Class 10 English Chapter 7 Previous Year Questions - Madam rides the Bus

Ans: Both Amanda (Amanda) and Valli (Madam Rides the Bus) yearn for freedom from their restrictive circumstances. Amanda, a young girl, escapes her parents’ constant instructions through her imaginative daydreams, envisioning herself as a mermaid or Rapunzel, free from societal constraints. Similarly, Valli, an eight-year-old, craves independence, meticulously planning a bus ride to the town to experience the world beyond her village. Her solo journey reflects her desire to break free from her sheltered life. While Amanda’s longing is expressed through fantasy, Valli’s is realized through action, yet both characters highlight a universal desire for autonomy and self-expression despite their confined realities.

Ans: Valli’s fascination with the bus reveals her curious and adventurous perspective, finding wonder in the mundane. It reflects her yearning for exploration beyond her village’s confines, viewing the bus as a symbol of freedom and connection to the wider world.

Ans: Valli gathered information by keenly observing the bus and eavesdropping on passengers’ conversations. She noted the bus’s schedule, fare, and journey duration, discreetly collecting details over time without revealing her intentions, showcasing her meticulous planning.

Ans: Valli, an eight-year-old with no income, saved money by resisting temptations like peppermints and rides, sacrificing small joys. She painstakingly collected coins over months, demonstrating her discipline and determination to fund her bus journey.

Ans: Valli’s bus ride was a calculated decision, planned over months. She gathered details about the fare, schedule, and route by observing and listening, saved money diligently, and chose a time when her absence wouldn’t be noticed, proving her thoughtfulness.

Ans: Valli’s excitement was dampened on the return journey after witnessing a cow’s death, struck by a vehicle. The sight of the lifeless animal, which she had seen alive earlier, introduced her to the harsh reality of death, overshadowing her initial joy.

Ans: Valli’s bus journey to the city marks her initiation into understanding life and death. Her inquisitive nature drives her to explore beyond her village, absorbing the vibrant sights of the town, which represent life’s possibilities. However, witnessing a cow’s death on the return journey introduces her to mortality’s harsh reality, dampening her excitement. Her curiosity, evident in her meticulous planning and keen observation of the bus and passengers, shapes her perceptions, allowing her to process these experiences deeply. This journey transforms her, blending her childlike wonder with a newfound awareness of life’s complexities, highlighting her growth through curiosity and exposure to new realities.

Ans: In His First Flight, the young seagull’s self-doubt and fear of falling prevent him from flying until hunger and his mother’s encouragement push him to succeed, demonstrating how fear hinders progress. Conversely, in Madam Rides the Bus, Valli’s curiosity about the world drives her to meticulously plan her bus ride, learning about fares and schedules through observation. Her inquisitive nature enables her to overcome obstacles, like saving money, and experience the town, broadening her understanding. While fear stalls the seagull’s growth, Valli’s curiosity fuels her learning and achievement, highlighting the contrasting impacts of these emotions.

Ans: Valli’s meticulous planning is evident in her careful observation of the bus’s schedule, fare, and route, discreetly gathering details over months. She saved sixty paise by forgoing treats and chose a midday trip to avoid suspicion, showcasing her strategic foresight.

Ans: Both Anne Frank (The Diary of a Young Girl) and Valli (Madam Rides the Bus) exhibit optimism and self-assurance in overcoming challenges. Anne, confined during the Holocaust, remains hopeful, using her diary to express her dreams and resilience, finding strength in her inner world. Similarly, Valli, a young girl in a restrictive village, confidently plans her bus journey, driven by her optimism about exploring the town. Both face limitations—Anne’s physical confinement and Valli’s societal and financial constraints—yet their belief in their abilities enables them to transcend these barriers, with Anne’s writing and Valli’s journey reflecting their determination to assert their identities.

Ans: Valli saved every coin that came her way. She made great sacrifices by controlling her normal childish urges of having candies, toys, and joyrides.

Ans: Valli spent her time all alone because there were no playmates of her own age group. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching what was happening in the street outside. For her, it was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played.

Ans: Valli did not have any money to go to the stall and have a drink. Even when the conductor offered her a cold drink free of charge, she refused firmly and said that she only wanted her ticket. This shows that Valli had a lot of self-will and pride.

Ans: Valli possesses several traits that enable her to learn from people and her surroundings in the story 'Madam Rides the Bus'. Firstly, she is curious and observant, constantly watching the hustle and bustle of the street and the people around her. This curiosity allows her to gather information and learn from the experiences of others.
Secondly, Valli is proactive in seeking knowledge. She actively engages in conversations with her neighbors and asks questions to gather more information about bus rides. This shows her willingness to learn from others and her ability to seek out knowledge.
Furthermore, Valli's determination and resourcefulness play a role in her learning. She saves money and plans meticulously for her bus journey, showcasing her determination to achieve her dream. This determination helps her overcome obstacles and learn from her experiences.
Overall, Valli's traits of curiosity, proactivity, determination, and resourcefulness enable her to learn from both people and her surroundings, making her a character who seeks knowledge and grows through her experiences.

Ans: It is true that in order to achieve our desires, we have to struggle a lot. Valliammai, an 8-yearold girl, is a good example of this. Valli had a desire to ride a bus alone. To achieve her dream, she had to make so many efforts. She planned the entire journey on her own at such a young age. She discovered the bus timings, stops and its fare from her friends and people in general. Valli’s meticulous planning made her successful in her maiden bus journey. 
She paid her own fare, travelled alone and returned safely to her village the same day without getting down the bus. She even restrained herself from losing money to cold-drinks or toys in the town as she had to buy the return ticket with it. Valli’s journey proved us that even if difficulties come our way, we can achieve our dreams if we are headstrong.

Ans: In the story "Madam Rides the Bus," Valli, an eight-year-old girl, displayed both sensitivity and fearlessness. Despite being sensitive, she was not afraid to pursue her desire to ride the bus. She gathered information about the bus by listening to conversations and asking questions, showing her determination. Valli also faced the temptation to spend her money on treats and toys but resisted it in order to save for her bus fare. When she finally boarded the bus alone, she showed fearlessness by refusing help, rejecting free treats, and not talking to strangers. These actions demonstrate Valli's sensitivity towards her own desires and the determination and fearlessness she possessed to achieve them.

Ans: The statement that Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age is justified by her actions and decisions in the story "Madam Rides the Bus." Despite being only eight years old, Valli displayed remarkable maturity in her planning and execution of her bus ride. She gathered all the necessary information and carefully saved money for her fare. Valli also showed independence and self-reliance by boarding the bus alone and refusing help from others. Her ability to handle herself confidently and responsibly in unfamiliar situations demonstrates a level of maturity beyond her age.

Ans: 17th July Saturday
Dear Diary
Today, I had the chance to experience and fulfil one of my dearest and lifelong dream- riding the bus. I have been always just a spectator, watching people travel by bus. But today, I was one of them.
The bus ride in itself was a great experience. Not only was I able to travel successfully. I also managed to return safely, even paying for my own fares. I saw a lot of new things along the route, things outside of my small village.
I really enjoyed the journey. But one thing that I learned out of the whole journey was the complexity of life. This was a result of the death of the young cow. I saw running in the traffic. While on my way to town, it was alive and trying to cross the road, which gave me a good laugh just watching the young animal. But on my way back home, I saw that same cow, dead on the side of the road. This left me wondering limited nature and complexity of our lives and how death can come anytime. I did not expect to encounter today’s tragic event. But I am also glad that I was able to experience it too.
Good night
Love Valli

Ans: Valli displays traits of being organized, bold, and sensitive throughout the story. She meticulously plans her bus trip, collecting money for the fare and ensuring she is self-sufficient. Her determination and organization skills are evident in her refusal to accept help from others and her demand to be treated like an adult. This shows her boldness and independence.
Additionally, Valli's sensitivity is seen when she witnesses a tragic incident on her bus journey and is deeply moved by it. This indicates that she is emotionally sensitive and empathetic towards others. Overall, Valli's combination of organization, boldness, and sensitivity make her a well-rounded and admirable character.

Ans: Valli's bus journey can be described as a joyride full of pleasant and new experiences. Firstly, Valli had always dreamed of riding the bus, and being able to fulfill this dream brought her immense joy and excitement. The anticipation and thrill of the journey itself made it a pleasant experience for Valli.
During the bus ride, Valli had the opportunity to observe the scenery from the window, which was a new experience for her. She was amused and excited by the sights she encountered along the way, such as a young cow running across the street. These new sights added to the joy and novelty of the journey.
While on the bus, Valli also had interactions with the conductor and other passengers, which provided her with new experiences and perspectives. She was able to assert her independence and demand respect, which further added to the joy she felt during the journey.
However, it is important to note that Valli's joyride was not without its challenges and moments of sadness. She witnessed a tragic incident involving the death of a cow, which deeply moved and saddened her. This momentary sadness, though, does not overshadow the overall joy and pleasantness of Valli's bus journey.

Ans: Valli's character in the story 'Madam Rides the Bus' portrays her as a mature girl who is ahead of her age. One instance that showcases her maturity is her meticulous planning and organization for her bus journey. Despite being only eight years old, Valli saves money, gathers information, and plans her trip independently. This level of responsibility and foresight is characteristic of someone beyond her years.
Furthermore, Valli displays a sense of self-confidence and assertiveness that is uncommon for her age. She refuses to accept help from others and demands to be treated like an adult. This shows her independence and a maturity in her understanding of her own capabilities.
Additionally, Valli's emotional intelligence is evident in how she handles a tragic incident during her bus journey. When she witnesses the death of a cow, she accepts it as a part of life and handles it with maturity and grace, showing empathy and understanding.
Overall, Valli's ability to plan and organize, her assertiveness, and her emotional intelligence demonstrate her maturity and place her ahead of her age.

Ans: The most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street was the sight of the bus which travelled from her village to the nearest town. The bus was filled with a new set of passengers each time. Watching the bus come and go was a source of unending joy for Valli. She harbours a strong desire to ride the bus one day and even plans for it meticulously.

Ans: Valli made several preparations to realize her dream of enjoying a bus ride to the nearest town. Firstly, she gathered information about the distance, time, and ticket fare for the bus journey. She listened to conversations between her neighbors who frequently traveled by bus and asked questions to collect more information. This research helped her plan her trip effectively.
Secondly, Valli saved money to pay for the bus fare. She resisted the temptation to spend her money on peppermints, candy, and the merry-go-round, and instead, saved every penny she could. This required discipline and self-control.
Additionally, Valli planned the timing of her bus ride strategically. She chose to travel during a time when her mother would be fast asleep, ensuring that she could embark on the journey without any obstacles.
Furthermore, Valli made the decision to travel alone, showing her independence and determination to fulfill her dream. She did not seek help from anyone and refused free treats from the conductor, wanting to be treated like an adult.
In summary, Valli's preparations included gathering information, saving money, planning the timing of her journey, and choosing to travel alone. These preparations demonstrate her determination and resourcefulness in realizing her dream.

Ans: Valli had to overcome several difficulties in order to ride the bus. She had to gather information about the bus by listening to others' conversations and asking questions. Valli also had to save money for her fare, resisting the temptation to spend it on treats and toys. Additionally, she had to plan her journey carefully, choosing the right time to go when her mother was asleep. Despite these obstacles, Valli's determination and perseverance allowed her to fulfill her desire of riding the bus.

Ans: Valli faced numerous difficulties in her quest to ride the bus, but she was able to overcome them through focused attention and determination. She gathered information about the bus, saved money for her fare, and planned her journey meticulously. Despite the temptations of treats and toys, Valli remained focused on her goal and resisted the urge to spend her savings. She also navigated the bus journey alone, refusing help and staying cautious. Valli's unwavering focus and determination allowed her to fulfill her desire of riding the bus.

Ans: Valli faced various temptations while trying to save money for her bus fare, but she fought against them in order to fulfill her desire of riding the bus. She resisted the temptation to spend her money on peppermints, candy, and a merry-go-round ride. Despite her longing for these treats and experiences, Valli stayed focused on her goal and prioritized saving for the bus ride. Her determination and self-control allowed her to overcome these temptations and ultimately enjoy the bus ride she had been longing for.

Ans: Valli's character in "Madam Rides the Bus" exemplifies important values in the modern era, where people are often seen as selfish and insensitive. When Valli witnesses the accidental death of a young cow, she grieves over its loss, showing compassion and empathy. This demonstrates her value for the well-being and suffering of others, even animals. Valli's sensitivity towards the cow's death highlights the importance of caring for and showing concern for the lives of others, regardless of their species. It serves as a reminder that empathy and compassion are essential values that can make a positive impact on the world.

Ans: When Valli saw the dead cow by the roadside her enthusiasm dampened. She became sad and pensive as the memory of the dead cow kept coming back to her, making her think about the uncertainty and fragility of life.

Ans: Valli didn't want to go to the stall and have a drink because she was afraid that she would get lost if she got down from the bus. Besides, Valli had very limited money, just enough to buy a ticket for the return journey. This shows that Valli is a responsible and cautious girl who thinks ahead and considers the consequences of her actions.

Ans: The conductor called Valli ‘madam’ because even though she was just an eight-year-old girl, she behaved like a grown-up. She demanded respect and wanted to be treated like an adult because she too had paid her own bus fare like other adults present in the bus. The conductor, seeing Valli behave like that, treated her with respect even though he did it to humor her.

Ans: Valli was a good planner, as evident from the way she planned her first-ever bus journey. She gathered all the required information, such as distance covered, bus fare, arrival and departure time, time taken to travel one way, etc. Valli also made sacrifices to save money for the two-way journey and knew that noon would be the best time to travel because that was when her mother slept after lunch.

Ans: Valli's ability and courage to take risks are essential qualities that enabled her to fulfill her dream of riding the bus. Despite being a young girl, she confidently asserted that she could get on the bus by herself and refused help from others. This demonstrates her courage and self-reliance in facing challenges and taking risks. To fulfill one's dream, it is crucial to have the ability and courage to step out of one's comfort zone, face uncertainties, and take risks. Valli's example inspires us to embrace courage and take bold steps towards achieving our goals, even if it means venturing into the unknown.

Ans: Valli was a meticulous planner, as seen in how she planned her first bus journey. She gathered all the necessary information, including the distance covered, bus fare, arrival and departure times, and the duration of the journey. She also saved money for the round trip and chose the best time to travel based on her mother's schedule.

Ans: The conductor can be considered a good-natured jolly fellow because he treated Valli with respect and humor. Despite her young age, Valli demanded to be treated like an adult and paid her own bus fare. The conductor, recognizing Valli's confidence and maturity, called her 'madam' and treated her respectfully.

Ans: Valli stands upon the seat to get a better view of the city. From there, she sees the tall buildings, the shops, the people, and the traffic. This elevated perspective allows her to take in the sights and experience the thrill of being in a bustling city.

Ans: The conductor refers to Valli as 'madam' because even though she is just an eight-year-old girl, she behaves like a grown-up. Valli demands respect and wants to be treated like an adult because she has paid her own bus fare, just like the other adults on the bus do. The conductor calls her 'madam' to humor her and acknowledge her maturity.

Ans: The conductor in 'Madam Rides the Bus' displayed good manners throughout the story. First, he extended his hand to help Valli get on the bus, showing courtesy and kindness. He also ensured that Valli was comfortable during the journey and cautioned her about safety. When he learned that Valli would be scared to venture out alone in the town, he offered to fetch her something to drink. These instances of good manners from the conductor remind us of the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and consideration. By observing good manners in our own lives, we can create a positive and harmonious environment, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to our own happiness as well as the happiness of those around us.

Ans: The death of the young cow in 'Madam Rides the Bus' deeply affected Valli, leading to a loss of enthusiasm. If I were in a similar situation and felt concerned about the plight of animals falling prey to fast-moving traffic, I would take the following efforts to make road travel safer:

• Promote awareness: I would spread awareness about the dangers faced by animals on the road due to fast-moving traffic. This could be done through campaigns, educational programs, and social media platforms.
• Advocate for animal-friendly infrastructure: I would raise my voice and advocate for the development of safe spaces for animals, such as animal crossings or fenced areas, to prevent them from accessing busy roads.
• Support animal welfare organizations: I would contribute to and support organizations working towards animal welfare, such as those involved in rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals, providing veterinary care, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Encourage responsible driving: I would promote responsible driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, refraining from using mobile phones while driving, and being vigilant for animals on the road.
• Engage with local authorities: I would communicate with local authorities to address road safety concerns and advocate for the implementation of measures to protect animals, such as speed bumps, warning signs, or designated animal crossing areas.

By taking these efforts, we can contribute to making road travel safer for animals and prevent them from falling prey to fast-moving traffic.

Ans: When Valli saw the dead cow on the roadside, she became extremely sad and pensive. The dreadful event dampened her enthusiasm. Thereafter she had no desire to look out of the window and kept glued to her seat till she reached the village.

Ans: The canvas blind of the window had cut-off Valli’s outside view from the window. So, she stands up on her seat to take a view from the upper half of the window. Now, she saw that the road was very narrow, on one side of which there was the canal and beyond it were palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue sky.