CBSE Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Assignment Set 03

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow? Support your answer with examples.
Answer: The bus conductor was clearly an amiable and cheerful individual. This is evident from his warm and playful interactions with the young protagonist. He assisted her in finding a seat and humorously referred to her as "madam" to tease her about her self-reliant, grown-up attitude.
In simple words: The conductor was friendly and cheerful. He helped Valli find her seat and jokingly called her "madam" because she acted so grown-up.

Exam Tip: Use the conductor's teasing nickname "madam" and his helpful behavior to prove his good-natured personality.

Question. What sight did Valli experience during her first journey by bus?
Answer: On her maiden bus trip, Valli was treated to picturesque views of rolling hills, lush meadows, and tropical trees. The highlight of her journey was observing a young cow running directly in the path of the bus, an amusing sight that brought her great laughter.
In simple words: Valli saw beautiful hills, green fields, and trees. The best part was seeing a young cow run right in front of the bus, which made her laugh a lot.

Exam Tip: Mention both the scenic landscapes and the humorous incident of the running cow for a complete answer.

Question. Who was Valli?
Answer: Valli, short for Valliamai, was an inquisitive eight-year-old girl. She possessed a strong desire to explore and learn about her surroundings.
In simple words: Valli's real name was Valliamai. She was a curious eight-year-old girl who loved to learn about the world around her.

Exam Tip: Provide both her full name and her defining personality trait of curiosity.

Question. Why did Valli keep standing in front of the door?
Answer: Valli spent her time at the doorway because she lacked friends of her own age in the neighborhood. Consequently, she amused herself by observing the ongoing activities on the street.
In simple words: Valli stood at the doorway because she had no friends her age to play with, so she watched the street instead.

Exam Tip: This is similar to Question 12; keep the focus on her lack of playmates and interest in the street.

Question. How did Valli gather all the information about the bus?
Answer: For a long period, Valli attentively listened to discussions among local residents and regular commuters. She also posed subtle, targeted questions to gather key facts, successfully collecting all the details she needed for her trip.
In simple words: Valli got details by listening to her neighbors and regular bus riders, and by asking subtle questions.

Exam Tip: Highlight her observational skills and her ability to ask clever, discreet questions.

Question. Where was the town located? What was the fare to travel there by bus?
Answer: The town lay at a distance of six miles from Valli's home. A single ticket for the bus journey cost thirty paise. The vehicle made hourly rounds, traveling to the destination and returning through her neighborhood.
In simple words: The town was six miles away, and the bus ticket cost thirty paise for one way.

Exam Tip: Ensure you state both the distance (six miles) and the one-way fare (thirty paise) accurately.

Question. What did Valli keep on planning and calculating continuously?
Answer: Valli consistently analyzed the schedules, estimating the ideal bus to board, the travel duration to the destination, and the total money required to fund the entire round trip.
In simple words: Valli kept planning which bus to board, how long the trip would take, and how much money she needed.

Exam Tip: List the three planning elements: bus timings, travel duration, and total fare.

Question. How was the interior and exterior of the bus?
Answer: The vehicle was brand new, boasting a shiny white exterior adorned with green stripes. On the inside, the overhead handrails gleamed like silver, a lovely timepiece was mounted over the front window, and the passenger seats were plush and comfortable.
In simple words: The bus was brand new. It was painted shiny white with green stripes, had silver-like handrails inside, a clock at the front, and soft seats.

Exam Tip: Describe both the exterior (white with green stripes) and interior elements (silver bars, clock, soft seats) clearly.

Question. Why did the conductor want Valli to sit?
Answer: The conductor first advised Valli that since she had purchased her ticket, she ought to occupy a seat. When she declined, he warned her that she could lose her balance and get injured when the bus made sudden turns.
In simple words: The conductor told Valli to sit because she paid for her seat, and he wanted to keep her from falling when the bus turned sharply.

Exam Tip: State both reasons: she had paid for the seat, and sitting down would prevent injury during sharp turns.

Question. Why didn’t Valli want to talk to the elderly woman?
Answer: The older lady had unattractive ornaments in her ears and was chewing betel leaves, with the dark saliva nearly spilling from her lips. Finding these habits extremely distasteful, Valli decided to avoid any conversation with her.
In simple words: Valli did not talk to the woman because her ugly earrings and messy betel-nut chewing disgusted her.

Exam Tip: Focus on the repulsive details like the betel juice nearly spilling to explain Valli's reluctance.

Question. What questions did the old woman ask Valli?
Answer: The elderly passenger inquired if Valli was making the journey unaccompanied. She also questioned if the girl knew her precise destination in the city, and whether it was safe for a child to travel without adults.
In simple words: The old woman asked Valli if she was alone, if she knew where she was going in town, and if it was safe for a child to travel by herself.

Exam Tip: List all three questions asked by the old woman: traveling alone, knowing the destination, and safety.

Question. How did Valli manage to travel by bus without the knowledge of her mother?
Answer: Valli executed her plan while her mother was asleep. Her mother regularly took an afternoon nap from one to four o'clock. Valli typically utilized this three-hour window for her small outdoor explorations, allowing her to take the bus trip unnoticed.
In simple words: Valli slipped away while her mother took her daily afternoon nap from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Exam Tip: Specify the exact timing of her mother's daily nap (1 to 4 o'clock) as the window of opportunity.

Question. What did Valli see when she reached home?
Answer: Upon her return, Valli discovered that her mother had already woken up and was engaged in a conversation with one of her aunts.
In simple words: When Valli got home, she found her mother awake and chatting with her aunt.

Exam Tip: Keep this short answer direct by stating who was there and what they were doing.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. In such a fast moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey ?
Or
‘Parents always keep their children’s safety their priority and children should take their parents in confidence’. Do you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
Answer: No, Valli's decision to travel to the town alone without informing her mother was highly irresponsible and unsafe. By slipping away unnoticed, she exposed herself to severe risks, including kidnapping or exploitation. Although she managed to return home safely, she was extremely fortunate. In today's world, children are highly vulnerable and should never travel long distances without adult supervision. Valli ought to have shared her desire with her mother, who likely would have happily arranged a safe bus trip for them to enjoy together.
In simple words: Valli was wrong to go alone without telling her mother. It was dangerous, and she was lucky to get back home safely.

Exam Tip: Frame your answer around safety and parental trust, balancing Valli's admirable independence with the realistic dangers of her actions.

Question. ‘Never mind,’ she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help me,” said Valli to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valli's character, write how ability and courage to take risk are essential to fulfil one's dream.
Answer: Fulfilling one's dreams requires a blend of determination, planning, and the bravery to take calculated risks. Valli perfectly demonstrates this by undertaking a solo bus journey at just eight years old. Despite having no prior experience traveling alone and facing strict rules at home, she gathered the resolve to step outside her comfort zone. Her independent spirit is clear when she declines the conductor's offer of assistance. Her journey shows that while risk is always present, progress and the realization of one's goals are impossible without the courage to take that first step.
In simple words: To achieve our dreams, we must be brave enough to take risks. Valli showed great courage by going on the bus trip all by herself.

Exam Tip: Connect Valli's specific actions (like refusing help) to the broader life lesson of how courage and risk-taking help us achieve our goals.

Question. Behaviour of the conductor in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ is an example of good manners. Mentioning the instances of good manners shown by the conductor in the story, write how you can make your life happy by observing good manners.
Answer: Polite behavior and good manners play a vital role in bringing joy, grace, and harmony to our daily lives. In the story, the bus conductor serves as an excellent model of courtesy and kindness. Instead of getting annoyed by Valli's proud attitude, he responds with humor and respect, calling her 'madam' and playfully telling her not to be angry. He ensures she has a comfortable seat and warmly invites her to ride again whenever she wishes. Treating others with such respect makes our interactions smoother and more pleasant. When we behave politely, it defuses tension and encourages others to respond with the same warmth, creating a happier environment.
In simple words: The friendly conductor was very polite to Valli and called her 'madam'. Being kind and polite to others makes everyone feel happy.

Exam Tip: Give direct examples from the text of the conductor's polite interactions to support your point about how good manners improve social relationships.

Question. Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the dead cow that she lost all enthusiasm. Do you feel the same way? If you feel concerned about the plight of animals falling prey to the fast moving traffic, what efforts will you make to make road travel safer?
Answer: Like Valli, any sensitive observer would feel deeply saddened by the tragic sight of an animal lying dead on the road. For Valli, this encounter dampened her spirits and took away all the joy of her adventure. To protect animals from speeding vehicles and make our roads safer, we must take active measures. This includes strictly enforcing speed limits, particularly near rural areas where animals frequently cross. Drivers should also be educated to remain alert, and road authorities should install warning signs in high-risk zones while penalizing reckless and fast driving.
In simple words: It is very sad when animals are hit by cars. We can keep them safe by driving slowly and putting up warning signs on the roads.

Exam Tip: Split your answer into two distinct parts: first, acknowledge the emotional impact on Valli, and second, list concrete, actionable steps to improve road safety for animals.

Question. Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at scuh a tender age ?
Answer: An individual's age is never a restriction when they have a strong goal and the focus to achieve it. At just eight years old, Valli accomplished her dream through her remarkable personal traits. She was highly confident, bold, and possessed strong planning skills. She demonstrated exceptional self-control by refusing to spend her money on toys or treats, saving every coin for her ticket. Additionally, her sharp observation skills allowed her to gather crucial information from commuters. These qualities show that with preparation and confidence, even a young child can achieve great things.
In simple words: Valli was only eight, but she was very brave and planned her trip well. This shows that you are never too young to do big things.

Exam Tip: Clearly list Valli's key traits - confidence, careful planning, self-discipline, and keen observation - as bullet points or distinct sentences to structure your answer.

Question. How can you say that Valli was enjoying her first ride on a bus ? Give examples from the story, ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, in support of your answer.
Answer: Valli's pure excitement and delight are clear throughout her onward journey. She was captivated by the changing views outside the window, clapping her hands with joy as the bus sped past the landscape. Her happiness peaked when she saw a young cow running wildly right in the middle of the road ahead of the bus. Despite the driver honking his horn, the animal galloped faster, which Valli found incredibly amusing, laughing until she cried. The vibrant sights of the town's shopping streets also filled her with great wonder and happiness.
In simple words: Valli had a wonderful time on the bus. She clapped her hands and laughed a lot when she saw a cow running in front of the bus.

Exam Tip: Use specific textual evidence, such as Valli clapping her hands and laughing at the cow, to prove her enjoyment during the ride.

Question. What saddened Valli on her first journey by bus? How did it affect her?
Answer: On her return trip, Valli was deeply saddened by the sight of the young cow lying lifeless by the side of the road. This was the same playful animal that had brought her so much laughter just a short while earlier. Seeing this beautiful creature suddenly stripped of its life and charm deeply troubled her. The haunting image of the dead cow ruined her mood and drained away all her excitement, leading her to sit quietly and refuse to look out the window for the rest of the trip.
In simple words: Valli became very sad on her way back when she saw the dead cow. It made her lose her joy, and she did not want to look outside anymore.

Exam Tip: Connect Valli's shift in mood directly to her loss of enthusiasm, showing how the reality of death impacted her young mind.

Question. What was Valli’s greatest desire? How did she fulfil it?
Answer: Valli's ultimate dream was to ride the public bus that traveled between her village and the nearby town. Watching the bus carry a fresh group of passengers on each trip was a constant source of wonder for her. To make this dream come true, she spent months listening to her neighbors' conversations and asking small questions to gather information about the fare and route. She then saved every coin she received, resisting temptations like buying toys, balloons, or riding the merry-go-round at the fair. Eventually, on a bright spring afternoon, she boarded the bus and realized her goal.
In simple words: Valli's biggest dream was to ride the bus. She saved her money by not buying toys or treats, and finally took a ride one afternoon.

Exam Tip: Clearly break down her path to success into three stages: her desire, her information-gathering phase, and her self-discipline in saving money.

Question. How did Valli plan carefully before she undertook a journey by bus?
Answer: Valli's preparation for her first bus trip was highly detailed and disciplined. First, she focused on saving the sixty paise required for the round-trip ticket by resisting the urge to buy candy, toys, balloons, or spend money at the village fair. Second, she worked out a safe time to slip away from home. Knowing that her mother regularly took a long nap after lunch, Valli planned to use this afternoon window to complete her journey and return home before her mother woke up.
In simple words: Valli saved sixty paise by not buying sweets or toys. She planned to take the bus in the afternoon when her mother was asleep.

Exam Tip: Make sure to mention both aspects of her planning: the financial saving of exactly sixty paise and the timing of her secret departure.

Question. Valli’s bus journey made her familiar with the world outside her house where she got the opportunity to interact with her surroundings. Mention the traits of her character which helps her learn from her surroundings.
Answer: Valli's journey allowed her to engage with the wider world, showcasing several key personality traits. Her natural curiosity drove her to gather information by listening to regular commuters and asking careful questions. During the trip, she behaved with remarkable confidence and maturity, keeping her focus entirely on her goal and choosing not to wander into the town alone. Finally, her sensitive nature allowed her to reflect deeply on life and death when she saw the dead cow, showing her ability to learn important life lessons from her experiences.
In simple words: Valli was curious, smart, and stayed focused. She learned about life and also about death from her trip.

Exam Tip: Focus on how Valli's traits, like her keen observation and mature restraint, helped her safely navigate and learn from her journey.

Question. What are the incidents and experiences that present Valli as a mature girl ahead of her age?
Answer: Despite being only eight years old, Valli displayed exceptional maturity through her actions. Living without playmates, she spent her time observing the street, which helped build her awareness. When she decided to ride the bus, she showed great planning skills by calculating the expenses, distance, and timing. Her self-control was clear when she saved sixty paise by refusing to buy sweets or enjoy rides at the fair. On the bus, her independence shone as she refused a free drink from the conductor and chose not to chat with strangers, demonstrating wisdom far beyond her years.
In simple words: Valli was very mature. She planned her trip, saved her own money, and knew how to stay safe by not talking to strangers.

Exam Tip: Highlight Valli's self-restraint and her cautious behavior around strangers as key indicators of her mature mindset.

Question. Valli’s journey to the city makes her unfold the mysteries of life and death. Elaborate.
Answer: Valli's brief bus trip served as an introduction to the profound realities of life and death. On her onward journey, she was filled with joy and wonder, laughing heartily at the sight of a young cow running playfully ahead of the bus. However, the return trip brought a harsh dose of reality when she saw that same cow lying dead on the road, likely hit by a speeding vehicle. The gruesome sight of the lifeless animal haunted her, completely dampening her high spirits. This sudden transition from vibrant life to silent death helped her understand the fragile nature of existence.
In simple words: Valli saw a playful cow on her way to town, but saw it dead on her way back. This helped her understand that life can change quickly.

Exam Tip: Discuss the stark contrast between the lively cow on the onward journey and its lifeless state on the return trip to explain the theme of life and death.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
“Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if it was just once. This wish became stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire. Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on and off the bus when it stood at the street comer. Their faces would kindle in her longings, dreams, and hopes. If one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of the town to her. Valli would be jealous to listen and would shout, in English: “Proud! Proud!”

(i) Valli would stare wistfully at the people as she _____.
(a) had been watching the bus for a long time.
(b) was inspired by the people travelling on the bus.
(c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the bus.
(d) envied the people who could travel on the bus.

(ii) Pick the option that shows the list of words that collocate with ‘overwhelming’ (e.g. overwhelming desire).
1. response, 2. lies, 3. support, 4. majority, 5. pets, 6. places
(a) 1, 5 and 6
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 5
(d) 3, 5 and 6

(iii) Valli would be jealous to listen...’ This indicates Valli’s _____.
(a) longing to ride the bus.
(b) nature as an envious person.
(c) denial to accept her situation.
(d) inclination to trouble travellers.

(iv) A part of the extract has been paraphrased. Choose the option that includes the most appropriate solution to the blanks. The desire became so (1) _____ that it transformed into an (2) _____ one. Valli would look (3) _____ at people who boarded the bus and got off.
(a) (1) active (2) overt (3) longingly
(b) (1) vigorous (2) overpowering (3) cheerfully
(c) (1) staunch (2) overt (3) joyfully
(d) (1) vigorous (2) overpowering (3) longingly

(v) What does the line ‘gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there’, mean?
(a) The wish developed in her head over a period of time.
(b) The wish was a feeling of wanting to prove her strength.
(c) The wish was planted in her head by someone’s suggestion.
(d) The wish was small and was overpowered by a sense of doubt.
Answer:
(i) (c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the bus.
(ii) (b) 1, 3 and 4
(iii) (a) longing to ride the bus.
(iv) (d) (1) vigorous (2) overpowering (3) longingly
(v) (a) The wish developed in her head over a period of time.
In simple words: Valli's wish to ride the bus grew stronger over time. She watched the passengers longingly because she wanted to be like them.

Exam Tip: When identifying collocations, test each word with the target word (e.g., 'overwhelming response', 'overwhelming support', 'overwhelming majority') to see if they form common English expressions.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower pan of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind.

(i) The word ‘devoured’ as used in the passage shows that Valli _____ everything she saw.
(a) ate greedily
(b) consumed
(c) obsessed
(d) absorbed

(ii) Valli stood up on her seat because _____.
(a) she didn’t get enough space on the seat.
(b) she could not see outside the window while seated.
(c) her legs were aching.
(d) she felt uncomfortable.

(iii) What was obstructing Valli’s view? Why else was she facing the problem? Answer in about 40 words.

(iv) Which traits of Valli’s personality get reflected in this extract?
Answer:
(i) (d) absorbed
(ii) (b) she could not see outside the window while seated.
(iii) Her view was blocked by a canvas blind covering the window's bottom half. Additionally, being an eight-year-old child of short stature, she was unable to see over it while sitting, forcing her to stand on her seat.
(iv) This passage highlights Valli's intense curiosity and observant nature. She possessed a sharp mind for her age, remaining highly attentive to her environment and absorbing her surroundings like a sponge.
In simple words: A window screen blocked Valli's view because she was short. She stood up on her seat to satisfy her curious nature.

Exam Tip: When explaining a character's actions, link physical obstacles (like the canvas blind) to their personal traits (like Valli's curiosity).

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
The conductor nodded, and she was overcome with sadness. What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible, so frightening as it lay there, legs spreadeagled, a fired stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over... The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm. She no longer wanted to look out the window.

(i) Valli no longer wanted to look out of the window because _____.
(a) she was tired after a long journey
(b) her mood had got spoiled
(c) she felt satisfied with her adventures for a day
(d) she was now bored

(ii) Valli looked sad and upset at the end of the journey because _____.
(a) the ride had finally come to an end.
(b) she will have to save money for another bus ride.
(c) she saw a dead cow lying on the road.
(d) the ride was not as exciting as she had anticipated.

(iii) What do you think happened to the cow? What was the cause of its death? Answer in about 40 words.

(iv) Study the statement: ‘The memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm.’ State which of the options from (a) to (d) can be applied to the given situation in the extract.
(a) Climax- the highest point of tension or drama in a narrative’s plot
(b) Anti-climax- sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial one
(c) Open-ended story - the reader is left to draw his conclusions from whatis presented to him
(d) Expanded ending- a jump forward in time, and occasionally a change in perspective of the reader
Answer:
(i) (b) her mood had got spoiled
(ii) (c) she saw a dead cow lying on the road.
(iii) During the return trip, Valli saw the lifeless cow surrounded by blood, its legs stretched out and eyes fixed in a blank stare. The animal had lost its charm, looking frightening on the roadside, likely having been struck by a fast-moving vehicle.
(iv) (b) Anti-climax- sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial one
In simple words: Valli lost her joy because she saw the dead cow on the road. The sad sight made her refuse to look outside.

Exam Tip: When describing the cow's death, use descriptive adjectives like 'lifeless' and 'frightening' to convey the emotional impact on Valli.

4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
Her first journey -what careful, painstaking elaborate plans she had had to make for it! She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like, and finally she had saved a total of sixty poise. How difficult it had been particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money.

(i) Valli saved the money for bus fare by resisting the temptations. So she did not _____.
(a) give up the temptations.
(b) give in to the temptations.
(c) give away the temptations.
(d) give off the temptations.

(ii) How was Valli able to save enough for the bus fare? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) What did Valli have to do for her first bus ride to be successful?
(a) She had to oppress her desire to enjoy at the fair.
(b) She had to restrain herself from eating sweetmeats.
(c) She had to suppress her wish to spend the money on little frills.
(d) She had to oppress herself from going on the merry-go-round.

(iv) What is the contextual antonym of the word ‘painstaking’ in the passage above? Use it in a sentence of your own.
Answer:
(i) (b) give in to the temptations.
(ii) Valli collected the money by refusing to purchase items like balloons, toys, or peppermint. She even stayed away from the merry-go-round ride at the fair, showing her strong willpower and focus.
(iii) (c) She had to suppress her wish to spend the money on little frills.
(iv) The antonym is 'fussy'. Example sentence: My mother became fussy about how the dining table was decorated for our guests.
In simple words: Valli saved her fare by not buying toys or riding the merry-go-round. This shows she was very determined.

Exam Tip: When asked for an antonym and a sentence, ensure your sentence clearly demonstrates the meaning of the chosen word in a natural context.