CBSE Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions Set 05

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. What did standing at the front door mean to Valli?
Answer: Valliammai or Valli was just ‘a chit of a girl’. She was eight years old. She was very curious about things. She was always anxious to gather all details, why and how about things. She was not very social either. She had no playmates of her own age in her neighbourhood. Naturally, she could not play games with friends. But, she more than compensated this drawback. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house. Standing there, she could watch what was happening in the street outside. But for Valli, standing at the front door was very enjoyable. Actually, it was as enjoyable as any of the games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating of all these scenes was the scene of the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. Seeing a new set of passengers every time, she also wished to have the bus ride, at least for once.

Question 2. Describe Valli’s interaction with (i) the conductor (ii) with the old gentleman (iii) with the elderly repulsive woman.
Answer: The conductor was a jolly sort of person. He was fond of joking. He enjoyed teasing Valli with his gentle comic remarks. He called her ‘madam’. Valli reacted sharply replying that she was not a ‘madam’. The conductor showed his concern when he tried to help her up, she told him that she could help herself. Valli showed that she was a self-respecting girl. She politely refused to accept a free drink from the conductor. The old gentleman was honestly concerned when he found Valli standing in the bus. ‘Listen child ... you shouldn’t stand like that’, he said. Valli was annoyed by his attention and replied promptly that she was not a child. She had paid her thirty paise like everyone else. The elderly woman who sat beside her, was quite repulsive to Valli. Valli didn’t like the big holes in her ears and the ugly earrings in them. Nor did Valli relish the unpleasant smell that came from the betel nut she was chewing. She couldn’t be social with such a person.

Question 3. Describe what Valli saw during her bus journey. How did the scenes and sights affect her?
Answer: was really excited — her first bus journey — ‘devoured’ everything with her eyes — look outside, her view was cut off by a canvas blind — stood up on the seat and peered over the blind — watched the bus passing along the bank of a canal — saw palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains and the vast blue sky — Acres of green fields stretched out as far as her eyes could see — the bus went past the railway station, the bright looking shops and through the busy crossroads — One funny scene cheered her. A young cow ran in front of the bus. She was just in the middle of the road — The more the driver honked, the more frightened the cow became — laughed till tears were in her eyes — another sight dampened her enthusiasm — the same cow which looked so lovable and beautiful a while ago was lying dead beside the road — A fast running vehicle had struck her dead — the same cow was looking so horrible and frightening that Valli stopped looking outside — In short, the canal, mountains, palms, grasslands and the blue sky enthused and thrilled Valli — the repulsive elderly woman chewing the betel nut and the dead cow dampened her enthusiasm during the journey.

Question 4. Do you think that Valli enjoyed her first ride on a bus? Give examples in support of your answer.
Answer: Valli’s first bus ride — full of excitement and enthusiasm — devoured everything with her eyes — stood up on the seat to have a full view of things outside — the bus was going along the bank of a canal — Beyond it, there were palms, grasslands and distant mountains — a deep ditch green field stretched out as far as the eye could see — the bus went past the railway station, the bright looking shops and glittering displays of clothes and other merchandise in them — clapped her hands with glee — saw a young cow with her raised tail in the air running very fast just in the middle of the road — sounded horn loudly again and again — the more he honked, more frightened the cow became. Faster it galloped—always right in front of the bus. very funny to Valli — laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.

Question 5. Give a character-sketch of Valli in your own words by giving examples from the text.
Answer: emerges as a very clever, sensitive, self-respecting and fun-loving girl —was just eight years old — was very curious about things — was a good observer of things — favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house — used to watch from there what was happening in the street outside — no playmates of her own age in the neighbourhood — Standing at the door was as enjoyable for her as any of the games children played. — was mature, clever and practical beyond her years — Saving sixty paise was not an easy job for a girl of her age — thriftily saved every coin that came in her way — was determined to resist any temptation that came in her way — sacrificed buying peppermints, toys, balloons and having a joy ride on a merry-go-round to save her money. —was full of excitement and enthusiasm — enjoyed the landscape looking outside the window — the canal, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and green fields gave her tremendous pleasure — The sight of a young cow running towards the bus at full speed enthused her — The more the driver honked, the more frightened the animal became and came just in front of the bus — enjoyed the fun and laughed till tears came into her eyes. — was a very sensitive girl — was shocked to see the same cow lying on the roadside smeared with blood — horrible and frightening looks dampened her enthusiasm — stopped looking outside — didn’t like being called a ‘madam’ or ‘a child’ — dared the conductor to mind his own business — was a self-respecting girl — didn’t accept a free cold drink offered by the bus conductor — was a great planner and planned things after knowing all necessary details about them. 

Question 6. You have been asked to evaluate the characters of Valli and Anne Frank. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the characters of both the girls.
You may begin this way: The characters of both Valli and Anne Frank......
Answer: The characters of both Valli and Anne Frank are similar in many ways. Both are adventurous and show great maturity and responsibility at a tender age. Anne’s maturity can be seen when Mr Keesing asked her to write an essay on ‘A Chatterbox’; she put forth convincing arguments on the necessity of talking. Valli showed no fear of travelling alone and politely refused the cold drink that the conductor offered her. Neither had a true friend: Anne confided in her diary, while Valli found her joy in the bus ride. Lastly, both Anne and Valli had clear goals, which inspires readers to dream and strive to make their dreams come true.

Question 7. Write a letter from Valli to her best friend, describing the adventure of riding the bus for the first time. Include details about the amusing incidents that occurred and your personal learnings.
Answer: Dear Preisha,
My first bus ride was an adventure I won’t soon forget! It felt like entering a completely different world. The conductor greeted me as ‘madam’ as soon as I got on, and everyone laughed. Can you imagine? Me, a madam! Later, a young cow ran right in front of the bus with its tail high in the air, and the faster the bus honked, the faster it ran. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t stop! The bus passed a canal, palm trees, green fields and a railway crossing where a huge train rushed past.
The best part is what I learnt. Trying new things, even if they scare you, needs courage. I also realised how much bigger the world is. On the way back, the same cow lay dead on the road, and I understood how uncertain life is.
Your friend,
Valli

Question 8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement? (NCERT)
Answer: Yes. Valli is fascinated by the bus, and watching it fill with a new set of people every time is a source of unending joy for her. In describing the bus, the author stresses its colour and look, the shiny new bus with a silver stripe and soft cushioned seats, because a child is attracted to colour. The description of what Valli sees outside, the blue sky, the canal, palm trees and acres of green fields, shows a child’s enthusiasm. A young cow running in front of the bus makes her laugh till tears come to her eyes. On the other hand, the sight of the dead cow makes her sad and she does not look out of the window on her return journey. This accurately reflects the behaviour of an eight-year-old child.

Question 9. 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. (CBSE Practice Set 2023)
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 journey was filled with excitement. It was only when she saw the young cow dead on the road that her spirits dampened. This experience taught her about life and death. Similarly, the pilot in ‘The Black Aeroplane’ was guided to safety by another plane when he flew into a storm. However, he later learned that there was no other plane in the sky! Valli’s bus ride symbolises a journey of exploration and self-discovery, while the pilot’s flight through the storm represents a journey of courage and resilience.
To conclude, I would like to say that you should enjoy every moment of your journey, because that is where you will find the true treasures.
Thank you.

Question 10. 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? (CBSE 2023)
Answer: It is true that in order to fulfil our desires, we have to struggle a lot. Valliammai, an eight-year-old girl, is a good example of this. Valli had a desire to ride the bus alone. To achieve her dream, she had to make many efforts. She planned the entire journey on her own at such a young age.
She found out the bus timings, the distance and the fare by listening to people and asking discreet questions. She saved every coin she got, resisting the temptation of peppermints, toys and balloons. She paid her own fare, travelled alone and returned safely to her village the same day without getting off the bus. She even refused the cold drink offered by the conductor, as she had to keep money for the return ticket. Valli’s journey shows that even if difficulties come our way, we can achieve our dreams if we are determined.

Question 11. 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. (CBSE Practice Set 2023)
Answer: Valli’s exploration is marked by a child’s sense of wonder and discovery within her familiar local environment. Her journey is a small-scale adventure, emphasising the importance of simple pleasures and the beauty found in everyday life. Valli’s exploration contributes to her personal growth and resourcefulness.
In contrast, Rajvir’s exploration in Assam represents a broader quest, introducing him to a new and unfamiliar region. It involves encountering diverse landscapes, people and customs, and it shapes his worldview. Here, exploration extends beyond personal growth to cultural exposure and understanding.
For Valli, exploration deepens her sense of wonder and personal accomplishment, while for Rajvir it broadens his understanding of the diversity within India. Both narratives celebrate the power of exploration, whether within one’s immediate environment or in distant lands.

Question 12. You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighbourhood schools, to speak on the theme of exploration and curiosity. Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the theme in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
You may begin this way: Ladies and gentlemen, and esteemed students, today I stand before you to discuss the theme of exploration and curiosity......
You may end this way: This reminds us of the immense ......
Answer: Ladies and gentlemen, and esteemed students, today I stand before you to discuss the theme of exploration and curiosity, with reference to ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
Valli, an eight-year-old girl, watched the village bus every day until a tiny wish to ride it grew into an overwhelming desire. Her curiosity made her listen carefully, plan her trip and save every coin. Finally, she rode the bus to town alone. She saw canals, palm trees, green fields and a speeding train, and she also learnt a hard lesson about life and death from the sight of a dead cow.
Valli’s story shows that curiosity leads us to explore, and exploration helps us learn and grow.
This reminds us of the immense power of curiosity in shaping who we become. Thank you.

Question 13. 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 dialogues.
Answer: Riya: Did you read ‘Madam Rides the Bus’? Valli learnt so much from just one short bus ride.
Aman: Yes! She saw the world beyond her village and even learnt about life and death. That’s what travelling does.
Riya: I agree. When I went to Ladakh last year, I learnt how people live happily with very little.
Aman: And I learnt to be patient when our train was delayed by eight hours on the way to Kerala!
Riya: Travel also makes us independent. We plan, manage money and solve problems on our own, just like Valli did.
Aman: It teaches respect for other cultures too. Every place has its own food, language and customs.
Riya: That’s why I love travelling. It is like a classroom without walls.
Aman: Let’s plan a school trip and ask our teacher about it tomorrow!

Question 14. 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? (CBSE Delhi 2017)
Answer: Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. Usually, one tends to give up one’s aspirations or desires and compromise with the situation. One might not even dare to go against the flow or face the difficulties head on to fulfil one’s wishes. However, Valli was nothing of that sort.
Valli was eight years old when she developed an overwhelming desire to ride the bus. She would watch the bus come and go every day. Being curious by nature, Valli longed to experience a bus ride, but she was limited by lack of money, lack of support from elders and, of course, by her age. Valli did not let these difficulties stop her from taking that bus ride. First, she gathered all the necessary information, such as the distance covered by the bus, the bus fare, the arrival and departure times and the time it takes to make the journey one way. Then she planned everything meticulously. She decided to travel alone and at noon because that was the time her mother would be fast asleep. To save enough money to make a two-way journey Valli fought temptations. She denied herself many goodies, such as peppermints, toys and balloons. She even controlled her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair. It took her months to plan and prepare for her first bus journey. After she boarded the bus, the elders inside tried to treat her like the child that she was. However, Valli refused to be treated that way and maintained her self-respect. She enjoyed her bus ride to the fullest and, at the same time, took every precaution for a safe journey. This shows that Valli had the courage and confidence to accomplish her dreams.

Question 15. 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? (CBSE Foreign 2017)
Answer: Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way. Usually, one tends to give up one’s aspirations or desires and compromise with the situation. One might not even dare to go against the flow or face the difficulties head on to fulfil one’s wishes. However, Valli was nothing of that sort.
Valli was eight years old when she developed an overwhelming desire to ride the bus. She would watch the bus come and go every day. Being curious by nature, Valli longed to experience a bus ride, but she was limited by lack of money, lack of support from elders and, of course, by her age. Valli did not let these difficulties stop her from taking that bus ride. First, she gathered all the necessary information, such as the distance covered by the bus, the bus fare, the arrival and departure times and the time it takes to make the journey one way. Then she planned everything meticulously. She decided to travel alone and at noon because that was the time her mother would be fast asleep. To save enough money to make a two-way journey Valli fought temptations. She denied herself many goodies, such as peppermints, toys and balloons. She even controlled her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair. It took her months to plan and prepare for her first bus journey. After she boarded the bus, the elders inside tried to treat her like the child that she was. However, Valli refused to be treated that way and maintained her self-respect. She enjoyed her bus ride to the fullest and, at the same time, took every precaution for a safe journey. This shows that Valli had the courage and confidence to accomplish her dreams.

Question 16. In the 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’. (CBSE Delhi Com. 2017)
Answer: In the modern era, people are selfish and insensitive to the sufferings of their neighbours. But Valli is not one of them. On her way to the town, while she was in the bus, she came across a young cow running in the middle of the road, in front of the bus. Watching the young creature running about spiritedly filled little Valli with joy and excitement, and she clapped with glee. However, the joy and excitement were short-lived, as while coming back from the town she saw the same young cow lying by the roadside, quite dead.
Valli had been enthusiastic throughout the journey and would never have imagined witnessing death so closely. But on being faced with such a tragic and dismal truth of life, the readers come across a sensitive Valli as she grieves over the accidental death of the young cow. She becomes sombre, thinking that what had been a beautiful creature a while ago, alive and free-spirited, was not so any more. Eight-year-old Valli neither feels frightened nor does she lose her confidence; only her enthusiasm dampens. She processes the information like a grown-up and feels sympathy for the dead young cow.

Question 17. “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 risks are essential to fulfil one’s dream. (CBSE Delhi 2015)
Answer: Eight-year-old Valliammai, aka Valli, was full of curiosity about things. She didn’t have any playmates of her own age on her street. However, for her, standing in the front doorway watching the things happening in the street outside was as enjoyable as any child’s game. Valli’s favourite pastime was to watch, filled with fascination, the bus come and go every day; everything about it, the bus, the passengers, etc., made her more and more curious. She had never been on a bus before, but now she wanted to. Valli decided to ride the bus alone, and so she started planning for her first bus ride.
Valli was a good planner. The eight-year-old girl planned the whole bus trip all by herself and gathered all the details necessary to make the journey, such as the distance covered, the bus fare, the arrival and departure times and the time taken one way. She saved enough money for a round trip by curtailing her extra expenses. Little Valli was quite confident even at such a young age. The unaccompanied minor did not feel scared being surrounded by unknown faces and going to unknown places. She dealt with the bus conductor and the elderly man and woman smartly and confidently, and refused to be treated like a child.
Valli didn’t get down from the bus to grab a bite or have a drink at the stall. It shows that Valli, even though a child, was cautious and careful, and did not give in to temptations easily. By hiding the truth about the bus journey from her mother, Valli revealed to the readers that she was secretive. She may still have been eight years old when she returned from her bus journey, but she came back wiser than before.

Question 18. What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read. (CBSE AI 2011)
Answer: Eight-year-old Valliammai, aka Valli, was full of curiosity about things. She didn’t have any playmates of her own age on her street. However, for her, standing in the front doorway watching the things happening in the street outside was as enjoyable as any child’s game. Valli’s favourite pastime was to watch, filled with fascination, the bus come and go every day; everything about it, the bus, the passengers, etc., made her more and more curious. She had never been on a bus before, but now she wanted to. Valli decided to ride the bus alone, and so she started planning for her first bus ride.
Valli was a good planner. The eight-year-old girl planned the whole bus trip all by herself and gathered all the details necessary to make the journey, such as the distance covered, the bus fare, the arrival and departure times and the time taken one way. She saved enough money for a round trip by curtailing her extra expenses. Little Valli was quite confident even at such a young age. The unaccompanied minor did not feel scared being surrounded by unknown faces and going to unknown places. She dealt with the bus conductor and the elderly man and woman smartly and confidently, and refused to be treated like a child.
Valli didn’t get down from the bus to grab a bite or have a drink at the stall. It shows that Valli, even though a child, was cautious and careful, and did not give in to temptations easily. By hiding the truth about the bus journey from her mother, Valli revealed to the readers that she was secretive. She may still have been eight years old when she returned from her bus journey, but she came back wiser than before.

Question 19. 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. (CBSE AI 2014)
Answer: Behaviour of the conductor in ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ is an example of good manners. The conductor was a jolly person who liked to joke. We too can make our life happy by observing good manners.
When, at first, little Valli stopped the bus while going to the town, the bus conductor stretched out his hand to help her get on the bus. Throughout the journey, he showed concern for the eight-year-old child who was travelling in the bus unaccompanied. He made sure that Valli was comfortable in her seat and cautioned her that she might fall if she did not sit. In town, the conductor offered to get Valli something to drink when he learned that she would be scared to venture out all by herself. When Valli demanded to be treated like an adult, with respect, and not as a child because she had paid for her bus ticket, the bus conductor took it in good humour.
People like the bus conductor are always a positive influence on others. They win over others with their kindness and jolly nature, and good behaviour is a part of their persona. We too should imbibe good qualities. We too should be kind and helpful to each other, speak politely and take things in a good spirit instead of being quick to take offence.

Question 20. 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? (CBSE Foreign 2014)
Answer: Valli was quite overcome with sadness to see that the young cow, which had been running about spiritedly in the middle of the road a while ago, was now lying dead by the roadside. It came as a rude shock and dampened Valli’s enthusiasm. It is sad to see defenceless stray animals dying in road accidents. People are selfish and insensitive to the sufferings of creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Many consider stray animals, especially cattle, a menace. They are, in fact, a threat not only to themselves but also to people driving vehicles when they run about freely on the road. It is extremely concerning to see the sorry plight of animals falling prey to fast-moving traffic. Therefore, efforts must be made to make roads safe for them as well as for humans. The Municipal Corporation must establish animal shelters, where the animals would be well taken care of.
Precautions must be taken to safeguard the roads and those travelling on them. Following speed limits must be made mandatory. Those found guilty of over-speeding, drinking and driving, jumping traffic lights or disregarding traffic rules must be punished. As the proverb goes, a stitch in time saves nine; a single precaution taken can save many innocent lives.

Question 21. “Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age.” Justify the statement with instances from the text. (100–150 words) (CBSE 2020)
Answer: Valli was an eight-year-old girl who lived in a small village. She had no one to play with, so her favourite pastime was to stand at the doorstep and watch things and people. She liked gazing at the hustle and bustle of the street, and her most favourite part was the sight of the bus arriving and departing every hour. It gave her immense pleasure to look at the new set of passengers each time the bus passed by. Gradually, after watching the bus for so many days, Valli developed a desire to take a ride on the bus. She started gathering information about it; she listened to the conversations of her neighbours who frequently travelled by bus and, in the process, asked a few questions in order to collect more information. In this way she gathered all the information about the distance, time and ticket fare. Now she needed to save money, which was not easy as she had to resist the temptation of peppermints, candy and the merry-go-round. Finally she saved sixty paise for the ride, as the one-way fare of the bus was thirty paise.
Finally, one day she boarded the bus during its not very busy hours. It was an amazing sight for everyone to see such a small girl travelling all alone. Valli didn’t take anyone’s help on the bus, refused a free treat from the conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows her confident and self-dependent nature. It also shows that she had determination and maturity ahead of her age.

Question 22. Valli’s dream was to enjoy a ride on the bus to the nearest town. What preparations did she make to realise her dream? (CBSE AI 2019)
Answer: Valli was eight years old when she developed an overwhelming desire to ride the bus. She would watch the bus come and go every day. Being curious by nature, Valli longed to experience a bus ride, but she was limited by lack of money, lack of support from elders and, of course, by her age. Valli did not let these difficulties stop her from taking that bus ride. First, she gathered all the necessary information, such as the distance covered by the bus, the bus fare, the arrival and departure times and the time it takes to make the journey one way. Then she planned everything meticulously. She decided to travel alone and at noon because that was the time her mother would be fast asleep. To save enough money to make a two-way journey Valli fought temptations. She denied herself many goodies, such as peppermints, toys and balloons. She even controlled her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair. It took her months to plan and prepare for her first bus journey. After she boarded the bus, the elders inside tried to treat her like the child that she was. However, Valli refused to be treated that way and maintained her self-respect. She enjoyed her bus ride to the fullest and, at the same time, took every precaution for a safe journey. This shows that Valli had the courage and confidence to accomplish her dreams.