CBSE Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Assignment Set 02

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How does education play a transformative role in Bholi’s life?
Answer: Schooling has a highly life-changing impact on Bholi. It instilled a sense of self-assurance and self-worth in her. This enabled her to make correct choices, act with wisdom, and advocate for her own rights. Learning served as an effective tool to resist Bishamber and assert her independence.
In simple words: Education gave Bholi the confidence to speak up for herself and make her own decisions. It helped her stand up against unfair treatment.

Exam Tip: Focus on keywords like "self-esteem", "independence", and "standing up against Bishamber" to score full marks in Bholi-related questions.

Question. During her journey, Valli absorbed the natural beauty and clapped her hands in happiness on seeing a young cow running very fast. What does this reveal about Valli?
Answer: This reaction highlights Valli's innocent and youthful nature. She thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views along the path. Her applause at the sight of the galloping cow reflects a child's typical excitement, as youngsters of her age find joy in playful movement. She believed the animal was merely running out of amusement.
In simple words: This shows Valli's innocent, childlike nature. She was thrilled by the running cow and thought the animal was just having fun.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Valli's innocence and her natural childish enthusiasm when describing her reaction to the cow.

Question. Valli didn’t like the way adults treated her during her bus journey. Describe how you would feel and react if you were to find yourself in a similar situation.
Answer: If I were in her place, traveling by myself for the first time, my response would have been quite similar. Older people frequently micromanage or pester youngsters about minor details. They often fail to remember their own childhood experiences. Grown-ups sometimes assume that children lack wisdom and cannot make independent choices, which is highly incorrect.
In simple words: Most children would feel annoyed if adults treated them like they could not make their own decisions. Adults often forget what it feels like to be a child.

Exam Tip: Express a personal perspective while connecting it to the universal desire of children for independence and respect.

Question. Imagine you come across a little girl travelling alone in a bus. Write down any two questions you would ask her and your reasons for asking them.
Answer: Since children of Valli's age rarely commute unaccompanied, I would feel compelled to ask the reason behind her solo journey. Driven by basic concern and curiosity, I would inquire about her destination and the purpose of her travel. Additionally, I would extend a helping hand to ensure her safety.
In simple words: I would ask her where she is going and why she is traveling alone to make sure she is safe and does not need help.

Exam Tip: State the questions clearly and justify them with reasons based on safety and empathy.

Question. If you were to advise Valli on the two things she ought to take with her if she were travelling alone for the first time, what would they be and why?
Answer: I would suggest that Valli carry a piece of paper with her home address and her parents' contact numbers in her pocket, ensuring that someone can reach her family during an emergency. Furthermore, carrying a whistle would be beneficial to quickly draw attention if she faces danger. Other useful protective items for female travelers include a decoy wallet and defense spray.
In simple words: She should carry her parents' contact details for safety, and a whistle or defense tool to use in case of an emergency.

Exam Tip: Suggest practical, safety-oriented items and provide a clear, logical reason for each.

Question. Do you think Valli’s mother would have taken her for the bus ride if she had requested her to do so? Why/ Why not?
Answer: It is unlikely that Valli's mother would have agreed to the trip, as she probably would not share her daughter's sense of adventure. She would likely dismiss the journey as an unnecessary expense. Since the family's financial situation was modest, they could not easily afford to spend money on their child's casual whims.
In simple words: Valli's mother would likely say no because the family was poor, and she would view the ride as a waste of money.

Exam Tip: Point out both the financial constraints of the family and the difference in perspective between a child and an adult.

Question. Imagine Valli had to plan a day-long budget trip to a domestic destination for her family all by herself. What things do you think she would keep in mind while planning?
Answer: Given her sensible nature demonstrated in her initial trip planning, Valli would carefully estimate expenses for transit, meals, and local attractions for a family outing. She would gather information about the sights beforehand and draft a checklist of essential items to pack. This list would include drinking water, a flashlight, packaged snacks, first-aid supplies, and necessary identification papers.
In simple words: Valli would plan by looking at the costs of travel, food, and sightseeing. She would also pack essentials like water, snacks, first-aid supplies, and documents.

Exam Tip: Showcase Valli's characteristic traits of meticulous planning and foresight in your answer.

Question. What was the most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street?
Answer: The most captivating sight for Valli on her street was the passenger bus operating between her local village and the nearby town. This vehicle went by her house every sixty minutes, traveling to the town and returning later.
In simple words: The most exciting thing Valli saw was the hourly bus that ran between her village and the town.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that the bus was the main source of fascination and mention its hourly schedule.

Question. How was the view outside the bus when it went through the canal?
Answer: As the bus moved along the canal, one side presented a scenic landscape featuring palm trees, meadows, far-off peaks, and the open sky. Conversely, the opposite side featured a steep trench followed by vast stretches of lush green farmland.
In simple words: On one side, Valli saw a canal, palm trees, fields, and mountains. On the other side, there was a deep ditch and wide green fields.

Exam Tip: Contrast the two distinct views on either side of the bus to give a complete description.

Question. Why would Valli stand at the front door?
Answer: Valli preferred standing by the front entrance to closely observe the daily activities on the road outside. Observing the passing vehicle day after day brought her boundless happiness and excitement.
In simple words: Valli stood at her front door to watch everything happening on the street, especially the bus, which brought her great joy.

Exam Tip: Explain that standing at the door was her favorite pastime because it allowed her to observe the street activities.

Question. How did Valli feel on seeing the dead cow on the road?
                                                    Or
How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside ?
Answer: The sight of the lifeless cow by the road filled Valli with deep sorrow. She contemplated how a vibrant, lovely animal that was full of life just a short time earlier could suddenly lose its beauty. Once dead, the creature lost all its appeal and appeared terrifying and grim.
In simple words: Seeing the dead cow made Valli very sad. She could not believe how a beautiful, lively animal could lose its life so quickly and look so scary.

Exam Tip: Describe the shift in Valli's mood from joy to sadness, emphasizing how the dead animal represented the harsh reality of death.

Question. Valli was an eight year old girl who was very curious about things. What was her favourite pastime?
Answer: Valli's preferred way to spend her time was standing at her home's front threshold. Unlike other kids, she did not play outdoor games because there were no children of her age group in her neighborhood. Observing the daily happenings on the road provided her with unique and pleasant experiences.
In simple words: Valli loved to stand at her front door because she had no friends to play with, and watching the street was fun and interesting.

Exam Tip: Highlight both the lack of playmates and the pleasure she got from watching the street as key reasons.

Question. Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
Answer: Valli felt a strong dislike toward the older passenger because the woman had noticeably large piercings in her ears with unattractive jewelry. Furthermore, Valli was put off by the strong scent of the betel nut that the woman was actively chewing.
In simple words: Valli disliked the woman because of her large ear piercings with ugly earrings, and the smell of the betel nut she was chewing.

Exam Tip: State the two distinct reasons clearly - the large, ugly earrings and the betel-nut chewing.

Question. Give examples to show that Valli was a good planner.
Answer: Despite her tender age, Valli showed remarkable foresight and preparation skills. She structured her town excursion with great care, saving up every single penny for the fare. She also worked out the exact duration needed for the round trip, choosing the one o'clock departure to ensure she returned to her village by two-forty-five.
In simple words: Valli planned well by saving every penny for the fare, figuring out the travel times, and picking the 1:00 PM bus to return home by 2:45 PM.

Exam Tip: Provide concrete details of her planning, such as saving coins and calculating departure/arrival times, to support your answer.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was fearless and quite determined. Think of another character from your text book, who displayed similar character traits. Compare and contrast the lives of Valli and the other character, that you have chosen from the text of Two Stories about Flying. You may begin this way. The characters who are fearless and determined from two texts are Valli and _____.
Answer: The characters who are fearless and determined from two texts are Valli and the young seagull.
Valli, a young girl of just eight years, exhibited a high degree of maturity and resolve. She bravely went ahead to fulfill her dream of taking a bus ride completely on her own, without any parental assistance. In a comparable way, the young seagull from "Two Stories about Flying" also demonstrates determination. While Valli's journey is a self-planned adventure of exploration and growing up, the seagull's first flight is prompted by survival instincts and the urgent need to find food. Despite these differences, both narratives emphasize that taking risks and showing courage are vital when trying to achieve goals and discover the world.
In simple words: Valli and the young seagull are both brave. Valli plans a bus ride to explore the world, while the seagull overcomes its fear to fly and find food. Both show that courage is needed to grow.

Exam Tip: When comparing two characters, highlight their common traits (courage and determination) while pointing out their different motivations (personal adventure vs. survival).

Question. You have been asked to give a speech on the topic ‘The journey is more important than the destination’. Prepare a draft for the speech, in not more than 120 words, with reference to the texts Madam Rides the Bus and The Black Aeroplane. You may begin this way: Good morning, everyone. Today, I would like to talk to you about how the journeys that we experience in life are often more important than their destinations. You may end this way : To conclude, I would like to say that... Thank you.
Answer: Good morning, everyone. Today, I would like to talk to you about how the journeys that we experience in life are often more important than their destinations.
In "Madam Rides the Bus", Valli's trip starts with sheer delight, but seeing a dead cow on her return journey changes her perspective, teaching her a profound lesson about the transience of life. In the same way, the aviator in "The Black Aeroplane" experiences a harrowing flight through a dark storm, guided to safety by a mysterious helper, only to realize later that he was alone in the sky. While Valli's ride represents a path toward self-discovery, the pilot's struggle reflects a journey of inner strength and bravery.
To conclude, I would like to say that we should cherish each step of our path rather than just the final stop, as the true lessons lie in the process. Thank you.
In simple words: A journey teaches us more than reaching the final spot. Valli learns about life and death on her ride, and the pilot finds courage in a storm. The path itself is where we grow.

Exam Tip: In speech-drafting questions, strictly follow the provided opening and closing lines and keep the word count around 100 to 120 words.

Question. Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. What did Valli have to do to go and ride in a bus?
Answer: Overcoming obstacles is an essential step to achieving our goals, as demonstrated by eight-year-old Valliammai. Driven by a strong desire to travel on a bus by herself, she undertook extensive preparation. She gathered vital details regarding bus schedules, route stops, and ticket prices by listening to conversations and asking local residents. Her disciplined financial planning allowed her to save every bit of money, resisting the temptation to buy treats or toys at the town so she could afford the round-trip ticket. By staying on the bus during the return leg and executing her plan precisely, she proved that determination can help overcome any hurdle to realize one's dreams.
In simple words: To go on the bus ride, Valli had to gather details about schedules and fares. She saved money carefully by skipping toys and drinks, showing that determination helps us achieve our goals.

Exam Tip: Detail the specific sacrifices Valli made (like saving pennies and skipping sweets/toys) to show her strong determination.

Question. Examine how, both ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ and ‘Tea from Assam (Glimpses of India III)’, celebrate the power of exploration, with reference to Valli and Rajvir, respectively.
Answer: Both stories highlight how traveling expands our horizons, though on different scales. Valli's journey represents a localized exploration fueled by a young child's curiosity about her immediate surroundings. Her short bus ride emphasizes finding beauty in the ordinary and fosters her self-reliance. Conversely, Rajvir's journey to Assam is a grander cultural exploration. He dives into an unfamiliar region, learning about its rich history, distinct terrain, and tea-plantation lifestyle, which deepens his worldview. While Valli gains personal confidence and a mature perspective from her neighborhood adventure, Rajvir gains a wider appreciation of India's cultural diversity. Ultimately, both journeys illustrate how exploring the world, whether near or far, shapes character and fosters learning.
In simple words: Valli's exploration is small and local, helping her grow up, while Rajvir's trip to Assam is larger, teaching him about different cultures. Both show how travel helps us learn.

Exam Tip: Use a comparative structure to contrast Valli's small-scale personal trip with Rajvir's large-scale cultural journey.

Question. Travelling teaches us many life lessons and enriches us with experiences. You and your classmate have a discussion on this statement and your love for travel. Write the dialogue. You may begin like this… Friend : I think travelling is one of the best ways to explore the world around you and helps you introspect about life itself. You : ………………………………………… Friend : Travelling enriches us with so many varied experiences. You : ………………………………………
Answer:
Friend: I think travelling is one of the best ways to explore the world around you and helps you introspect about life itself.
You: I absolutely agree. It gives us a chance to look within and understand ourselves better.
Friend: Travelling enriches us with so many varied experiences.
You: True, we pick up bits of local languages from signs, taxi drivers, and local sellers.
Friend: That's so true! When I went to Pune last year, I noticed that the locals used Hindi and Devnagari scripts on their signboards much more than English.
You: It also introduces us to unique regional dishes!
Friend: Exactly! During that same trip, I tried "Misal pav", a highly nutritious local snack that even fitness experts recommend.
You: I have such a passion for travel. My ultimate dream is to see every corner of this planet!
In simple words: This dialogue shows two friends talking about how traveling helps them learn about different cultures, local languages, and delicious regional foods.

Exam Tip: Ensure the tone of the dialogue is natural and casual, and keep the exchange balanced between both speakers.

Question. After reading the story about Valli; you realise that she had such a small desire and demanded nothing from her mother. After reflecting on this, you decide to write a diary entry on how you felt you have been unreasonable about the demands you have posed to your parents. You also realise that life is not all about materialistic possessions. You may begin like this:
15 August 2020, Saturday 9:00 pm
I feel I have learnt a lesson in life after reading about Valli. I feel ashamed for the way I have been...........
Answer:
15 August 2020, Saturday 9:00 pm
I feel I have learnt a lesson in life after reading about Valli. I feel ashamed for the way I have been so demanding about materialistic possessions from my parents.
Valli gave up so many of her small desires just to save sixty paise for a simple bus ride. In contrast, I often overlook the value of small amounts. She chose to sacrifice physical toys and treats to gain a memorable life experience. Her journey taught me to appreciate simple joys rather than chasing expensive, branded items. It also made me realize that those who are well-off should share their blessings with the underprivileged. I have decided that I will no longer pressure my parents with unnecessary demands. Instead, I plan to celebrate my next birthday by taking ten underprivileged children for a metro train ride, sharing a simple and happy experience with them.
Bye, dear diary.
In simple words: This diary entry shows how reading Valli's story makes one realize the value of money and simplicity, leading to a promise to stop making unfair demands on parents.

Exam Tip: Write a diary entry in the first person, keeping the tone personal, reflective, and emotional.

Question. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was fearless and quite determined. Think of another character from your textbook, First Flight, who displayed similar character traits. Compare and contrast the lives of Valli and the other character.
Answer: Valli was an eight-year-old child who demonstrated remarkable maturity and responsibility in the story. She showed immense courage by executing her plan to ride the bus completely on her own, without any parental assistance. Anne Frank shares many of these same qualities. Despite receiving punishment three times for being talkative in class, she remained cheerful and handled the situation with cleverness. Her witty responses won over her teacher, who subsequently praised her essays in front of the class. Nelson Mandela also exemplifies profound willpower and resolve. He willingly gave up his personal wealth and comfort to fight against apartheid in South Africa, spending decades in prison separated from his loved ones. All three figures highlight how determination shapes their respective narratives.
In simple words: Valli, Anne Frank, and Nelson Mandela all show great strength. They did not let hard situations stop them from doing what they wanted.

Exam Tip: When comparing characters across different chapters, highlight their shared qualities (like courage or determination) before explaining how their circumstances differed.

Question. Valli is very organised, bold and at the same time very sensitive. Comment.
                          Or
Write a Character sketch of Valli.
                          Or
Give, in brief, a pen portrait of Valli.
                          Or
What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read.
Answer: Valli was an inquisitive eight-year-old child living in a small village. Her favorite hobby was standing near her house entrance to watch the daily activities on the street. This observation provided her with unique and fresh perspectives. Her strong curiosity about the bus running to town motivated her to organize a trip. She was highly methodical in her preparation, computing the distance, calculating the ticket price, and estimating the travel time. Valli also displayed impressive bravery by going through with the journey. Although she possessed a smart, self-assured manner, her youthful innocence delighted the bus conductor, who jokingly offered her a seat. She thoroughly enjoyed her journey to the town, laughing heartily when a young cow dashed onto the road ahead of the bus. However, her return trip turned somber when she saw that very same cow lying lifeless by the roadside. This distressing sight deeply affected her, causing her to lose all her joy and refuse to look outside again. This reaction highlights her sensitive and mature nature.
In simple words: Valli was a brave, smart, and caring eight-year-old girl. She planned her bus ride carefully, but became very sad when she saw a dead cow on the road.

Exam Tip: In a character sketch, structure your answer chronologically: start with her habits and planning, move to her interaction on the bus, and conclude with the emotional impact of the return journey.

Question. Valli’s dream was to enjoy a ride on the bus to the nearest town. What preparations did she make to realize her dream?
Answer: Valli harbored a powerful desire to experience a journey on the local bus. To make this dream a reality, she spent hours standing at her front doorway, carefully observing the bus's daily schedule as it ran between her village and the town. She showed great confidence and resolve in pursuing her goal. Valli systematically gathered vital details about the trip, including the total distance, the cost of the ticket, and the exact travel time required. Despite the risks of embarking on such an adventure alone, she carefully saved her money and slipped away from her home in the afternoon while her mother was asleep.
In simple words: To ride the bus, Valli watched it every day to learn about the schedule and costs. She saved her money and sneaked out while her mother slept.

Exam Tip: Clearly outline the specific details Valli collected (distance, fare, and time) to demonstrate her meticulous planning to the examiner.

Question. Once we decide to achieve something, so many difficulties come in our way. With focused attention we can make that achievement. How did Valli succeed in fulfilling her desire of riding a bus?
Answer: Overcoming obstacles requires firm determination and undivided focus. In the story, Valli possessed a powerful urge to travel on the bus, a milestone she had never achieved before. She set her mind to it and gathered every tiny bit of information regarding the route, such as the mileage, ticket price, and duration. To finance her dream, she exercised remarkable self-restraint by refusing to spend her pocket money on toys, candy, or balloons. Her hard work paid off on a sunny spring afternoon when she successfully boarded the bus and realized her long-held dream.
In simple words: Valli did not buy toys or balloons so she could save enough money for the bus fare. Her strong focus helped her achieve her dream.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the virtue of self-discipline, specifically how Valli sacrificed small childhood pleasures to save money, as this highlights her focus.

Question. We want to fulfil our desires. Some temptations always come in our way. We have to face them. How did Valli fight the temptations that came in her way and manage to fulfil her desire of enjoying a bus ride?
Answer: Desire often brings various temptations that can derail our plans, but overcoming them requires great willpower. Valli's ultimate goal was to travel by bus. Her daily habit of watching the vehicle from her doorstep ignited this passion. To fulfill it, she had to actively resist many distractions. She gathered essential details about the journey, including the ticket cost and duration. Most importantly, she suppressed her childhood impulses to buy sweets, toys, or take rides at the village fair. By saving every coin and sneaking out during her mother's nap, she successfully avoided these temptations and enjoyed her trip.
In simple words: Valli resisted temptations like buying candy and toys. She saved her money carefully and went on the bus ride without anyone stopping her.

Exam Tip: Use keywords like 'willpower', 'self-restraint', and 'resisted' to describe Valli's struggle against everyday temptations.

Question. In modern era people are selfish and insensitive to the sufferings of their neighbours. But Valli is not one of them. She grieves over the accidental death of a young cow. Thus, Valli’s character brings forth some values. Discuss these values on the basis of ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
Answer: In today's fast-paced world, individuals frequently become self-absorbed and indifferent to the pain of others, largely due to being consumed by personal duties and household worries. However, Valli stands out as a stark contrast to this modern indifference. Despite being only eight years old, she possesses a deeply compassionate heart. Her joy during the journey turns to profound sorrow when she encounters the lifeless body of the young cow that had amused her earlier. The sight moves her deeply, reflecting her innocence and empathy. Valli's emotional response serves as a reminder to society about the importance of retaining compassion and sensitivity toward all living creatures.
In simple words: Unlike many busy people today, Valli cared deeply about others. She felt very sad when she saw the dead cow, showing she had a kind heart.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrast between modern human apathy and Valli's pure, empathetic reaction to help illustrate the core moral theme of the story.

Question. How did Valli save money for her first bus journey ? Was it easy for her ? What does it show about her ?
                          Or
How did Valli plan herself to have a ride in the bus?
                          Or
How did Valli save money for her first bus journey?
                          Or
How did valli save up money for her first journey? What made her laugh on her way?
Answer: Valli faced two major hurdles in executing her plan: collecting enough money for the fare and leaving her house without her mother finding out. She solved both issues through intelligent planning. By eavesdropping on the conversations of regular bus passengers, she gathered essential details about the fare, route, and schedule. To raise the money, she diligently hoarded every single coin that came her way, resisting the urge to buy treats, toys, or ride the merry-go-round. To address her second problem, she decided to take the bus during the afternoon, a time when her mother routinely took a nap. This allowed Valli to complete her journey and return home by 2:45 PM unnoticed. Additionally, seeing a young cow run wildly in front of the bus brought her immense joy and made her laugh during the onward journey.
In simple words: Valli saved money by not spending on toys or fair rides. She went during the afternoon while her mother slept, and she laughed seeing a cow run in front of the bus.

Exam Tip: When answering a multi-part question, make sure to address every part - how she saved the money, whether it was easy, and what it reveals about her character.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
“But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli”

(i) The author says that ‘Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.’ Which of the options given below confirms this statement? Valli had a habit of _____.
(a) passing time as she had no friends
(b) observing people and everyday happenings
(c) eavesdropping on neighbours and visitors
(d) looking for an opportunity to hop into a bus

(ii) Why was ‘The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli?’ Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the figure of speech in the given line from the extract. ‘But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played.’
(a) “Either way, or both, he died like a bug under a microscope.” - Stephen King.
(b) “And how my soul was as a lampless sea.”- Shelley
(c) “Dying is a wild night and a new road” - Emily Dickinson

(iv) What does Valli’s interest in a ‘new set of passengers’ as a source of unending joy show about her?
Answer:
(i) (b) observing people and everyday happenings
(ii) Valli had never experienced a bus trip before, making the bus and the town incredibly appealing to her. She wanted to explore life beyond her home and felt a bit envious of her friends who had already traveled to the town.
(iii) (a) “Either way, or both, he died like a bug under a microscope.” - Stephen King.
(iv) This shows that Valli was an outgoing person who took a deep interest in others.
In simple words: Valli loved watching new people on the bus because she was curious about the world and wanted to experience it herself.

Exam Tip: In multiple-choice questions focusing on figures of speech, look for direct comparison words like 'as' or 'like' to identify a simile.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
There was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own age on her street and this was about all she had to do.

(i) What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
(a) Watching the street outside
(b) Playing outside
(c) Travelling on a bus
(d) Reading books

(ii) Fill in the blank appropriately. While standing at the door, Valli was especially excited by the sight of _____.

(iii) Why did Valli choose a different pastime for her?

(iv) Which word would correctly substitute ‘friends’, in the given sentence from the extract? Being an extrovert, Rajnish had many friends.
Answer:
(i) (a) Watching the street outside
(ii) a moving bus
(iii) Valli opted for this unique pastime because she had no companions of her own age group living in her neighborhood.
(iv) Playmates
In simple words: Valli spent her time watching the street outside because she had no friends of her own age to play with.

Exam Tip: When answering fill-in-the-blank questions, ensure your response matches the context of the passage exactly.

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
Over many days and months, Valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was six miles from her village.

(i) How did Valli picked up small details about the bus journey?
(a) Listening to conversations of neighbours
(b) Asking a few discreet questions
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the options

(ii) What did Valli find about the bus journey?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) An autobiographical account describing the author’s feelings and thought regarding an event in her life.
(b) A story narrated from the perspective of an all knowing narrator.
(c) A brochure which gives us a picture of the places’ culture, people and tourist destination.

(iv) Why did Valli listen to the conversations?
Answer:
(i) (c) Both (a) and (b)
(ii) Valli discovered that the ride to the town took forty-five minutes and the round-trip ticket cost sixty paise.
(iii) (b) A story narrated from the perspective of an all knowing narrator.
(iv) Valli paid close attention to these discussions to collect useful details about the bus trip she was planning to take.
In simple words: Valli listened to others to find out how long the bus ride took and how much money she needed to save.

Exam Tip: In multiple-choice questions with 'Both (a) and (b)' options, verify each choice individually against the passage before marking your answer.