NCERT Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Question Answers

Short Intro

“Madam Rides the Bus” written by Vallikkannan is a beautiful story about an eight-year-old girl named Valli who dreams of riding a bus to the nearby town. The story highlights curiosity, independence, innocence, and the understanding of life and death.

Quick Information Box

Topic Details
Chapter Name Madam Rides the Bus
Author Vallikkannan
Book First Flight
Class 10
Genre Fiction / Short Story
Main Character Valli

Concepts Used (Topics Covered)

  • Character Sketch of Valli
  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • Bus Journey Description
  • Life and Death Theme
  • Child Psychology
  • Important Events in the Story

Important Formulas

  • No mathematical formulas in this chapter.
  • Important literary concepts:

    • Characterization
    • Symbolism
    • Narration
    • Theme of Innocence

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions with Explanation

Q1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?

Solution

Valli’s favourite pastime was standing at the front doorway of her house and watching the activities happening in the street outside.

Explanation

Since she had no playmates of her age, she enjoyed observing people, vehicles, and especially the bus passing through the village.

Q2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli?

Solution

The bus travelling between her village and the town was a source of unending joy for Valli.

Explanation

She loved watching new passengers getting on and off the bus every day. Gradually, she developed a strong desire to travel on the bus herself.

Q3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey?

Solution

Valli found out:

  • The town was six miles away.
  • The fare was thirty paise one way.
  • The journey took forty-five minutes.
  • She could return on the same bus by paying another thirty paise.

Explanation

She learned these details by carefully listening to passengers and asking discreet questions.

Q4. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘Madam’?

Solution

The conductor jokingly called Valli “Madam” because she behaved like a grown-up woman.

Explanation

She spoke confidently, travelled alone, and insisted on being treated seriously.

Q5. Why did Valli stand up on the seat?

Solution

Valli stood on the seat to look outside the window properly.

Explanation

The lower part of the window was covered by a canvas blind, so she stood up to enjoy the beautiful scenery outside.

Q6. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus at the town?

Solution

Valli did not get off the bus because she only wanted to enjoy the ride.

Explanation

She was afraid to explore the town alone and also did not have extra money.

Q7. What made Valli sad during the return journey?

Solution

Valli became sad after seeing the dead cow lying on the roadside.

Explanation

Earlier, the same cow had been running happily in front of the bus. Its death made Valli realize the harsh reality of life and death.

Q8. What kind of girl was Valli?

Solution

Valli was:

  • Curious
  • Intelligent
  • Independent
  • Determined
  • Confident

Explanation

She planned her journey carefully, saved money patiently, and travelled alone bravely.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing Valli’s age.
  • Writing wrong bus fare amount.
  • Forgetting the significance of the dead cow scene.
  • Missing the theme of innocence and maturity.

Exam Tips

  • Mention Valli’s character traits with examples.
  • Write answers in simple language.
  • Include important details like fare, timing, and distance.
  • Explain the emotional change after the dead cow incident.

Practice MCQs

1. How old was Valli?

A. Six years
B. Seven years
C. Eight years
D. Nine years

Answer:

C. Eight years

2. What was the one-way bus fare?

A. Twenty paise
B. Thirty paise
C. Fifty paise
D. One rupee

Answer:

B. Thirty paise

3. Why did Valli save money?

A. To buy toys
B. To eat sweets
C. To ride the bus
D. To buy clothes

Answer:

C. To ride the bus

4. What animal ran in front of the bus?

A. Dog
B. Goat
C. Cow
D. Horse

Answer:

C. Cow

FAQ Section

Q1. Who wrote “Madam Rides the Bus”?

Vallikkannan wrote the story.

Q2. What is the main theme of the chapter?

The chapter focuses on curiosity, independence, innocence, and understanding life.

Q3. Why is the story important?

It beautifully presents the world from a child’s point of view.

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