CBSE Class 10 First Flight Chapter 9: Madam Rides the Bus - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter focuses on Valli's independent and adventurous spirit as she embarks on a solo bus journey. The NCERT Solutions for 'Madam Rides the Bus' delve into Valli's meticulous planning, her observations of the world outside her home, and her interactions on the bus. Students will explore Valli's strong desire for independence, her resourcefulness in gathering information about the bus route and fare, and her mature handling of situations on the journey. These solutions break down the narrative, helping students understand Valli's character, her motivations, and the underlying themes of childhood dreams and self-reliance. They are designed to aid in a thorough understanding of the chapter, making exam revision more effective and insightful.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	First Flight
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 9

Chapter summary

Chapter 9, 'Madam Rides the Bus,' from the First Flight textbook, details a young girl Valli's determined solo bus journey. The NCERT Solutions cover her planning, her fascination with the bus, and her interactions with the conductor and other passengers. Key aspects include Valli's courage, her resourcefulness in saving money and gathering information, and her observations of the world outside her village. These solutions help students analyze Valli's character and the narrative's themes.

Learning outcomes

Understand Valli's strong desire for independence and adventure.
Analyze Valli's planning and resourcefulness in undertaking the bus journey.
Identify and interpret Valli's observations of the world from the bus.
Explain the significance of the conductor's and other passengers' interactions with Valli.
Discuss the themes of childhood dreams and self-reliance presented in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Valli's character and personality
Childhood dreams and aspirations
Independence and self-reliance
Planning and resourcefulness
Observations of the world
Interactions on a bus journey
Themes in 'Madam Rides the Bus'

Important topics

Valli's planning and execution of the bus journey
Valli's character traits: courage, independence, curiosity
Significance of Valli's observations
Interactions with the conductor and elderly woman
Themes of childhood adventure and maturity

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Questions and Solutions

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-119, Question 1

What was Valli's favourite pastime?

Solution: Valli's most cherished way to spend her time was by standing at the front doorway of her house. From this vantage point, she would attentively watch all the activities unfolding on the street, absorbing the sights and sounds of daily life around her.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-119, Question 2

What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?

Solution: The sight of the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town brought Valli immense and continuous happiness. Her most profound wish was to experience a ride on this bus herself, as its movement and the journeys it represented captivated her imagination.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-119, Question 3

What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?

Solution: Valli gathered crucial information about the bus journey. She learned that the trip to the town, which was six miles away, took approximately forty-five minutes one way. She also discovered that the fare for a single journey was thirty paisa. Valli obtained these details by carefully listening to the conversations of passengers and occasionally asking them questions directly.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-119, Question 4

What do you think Valli was planning to do?

Solution: It is evident that Valli was meticulously planning to take a bus ride. She had calculated the total time required for the round trip, estimating it to be about ninety minutes to go to the town and return. Furthermore, she had carefully saved the necessary money for the bus fare, demonstrating her determination and foresight.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-122, Question 1

Why does the conductor call Valli 'madam'?

Solution: The conductor addresses Valli as 'madam' as a light-hearted jest, acknowledging her confident and self-assured behaviour. When Valli boarded the bus, she independently got on without accepting the conductor's offered hand, behaving in a manner that suggested maturity beyond her years. Her composed attitude prompted the conductor to use the respectful yet playful term.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-122, Question 2

Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?

Solution: Valli stood up on her seat because the lower part of the bus windows was covered by curtains, obstructing her view of the outside scenery. She wanted to see the world passing by. Upon standing, she could see the bus travelling alongside the canal, the narrow road, vast green fields, and distant palm trees, offering her a clear view of the countryside.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-122, Question 3

What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?

Solution: When an elderly man on the bus referred to Valli as a child, she firmly corrected him. She asserted that she was not a child on the bus because she had paid the full fare, just like all the other adult passengers, implying she was entitled to the same respect and consideration.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-122, Question 4

Why didn't Valli want to make friendship with the elderly woman?

Solution: Valli felt a strong aversion towards the elderly woman and did not wish to engage in conversation or friendship with her. She found the woman's appearance unappealing and somewhat repulsive. Specifically, Valli noticed the woman's large earlobes with ugly earrings and the betel juice staining her lips, which made her seem untidy and unpleasant to Valli.

Common mistakes

Underestimating Valli's maturity and planning abilities.
Misinterpreting Valli's silence as disinterest rather than observation.
Failing to connect Valli's actions to her strong desire for independence.

Revision tips

Focus on Valli's character development throughout the journey.
Note down Valli's specific observations and how they reveal her personality.
Understand the reasons behind Valli's interactions with the conductor and other passengers.
Consider the underlying themes of the story, such as courage and self-reliance.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Valli's favourite pastime?

Q2. What was Valli's strongest desire related to the bus?

Q3. How long did it take for the bus to travel between Valli's village and the town?

Q4. Why did the conductor call Valli 'madam'?

Q5. What did Valli see when she stood up on the seat?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the chapter 'Madam Rides the Bus'?

The main themes revolve around a child's strong desire for independence, her courage to pursue her dreams, and her keen observation skills as she undertakes a solo bus journey.

How did Valli prepare for her bus journey?

Valli meticulously planned her journey by observing the bus timings, calculating the fare, saving money secretly, and planning the exact time to leave and return to avoid her parents' notice.

Why is the chapter titled 'Madam Rides the Bus'?

The title comes from the conductor's playful address to Valli as 'madam' due to her confident and mature demeanor, highlighting her independent spirit despite her young age.

What does Valli learn from her bus journey?

Valli learns about the world outside her village, experiences the thrill of independence, and understands the realities of life, including the sadness of seeing a dead cow, which tempers her initial excitement.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to all questions, helping students understand Valli's character, the plot, and the underlying themes, which is crucial for exam preparation.

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