GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

Oral Comprehension Check (Textbook Page No. 119)

Question 1. What was Valli's favourite pastime?
Answer: Valli's preferred activity was waiting in the front entrance of her home, observing events on the road.
In simple words: Valli liked to stand by her door and watch things happening on the street.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's hobby, clearly state the activity and any specific details related to it from the text.

Question 2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Answer: The sight of the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town, filled each time with a fresh group of passengers, was a cause of continuous happiness for Valli. Her biggest wish was to take a ride on that bus.
In simple words: Seeing the bus with new people brought Valli endless happiness. Her greatest wish was to ride it.

Exam Tip: Identify key details like "unending joy" and "strongest desire" to pinpoint core motivations and aspirations for character-based questions.

Question 3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Answer: Valli learned that the bus journey to town took about forty-five minutes, and the single trip fare was thirty paise. She listened carefully to discussions among her neighbors and regular bus users. She also asked a few careful questions now and then. This is how she gathered various small pieces of information about the bus trip.
In simple words: Valli learned the bus trip to town was 45 minutes and cost 30 paise. She found this out by listening to people and asking questions.

Exam Tip: Note how Valli's curiosity and observation skills are crucial to her planning, a common character trait in such stories.

Question 4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Answer: Valli was planning to visit the town and then return home on the same bus. The fare for one way was thirty paise, and the trip lasted forty-five minutes. In this manner, she calculated that she would be back by 2:45 pm if she started her journey at 1:00 pm.
In simple words: Valli planned to go to town and come back on the same bus, taking about 90 minutes and costing 60 paise total.

Exam Tip: For planning questions, detail the steps, timings, and costs involved, showing a complete understanding of the character's intentions.

(Textbook Page No. 122)

Question 5. Why does the conductor call Valli 'madam'? (August 20)
Answer: The conductor called Valli 'madam' because she was trying to act sophisticated and more grown-up than her actual age. She behaved like an adult woman, trying to appear very confident and intelligent. She turned down his help and responded quickly to the conductor's questions. This behavior made the conductor wish to tease her by calling her madam.
In simple words: The conductor called Valli 'madam' because she acted very grown-up and confident, like an adult woman.

Exam Tip: Understanding the conductor's humorous and respectful teasing highlights Valli's mature demeanor despite her young age.

Question 6. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Answer: Valli desired to look outside the bus. She discovered her view was blocked by the canvas cover that hid the lower part of the window. To get a better look, she stood up on the seat and peered over the cover. She observed a canal, palm trees, grassy land, mountains, green fields, and the sky.
In simple words: Valli stood on the seat to see outside because a canvas blocked her view. She then saw a canal, trees, mountains, and green fields.

Exam Tip: Describe Valli's motivation and the specific details she observes to illustrate her keen observation skills and excitement.

Question 7. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Answer: Valli responded that there were no children on the bus. She informed him that she had paid her thirty paise fare, just like all the other passengers.
In simple words: Valli told the elderly man she was not a child and had paid her fare just like everyone else.

Exam Tip: This exchange emphasizes Valli's strong sense of independence and her desire to be treated like an adult.

Question 8. Why didn't Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Answer: Valli did not wish to become friends with the elderly woman because she appeared quite unattractive. She had large earholes and was wearing unpleasant earrings. Additionally, she was chewing betel nut, and her mouth was also filled with betel juice.
In simple words: Valli did not want to be friends with the old woman because she looked unappealing, with large earholes, ugly earrings, and betel juice in her mouth.

Exam Tip: Detail the specific reasons for Valli's aversion, showcasing her keen (and somewhat judgmental) observational nature.

(Textbook Page No. 125)

Question 9. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
Answer: Valli had very carefully collected every stray coin that came her way by resisting all desires to purchase peppermints, toys, balloons, and so on. It had been very challenging for her. Even at the village fair, she resisted the urge to ride the merry-go-round. Thus, she had managed to save sixty paise for her initial bus journey.
In simple words: Valli saved money by collecting every loose coin and resisting many temptations like buying toys or riding the merry-go-round. It was very hard for her.

Exam Tip: Highlight Valli's determination and self-control, which are key traits demonstrated by her saving efforts.

Question 10. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Answer: Valli observed a young cow, with its tail high in the air, running very quickly right in the middle of the road ahead of the bus. The driver honked his horn repeatedly to make the cow move aside. But the more he honked, the more terrified the animal became, and faster it galloped. This entire scene appeared very humorous to Valli, and she laughed so much that tears came to her eyes.
In simple words: Valli laughed loudly at a young cow running fast in the road. The more the driver honked, the faster the cow ran, which she found very funny.

Exam Tip: Focus on the cause of Valli's amusement and her visible reaction (laughing till tears came) to show her innocent joy.

Question 11. Why didn't she get off the bus at the bus station?
Answer: Valli had planned that she only wished to ride on the bus. She would spend thirty paise on her fare, travel to the town, and then return by the same bus before her mother woke up. She did not have enough time or money to explore the town.
In simple words: Valli did not get off the bus because she only planned to ride it, not explore the town, due to limited time and money.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Valli's careful planning and financial discipline as reasons for her decision not to disembark.

Question 12. Why didn't Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
Answer: Valli had saved just sixty paise for the journey. She did not wish to waste any cash on that, as she needed to return by the same bus no matter what. So, when the conductor offered her to get off and have a drink, she declined. He offered to bring one for her, but she still refused. This behavior shows that she was a polite and well-behaved girl.
In simple words: Valli did not want to waste her saved money on a drink because she needed it for her return bus trip. This shows her good manners.

Exam Tip: Connect Valli's refusal directly to her financial planning and her polite refusal, illustrating her disciplined and well-mannered nature.

Thinking About the Text

Question 1. What was Valli's deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Answer: Valli's strongest wish was to take a bus ride. The terms and expressions in the story that reveal this are 'source of unending joy', 'stared wistfully', and 'kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes'.
In simple words: Valli really wanted to ride the bus. The story shows this by saying it brought her "unending joy" and "kindled her dreams."

Exam Tip: When quoting phrases, ensure they are exact as in the text and clearly linked to the character's emotions or desires.

Question 2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Answer: Over several days and months, Valli carefully listened to discussions among her neighbors and people who frequently used the bus, asking a few private questions occasionally. She learned that the town was six miles from her village, the bus fare was thirty paise, and the trip took forty-five minutes. She also realized that if she remained on the bus and returned by the same one, it would cost her only sixty paise. She painstakingly saved every single penny she received, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, and so on, and even a ride on the merry-go-round at the village annual fair, to save sixty paise. It was a secret trip which she had arranged without her parents' knowledge.
In simple words: Valli planned her bus ride by listening to others and secretly saving 60 paise. She learned the town was six miles away, the fare was 30 paise, and the trip took 45 minutes each way.

Exam Tip: Detail Valli's methods of gathering information and saving money to show her meticulous planning and determination.

Question 3. What kind of person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill in are the clues to your answer:
(1) "Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised ........................................
(2) "Yes, I ......................... go to town," said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(3) "There's nobody here ...................," she said haughtily. “I've paid my thirty paise like
everyone else.”
(4) "Never mind," she said, "I can ....................................You don't have to help me.” “I'm not a child, I tell you,” she said
(5) "You needn't bother about me. I ........................ ," Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(6) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope ......................,"
Answer:
(1) "Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised commandingly.
(2) "Yes, I simply have to go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(3) "There's nobody here who's a child,” she said haughtily. "I've paid my thirty paise like everyone else."
(4) "Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself. You don't have to help me." "I'm not child, I tell you,” she said, irritably.
(5) "You needn't bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(6) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope to see you again.'
Valli appears to be a confident child. She does not appreciate people making fun of her or feeling pity for her simply because she is a child. She is very careful not to speak with strangers during her trip. She must have enjoyed her bus ride and might be planning for her next journey when her finances and time allow.
In simple words: Valli is a confident child who dislikes being treated like a baby. She enjoys her bus ride and plans future trips when her money and schedule permit.

Exam Tip: Use Valli's direct quotes to support your description of her character traits, such as confidence and independence.

Question 4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as 'Madam'?
Answer: The conductor called Valli 'Madam' because she acted like a grown-up and did not think of herself as a child. She also declined his assistance and informed him that she could handle things on her own.
In simple words: The conductor called Valli 'Madam' because she behaved like an adult, believing she could manage by herself.

Exam Tip: Explain the conductor's motivation for using the term 'Madam' by linking it to Valli's grown-up behavior and self-sufficiency.

Question 5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Answer: The following lines in the text show that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus:
1. "Valli devoured everything with her eyes.”
2. "On the one side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and then acres and acres of green fields – green, green, green, as far as the eye could see. Oh, it was all so wonderful!"
3. "Everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter. Suddenly, Valli clapped her hands with glee.”
4. "Somehow this was very funny to Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes."
5. “Valli wasn't bored to the slightest and greeted everything, with the same excitement she'd felt the first time."
In simple words: The text shows Valli enjoyed her ride by describing how she "devoured everything with her eyes," found the scenery "wonderful," clapped "with glee," laughed until "tears in her eyes," and was "not bored to the slightest."

Exam Tip: When citing evidence, use direct quotes from the text to support your points accurately, as these provide concrete proof.

Question 6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Answer: Valli declined to look out of the window on her return journey because she saw a young cow lying lifeless by the roadside, exactly where it had been hit by a fast-moving vehicle. It was the identical cow that had run in front of their bus during their trip to town. She felt overwhelmed with sadness. The memory of the deceased cow troubled her, and consequently, she would not look out of the window.
In simple words: Valli refused to look out the window on the way back because she saw the same cow that was alive earlier, now dead by the road, which made her very sad.

Exam Tip: Explain Valli's emotional reaction and the specific sight that caused it, emphasizing the contrast between her outward and return journeys.

Question 7. What does Valli mean when she says “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge"?
Answer: Valli's mother had remarked that many events occur around us, but we often remain unaware of them. Valli had gone on a bus ride to town completely by herself and returned without any trouble. She did all of this without her mother knowing. Therefore, she concurred with what her mother had expressed.
In simple words: Valli meant that she agreed with her mother's statement about unknown events, as she had secretly taken a bus trip without her mother's knowledge.

Exam Tip: Connect Valli's internal experience of her secret bus ride to her mother's philosophical observation, showing Valli's subtle understanding.

Question 8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-years-old's point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for his statement?
Answer: The author has depicted the things that Valli observed from an eight-year-old's perspective. She was captivated by a bus. Watching the bus filled with a new group of people each time was a source of continuous happiness for her. Her strongest wish was to ride the bus. She saved money by cutting back on peppermints, toys, and balloons, and even resisting the urge to ride the merry-go-round at the fair. When the author portrays the bus, the aspects he highlights are the color and appearance of the bus. It was a 'new bus', painted a 'gleaming white'. The overhead bars 'shone like silver'. The seats were 'soft and luxurious'. The descriptions the author provides when Valli looked outside are also typical for an eight-year-old. The 'blue, blue sky' and the 'acres and acres of green fields – green, green, green' demonstrate a child's excitement when seeing different colors. Valli clapped her hands with joy upon seeing a cow run directly in front of the bus. She found it so amusing that tears came to her eyes. On the other hand, she was overcome with sadness on her way back when she saw the same cow lying dead. It had been a 'lovable, beautiful creature', and later it 'looked so horrible'. The memory of the dead cow haunted her so much that she refused to look outside the window. These are the usual reactions of a young child.
In simple words: The text shows Valli's eight-year-old view through her fascination with the bus, saving money for the ride, and her reactions to the scenery. She joyfully clapped at a running cow but was deeply saddened by its death, all typical child-like responses.

Exam Tip: Provide multiple examples from the text, including both joyful and sorrowful reactions, to fully illustrate how the author captures Valli's childlike perspective.

GSEB Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Additional Important Questions And Answers

Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers to the questions given below them:

The most fascinating thing 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. 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 just once. This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire.

Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the street corner. 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 too jealous to listen and would shout, in English: “Proud ! proud!” Neither she nor her friends really understood the meaning of the word, but they used it often as a slang expression of disapproval.

Question 1. ..................... pleased Valli a lot.
(a) Travelling by, bus
(b) Watching the bus coming and going
(c) Talking with passengers travelling by the bus
(d) The games that she played
Answer: (b) Watching the bus coming and going
In simple words: Seeing the bus pass by regularly brought Valli immense happiness.

Exam Tip: Always refer back to the passage to find the most accurate detail that describes Valli's feelings or actions.

Question 2. What was the tiny wish of Valli?
(a) Riding on the bus some day.
(b) Driving a bus some day.
(c) Going to the nearest city.
(d) Entertaining passengers by playing pranks.
Answer: (a) Riding on the bus some day.
In simple words: Valli's small wish was to take a bus ride.

Exam Tip: Look for phrases like "tiny wish" or "overwhelming desire" in the passage to quickly identify the core longing.

Question 3. Valli was too jealous to ...................
(a) travel by a bus.
(b) go to the nearest town.
(c) listen to her friends who happened to ride the bus and described the sights of the town.
(d) All of these three
Answer: (c) listen to her friends who happened to ride the bus and described the sights of the town.
In simple words: Valli felt too much jealousy to hear her friends talk about their bus trips and what they saw in town.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific actions or reactions described in the passage that indicate jealousy or other strong emotions.

Question 4. Valli and her friends used the words “proud!, proud!” as a slang expression of disapproval because ...................
(a) they really did not understand the meaning of the word.
(b) they really wanted to admire.
(c) they wanted to condemn the things that they had seen at the town.
(d) None of these three
Answer: (a) they really did not understand the meaning of the word.
In simple words: Valli and her friends used "proud!" as a slang word of disapproval because they did not understand its real meaning.

Exam Tip: Focus on explicit statements in the text regarding character knowledge or understanding, especially for vocabulary-related questions.

Sitting down, she looked to see who had spoken. It was an elderly man who had honestly been concerned for her, but she was annoyed by his attention. “There's nobody here who's a child," she said haughtily. "I've paid my thirty paise like everyone else." The conductor chimed in. “Oh, sir, but this is a very grown-up madam. Do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city all alone ?" Valli shot an angry glance at the conductor and said, "I am not a madam. Please remember that.

And you've not yet given me my ticket.” “I'll remember,” the conductor said, mimicking her tone. Everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter. The conductor punched a ticket and handed it to her. “Just sit back and make yourself comfortable. Why should you stand when you've paid for a seat ?” “Because I want to,” she answered, standing up again. "But if you stand on the seat, you may fall and hurt yourself when the bus makes a sharp turn or hits a bump. That's why we want you to sit down, child." "I'm not a child, I tell you,” she said irritably. "I'm eight-years-old.” “Of course, of course. How stupid of me! Eight years – my !" The bus stopped, some new passengers got on, and the conductor got busy for a time. Afraid of losing her seat, Valli finally sat down. An elderly woman came and sat beside her. "Are you all alone, dear?” she asked Valli as the bus started again.

Question 1. Who had spoken to the girl to sit down?
(a) The Conductor
(b) An elderly man
(c) An old lady
(d) A grown-up madam
Answer: (b) An elderly man
In simple words: An old man was the one who asked the girl to sit down.

Exam Tip: Identify characters by their descriptions and roles in the dialogue to answer who-type questions accurately.

Question 2. The phrase 'chimed in' means ........................
(a) 'rang the bell'.
(b) 'said something in an insulting tone'.
(c) 'intervened'.
(d) 'retorted'.
Answer: (c) 'intervened'.
In simple words: 'Chimed in' means to join a conversation or interrupt it.

Exam Tip: When defining phrases, consider the context in which they are used within the passage to choose the most fitting synonym.

Question 3. Valli does not accept herself as a .....................
(a) child.
(b) grown-up lady.
(c) an irritating passenger.
(d) All of these three
Answer: (a) child.
In simple words: Valli does not think of herself as a child.

Exam Tip: Valli's dialogues and actions consistently show her desire to be perceived as an adult, not a child.

Question 4. Valli did not leave the seat for .....................
(a) she did not want to get down and visit the town.
(b) the fear of losing the seat.
(c) the fear that the conductor would not allow her to ride on the bus again.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: Valli did not get up from her seat because she did not want to visit the town, and she was afraid of losing her spot.

Exam Tip: Look for multiple reasons mentioned in the text for a character's decision, as answers often combine them.

Answer the Following Questions In Three to Four Sentences Each:

Question 1. Who was Valli?
Answer: Valli was the shortened name for Valliamai. She was an eight-year-old girl who was exceptionally curious about the world around her. Her curious nature drove her to observe and learn from her surroundings.
In simple words: Valli, short for Valliamai, was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious and loved observing things.

Exam Tip: Include both the character's full name (if given) and a brief description of her age and defining personality trait.

Question 2. Why did Valli kept standing in front of the door?
Answer: Valli kept standing in front of the door because there were no playmates of her age group on her street. Therefore, she used to spend her time watching the activities on the street outside her home. This became her main form of entertainment.
In simple words: Valli stood by the door because she had no friends her age on her street, so she watched the outside world instead.

Exam Tip: Link Valli's actions (standing at the door) to her circumstances (lack of playmates) to provide a complete explanation.

Question 3. What was the most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street?
Answer: The most captivating thing that Valli observed on the street was the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street every hour, once going towards the town and once returning. This constant movement greatly interested her.
In simple words: The bus that went between her village and town was the most exciting thing Valli saw. It passed her street every hour.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific object of Valli's fascination and explain why it captured her attention, as described in the narrative.

Question 4. How did Valli gathered all the information about the bus?
Answer: Over numerous days and months, Valli carefully paid attention to conversations between her neighbors and the people who frequently rode the bus. She also posed a few discreet questions here and there. In this manner, she collected all the necessary information about the bus.
In simple words: Valli gathered bus information by listening to neighbors and asking careful questions over many days.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Valli's investigative approach—listening and asking discreetly—to show her intelligence and resourcefulness.

Question 5. Where was the town located? What was the fare to travel there by bus?
Answer: The town was situated six miles from Valli's village. The cost to travel to town by bus was thirty paise for a one-way trip. This meant a round trip would cost sixty paise.
In simple words: The town was six miles from Valli's village. The bus fare for one way was thirty paise.

Exam Tip: Provide precise numerical details when asked, as these are factual elements from the story.

Question 6. What did Valli kept on planning and calculating continuously?
Answer: Valli consistently planned and calculated which bus to take, how much time the journey to town would require, and the exact fare needed to complete her entire trip. She was very precise in her preparations.
In simple words: Valli kept planning which bus to take, how long it would last, and the exact fare needed for her trip.

Exam Tip: Detail the specific aspects of Valli's planning (timing, route, cost) to highlight her thoroughness and determination.

Question 7. How was the interior and exterior of the bus?
Answer: It was a brand new bus. Its exterior was painted a gleaming white with several green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shined like silver. There was a lovely clock positioned above the windshield, and its seats felt soft and luxurious.
In simple words: The bus was new, painted shiny white with green stripes. Inside, it had silver bars, a clock above the windshield, and soft, comfortable seats.

Exam Tip: Use descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the bus's appearance, as detailed in the story.

Question 8. How was the view outside the bus when it went through the canal?
Answer: On one side there was the canal, and beyond it, palm trees, grassy land, distant mountains, and the sky. On the opposite side was a deep ditch, followed by acres and acres of lush green fields. The scenery was quite varied and beautiful.
In simple words: Outside the bus near the canal, Valli saw palm trees, mountains, and the sky on one side, and a deep ditch with green fields on the other.

Exam Tip: Enumerate the various elements of the landscape observed by Valli, highlighting the rich detail of her perception.

Question 9. Why did the conductor wanted Valli to sit?
Answer: The conductor initially told Valli that since she had paid for the ticket, she should take a seat. When she refused, he warned her that she might fall and injure herself if the bus made a sharp turn or hit a bump. He was concerned for her safety.
In simple words: The conductor wanted Valli to sit because she had paid for her ticket and he was worried she might fall and get hurt if the bus moved suddenly.

Exam Tip: Identify the conductor's reason (safety) and his gentle persuasion, contrasting with Valli's stubborn independence.

Question 10. Why didn't Valli want to talk to the elderly woman?
Answer: The elderly woman was wearing unattractive earrings and was chewing betel nut. The betel juice was about to trickle out of her mouth. Valli found all this disgusting and therefore did not wish to speak with her. She preferred to avoid such company.
In simple words: Valli did not want to speak to the old woman because she wore ugly earrings, was chewing betel nut, and seemed repulsive.

Exam Tip: List the specific sensory details (sight and potential mess) that made the elderly woman unappealing to Valli.

Question 11. What questions did the old woman ask Valli?
Answer: The old woman asked Valli if she was traveling by herself. She also inquired if Valli knew her exact destination in town. Furthermore, she questioned whether it was appropriate for such a young person to undertake a journey alone.
In simple words: The old woman asked Valli if she was alone, where she was going in town, and if it was safe for a child to travel solo.

Exam Tip: Summarize the old woman's questions, highlighting her concern or curiosity about Valli's solo travel.

Question 12. How did Valli save money to travel by bus?
Answer: Valli had carefully stored away every small coin she acquired. She resisted every temptation to purchase peppermints, toys, balloons, and to ride on the merry-go-round at the village fair, all to accumulate enough money for her bus trip. Her self-control was remarkable.
In simple words: Valli saved money for her bus trip by keeping every coin she got and avoiding buying treats or riding the fair's merry-go-round.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Valli's self-discipline and the sacrifices she made to achieve her goal of riding the bus.

Question 13. How did Valli manage to travel by bus without the knowledge of her mother?
Answer: Valli managed to travel by bus without her mother's knowledge because her mother was sleeping when Valli departed. This allowed her to make the trip undetected.
In simple words: Valli traveled without her mother knowing because her mother was asleep when she left.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific timing or circumstance (mother's sleep) that enabled Valli's secret journey.

Question 14. How did Valli feel on seeing the dead cow on the road?
Answer: Valli was filled with sadness. She reflected that what had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a short while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its vitality, appearing horrible and terrifying. This sight deeply affected her.
In simple words: Valli felt deep sadness, realizing the once lovely cow was now dead and looked horrible, which shocked her.

Exam Tip: Describe Valli's emotional state (sadness) and her realization about life and death, highlighting the contrast between her two journeys.

Answer the Following Questions In Five to Six Sentences Each:

Question 1. The people and surroundings are a great book to learn. Valli in the lesson 'Madam Rides The Bus' learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from her surroundings.
Answer: Valli dreamed of riding on the bus. Her intense desire to fulfill this dream sparked her inquisitiveness. This curiosity prompted her to listen carefully to the conversations of people who rode the bus and to ask discreet questions, allowing her to gather as much information as possible about the bus journey. On the bus trip, Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider herself any less than an adult. She focused on accomplishing her dream and resisted the urge to exit the bus and explore the town once it arrived. On the return trip, she learned about death when she confronted the lifeless cow. This made her realize that death is a natural part of existence and should be accepted as such. Thus, the bus journey taught her many important lessons.
In simple words: Valli's strong curiosity helped her learn about the bus journey from people around her. She acted confidently on the bus and stayed focused on her goal. On the way back, seeing a dead cow taught her about life and death. The whole trip provided her with many valuable lessons.

Exam Tip: Structure your answer by detailing Valli's initial curiosity, her confident behavior during the trip, and her profound learning experience on the return journey.

Question 2. What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read. OR Give the character sketch of Valli.
Answer: Valli was a determined, confident, and brave girl. She was also an excellent planner and executor. She gave up many things to achieve her dream. For instance, she curbed the desire to buy sweets and to ride the merry-go-round at the fair so that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all these pleasures at such a young age is very difficult for a child. She also behaved confidently on the bus and did not feel intimidated in the presence of older people. When the bus reached town, Valli did not yield to the temptation of getting off to explore the town or have a drink. She did this because she had a limited amount of money, which she wanted to 'save' for her return trip. So, Valli used her money wisely. When the conductor offered her a drink, she demonstrated good manners by politely refusing to accept it.
In simple words: Valli was a determined, confident, and brave girl. She planned her bus trip carefully, even giving up sweets and rides to save money. On the bus, she acted maturely, refused to get off to save funds, and politely declined the conductor's offer of a drink.

Exam Tip: Support character traits with specific examples from the story, such as Valli's saving habits, confident interactions, and self-control, to build a comprehensive sketch.

Grammar

Rectify the errors in each of the following lines as shown in the example:

Question 1. (1) But for Valli, stand at the front door was each bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate game other children played. Watch the street gave her many new usual experiences.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Carefully read each sentence to identify grammatical errors, focusing on verb forms, noun-adjective agreement, and appropriate word choice.

Question 2. (2) Valli, devoured anything with her eyes. But then she started to look outside, she found her view cut by a canvas blind who covered the upper part of her window.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When correcting errors, consider not only the individual word but also its role in the sentence structure and overall meaning.

Turn the Following Dialogues Into Indirect Speech:

Question 1. "Stop the bus Stop the bus !" shouted Valli. “Hurry then! Tell whoever it is to come quickly," the conductor said. "It's me,” shouted Valli." I am the one who has to get on." "Oh really! You don't say so," the conductor said.
Answer: Valli shouted twice to tell the bus to stop. The conductor then told her to hurry and to inform whoever was coming to arrive quickly. Valli yelled that it was she and added that she was the one who needed to board the bus. Observing the small girl, the conductor exclaimed with surprise that it was difficult for him to believe that such a young girl was traveling alone.
In simple words: Valli repeatedly told the bus to stop. The conductor then urged her to tell someone to hurry. Valli declared she was the one getting on, which surprised the conductor as he found it hard to believe such a young girl was traveling alone.

Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, change pronouns, verb tenses, and time/place expressions, and use reporting verbs like 'said,' 'told,' 'asked,' or 'exclaimed' appropriately.

Question 2. Somebody from the passengers said, “Listen, child, You should not stand like that. Sit down." "There's nobody here who's a child,” she said haughtily. “I've paid my thirty paise like every one else.” The conductor chimed in. “Oh, sir, but this is a very grown-up madam. Do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city alone?”
Answer: Someone among the passengers advised Valli, saying that she should not stand like that, and then asked the girl to sit down. Valli responded proudly that no one on the bus was a child. She insisted that she had paid her thirty paise, just like everyone else. The conductor then joined the conversation, ironically stating to the passenger that she was a very mature madam. He then asked if he thought a simple girl could pay her own fare and journey to the city by herself.
In simple words: A passenger told Valli not to stand and to sit down. Valli haughtily replied she was no child, having paid her fare like adults. The conductor then sarcastically called her a "grown-up madam" and questioned if a mere girl could travel alone.

Exam Tip: Ensure that the tone and intent of the original direct speech (e.g., haughtily, sarcastically) are conveyed accurately in the indirect speech conversion.

Rewrite As Directed:

Question 1. (1) How stupid of me (Turn into Assertive.) ? (2) There was a girl Valliammai who was called Valli for short. (Make it Simple.) (3) The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. (Change the Degree.) (4) Valli would be too jealous to listen to their talks. (Remove 'too'.) (5) You don't have to help me. (Turn into Affirmative.) (6) Avoiding everyone's eyes, she walked quickly to an empty seat. (Turn into Compound.) (7) And you've not yet given me my ticket. (Change the Voice.)
Answer:
(1) It is greatly stupid of me.
(2) Valliammai was called Valli for short.
(3) The bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town was more fascinating than any other thing of all.
(4) Valli would be so jealous that she would not listen to their talks.
(5) I hardly need your help.
(6) She avoided everyone's eyes, and she quickly walked to an empty seat.
(7) And my ticket has not yet been given by you.
In simple words: This section asks you to change the sentences as instructed, like turning a question into a statement, simplifying, changing the degree of comparison, or altering the voice.

Exam Tip: For transformation exercises, understand the rules for each type of change (e.g., assertive, simple, comparative, removing 'too', active/passive voice) to ensure grammatical correctness and retain the original meaning.

Writing

Write a page - about three paragraphs – on one of the following topics:

Question 1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown ups into your confidence? What did you plan and how did you carry out your plan?
Answer: It was during my summer holidays. I wanted to organize a special birthday for my mother. So, I enlisted my younger sister in my scheme to celebrate her birthday. We saved our pocket money and skipped our weekly outings for some time. In this way, we were able to collect five hundred rupees for the birthday party. Now, we had to arrange everything without our mother's awareness. On her birthday, we pretended as if we had forgotten her birthday entirely. Instead, we requested our father to take her to the market. In the meantime, we prepared everything, like cake, decorations, flowers, and even invited two of her best friends. When she returned, she was surprised. It was the best birthday she had ever experienced in her life.
In simple words: During summer, I planned a secret birthday for my mom with my younger sister. We saved pocket money and pretended to forget her birthday. While Dad took her out, we set up decorations, cake, and guests. She was very surprised and loved the party.

Exam Tip: When narrating a personal experience, describe the planning, execution, and outcome in chronological order, including details that make the story engaging.

Turn The Following Dialogues Into Indirect Speech:

Question 1. "Stop the bus! Stop the bus!" shouted Valli. "Hurry then! Tell whoever it is to come quickly," the conductor said.
"It's me," shouted Valli. "I am the one who has to get on."
"Oh really! You don't say so," the conductor said.
Answer: Valli loudly called out twice to stop the bus. The conductor then instructed her to hurry. He asked her to inform whoever needed to come quickly. Valli responded, stating it was her and that she was the one who had to board. Seeing the small girl, the conductor expressed surprise that it was hard for him to believe such a young girl was traveling alone.
In simple words: Valli repeatedly asked to stop the bus. The conductor told her to hurry and that she was the one getting on, expressing surprise that such a young girl was traveling alone.

Exam Tip: When converting dialogues to indirect speech, pay close attention to changes in pronouns, tense, and reporting verbs (e.g., 'shouted', 'asked', 'responded').

Question 2. Somebody from the passengers said, "Listen, child, You should not stand like that. Sit down."
"There's nobody here who's a child," she said haughtily. "I've paid my thirty paise like every one else."
The conductor chimed in. "Oh, sir, but this is a very grown-up madam. Do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city alone ?"
Answer: Someone from the passengers told Valli that she should not stand like that and asked her to sit down. Valli proudly replied that no one there was a child. She insisted that she had paid her thirty paise fare just like everyone else. The conductor then jokingly added to the passenger that Valli was a grown-up madam. He sarcastically asked if a mere girl could really pay her own fare and travel to the city alone.
In simple words: A passenger told Valli to sit down, but Valli haughtily stated she wasn't a child and had paid her fare. The conductor joked, calling her a "grown-up madam" and questioning if a young girl could travel alone.

Exam Tip: Remember to capture the tone of the speakers, such as Valli's haughtiness and the conductor's teasing, when converting to indirect speech.

Rewrite As Directed:

Question. Rewrite the following sentences as directed.
(1) How stupid of me (Turn into Assertive.) ?
(2) There was a girl Valliammai who was called Valli for short. (Make it Simple.)
(3) The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. (Change the Degree.)
(4) Valli would be too jealous to listen to their talks. (Remove 'too'.)
(5) You don't have to help me. (Turn into Affirmative.)
(6) Avoiding everyone's eyes, she walked quickly to an empty seat. (Turn into Compound.)
(7) And you've not yet given me my ticket. (Change the Voice.)
Answer:
(1) It is greatly stupid of me.
(2) Valliammai was called Valli for short.
(3) The bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town was more fascinating than any other thing of all.
(4) Valli would be so jealous that she would not listen to their talks.
(5) I hardly need your help.
(6) She avoided everyone's eyes and she walked quickly to an empty seat.
(7) And my ticket has not yet been given by you.
In simple words: These sentences have been rewritten according to the specific grammar instructions for each part, such as changing sentence type or degree.

Exam Tip: Practice different types of grammatical transformations regularly. Focus on understanding the rules for each change to avoid common errors.

Writing

Write A Page - About Three Paragraphs - On One Of The Following Topics:

Question 1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown ups into your confidence ? What did you plan and how did you carry out your plan ?
Answer: It was during my summer holidays. I wanted to arrange a special birthday celebration for my mother. So, I involved my younger sister in my plan to celebrate her birthday. We saved our pocket money and skipped our weekly outings for some time. In this way, we were able to collect five hundred rupees for the birthday party. We then needed to arrange everything without our mother's knowledge. On her birthday, we pretended as if we didn't remember her birthday at all. Instead, we asked our father to take her to the market. In the meantime, we prepared everything like the cake, decorations, flowers, and even invited two of her best friends. When she returned, she was very surprised. It was the best birthday she had ever experienced in her life.
In simple words: My sister and I secretly planned a surprise birthday party for our mom by saving money and distracting her with our dad. We set up decorations, cake, and flowers, inviting friends, which really surprised her, making it her best birthday ever.

Exam Tip: When writing a personal narrative, use vivid details and describe your feelings to make the story engaging. Structure your response into clear paragraphs, starting with the planning, then the execution, and finally the outcome.

Question 2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way ? What made it memorable ?
Answer: I have been on many trips and excursions, but one journey I can't forget is my trip to Hemkund and Badrinath. The scenery there is captivating, and as you depart Delhi, you experience cool, fresh air and see breathtaking green fields. The bus journey takes you on winding narrow roads, with a river flowing on one side and mountains on the other. To reach Hemkund Sahib, one has to walk 14 kilometers. Everywhere there are crowds of devotees, chanting holy names and ascending the hill. When I reached the shrine, it was enveloped in clouds. The water in the holy tank was ice cold. The moment you step into it, your tiredness vanishes. After that, we traveled to Badrinath by bus. It was also a very pleasant place, with many hot springs there.
In simple words: My unforgettable journey was to Hemkund and Badrinath, known for beautiful scenery, winding roads, and cool air. Reaching Hemkund involved a 14km walk among chanting devotees, and the icy holy tank water removed all tiredness. Badrinath also featured many hot springs.

Exam Tip: To describe a memorable journey, focus on sensory details (sights, sounds, feelings) and specific events that made it stand out. Use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to paint a clear picture for the reader.

Question 3. Are you concerned about traffic and road safety ? What are your concerns ? How would you make road travel safer and more enjoyable ?
Answer: Yes, I am concerned about traffic and road safety. India possesses a vast network of roads. Every day, millions of Indians travel on these roads by bus, car, bicycle, cycle rickshaw, scooter, moped, truck, and other vehicles. Even pedestrians use these roads. Many people lose their lives every year due to serious road accidents because safety rules are not followed. It is also observed that 90 percent of these fatal accidents involve young individuals who enjoy driving at very high speeds, do not wear helmets and seat belts, talk on mobile phones while driving, or love to perform stunts inspired by movies. Despite numerous directives issued by the traffic police, much of their advice goes unheeded. It is our responsibility to follow all the rules and regulations and to keep safety measures in mind while driving. Safe driving is the best driving practice, and the rules are designed with our security in mind.
In simple words: Road safety is a major concern due to many accidents caused by people not following rules, especially youngsters speeding or neglecting safety gear. To make travel safer, everyone must follow traffic laws, as these rules are made for our protection.

Exam Tip: When discussing societal issues like road safety, provide statistics or common scenarios to support your points. Offer clear, actionable solutions for improvement. Structure your answer with an introduction, concerns, and proposed solutions.