NCERT Class 10 English First Flight: Chapter 7 — Madam Rides the Bus
NCERT Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 1, "Madam Rides the Bus," introduces Valliammai, an eight-year-old girl fascinated by the world outside her village. Her first bus journey becomes an exploration of life and death, highlighting the difference between knowing about death and understanding it. The chapter begins with pre-reading activities prompting students to predict vocabulary and scenes from a bus journey. Valli's curiosity and her unique way of experiencing the world through her front doorway are detailed, setting the stage for her adventure. This chapter helps students understand themes of curiosity, observation, and the transition from childhood innocence to a nascent understanding of life's complexities.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | First Flight |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Madam Rides the Bus |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 282 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand Valli's character and her intense curiosity.
- Analyze the theme of life and death as perceived by a child.
- Identify Valli's unique way of experiencing the world.
- Appreciate the significance of Valli's first bus journey.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| curious | eager to know or learn something |
| pastime | an activity done regularly for enjoyment |
| elaborate | in great detail; complicated |
| unusual | not common or ordinary |
| induction | admission or acceptance into a group or organization |
| mystery | something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain |
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Practice questions
- What was Valli's full name? Answer: Valliammai
- What was Valli's favourite pastime? Answer: Standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
- How old was Valli? Answer: Eight years old.
- What was Valli's street like in terms of playmates? Answer: There were no playmates of her own age on her street.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Madam Rides the Bus'?
The chapter explores a child's curiosity, her first independent journey, and her nascent understanding of life and death.
Who is the protagonist of the story?
The protagonist is Valliammai, a young, curious girl.
What does Valli do in her free time?
Valli spends her time watching the street from her front doorway, as she has no playmates of her age.
What is Valli's age?
Valli is eight years old.
What kind of journey is Valli's first bus trip?
It is her first bus journey into the world outside her village and an induction into the mystery of life and death.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 English — First Flight — Chapter 7 — Madam Rides the Bus. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.