CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 7 - Madam Rides the Bus

1. What was Valli’s favourite activity?
Ans: Valli loved standing at her doorway and watching the street outside her house.

2. Why was the bus so fascinating to Valli?
Ans: The bus, with its new passengers each time, filled Valli with endless excitement and curiosity.

3. How did Valli save money for her bus ride?
Ans: Valli saved small amounts by avoiding spending on treats like peppermints and toys.

4. Why didn’t Valli want to get off the bus in town?
Ans: Valli simply wanted the bus ride experience and didn’t intend to explore the town.

5. How did Valli feel when she saw the dead cow?
Ans: Valli felt deeply saddened and disturbed, as it reminded her of the cow she had seen earlier.

6. Describe how Valli prepared for her bus journey.
Ans: Valli spent time listening to others discuss the bus journey, gathering details on fare and travel time. She saved up sixty paise and planned the trip for a time her mother was asleep. Her careful planning showed her determination to experience this journey on her own.

7. How did Valli react to the elderly woman sitting next to her on the bus?
Ans: Valli found the elderly woman repulsive because of her large earrings and the smell of betel nut. She didn’t feel comfortable talking to her and answered curtly, showing her independent and somewhat selective nature.

8. Why did the conductor call Valli “madam”?
Ans: The conductor jokingly called Valli “madam” because of her mature attitude and independence in buying a ticket and travelling alone, which amused him.

9. What scene did Valli find amusing during her bus ride, and why?
Ans: Valli found it funny when a young cow ran frantically in front of the bus, refusing to move despite the driver honking. The sight made her laugh uncontrollably, showing her childlike innocence and joy.

10. How did Valli react to her mother’s conversation with her aunt at the end?
Ans: Valli simply smiled secretly, realising her mother and aunt wouldn’t understand her recent adventure. Her silence shows that she enjoyed her experience privately and felt wiser from it.

11. Explain Valli’s desire to ride the bus and how she achieved it.
Ans: Valli’s desire to ride the bus started as a small wish, growing into a strong longing each time she saw the bus pass by her house. She keenly observed other people’s conversations to understand the fare, timings, and route details. By saving small amounts and avoiding unnecessary purchases, she collected sixty paise for a return trip. Her planning extended to leaving when her mother took her afternoon nap, showing her dedication and resourcefulness. Valli’s excitement about the ride and her cautious behaviour in concealing her plan reflect her independent spirit.

12. Describe Valli’s experience on the bus during her first journey.
Ans: On her first bus journey, Valli was thrilled, closely observing everything inside and outside the bus. She admired the bus’s cleanliness, clock, and soft seats, and enjoyed the scenic views of canals, fields, and distant mountains. Her joy increased when she saw a young cow amusingly running in front of the bus, laughing until she had tears in her eyes. Valli’s excitement reflected her innocence and wonder, as she absorbed every detail with pure happiness.

13. How did Valli’s attitude reflect her maturity and sense of independence?
Ans: Valli showed maturity in planning and saving for her trip, deciding to skip toys and treats to achieve her goal. She handled the conductor’s jokes confidently, insisting she wasn’t a child. Even when offered a cold drink, she firmly refused, showing she understood her budget. Her independence and self-reliance are notable, especially for an eight-year-old, who is typically not expected to handle such a solo adventure.

14. How did the sight of the dead cow affect Valli’s mood on the return journey?
Ans: The sight of the dead cow, the same one that had brought her so much laughter before, left Valli disturbed and sad. She realised how fragile life was, feeling that what was once beautiful could quickly become lifeless and horrifying. This experience dampened her mood, and she no longer found joy in the bus ride. It marked a moment of growth, showing her understanding of life’s unexpected harshness.

15. How did Valli’s first bus journey change her view of herself and her surroundings?
Ans: Valli’s journey gave her a sense of accomplishment, independence, and maturity, having achieved her long-held desire without anyone’s help. Her interaction with different passengers, experiences along the route, and her final return home added to her confidence and sense of self. The experience taught her about the world’s beauty, as well as its sorrow, through the sight of the dead cow. This newfound understanding made her value her experience privately, as she chose not to share it with her mother and aunt.

16. Why do you think Valli saved every small coin for her bus trip instead of using it for treats?
Ans: Valli valued the experience of riding the bus more than temporary pleasures like sweets or toys. Her determination to achieve something meaningful shows she prioritised experiences over short-term enjoyment, reflecting her mature thinking.

17. How did Valli’s interactions with the bus conductor and passengers show her personality?
Ans: Valli’s confident responses to the conductor’s jokes and her refusal to accept favours showed her self-respect and independence. Although young, she wanted to be treated as an equal, proving her assertive and somewhat proud personality.

18. Why might Valli have chosen to keep her bus journey a secret from her family?
Ans: Valli likely kept her journey a secret because it was her personal adventure, something she wanted to experience and remember independently. Sharing it might have risked questions or misunderstandings, as her family might not have understood the depth of her wish.

19. What does Valli’s reaction to the elderly woman suggest about her attitude towards adults?
Ans: Valli’s reaction to the elderly woman suggests she has a selective view of adults, respecting those who treat her with dignity. She found the woman’s questions bothersome and preferred to handle herself without interference, showing her independent mindset.

20. How did the sight of the dead cow mark a shift in Valli’s perspective on life?
Ans: The sight of the dead cow forced Valli to confront the reality of death and loss, contrasting with the earlier joy she felt. This event may have made her realise that life includes both happiness and sorrow, adding to her maturity.

21. How did Valli’s behaviour on the bus show her determination and independence?
Ans: Valli paid for her ticket and made it clear she didn’t want any help or favours. She wanted to stand and observe the scenery on her own terms, even telling the conductor not to treat her like a child. Her focus and confidence demonstrated her strong-willed nature.

22. Describe how Valli planned her journey and the steps she took to ensure its success.
Ans: Valli saved every small coin she could, avoiding unnecessary purchases and gathering exactly sixty paise. She also planned the timing of her trip carefully, choosing the hours when her mother would be napping. Her methodical approach shows her commitment to fulfilling her dream independently.

23. How did Valli’s journey impact her understanding of life’s realities?
Ans: The bus ride brought Valli joy, but the sight of the dead cow reminded her of life’s unpredictability and fragility. This experience added a layer of maturity, showing her that life is a mix of joy and sorrow.

24. Why was the conductor amused by Valli, and how did he treat her?
Ans: The conductor found Valli’s serious attitude and independence amusing, calling her “madam” as a friendly joke. Despite his teasing, he treated her respectfully, giving her a sense of maturity, which she seemed to enjoy.

25. What lesson does Valli’s journey teach about curiosity and courage?
Ans: Valli’s journey teaches that curiosity, when combined with planning and courage, can lead to memorable experiences. Her determination to fulfil her wish independently, despite her young age, shows the power of self-confidence and a willingness to explore the unknown.

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Conclusion:

In Chapter 7, "Madam Rides the Bus," we see Valli's curiosity and determination come to life as she bravely takes her first bus journey on her own. Through her experience, Valli learns more about the world, including moments of joy and moments that bring sadness, like seeing the dead cow. Her excitement about the adventure and her reaction to the sights along the way reflect her innocence and growing awareness of the world. Vedantu offers the FREE PDF of Important Questions from this chapter for easy studying, anywhere, anytime, on-the-go. Download the FREE today and access expert created questions and answers!

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