Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 Question Answer

Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 Question Answer | Madam Rides the Bus

Class 10 English Chapter 9 Question Answer | Madam Rides the Bus

Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 – Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan (translated by Kamala Das). This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary, textbook solutions (Oral Comprehension Check, Thinking about the Text, and Thinking about the Language), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.

Summary of Madam Rides the Bus

“Madam Rides the Bus” is a delightful story originally written in Tamil by Vallikkannan and translated into English by Kamala Das. The story is about an eight-year-old girl named Valliammai, affectionately called Valli, who lives in a small village in Tamil Nadu. Valli has no playmates of her own age, so her favourite pastime is standing at the front doorway of her house and watching the street outside.

The most fascinating thing for Valli is the bus that travels between her village and the nearest town. It passes through her street once every hour — once going to the town and once coming back. Watching the bus filled with new passengers each time is a source of unending joy for her. Gradually, a tiny wish creeps into her mind — she wants to ride the bus, even if just once. This wish grows into an overwhelming desire that dominates her thoughts.

Valli begins planning her bus ride with remarkable intelligence and determination. Over many days and months, she listens carefully to conversations between her neighbours and regular bus passengers, and she asks a few discreet questions. She learns that the town is six miles away, the one-way fare is thirty paise, and the journey takes about forty-five minutes. She plans to take the one o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town by 1:45 p.m., and return on the same bus by about 2:45 p.m. — all during her mother’s afternoon nap (from one to four o’clock).

To save the sixty paise needed for the round trip, Valli thriftily saves every stray coin that comes her way. She resists the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, and balloons. The hardest sacrifice is at the village fair, where she resolutely stifles her desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she has the money.

Finally, one fine spring day, Valli boards the bus. The conductor, a jolly and fun-loving man, is amused by her confident, grown-up manner and playfully calls her “madam.” Valli is initially overcome with shyness when the passengers look at her and laugh, but she quickly finds a seat and begins to enjoy the ride. She stands on her seat to see past the canvas blind covering the lower part of the window and is struck dumb with wonder at the beautiful scenery — the canal, palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains, and vast green fields.

An elderly man asks her to sit down for safety, calling her a “child,” but Valli haughtily replies that she has paid her thirty paise like everyone else and is not a child. An elderly woman with large earlobes, ugly earrings, and a betel-nut chewing habit sits beside her and tries to befriend her, but Valli finds her repulsive and refuses to engage.

During the journey, a young cow with its tail raised runs right in front of the bus. The driver honks his horn repeatedly, but this only frightens the cow more, making it run faster right down the middle of the road. Valli finds this hilarious and laughs until tears stream down her face.

When the bus reaches the town, Valli refuses to get off. She has no money to spend in town and her only desire was to experience the bus ride itself. The conductor kindly offers to buy her a cold drink, but Valli firmly declines, showing her self-respect and independence. She pays another thirty paise and boards the return bus.

On the way back, Valli initially enjoys the same scenery with equal excitement. But then she sees a young cow lying dead by the roadside, struck by a fast-moving vehicle. The conductor confirms it is the same cow that had been running playfully before their bus earlier. Valli is overcome with sadness. What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago has now suddenly lost its charm and its life — lying with legs spread-eagled, lifeless eyes staring, and blood all over. This introduction to the harsh reality of death completely dampens her enthusiasm, and she refuses to look out of the window for the rest of the journey.

Valli returns home safely before her mother wakes up. When her mother and aunt later discuss how so many things happen without one’s knowledge, Valli smiles to herself and says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.” Her secret adventure remains hidden from her family.

Thinking about the Text (Textbook Questions and Answers)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 119)

Q1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?

Ans: Valli’s favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching the street outside. She had no playmates of her own age, so watching the street gave her many new and unusual experiences. It was every bit as enjoyable for her as any of the elaborate games other children played.

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

Ans: The sight of the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli. The bus passed through her street once every hour — once going to the town and once coming back. Her strongest desire was to ride on that bus, even if just once. This tiny wish gradually grew into an overwhelming desire that dominated her thoughts day after day.

Q3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?

Ans: Valli found out that the town was six miles away from her village, the bus fare was thirty paise one way, and the journey took about forty-five minutes. She gathered all these details by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus over many days and months. She also asked a few discreet questions here and there to fill in the gaps in her information.

Q4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?

Ans: Valli was planning to ride the bus to the town and come back on the same bus. She calculated that the round trip would cost sixty paise (thirty paise each way) and would take about ninety minutes in total. She planned to take the one o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town by about 1:45 p.m., and return home by about 2:45 p.m. — all during her mother’s afternoon nap so that nobody would know about her adventure.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 122)

Q1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?

Ans: The conductor called Valli ‘madam’ because she behaved in a very mature and grown-up manner despite being just eight years old. When the conductor stretched out his hand to help her board the bus, she refused his help and said she could get on by herself. She spoke confidently and answered his questions with quick, assertive responses. The conductor, who was a jolly and fun-loving man, was amused by her adult-like behaviour and playfully addressed her as ‘madam’ throughout the journey.

Q2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?

Ans: Valli stood up on the seat because she could not see the scenery outside the bus properly. A canvas blind covered the lower part of her window, blocking her view. When she stood up and peered over the blind, she was struck dumb with wonder at the beautiful sights outside. She saw a canal, the banks of which were lined with palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains, and acres upon acres of green fields stretching far away under a blue sky.

Q3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?

Ans: When the elderly man asked her to sit down and called her a “child,” Valli felt annoyed by his remark. She responded haughtily, saying, “There’s nobody here who’s a child. I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.” By this, she meant that since she had paid the full fare just like every other passenger on the bus, she deserved to be treated as an equal and not as a mere child.

Q4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?

Ans: Valli did not want to make friends with the elderly woman because she found the woman absolutely repulsive. The woman had big, ugly earlobes with large, ugly earrings hanging from them. She also chewed betel nut, and the betel juice was threatening to spill over her lips at any moment. Valli found her appearance and habits very unpleasant and did not want to engage in conversation with her. She turned her face away and looked out of the window instead.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 125)

Q1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?

Ans: Valli saved up money for her first journey by thriftily saving whatever stray coins came her way. She resisted every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and other things that children usually spend money on. The most difficult sacrifice was at the village fair, where she had to resolutely stifle her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money to do so. It was not easy for her at all — it required months of painstaking effort and considerable self-denial to save a total of sixty paise for the round trip.

Q2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?

Ans: On her way to the town, Valli saw a young cow, its tail high in the air, running right in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. The bus driver honked his horn loudly again and again, but instead of moving off the road, the frightened cow only ran faster, kicking up its legs even more. Valli found this scene extremely funny. She clapped her hands with glee and laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.

Q3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?

Ans: Valli did not get off the bus at the bus station because her only desire was to enjoy the bus ride itself, not to see the town. She had saved exactly sixty paise — just enough for the round trip fare — and had no extra money to spend in the town. Moreover, she had planned to return on the same bus immediately so that she could reach home before her mother woke up from her afternoon nap. She was also afraid to explore the unfamiliar town all by herself.

Q4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?

Ans: Valli did not want to go to the stall and have a drink because she had no money left after paying for her bus tickets. When the conductor kindly offered to buy her a drink, she firmly declined, saying “No, I don’t want anything.” She refused to accept charity or favours from strangers. This tells us that Valli was a self-respecting, independent, and disciplined girl. She had strong principles and would not accept something she could not pay for herself. It also shows her maturity and good manners, which were remarkable for a girl of just eight years.

Thinking about the Text (Page 127)

Q1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.

Ans: Valli’s deepest desire was to ride on the bus that passed through her village street. The story uses several words and phrases that reveal the intensity of this desire. It says the bus was “a source of unending joy” for Valli. She would “stare wistfully” at the passengers who got on and off the bus. The bus would “kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes.” What started as “a tiny wish” grew over time into “an overwhelming desire” that she could not ignore. She would cry out “Proud! Proud!” with jealousy when her friends described their bus journeys. Day after day she watched the bus, and her desire only grew stronger and stronger.

Q2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?

Ans: Valli planned her bus ride with remarkable intelligence and thoroughness over many days and months. She listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus and asked a few discreet questions here and there. Through this method, she found out that the town was six miles from her village, the fare was thirty paise one way (making it sixty paise for a round trip), and the journey took about forty-five minutes each way. She planned to take the one o’clock bus, reach town by 1:45 p.m., and return by 2:45 p.m. — all during her mother’s afternoon nap.

To save up the fare, Valli thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way. She resisted every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like. The hardest part was at the village fair, where she resolutely stifled her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had enough money. After months of careful saving, she finally had a total of sixty paise for her round trip.

Q3. 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 key to your answer.

Ans:

(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,” said Valli to the conductor.

(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning towards the window.

(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope to see you again.”

These sentences reveal that Valli is a confident, bold, independent, and self-reliant girl. She is determined and assertive, and she considers herself mature enough to handle things on her own. She does not like being treated as a child and insists on being recognised as an equal. She is also polite and courteous, as shown by her farewell to the conductor. Overall, Valli is an extraordinarily mature, self-assured, and strong-willed girl for her age of eight years.

Q4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?

Ans: The conductor referred to Valli as ‘madam’ because of her remarkably mature and grown-up behaviour. When the jolly conductor extended his hand to help her board the bus, she firmly refused, saying she could get on by herself. She spoke with confidence and authority that was unusual for a girl of her age. She answered questions quickly and assertively, just like an educated, self-assured adult woman would. The conductor, being a fun-loving and jovial man, was highly amused by her adult-like demeanour and playfully nicknamed her ‘madam’ to acknowledge her grown-up behaviour.

Q5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.

Ans: Several lines in the text tell us that Valli was thoroughly enjoying her ride on the bus:

“Valli devoured everything with her eyes.”
“Oh, it was all so wonderful!”
“Struck dumb with wonder, Valli gaped at everything.”
“Everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter.”
“Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee.”
“Somehow this was very funny to Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.”
“Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement she’d felt the first time.”

These lines clearly show that Valli was filled with wonder, excitement, and joy throughout most of her bus journey.

Q6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?

Ans: On her way back, Valli refused to look out of the window because she saw the dead body of a young cow lying by the roadside. The conductor confirmed that it was the same cow that had been running playfully in front of their bus during the outward journey. What had been a lovable, beautiful, and lively creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life. The cow lay there with its legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, and blood all over. This horrible and frightening sight of death deeply saddened Valli and completely dampened her earlier enthusiasm and joy. She could not bear to look at the outside scenery any more and sat quietly inside for the rest of the return journey.

Q7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”?

Ans: When Valli returned home, her mother and a neighbouring aunt were discussing how so many things happen in the world without people knowing about them. Valli’s mother commented that we cannot know about everything that goes on around us. When Valli said, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge,” she was cleverly using her mother’s own words to conceal her secret bus adventure. On the surface, she appeared to be simply agreeing with her mother’s general observation. But in reality, she was secretly referring to her own bus ride — something that had happened without her mother’s knowledge. It was a witty and clever remark that allowed Valli to celebrate her successful adventure while keeping it hidden from her family.

Q8. 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?

Ans: Yes, there is plenty of evidence in the text that shows the author describing things from an eight-year-old’s point of view:

Childlike fascination: Valli is “fascinated” by the bus and finds it a “source of unending joy” — the way only a child could be enchanted by something as ordinary as a bus.
Sensory descriptions: She notices colours and textures that appeal to children — the bus is described as “a gleaming white bus” with bars that “shone like silver” and seats that are “soft and luxurious.”
Wondering at nature: She is “struck dumb with wonder” at ordinary scenery — palm trees, green fields, and a blue sky — seeing them with the freshness of a child’s eyes.
Innocent humour: The running cow makes her laugh until tears stream from her eyes — a typically childlike, uninhibited reaction.
Emotional vulnerability: When she sees the same cow dead, she finds it “horrible” and “frightening” and cannot bear to look outside. Her intense emotional reaction to death — moving quickly from joy to deep sadness — is characteristic of an eight-year-old’s sensitive and impressionable nature.
Sense of adventure: For Valli, a simple bus ride is the greatest adventure of her life — something only a child would find so extraordinarily exciting.

Thinking about the Language

I. Describing an Experience from a Child’s Perspective

Q1. The author uses sensory details to describe Valli’s experience on the bus. Pick out phrases from the text that appeal to (i) sight, (ii) hearing, (iii) touch.

Ans:

(i) Sight: “a gleaming white bus,” “shone like silver,” “soft and luxurious” seats, “the canal with palm trees,” “acres of green fields,” “a young cow, its tail high in the air,” “legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over.”

(ii) Hearing: “the honking of the horn,” the noise of the bus engine, the conductor calling out to passengers, the laughter of passengers.

(iii) Touch: “soft and luxurious” seats, the canvas blind covering the window.

II. Words and Expressions

Q2. Here are some words and expressions from the story. Match them with their meanings:

Word/Expression	Meaning
Wistfully	With a feeling of longing or yearning
Devoured (with eyes)	Looked at eagerly and with great interest
Haughtily	In a proud and superior manner
Repulsive	Causing strong dislike or disgust
Commandingly	In an authoritative, powerful manner
Resolutely	In a determined and unwavering manner
Stifled	Suppressed or held back (a feeling or desire)
Discreet	Careful and cautious, not attracting attention
Kindle	To arouse or inspire (a feeling or emotion)
Elaborate	Detailed and carefully planned

III. Using Compound Words

Q3. The text uses several compound words and descriptive phrases. Find the compound words or descriptive phrases used for the following:

(i) The area in front of the house — front doorway

(ii) Fun and entertainment — pastime

(iii) The flat open land covered with grass — grassland

(iv) The covering on the bus window — canvas blind

(v) A ride on a merry-go-round — joyride

(vi) Legs stretched wide apart — spread-eagled

Additional Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

Q1. Who was Valli? What kind of a girl was she?

Ans: Valli, short for Valliammai, was an eight-year-old girl who lived in a small village in Tamil Nadu. She was a curious, intelligent, bold, and self-confident girl. She had no playmates of her own age, so she occupied herself by watching the street from her doorway. She was remarkably mature for her age, showing exceptional planning abilities, determination, self-discipline, and independence.

Q2. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli on the street?

Ans: The most fascinating thing for Valli was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street once every 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 her and eventually kindled in her an overwhelming desire to ride on it.

Q3. How far was the town from Valli’s village? How much was the bus fare?

Ans: The town was six miles away from Valli’s village. The bus fare was thirty paise one way. Therefore, Valli needed sixty paise for the round trip — thirty paise to go to the town and thirty paise to come back.

Q4. What temptations did Valli resist in order to save money for the bus ride?

Ans: Valli resisted several temptations in order to save money for her bus ride. She did not buy peppermints, toys, or balloons. The most difficult sacrifice was at the village fair, where she resolutely stifled her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money for it. Through months of self-denial, she finally saved a total of sixty paise.

Q5. How did Valli manage to leave the house for her bus journey?

Ans: Valli managed to leave the house by taking advantage of her mother’s afternoon nap. Every day after lunch, her mother would sleep from about one o’clock to four o’clock. Valli always used these hours for her outdoor activities — standing at the doorway or venturing into the village. On the day of her bus journey, she used these same hours to slip out of the house undetected and board the one o’clock bus.

Q6. How did Valli board the bus? What does this tell us about her character?

Ans: Valli stopped the bus by raising her hand commandingly and calling out, “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” When the conductor stretched out his hand to help her climb aboard, she refused, saying, “Never mind, I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me.” This tells us that Valli was an independent, self-reliant, and confident girl who did not want to be treated as a helpless child. She wanted to prove that she was capable of managing things on her own.

Q7. Describe the bus conductor. What kind of a person was he?

Ans: The bus conductor was a jolly, fun-loving, and good-natured man. He had a big smile and was friendly with the passengers. He was amused by Valli’s confident and grown-up behaviour and playfully addressed her as ‘madam.’ He also showed genuine kindness and concern for Valli when he offered to buy her a cold drink at the bus station. He was a warm-hearted person with a good sense of humour.

Q8. What did Valli see when she stood up on the bus seat?

Ans: When Valli stood up on the bus seat and looked over the canvas blind, she was struck dumb with wonder at the beautiful scenery outside. She saw a canal with its banks lined with palm trees, stretches of grassland, distant mountains, and acres upon acres of green fields stretching far away under a vast blue sky. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful to her.

Q9. Why was Valli annoyed with the elderly man on the bus?

Ans: Valli was annoyed with the elderly man because he called her a “child” and asked her to sit down. Although the elderly man was genuinely concerned about her safety, Valli did not like being referred to as a child. She considered herself grown up and believed that since she had paid her fare of thirty paise like everyone else, she deserved to be treated as an equal passenger, not as a child who needed to be told what to do.

Q10. Why did Valli find the elderly woman on the bus repulsive?

Ans: Valli found the elderly woman repulsive for several reasons. The woman had big, ugly earlobes with large, ugly earrings hanging from them. She also chewed betel nut, and the betel juice was always threatening to spill over her lips. Valli found her physical appearance and habits extremely unpleasant and refused to make friends with her or engage in conversation.

Q11. Describe the incident of the cow that made Valli laugh.

Ans: During Valli’s journey to the town, a young cow suddenly appeared on the road with its tail raised high in the air. It ran right in front of the bus, in the middle of the road. The bus driver honked his horn loudly again and again, but instead of moving away, the frightened cow ran faster and faster, kicking up its legs even higher. Valli found this scene extremely funny. She clapped her hands with glee and laughed and laughed until there were tears streaming down her eyes.

Q12. Why did Valli refuse the conductor’s offer of a cold drink?

Ans: Valli refused the conductor’s offer of a cold drink because she had no money left to buy anything — she had saved exactly sixty paise, which was just enough for her round trip fare. More importantly, she did not want to accept a free drink or any favour from a stranger. This showed her strong sense of self-respect, independence, and pride. She did not want to be indebted to anyone.

Q13. What saddened Valli during her return journey?

Ans: During her return journey, Valli saw a young cow lying dead by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast-moving vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow that had been running in front of their bus earlier, and the conductor confirmed that it was. Valli was overcome with deep sadness to see that what had been a lovable, beautiful, and lively creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life. The sight of the dead cow — with its legs spread-eagled, lifeless eyes staring, and blood all over — was horrible and frightening to her.

Q14. How did Valli keep her bus adventure a secret?

Ans: Valli kept her bus adventure a secret by carefully planning her journey during her mother’s afternoon nap. She left the house while her mother was sleeping and returned before she woke up. When her mother and aunt later discussed how many things happen without one’s knowledge, Valli cleverly agreed with them, saying, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge” — a witty remark that referred to her own secret adventure without revealing it.

Q15. What made Valli’s bus journey a memorable experience?

Ans: Valli’s bus journey was a memorable experience because it introduced her to both the beauty and the harshness of life. On the outward journey, she was filled with wonder at the beautiful scenery and laughed joyfully at the playful cow running in front of the bus. However, on the return journey, she witnessed the same cow lying dead by the roadside, which deeply saddened her. The journey gave her a taste of freedom and independence, but it also introduced her to the reality of death and the fragility of life.

Q16. What was the conductor’s advice to Valli? How did she react?

Ans: The conductor advised Valli to sit down properly and not to keep standing on the seat, warning her that she might fall and get hurt if the bus took a sharp turn. However, Valli did not appreciate being told what to do. She told him not to bother about her and that she could take care of herself. This showed her independent and assertive nature.

Q17. How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very grown-up madam”?

Ans: When the conductor first addressed her as “madam” and joked about her being a “very grown-up madam,” Valli was initially overcome with shyness as all the passengers looked at her and laughed along with the conductor. She quickly found an empty seat and sat down. However, she also sharply reminded the conductor that he had not yet given her a ticket. When the conductor mimicked her serious tone, everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter, showing that despite her serious exterior, she had a good sense of humour.

Q18. What does the story reveal about Valli’s relationship with her mother?

Ans: The story suggests that Valli lives with her mother and that her mother is protective of her. Valli knew she had to plan her bus journey during her mother’s afternoon nap because her mother would not have allowed her to travel alone at the age of eight. The fact that Valli kept the adventure a secret shows that she was aware her mother would disapprove. However, Valli’s clever response at the end — agreeing about things happening without one’s knowledge — shows a playful relationship between mother and daughter, even if the mother remains unaware of the secret.

Additional Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)

Q1. Give a detailed character sketch of Valli.

Ans: Valli (Valliammai) is the central character of the story “Madam Rides the Bus.” She is an eight-year-old girl living in a small village in Tamil Nadu, and she is one of the most memorable child characters in the Class 10 English syllabus.

Curious and Observant: Valli is an extremely curious girl. Having no playmates of her own age, she spends her time standing at the front doorway watching the street. Her curiosity about the bus that passes through her street every hour grows into an overwhelming desire to ride on it.

Intelligent and Meticulous Planner: Valli demonstrates remarkable intelligence in the way she plans her bus journey. Over many days and months, she gathers all the necessary information — the distance, the fare, the travel time, and the bus schedule — by listening to conversations and asking discreet questions. She calculates her timing perfectly to coincide with her mother’s afternoon nap.

Determined and Disciplined: To save the sixty paise needed for her round trip, Valli resists every temptation — peppermints, toys, balloons, and even the merry-go-round at the village fair. This shows exceptional self-discipline and determination for a child of her age.

Bold and Independent: Valli boards the bus alone, refuses the conductor’s help, and insists on being treated as an equal passenger. She confidently declares that she has paid her fare like everyone else and does not need anyone’s help or charity.

Self-Respecting: When the conductor offers to buy her a cold drink, Valli firmly refuses. She will not accept what she cannot pay for herself. This reveals her strong sense of pride and self-respect.

Sensitive and Compassionate: Despite her bold exterior, Valli is deeply sensitive. The sight of the dead cow moves her profoundly and completely changes her mood. She cannot bear to look outside the window after seeing death for the first time.

Witty and Clever: Valli’s response to her mother at the end — “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge” — shows her quick wit and cleverness in keeping her adventure a secret.

Overall, Valli is a wonderfully complex child character who combines courage with sensitivity, independence with good manners, and maturity with childlike wonder.

Q2. Describe Valli’s bus journey in detail. What did she experience on the way to the town and back?

Ans: Valli’s bus journey was a remarkable adventure for an eight-year-old girl travelling alone for the first time.

Boarding the bus: Valli stopped the one o’clock bus by raising her hand commandingly. The conductor, a jolly man, was amused by her grown-up manner and called her ‘madam.’ She refused his help in boarding and paid her thirty paise fare independently.

The outward journey: On the bus, Valli was initially shy when the passengers looked at her and laughed. She quickly found a window seat and tried to look outside, but a canvas blind blocked her view. She stood on the seat to peer over it and was struck dumb with wonder at the beautiful scenery — a canal lined with palm trees, vast grasslands, distant mountains, and acres of green fields under a blue sky. An elderly man asked her to sit down for safety, calling her a child, which annoyed her. An elderly woman with ugly earrings and a betel-nut chewing habit tried to befriend her, but Valli found her repulsive.

The funny cow incident: The most amusing moment was when a young cow ran right in front of the bus with its tail raised high. The driver honked repeatedly, but the frightened cow ran even faster. Valli found this hilarious and laughed until tears streamed down her face.

At the town: Valli refused to get off at the bus station as she had no money to spend and her only desire was the ride itself. She also declined the conductor’s kind offer of a cold drink, showing her self-respect.

The return journey: Initially, Valli enjoyed the return scenery with the same excitement. But then she saw the same young cow lying dead by the roadside, struck by a fast-moving vehicle. The horrible sight — the cow’s spread-eagled legs, lifeless eyes, and blood — deeply saddened her. She refused to look out of the window for the rest of the journey and returned home quietly.

The journey was thus a complete experience of life — from the excitement of freedom and the beauty of nature to the harsh reality of death.

Q3. “Valli’s journey is also her induction into the mystery of life and death.” Elaborate with reference to the story.

Ans: Valli’s first bus journey is not just a physical journey from her village to the town and back — it is also a symbolic journey from innocence to awareness, from the joy of life to the reality of death.

Life and Joy: During the outward journey, Valli encounters the fullness and beauty of life. She is mesmerised by the beautiful scenery — the canal, palm trees, green fields, and blue sky. She experiences the joy of freedom and independence for the first time. The most vivid symbol of life in the story is the young cow that runs playfully in front of the bus with its tail raised high. The cow’s energy, vitality, and joyful movement fill Valli with so much laughter that tears stream from her eyes. The cow represents the beauty and liveliness of life.

Death and Sorrow: On the return journey, Valli encounters the harsh reality of death. She sees the same young cow lying dead by the roadside, struck by a fast-moving vehicle. The author describes the dead cow in stark, powerful imagery — “legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over.” What had been “a lovable, beautiful creature” has now “suddenly lost its charm and its life.” The contrast between the cow’s earlier vitality and its present lifelessness introduces Valli to the concept of mortality for the first time.

The Impact: The experience profoundly affects Valli. She is “overcome with sadness” and refuses to look out of the window any more. Her earlier excitement and enthusiasm are completely dampened. The beautiful world outside the bus window no longer holds the same charm for her because she has now seen its darker side.

Thus, in the course of a single bus ride, Valli experiences both the beauty and the brutality of life. Her journey becomes a metaphor for growing up — the moment when a child first realises that life is not just about joy and laughter, but also about loss and sorrow.

Q4. How did Valli’s meticulous planning help her fulfil her dream? What values can we learn from her?

Ans: Valli’s meticulous planning was the key to fulfilling her dream of riding the bus. Despite being just eight years old, she demonstrated extraordinary planning skills that even adults would admire.

Information Gathering: Over many days and months, Valli carefully gathered all the necessary information about the bus journey. She listened to conversations between neighbours and regular bus passengers and asked discreet questions. She found out the distance (six miles), the fare (thirty paise one way), and the travel time (forty-five minutes). She identified the one o’clock bus as her best option.

Financial Planning: Knowing she needed sixty paise for the round trip, Valli saved every stray coin that came her way. She exercised remarkable self-discipline, refusing to spend money on peppermints, toys, balloons, and even the merry-go-round at the village fair.

Time Management: Valli calculated that she could take the one o’clock bus, reach town by 1:45 p.m., and return by 2:45 p.m. — all within her mother’s nap time of one to four o’clock. This ensured her adventure would remain undetected.

Values we can learn from Valli:

Determination: Once Valli set her mind on riding the bus, nothing could stop her.
Discipline: She sacrificed immediate pleasures for a larger goal.
Independence: She planned and executed her journey entirely on her own.
Self-respect: She refused help and charity, preferring to manage on her own.
Courage: She had the bravery to travel alone at such a young age.
Patience: She waited for months, saving money and gathering information before acting.

Valli’s story teaches us that with proper planning, determination, and self-belief, even the most difficult goals can be achieved, regardless of age or circumstances.

Q5. Describe Valli’s interaction with the conductor. What does it reveal about both their characters?

Ans: Valli’s interaction with the conductor is one of the most entertaining and revealing aspects of the story. Their exchanges highlight the personalities of both characters beautifully.

First Encounter: When Valli boarded the bus, the conductor stretched out his hand to help her up, but she firmly refused, saying, “Never mind, I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me.” The conductor was surprised and amused by her grown-up manner.

The ‘Madam’ Nickname: Impressed by her confidence, the conductor jokingly announced, “Oh, please, everyone move aside, make way for madam!” and addressed her as “madam” for the rest of the journey. When all the passengers laughed, Valli was initially shy but soon recovered her composure.

The Ticket Exchange: When Valli sharply reminded the conductor that he had not yet given her a ticket, he was further amused by her seriousness. He mimicked her tone, making everyone laugh again, and Valli eventually joined in the laughter.

The Cold Drink Offer: At the bus station, the conductor kindly offered to buy Valli a cold drink. Valli firmly refused, showing her self-respect. The conductor respected her decision without insisting.

The Farewell: Before getting off the bus, Valli politely told the conductor, “Well, sir, I hope to see you again.” This showed her good manners and warm nature beneath her assertive exterior.

What it reveals: Valli’s behaviour reveals her as a confident, independent, self-respecting, and mature girl who refuses to be patronised. The conductor emerges as a jovial, warm-hearted, and kind man with a good sense of humour who genuinely cares about the little girl’s well-being while respecting her independence.

Q6. What did Valli see during her bus journey? How did the different scenes and sights affect her?

Ans: Valli’s bus journey exposed her to a wide range of scenes and sights, each affecting her differently.

The Bus Interior: Valli first noticed the bus’s comfortable interiors — the soft, luxurious seats, the overhead bars that shone like silver, and the gleaming white exterior. These filled her with excitement and a sense of luxury she had never experienced before.

The Beautiful Scenery: Standing on her seat to see past the canvas blind, Valli was struck dumb with wonder at the natural beauty outside. She saw a canal with palm-tree-lined banks, stretches of grassland, distant mountains, and acres of green fields under a blue sky. These sights filled her with awe and delight, making her exclaim, “Oh, it was all so wonderful!”

The Running Cow: The young cow running with its tail raised in front of the bus was the highlight of her outward journey. The sight of the confused animal running faster as the driver honked made her laugh uncontrollably, clapping her hands with glee. This represented pure, innocent joy.

The Town: At the bus station, Valli observed the shops and activity around the town but chose not to explore. She was content with the ride itself.

The Dead Cow: On the return journey, the sight of the same young cow lying dead by the roadside devastated Valli. The description is powerful — “legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over.” This transformation from life to death profoundly saddened her and completely dampened her enthusiasm. She refused to look outside the window for the rest of the journey.

The journey thus took Valli through the full spectrum of emotions — from excitement to wonder, from joy to sorrow — making it a deeply transformative experience for the young girl.

Q7. “Valli showed extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone.” Taking inspiration from Valli’s character, write how the ability and courage to take risks are essential to fulfilling one’s dreams.

Ans: Valli’s solo bus journey is a shining example of how courage and the willingness to take calculated risks can help a person fulfil their dreams, regardless of age or circumstances.

Courage to Dream: Valli dared to dream of riding the bus when most children her age would not even think of travelling alone. Her dream was born from curiosity and a desire to experience something new, which is the first step in achieving anything meaningful in life.

Courage to Plan: Instead of giving up because she was too young or too poor, Valli channelled her desire into careful planning. She gathered information, saved money, and identified the right time to act. This teaches us that courage must be accompanied by wisdom and preparation.

Courage to Act: The most crucial moment was when Valli actually stopped the bus and climbed aboard alone. She overcame her fears and stepped out of her comfort zone. She refused help, managed her own affairs, and handled unexpected situations — the teasing passengers, the curious elderly man, the pushy elderly woman — with remarkable poise.

Courage to Say No: Valli showed courage in refusing the conductor’s offer of a free drink. She maintained her self-respect and dignity, demonstrating that true courage includes the ability to stand by one’s principles.

Lessons for us: Valli’s story inspires us to believe that no dream is too big if we have the determination, self-discipline, and courage to pursue it. Like Valli, we must plan carefully, work hard, sacrifice temporary pleasures for long-term goals, and have the bravery to take the first step. Risk-taking, when supported by preparation and self-belief, is the bridge between dreaming and achieving.

Q8. How does the story “Madam Rides the Bus” portray the theme of innocence versus reality?

Ans: The story “Madam Rides the Bus” beautifully portrays the tension between childlike innocence and the harsh realities of the world.

Innocence: Throughout the first half of the story, we see Valli’s world through the lens of innocent childhood wonder. The bus is not just a vehicle — it is the most “fascinating thing” in her world. The scenery outside is not just landscape — it is a source of breathless wonder that leaves her “struck dumb.” The running cow is not just an animal — it is the funniest thing she has ever seen. Even ordinary things appear magical and extraordinary through Valli’s innocent eyes. Her confidence, her assertiveness, and her sense of adventure are all expressions of a child’s belief that the world is a beautiful and exciting place.

Reality: The second half of the journey shatters this innocent view. The same cow that was a source of so much laughter is now a lifeless body with “blood all over.” The beautiful world outside the window is now tainted by death. The author describes the dead cow in graphic, unflinching detail to show the stark contrast between innocence and reality. Valli, who had been laughing, clapping, and exclaiming with joy, now falls silent and refuses to look outside.

The Balance: The story does not suggest that either innocence or reality is more “true” than the other. Both are part of life. Valli’s journey shows that growing up means learning to hold both joy and sorrow, both beauty and death, in one’s heart at the same time. The story ends not with despair but with Valli’s clever, witty comment to her mother — suggesting that despite her encounter with death, her spirit remains unbroken and her sense of wonder intact.

Thus, the story gently and poignantly shows how a child’s first encounter with the harsh realities of life marks the beginning of the end of pure innocence — a universal experience that every person goes through while growing up.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Who is the author of “Madam Rides the Bus”?

(a) Gavin Maxwell
(b) Vallikkannan
(c) Paulo Coelho
(d) Kamala Das

Answer: (b) Vallikkannan

Q2. What was Valli’s full name?

(a) Vallikkannan
(b) Valliammai
(c) Valliannai
(d) Vallikannam

Answer: (b) Valliammai

Q3. How old was Valli?

(a) Seven years
(b) Eight years
(c) Nine years
(d) Ten years

Answer: (b) Eight years

Q4. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?

(a) Playing with friends
(b) Watching the street from her doorway
(c) Reading books
(d) Travelling by bus

Answer: (b) Watching the street from her doorway

Q5. How much was the one-way bus fare?

(a) Twenty paise
(b) Thirty paise
(c) Forty paise
(d) Fifty paise

Answer: (b) Thirty paise

Q6. How far was the town from Valli’s village?

(a) Four miles
(b) Five miles
(c) Six miles
(d) Eight miles

Answer: (c) Six miles

Q7. How long did the bus journey take one way?

(a) Thirty minutes
(b) Forty minutes
(c) Forty-five minutes
(d) One hour

Answer: (c) Forty-five minutes

Q8. What did Valli resist buying at the village fair?

(a) Balloons
(b) A ride on the merry-go-round
(c) Peppermints
(d) Toys

Answer: (b) A ride on the merry-go-round

Q9. Why did the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?

(a) She was old
(b) She behaved in a mature, grown-up manner
(c) He knew her mother
(d) It was a formal rule on the bus

Answer: (b) She behaved in a mature, grown-up manner

Q10. Why did Valli stand up on the bus seat?

(a) She was tired of sitting
(b) She wanted to talk to the driver
(c) The canvas blind blocked her view from the window
(d) She wanted to get off the bus

Answer: (c) The canvas blind blocked her view from the window

Q11. What word means “with a feeling of longing” in the context of this story?

(a) Haughtily
(b) Resolutely
(c) Commandingly
(d) Wistfully

Answer: (d) Wistfully

Q12. What made Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?

(a) The conductor’s jokes
(b) A young cow running in front of the bus
(c) The elderly woman’s appearance
(d) The elderly man’s concern

Answer: (b) A young cow running in front of the bus

Q13. Why didn’t Valli get off at the town bus station?

(a) She was afraid to explore the town alone
(b) She had no money to spend in town
(c) She wanted to return on the same bus
(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above

Q14. What did the conductor offer to buy for Valli?

(a) A burger
(b) A cold drink
(c) A pizza
(d) A cake

Answer: (b) A cold drink

Q15. What saddened Valli on her return journey?

(a) The bus broke down
(b) She saw a dead cow on the roadside
(c) She lost her money
(d) The conductor scolded her

Answer: (b) She saw a dead cow on the roadside

Q16. When did Valli’s mother take her afternoon nap?

(a) 12 to 3 pm
(b) 1 to 4 pm
(c) 2 to 4 pm
(d) 2 to 5 pm

Answer: (b) 1 to 4 pm

Q17. What kind of person was the bus conductor?

(a) Rude and impatient
(b) Jolly and fun-loving
(c) Strict and serious
(d) Quiet and reserved

Answer: (b) Jolly and fun-loving

Q18. Why did Valli find the elderly woman repulsive?

(a) She was very loud
(b) She had big earlobes, ugly earrings, and chewed betel nut
(c) She asked too many questions
(d) She smelled bad

Answer: (b) She had big earlobes, ugly earrings, and chewed betel nut

Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1

“But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences. 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.”

(a) What was Valli’s favourite pastime?

Answer: Valli’s favourite pastime was standing at the front door of her house and watching the street outside. This was as enjoyable for her as any elaborate game that other children played.

(b) What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?

Answer: The most fascinating thing for Valli was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street once every hour — once going to the town and once coming back.

(c) Why was the bus a source of unending joy for her?

Answer: The bus was a source of unending joy for Valli because it was filled each time with a new set of passengers. The constantly changing passengers and the movement of the bus fascinated her and kindled in her a desire to ride on it.

(d) What does this extract tell us about Valli’s character?

Answer: This extract tells us that Valli was an observant, curious, and imaginative girl. She did not have playmates her own age, but she found joy in simple things like watching the street and the bus. She was a child who found wonder and excitement in the world around her.

Extract 2

“Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way — ‘which is almost nothing at all,’ she heard one woman say.”

(a) How did Valli gather information about the bus journey?

Answer: Valli gathered information about the bus journey by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus over many days and months. She also asked a few discreet questions here and there to fill in the details.

(b) What details did she learn about the bus journey?

Answer: She learned that the town was six miles from her village and that the fare was thirty paise one way. She also found out that the journey took about forty-five minutes each way.

(c) What does the word “discreet” mean here?

Answer: The word “discreet” means careful and cautious so as not to attract attention. Valli asked her questions in such a way that nobody suspected she was planning to ride the bus on her own.

(d) What does Valli’s method of gathering information reveal about her?

Answer: Valli’s method reveals that she was an intelligent, strategic, and meticulous planner. Despite being only eight years old, she had the patience and wisdom to gather information over months before taking action. She approached her goal systematically and carefully.

Extract 3

“Her first journey — what careful, painstaking, elaborate plans she had to make for it! She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like, and finally she had saved a total of sixty paise. How difficult it had been, particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money.”

(a) What temptations did Valli resist to save money?

Answer: Valli resisted the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and similar things that children usually love. The most difficult temptation was the merry-go-round at the village fair, which she resolutely refused to ride despite having the money.

(b) How much money did Valli save, and what was it for?

Answer: Valli saved a total of sixty paise. This was for her round trip bus fare — thirty paise to go to the town and thirty paise to return.

(c) What does “resolutely stifled” mean in this context?

Answer: “Resolutely stifled” means she firmly and determinedly suppressed or held back her strong desire. Despite wanting very much to ride the merry-go-round, she forced herself not to, keeping her larger goal of the bus ride in mind.

(d) What does this passage reveal about Valli’s character?

Answer: This passage reveals that Valli had extraordinary self-discipline, determination, and the ability to delay gratification. She was willing to sacrifice immediate pleasures for a bigger goal. Her thriftiness and patience were remarkable qualities for a child of just eight years.

Extract 4

“‘Listen, child,’ said the voice, ‘you shouldn’t stand like that. Sit down.’ 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.’”

(a) Who spoke to Valli, and what was his concern?

Answer: An elderly man on the bus spoke to Valli. He was genuinely concerned about her safety and asked her to sit down instead of standing on the seat, as she could fall if the bus took a sharp turn.

(b) Why was Valli annoyed by the elderly man’s remark?

Answer: Valli was annoyed because the elderly man called her a “child.” She considered herself mature and grown up, and she did not like being referred to as a child. She felt that since she had paid her fare like everyone else, she deserved to be treated as an equal.

(c) What does the word “haughtily” mean?

Answer: “Haughtily” means in a proud, arrogant, and superior manner. Valli replied to the elderly man with a sense of pride and self-importance, asserting that she was not a child but an equal passenger on the bus.

(d) What does Valli’s response reveal about her personality?

Answer: Valli’s response reveals that she was a confident, assertive, and independent girl who did not like being patronised or treated as a child. She had a strong sense of self-worth and believed that paying the fare gave her the same rights as any other adult passenger.

Extract 5

“Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement she’d felt the first time. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead by the roadside, just where it had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle. ‘Isn’t that the same cow that ran in front of the bus on our trip to town?’ she asked the conductor. The conductor nodded, and she was overcome with sadness.”

(a) How was Valli feeling before she saw the dead cow?

Answer: Before seeing the dead cow, Valli was not bored in the slightest. She was greeting everything on the return journey with the same excitement and enthusiasm she had felt during her first trip to the town.

(b) What had happened to the cow?

Answer: The young cow had been struck and killed by some fast-moving vehicle. It was lying dead by the roadside. It was the same cow that had been running playfully in front of the bus during the outward journey to town.

(c) How did this sight affect Valli?

Answer: This sight deeply affected Valli. She was overcome with sadness. The cow that had been a lovable, lively creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life. The horrible and frightening sight of death completely dampened her earlier enthusiasm and joy.

(d) What is the significance of this incident in the story?

Answer: This incident is significant because it introduces Valli to the harsh reality of death for the first time. The contrast between the cow’s earlier vitality and its present lifelessness represents the journey from innocence to awareness. It transforms Valli’s joyful adventure into a poignant experience, showing her that life is fragile and can end suddenly. It marks a moment of emotional growth in Valli’s character.

Extract 6

“The conductor nodded, and she was overcome with sadness. What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible, so frightening as it lay there, legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over…”

(a) Who is “she” in this extract, and why is she overcome with sadness?

Answer: “She” is Valli. She is overcome with sadness because she has just learnt that the dead cow by the roadside is the same young cow that was running playfully in front of the bus during her outward journey. The transformation of a beautiful, lively creature into a lifeless, bloody corpse shocks and saddens her.

(b) What had the creature been like “just a little while ago”?

Answer: Just a little while ago, the creature had been a lovable, beautiful, and lively young cow. It had been running in front of the bus with its tail raised high in the air, full of energy and life. Valli had found its antics so funny that she had laughed until tears streamed from her eyes.

(c) Describe the dead cow as presented in the extract.

Answer: The dead cow looked horrible and frightening. It lay by the roadside with its legs spread-eagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, and blood all over its body. It had completely lost the charm and beauty it had possessed when it was alive.

(d) What effect does this scene have on Valli for the rest of the journey?

Answer: This scene completely changes Valli’s mood for the rest of the journey. She is no longer excited or cheerful. She refuses to look out of the window and sits quietly inside the bus. The joy and wonder she had felt throughout her adventure are replaced by deep sadness and a sobering awareness of death’s reality.

Value-Based Questions

Q1. Valli saved money for months by resisting temptations like peppermints, toys, and the merry-go-round. What values does this demonstrate, and how can students apply these values in their own lives?

Ans: Valli’s behaviour demonstrates several important values that students can apply in their own lives:

Self-discipline: Valli showed remarkable self-control by refusing to spend her savings on immediate pleasures. Students can develop this quality by setting goals and resisting distractions that prevent them from achieving those goals — for example, limiting time spent on social media or entertainment and focusing on studies.
Delayed gratification: Valli understood that sacrificing small pleasures in the present could lead to a bigger reward in the future. Students can practise this by saving their pocket money for something important rather than spending it all on small, unnecessary items.
Determination: Valli did not give up even when saving money became very difficult, especially at the village fair. Students should learn that achieving any worthwhile goal requires persistence and the willingness to endure temporary difficulties.
Financial responsibility: At just eight years old, Valli showed an understanding of budgeting and financial planning. Students can start practising responsible money management from a young age.

Valli’s example teaches us that no goal is too small or too big — what matters is the discipline and dedication we bring to achieving it.

Q2. Valli was deeply saddened when she saw the dead cow on the roadside. What does this incident teach us about respecting life and being compassionate towards animals?

Ans: The incident of the dead cow in the story carries a powerful message about life, death, and our responsibility towards animals:

Fragility of life: The cow that was running joyfully just minutes ago was now lying dead. This teaches us that life is precious and fragile, and we must value every living being.
Reckless driving and animal safety: The cow was killed by a fast-moving vehicle, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving, especially in areas where animals are present. We must drive carefully and be alert to the presence of animals on the road.
Compassion: Valli’s deep sadness at seeing the dead cow shows her compassionate nature. We should develop empathy and compassion for all living creatures, recognising that they too feel pain and have a right to live.
Responsibility: As members of society, we have a responsibility to protect animals and ensure their safety. This includes supporting animal welfare organisations, reporting cruelty to animals, and advocating for better road safety measures to prevent animal accidents.

The incident also teaches us that growing up means becoming aware of suffering in the world and developing the sensitivity to care about it. Valli’s emotional response to the dead cow marks an important step in her emotional and moral growth.

Q3. Valli travelled alone at the age of eight, keeping it a secret from her mother. While her independence is admirable, do you think children should take such risks without informing their parents? Discuss the values of independence and safety.

Ans: Valli’s solo bus journey raises an important discussion about the balance between independence and safety for children:

Admirable qualities: Valli’s independence, self-confidence, planning abilities, and courage are truly admirable. She showed that children are capable of much more than adults often give them credit for. Her ability to plan, save money, and execute her journey successfully demonstrates remarkable maturity.

Safety concerns: However, from a practical standpoint, it is not advisable for an eight-year-old child to travel alone without informing their parents. The world can be unpredictable and dangerous. Valli was fortunate that she had a kind conductor and that nothing went wrong during her journey. But the situation could have been very different.

The balanced approach: The ideal approach is to encourage independence in children while ensuring their safety. Parents should give children age-appropriate freedom, allow them to take small risks, and gradually prepare them for bigger challenges. At the same time, children should trust their parents enough to share their plans and seek guidance when needed.

Key values: The story teaches us that both independence and safety are important. Independence builds confidence and character, but safety ensures that children are protected while they learn and grow. Communication between children and parents is the bridge that connects these two values.

We hope these questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 “Madam Rides the Bus” by Vallikkannan have been helpful for your HSLC examination preparation. For more chapter-wise solutions, visit hslcguru.com.