NCERT Solution for Class 10 English Chapter 9: Madan Rides the Bus
Class 10 English Chapter 9, Madan Rides the Bus is one of the most delightful stories reflecting upon childlike dreams and tastes. The chapter especially focuses on Madan, a small boy whose eagerness was at the peak to ride the bus for the first time. The story thus begins with becoming part of the excitement of Madan as he used to start saving for this special journey. Here, one can also feel a sense of anticipation and innocence in his savings. Class 10 English chapter 9 pdf discusses the story in great detail, providing insight into Madan's character and what he went through.
Access Answers to NCERT Solution for Class 10 English Chapter 9: Madan Rides the Bus
Students can access the NCERT Solution for Class 10 English Chapter 9: Madan Rides the Bus. Curated by experts according to the CBSE syllabus for 2023–2024, these step-by-step solutions make English much easier to understand and learn for the students. These solutions can be used in practice by students to attain skills in solving problems, reinforce important learning objectives, and be well-prepared for tests.
Madam Rides the Bus
What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Valli was filled with joy when she saw a young cow running swiftly in the middle of the road, its tail held high. The driver honked loudly to scare the cow away from the path, but instead, it became even more frightened and ran faster. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Valli found the scene amusing and burst into laughter until tears streamed down her cheeks.
Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Valli had meticulously saved sixty paise for her bus journey, with no intention of exploring the town. She planned to spend thirty paise for the onward journey and return home before her mother woke up from her nap. With limited funds and time, she decided not to disembark at the bus station, as she neither had the money nor the time to explore the town.
Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
Valli declined the conductor’s offer to get off at the stall and purchase a drink, as she had saved sixty paise specifically for her bus journey. She was determined to return home on the same bus, without spending any extra money. Her refusal to accept the conductor’s offer, even when he offered to buy her a drink, highlights her independence and self-reliance.
Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Valli wasn’t keen on befriending the elderly woman because she found her appearance unappealing. The woman had large earlobes with big holes and wore unattractive earrings. She was chewing betel nut, and her mouth was filled with betel juice, which Valli thought might spill over her lips. Based on these observations, Valli concluded that the elderly woman wasn’t someone she wanted to be friends with.
What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Valli was mesmerized by the stunning scenery outside the bus, but her view was hindered by the canvas blind at the window’s lower part. To get a better look, she stood on her seat and peeked over the blind. She beheld a narrow road alongside a canal, palm trees, lush grasslands, distant mountains, verdant fields, and the clear blue sky. On the other side, there was a deep ditch, and vast expanses of green fields stretched as far as her eyes could see.
What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Valli found joy and fascination in a simple yet fulfilling activity: standing in the front doorway of her house and observing the bustling street life. This was her favorite pastime, where she could immerse herself in the sights and sounds of the world outside her home.
From her vantage point, she could witness the comings and goings of people, the hustle of daily activities, and perhaps even catch glimpses of unexpected moments that unfolded on the street. Standing there, she felt connected to the vibrant energy of the world around her, finding delight in the ordinary moments that passed by her doorstep.
What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Valli’s eyes would light up with excitement every time she saw the bus that traversed between her village and the nearby town, carrying a fresh batch of passengers each time it rolled past her house. For her, the sight of the bus was a symbol of possibility and adventure, igniting a deep longing within her. Her heart’s greatest desire was to experience the thrill of riding on that bus, to embark on a journey beyond the confines of her village and explore the world beyond.
What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Valli was determined to gather as much information as she could about the bus journey from her village to the nearby town. She discovered that the distance covered by the bus was six miles, and the duration of the journey was approximately forty-five minutes. With keen ears, she listened intently to the conversations of her neighbors and the regular passengers of the bus, absorbing every detail they shared about the trip. Valli also took the initiative to ask a few questions, eager to fill in any gaps in her understanding of what the journey entailed.
What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Valli planned to ride the bus to the town and back home on the same bus. She learned that the fare for one journey was thirty paise and that the trip took about forty-five minutes. So, she decided to catch the one o’clock afternoon bus, arriving in town by 1:45 p.m. and returning home by 2:45 p.m. This way, she could enjoy the bus ride and make sure she got back home safely and on time.
Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
The conductor affectionately called Valli ‘madam’ because she acted boldly and confidently, much like an adult woman. Despite his offers to help her board the bus, Valli declined and responded quickly to the conductor’s inquiries. Impressed and amused by her spirited behavior, the conductor playfully referred to her as ‘madam’.
Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Valli was mesmerized by the stunning scenery outside the bus, but her view was hindered by the canvas blind at the window’s lower part. To get a better look, she stood on her seat and peeked over the blind. She beheld a narrow road alongside a canal, palm trees, lush grasslands, distant mountains, verdant fields, and the clear blue sky. On the other side, there was a deep ditch, and vast expanses of green fields stretched as far as her eyes could see.
How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
Valli had diligently saved every stray coin that came her way. Despite temptations to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and other treats, she resisted, determined to save enough money for the bus trip. It wasn’t easy, especially when she had to forego the fun of riding the merry-go-round at the village fair. Despite these challenges, Valli persevered and managed to save sixty paise for her first bus journey.
What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Valli’s deepest desire to ride on the bus that passed by her house daily. The story portrays her longing with phrases like “an overwhelming desire,” “source of unending joy,” “stare wistfully,” and “kindle in her longings, dreams, and hopes.” These expressions vividly depict Valli’s deep yearning to experience the bus journey she had observed from afar.
How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Valli had been eavesdropping on conversations for several days, keenly absorbing details about the bus journey from her village to the town. She learned that the town was six miles away, and the bus fare was thirty paise for a one-way trip, which took forty-five minutes. Determined to take the bus ride, she saved sixty paise meticulously by resisting various temptations, including buying peppermints and toys, and even skipping a ride on the merry-go-round at the village fair. Valli decided to stay on the bus for the entire trip, round-trip, as she didn’t have extra money to explore the town. This adventurous plan was Valli’s secret, unknown to her parents.
What kind of a 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.
(i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised ______________________________.
(ii) “Yes, I __________________ go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here ______________________,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can ___________________. You don’t have to help me. ”I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said, ___________________________________.
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I ___________________________,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope _________________________.”
Valli was a confident eight-year-old girl who believed that her age was not a limiting factor for her to travel alone in the bus to the town. She considered herself to be a grown up person and also acted like one.
(i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised commandingly.
(ii) “Yes, I simply have to go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me. ”I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said irritably.
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope to see you again.”
Speaking
This story has a lot of people talking in it. The conductor jokes and laughs with Valli, some passengers try to show their concern for her, and her mother and her aunt spend time chatting.
Read the conversations carefully. Then think of similar people or similar situations that you have experienced. Mimic a person or persons who spoke to you, saying what they said, along with your replies.
Activity to be done by yourself.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their personal experiences.)
Writing
Are you concerned about traffic and road safety? What are your concerns? How would you make road travel safer and more enjoyable?
Activity to be done by yourself.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their own understanding.)
Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable?
Activity to be done by yourself.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their personal experiences.)
Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grownups into your confidence? What did you plan, and how? Did you carry out your plan?
Activity to be done by yourself.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their personal experiences.)
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