ‘Proud! Proud!’

 

35. Why did Valli collect the information about the bus?    2

Answer: Valli had a strong desire to ride the bus. She had to plan her journey to the city by bus. So she started collecting information about the distance, time and fare of the journey.

 

36. What information did Valli collect about the bus journey?    2

Answer: Valli collected some details of the journey. The city was six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way. The trip takes forty-five minutes one way. Now she could plan her journey by the bus in an easy way.

 

37. How did Valli slip away from her house?    2

Answer: Valli had calculated that if she left her house at one o’clock she would be back by two forty-five. This was the time she could be away without the knowledge of her mother. She slipped from her house and boarded the bus.

 

38. How did the conductor treat Valli? How did Valli feel when the conductor called her ‘My Fine Madam’?    2

Answer: When Valli got into the bus, the conductor treated her as a child. He asked her who was coming on the bus. Valli told him confidently that it was she only. She bought the ticket and the conductor called her ‘Madam’ jokingly. The conductor was a jolly fellow. Valli did not like him treating her as a child. Her temperament made the conductor call her ‘Madam’. Valli was overcome with shyness.

 

39. What did Valli see beyond the bank of a canal while on the bus ride?  2

Answer: While on the bus ride, Valli saw beyond the canal through the window. There were palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and the blue sky. It was a wonderful scene for Valli.

 

40. What did the conductor advise Valli while on the bus?    2

Answer: The conductor advised Valli to sit on her seat properly. She had taken a full ticket and need not stand on the seat. Moreover, she could have hurt herself while standing on the seat and watching outside.



41. Why did Valli rebuke the elderly woman on the bus?    2

Answer: The elderly woman treated Valli as a child. She asked her many questions. She tried to make Valli feel that it was not proper for a child to travel alone. Valli did not like her appearance and unnecessary interference. She rebuked her saying that she was not a child and she could take care of herself.

 

42. Why did Valli not get down from the bus in the town?   2

Answer: Valli did not get off the bus at the bus station because she had to come back to her village on the same bus. When the conductor asked her to get down, she refused to do so. She was afraid of moving alone. Moreover, she did not have money to buy things from there.

 

43. How did Valli react to seeing the cow for the first time?   2

Answer: On her way to the city, Valli saw a small cow running in front of the bus. She was filled with joy. She laughed wholeheartedly until her eyes filled with tears. She saw life in the form of a cow.

 

44. Why did she become sad while returning from the town?   2

Answer: She became sad while coming back from the city. She saw a dead cow on the road. It was the same cow that filled her with joy only a while ago. The scene of the dead cow haunted her and she could not enjoy her back journey.

 

45. What did Valli find her mother doing when she came back?   2

Answer: When Valli came back from the city, she found her mother standing and conversing with one of her aunts. They were discussing the things happening outside the world.

 

46. What was the topic of discussion between Valli’s mother and her aunt?   2

Answer: They were discussing the things happening outside the city and they were unable to understand them.

 

47. What did Valli remark when she heard the conversation between her mother and her aunt?   2

Answer: When Valli heard the conversation between her mother and her aunt, she remarked that she agreed with what they said about things happening outside without their knowledge.

 

48. Why did Valli keep on watching the street? What was the most fascinating scene for Valli in the street?   2

Answer: Valli did not have any playmate of her age. She had a pastime of watching outside in the street. She used to watch the new passengers boarding the bus every day. The arrival of the bus was the most fascinating scene in the street for Valli. She watched the passengers boarding the bus and to listen to their conversation. The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy for Valli.


LONG ANSWER (VALUE-BASED) TYPE QUESTIONS:

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1. Describe the character of Lencho in the light of his faith and attitude towards God and man. Do you have faith in God like Lencho? Do you think he should have been grateful to the post office employees?      2+2+2=6

Answer: Lencho was a hardworking farmer who had immense faith in God. He had such immense faith in the existence and helpfulness of God that he started communicating with him. He wrote a letter to God requesting him to send him one hundred pesos. When he received seventy pesos, he was not surprised at all. He even doubted the integrity of the post office employees who, he thought, had stolen his thirty pesos. He was a poor judge of human nature. His attitude towards man was negative. He could not think of help from man. Yes, I also have faith in God but not blind faith. I will never start writing a letter to God like Lencho. Lencho should have been grateful to the post office employees who had helped him. But he cannot be criticised as he had faith in God and not in mankind.

 

2. Lencho called the post office employees ‘a bunch of crooks’. What does it show about his attitude towards men? Does he lack the value of humility, appreciation and gratefulness? Elaborate.  5

Answer: Lencho called the post office employees a bunch of crooks as he thought that they had stolen his money sent by God. He was not correct in his assessment of the employees. It shows that he had a negative attitude towards mankind. He was not a fair judge of men’s nature. He lacked the value of humility, appreciation and gratefulness. He hurt the feelings of the post office employees unintentionally. He was a simple man who had immense faith in God but could not think of any help from men. His anger and attitude towards them show that he did not have any faith in men. He did not credit the post office employees for their help out of ignorance but he should not have called them a bunch of crooks.

 

3. What kind of people were the post office employees? What values are reflected in their character? What do you like about the gesture of the postmaster?   2+2+2=6

Answer: The post office employees were very generous, kind and helpful people. When they received the letter for God from Lencho, they were impressed with his faith in God although initially, they made fun of it. They did not want to hurt his feelings and shake his faith in God. They decided to help him by sending him money.

It was a noble gesture on their part. All of them contributed by giving a share of their salaries. It shows their kindness and generosity. They could have told Lencho the truth about God but their sensitivity stopped them from doing so. They did not want to hurt his feelings. They had sympathy and compassion for Lencho. The postmaster’s generosity, his sensitivity, initiative and his noble gesture make him a good human being in the eyes of the readers.

 

4. Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress as a young man. It transformed his life. What made him join it? What does it show about his values and character?  

                                                                                                             2+3=5

Answer: Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress because even the basic freedom was not available to blacks. They could not live as human beings. They were punished and isolated from society. He brought a transformation by achieving freedom for his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect.

Nelson Mandela was a simple law-abiding person but his people were not happy in a slave society. They were not given the basic rights of a citizen. They had to endure much pain and endure racial discrimination. They were not free on their land. All these sufferings ignited the fire in Mandela. He left his home and began living like a monk. He taught boldly and fearlessly. The value of patriotism, selfrespect and dignity transformed him completely. It shows that Mandela had a strong character. He was determined in his action. He had sympathy and compassion for his people.

 

5. Man is a social animal. He has some obligations to society. What twin obligations does Mandela mention? How can one fulfil these obligations?    2+3=5

Answer: Man is a social animal and has some social obligations to society. Nelson Mandela understood the importance of being social. Mandela talks about twin obligations—the obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. This is the first and the most important obligation that every man has to fulfil in his life. Another obligation is to his people, to his community and to his nation. He emphasises that in civil society, each one of us should fulfil these obligations. It is the responsibility of the government to provide an atmosphere where a person can fulfil these obligations. But in a country like South Africa, it was not possible to fulfil these obligations because of discrimination. It was an era of oppression and torture for the black Africans in their own country. They were not allowed even the basic freedom of living a dignified life.



6. There are some real virtues of a human being. Nelson Mandela points out these virtues in his speech. Which of these virtues impress you the most? Do you think these virtues have become rare nowadays?   2+3=5

Answer: In the truest sense, nowadays the real virtues of a true human that Nelson Mandela points out in his speech are hardly found in man. Today, people almost lack real virtues like love, compassion and truthfulness. According to Nelson Mandela, the real virtues of a human being are love, compassion and truthfulness. He fought against the discrimination meted out to his people in South Africa and realised that those who are oppressors lack the real virtues of human beings. Those who deny basic freedoms to all are not real human beings. The real human being is one who has love, kindness and respect for all.

 

7. We should be grateful to our martyrs who gifted our freedom at their cost. How did Nelson Mandela pay a tribute to the black people who sacrificed their lives for attaining freedom for their country? How can we do it for our country?   3+2=5

Answer: We should be grateful to our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. We must show respect to them and follow their path. Nelson Mandela had to fight against the inhumane government in South Africa. He fought against the policy of apartheid. He was not the first leader to initiate this movement. He joined them and succeeded. But he did not take entire credit for his success. He recognised their contribution and paid them a befitting tribute. He called himself simply the sum of all those Africans patriots who had laid the path towards the achievement of success. He continued the movement started by them. On the day of installation of the government, he missed all of them and expressed his gratitude towards them.



8. Do you think there is colour or caste prejudice in our own country? How can we uproot it? What is your stand on it? Should we discriminate based on caste or colour? 2+2+2+2=8

Answer: We can also do such work for our country. Though we have got independence, all our people have not yet achieved the freedom of education. We should do whatever we can, to make education available to the poor and backward people. Also in many places, girls are not given all basic rights. Our government should take initiatives to give all right to every citizen.

Indeed, there is not colour or caste prejudice in their own country. Nevertheless, discrimination based on caste and religion has not been rooted out from the minds of the people. So it is a burning question to uproot this discrimination.

Education, basically value education, is the most important tool to do away with such discrimination. Once people are properly educated, they can be conscious and aware of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and can face boldly such as racial discrimination.

As a true citizen of India, we have to be conscious and aware of our fundamental right. Accordingly, we will fight against any kind of discrimination like colour, religion or caste prejudices.

No, we should not discriminate our people based on caste or colour. We should give respect to all irrespective of caste, colour or religion and allow everyone to live with dignity and self-respect.

 

9. The Coorgis are known for their hospitality. They are friendly and caring. What are their values which one must inculcate in one’s life? What makes them so loveable?                                                                                                                  3+2=5

Answer: Coorgis are well known for their courage, bravery and hospitality. They are very warm people who entertain and look after their guests as family members. They are always willing to recount numerous tales of valour when in the company of their guests. It shows that they want their guests to feel at home by sharing the tales from their lives. We learn to be friendly, caring and sensitive to the need of others. They follow the age-old Indian tradition of ‘Athithi Devo Bhav’. Guests are not considered a burden. They provide them with all the comforts and make them feel at home. The warmth in their behaviour makes them loveable.

 

10. The Coorgis are happy because they are true lovers of nature. They have a great environmental sense. They never interfere with nature. What can we learn from them about environmental issues?   5

Answer: It is a fact that Coorgis live in harmony with nature. All kinds of aquatic as well as land animals and birds like fish, kingfisher, squirrels, langur, elephant, bees and butterflies, and many other arboreal animals live here fearlessly in the dense forests. It shows that Coorgis have a great environmental sense. They care for their surroundings and never interfere with nature resulting in the serene and lush green atmosphere. We should also protect nature by planting more and more trees. Cities are especially getting more and more polluted. In such a scenario, it is our foremost duty to take a step in the direction of preserving our flora and fauna. We can learn from them how to live in harmony with nature.

 

11. The Coorgis are religious and have deep faith in God. Justify the fact of taking examples from the text. Give your opinion also on the importance of having faith in the Supreme Power.    2+3=5 

Answer: The world’s largest Tibetan settlement is situated in Coorg. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes are described as being among many other surprises that await us. The monastery is considered to be the heart and soul of India. It is revealed that Coorgis are highly religious people and have deep faith in the Supreme Power. It is of utmost importance to perform all our duties with uninterrupted dedication without cribbing over results. Always have faith in God and think positively. Moulding our thoughts in the right direction does miracles and can bring about the desired change in the way we think or act. Always remember that there is a supreme power who controls the whole universe. We should also have faith in all the religions and not behave like a fanatic.



12. The Coorgis are said to be descendants of Greek Arabs. They have settled here and there but they have never given up their values and culture. Today many Indians have settled abroad but they are still Indians by heart. They still believe in Indian culture and keeping it alive. Do you think that when we settle abroad we must change our values and culture to adopt the culture of the country where we settle? Does it help us?    3+2=5

Answer: There is no doubt one is known by one’s values and culture. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or Arabs and scattered here and there but they have not lost their identity. They still have all the traditional values of their clan. The same is true in the case of Indians settled abroad. They are still Indians by heart. They still believe in Indian culture and keeping it alive. We should never forget our traditions and customs. We should not forget our roots. Our culture gives us recognition. We should never change our values or culture when we are abroad. If we do this, we lose our originality and identity. The Coorgis give us a lesson that we should be proud of our traditions and should never give them up. If we stick to our culture and values, we always get recognition. It helps us.

 

13. Rajvir felt too excited on reaching Assam while Pranjol showed the least interest in his excitement. What could be the reason behind this? Do you think it is appropriate on Pranjol’s part to react like this? Justify your answer with reason.   2+1+2=5

Answer: Pranjol invited his friend Rajvir to spend some days with him in his hometown Assam. On reaching there, Rajvir was stunned to see the beauty of tea plantations. It was an entirely new experience for him while for Pranjol, these were a common sight so he showed the least interest in Rajvir’s excitement. I think it is not appropriate on Pranjol’s part to react thus. No doubt his indifference was natural but it might dampen Rajvir’s spirit. Sometimes we have to act according to the wishes of the person opposite us, especially when the person is very close to us. A true friend is one who understands the feelings of his friend and tries to make him happier. Although Pranjol and Rajvir were very close yet one should always try to strengthen the bond of friendship.

 

14. Pranjol invited Rajvir to his home in Assam during summer vacation. Express your views on the deep bond that they both shared. Do you also believe in the compatibility of two individuals? Why/Why not?   4+1=5

Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol both were good friends to the extent that they spent time with each other at their homes too. This is apparent from the fact that Rajvir was going to spend his summer vacation with Pranjol in Assam. They both indeed shared a deep bond. Their likes and dislikes were almost similar. They both liked to read detective books. They enjoyed sipping hot steaming tea. True friendship is one in which a friend is always eager to listen to the other. The same is clearly seen when Pranjol listened to the legends associated with tea patiently as told by Rajvir. Compatibility and perseverance are the pillars that support true friendship. Yes, I also believe in the compatibility of two individuals for the relationship to sustain longer.

 

15. Does the statement – ‘Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees….’ remind you of an elder in the family who protects the younger ones with love and care? How should you behave with the elders of the family who do so much for you? Write the answer in 120-150 words.  3+2=5

Answer: The view outside the train was magnificent. The sentence ‘Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade trees....’ indicates to nature’s way of protecting its offsprings. The tall sturdy shady trees provide shade to the tiny tea plants which may otherwise get withered away in the heat of the sun. In the same manner, elders of a family protect the younger ones and take great care of them with love and compassion. Particularly in Indian society, family plays a protective role in nurturing the children and taking care of all their needs. It is the duty of the children also to listen to the elders and respect them. Nowadays family values are fast disappearing. Such a trend is very harmful to society as well as the individual. Love, empathy, respect for each other, understanding, a sense of individual duties are the qualities that cement the relationships in a family.



16. Valli got jealous every time one of her friends told her about the bus ride and the sights of the town. Do you think jealousy is a positive trait? What should be done to keep jealous thoughts away?   3+2=5

Answer: Valli has a deep desire to visit the town and experience a bus journey. The world outside holds a charm for her. Whenever one of her friends tells Valli about her bus ride and the sights of the town, she gets jealous and tells them to shut up. Jealousy is not a positive trait. It’s a negative feeling that arises out of hatred and contempt for others. We must not ever be jealous of others instead, we must share the achievements and happiness of our friends. We should feel inspired by their accounts and try to achieve our goal with all our heart.

 

17. Valli posed herself to be very confident when the conductor offered her help to ride the bus. Later on, she felt shy when all laughed at her. What does this tell you about Valli’s character? What values do we learn from her character?    4+1=5

Answer: Valli posed to be very confident in front of the conductor when he offered her help to ride the bus. This shows her confidence, intelligence and caring nature. But when everybody laughed at her, she felt shy. She was innocent too. Being aware of that fact that she was travelling for the first time, she was taking every precaution not to be fooled by anybody. Although she should not have travelled alone yet it was wise on her part to behave confidently. Sometimes, situations arise when a child has to travel or live alone. In such a situation, children must get training to be self-confident. She teaches the values of confidence, compassion and sympathy to us.

 

18. Valli dared to travel alone in the bus and behaved haughtily with everyone who showed care and concern for her. Why do you think she was behaving in such a way? Was it proper on her part to go to the city without the knowledge of her mother? What advice would you give such children?    2+2+1=5

Answer: As Valli was travelling alone on a bus for the first time, it was natural on her part to behave like this. Initially, she seemed haughty but later on, she joined other people, though maintaining a distance. Valli was a very confident and mature girl. She saved her pocket money and planned carefully for the journey. She knew that the world outside was strange to her so she was being extra cautious. I appreciate her sense of responsibility but it was also not proper on her part to go out alone without telling her parents. Children must confide in their parents in whatever they do. Our elders have experience and knowledge and under their guidance, we can make our life a success.

 

19. Valli sternly refused the conductor’s offer of a cold drink though she might be willing to have one. What lesson do you learn from her gesture?   5

Answer: By the end of the journey, the conductor had got quite fond of Valli. When the bus reached its destination, the conductor went to the nearby stall to have something to drink. He offered to bring one for Valli as a treat from him but Valli refused sternly. She didn’t have much money and out of the feeling of self-respect, she was not ready to take obligation either. Such conduct from an eight-year-old girl shows her good upbringing. We learn not to be greedy and live within our means. We must not get lured by the attractions, however strong they may be. It is always wise to spend money judiciously. Children must not waste their pocket money on unwanted items.

 

20. The sight of the dead cow filled Valli with sadness. The harsh reality of life and death are shown in this episode. What kind of life do you think one must have to live peacefully until death comes?   5

Answer: On her way to the town, Valli saw a young cow running helter-skelter. She got very amused and laughed a lot. But while on her return journey to the town, she saw the same cow lying dead in a pool of blood by the side of the road. Valli got very upset and lost her enthusiasm for looking outside the window. The episode reveals the fact that life is transitory. Death is uncertain. God has given us a very precious life so we must not waste it in doing wrong deeds. Our aim in life should be to live happily with our friends, neighbours and relatives. Leaving all the negative thoughts like anger, jealousy, greed and pride, etc. a person can feel calm, and peaceful at heart. Death is a harsh reality but life is beautiful. We must not lose an opportunity to live it to the fullest by getting entangled in the webs of life.



21. Valli’s journey to the town is also her induction into the mystery of life and death. Such real experiences of life make us mature. Do you agree? Elaborate.   5

Answer: Indeed, Valli’s journey to the town is also her induction into the mystery of life and death. While on her way to the town, Valli saw a cow running very fast in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. Valli was very happy. She kept on laughing until her eyes welled up with tears. She saw life in the image of a cow. This is what life gives us, happiness and enjoyment. On her way back home, she saw a dead cow lying on the road. It was killed in a road accident. Valli recognised it. It was the same cow which filled her life with happiness and joy a short while ago. She was upset and realised how death can change things. Something lovable and charming a while ago had lost all the charms. Yes, such real-life experiences make one mature. It’s a great lesson about life.

 

22. Imagine you are Valli. On your return journey, the sighting of a dead cow changed your mood. You were very upset. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.  5

Answer:

Dear Diary, Date: 1 July, Saturday

 A dream came true today when a long-cherished wish of riding the bus was fulfilled. It was a wonderful and exciting experience. While going to the city watching a small cow filled me with joy. I laughed wholeheartedly. It was funny to see her, running in front of the bus. On my journey back, I saw a dead cow lying on the road. I asked the conductor if that was the same cow. When I came to know that it was the same cow, I was so upset that I lost all the charm of the beauty outside. A cow that filled me with joy and happiness only a moment ago was lying dead! I could see the blood coming out of its nose. It was so haunting that I could not enjoy my journey back.



23. Valli is a very sensitive girl. She is different from ordinary people who are becoming more and more callous and insensitive to the joys and sufferings of the people around them. She grieves the accidental death of the young cow. Do you think the values of being sensitive and sympathetic are missing from our society? What do you learn from Valli?  3+2=5

Answer: Valli is indeed a very sensitive girl. She is different from ordinary people who are becoming more and more callous and insensitive to the joys and sufferings of the people around them. She grieves the accidental death of the young cow. She was very happy while going to the city. She was happy seeing the young cow and enjoyed her activity. When she was back and found the cow dead, she was very upset and grieved her death. It shows that she was very sensitive. No doubt the values of being sensitive and sympathetic are missing from our society. These values must be restored and inculcated in the new generation. Today we find people very callous and insensitive towards the victim of road accidents. In some cases, the victim is not given any help and dies on the road itself. We must be sensitive towards them. Valli gives us a lesson that we should be sensitive to our surroundings and people.



24. Curiosity is the mother of learning. If one has an urge to know more about anything, one learns many things. Valli also has an urge to know more and more about things and her surroundings which makes her an intelligent, confident and mature girl. What traits of her character make her so? What do you learn from her character?    3+2=5

Answer: Curiosity is the mother of learning. If one has an urge to know more about anything, one learns many things. Valli also has an urge to know more and more about things and her surroundings. The people and surroundings are a good book to learn. Valli in the lesson, ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ learns a lot from others. She is a small inquisitive girl of eight years. She always enjoys standing at the front door of the house to watch various activities going in the house. She is very confident. She has a deep urge to travel by bus so she listened carefully to the conversation of the neighbours. She has a lot of questions and does not hesitate in asking them. She sometimes asks discreet questions to get details about the journey. While on her journey to the town she becomes friendly with the conductor who gives her a lot of information. Her curious nature makes her intelligent and confident. I, as a student, learn from her that we should have an urge to know more. It makes one confident and intelligent.


Rajesh Konwar

Author & Editor

Has laoreet percipitur ad. Vide interesset in mei, no his legimus verterem. Et nostrum imperdiet appellantur usu, mnesarchum referrentur id vim.

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