NCERT Class 10 English First Flight: Chapter 3 — BEFORE YOU READ
This chapter from NCERT Class 10 English, First Flight, titled 'His First Flight', introduces a young seagull who is afraid to fly. Unlike his siblings who have already mastered flight, he hesitates due to the fear of the vast sea below. His parents try to encourage him through calls and threats of starvation, but he remains frozen. He observes his family practicing flight, catching fish, and taunting him for his cowardice. The chapter sets the stage for the seagull's struggle with fear and his eventual journey towards overcoming it, highlighting themes of courage and self-doubt in the context of learning a vital skill. This narrative helps students understand the challenges of overcoming personal fears.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | First Flight |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — BEFORE YOU READ |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 439 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the theme of overcoming fear.
- Identify the challenges faced by the young seagull.
- Learn new vocabulary related to flight and the sea.
- Analyze character motivations and interactions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ledge | a narrow horizontal shelf projecting from a wall or cliff |
| upbraiding | scolding |
| skim | to move lightly just above a surface (here, the sea) |
| herring | a soft-finned sea fish |
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Practice questions
- Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Answer: He was afraid because the sea stretched far below, and he felt his wings would not support him.
- What did his parents do to encourage him? Answer: They called to him shrilly, scolded him, and threatened to let him starve on the ledge.
- What did the seagull's siblings do? Answer: His two brothers and sister had already flown away the day before, practicing flight and catching fish.
- What did the seagull observe his family doing? Answer: He watched them perfecting the art of flight, skimming waves, and diving for fish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 3, 'His First Flight'?
The main theme is overcoming fear and the importance of courage, as depicted by the young seagull's struggle to fly.
Who are the main characters in 'His First Flight'?
The main characters are the young seagull, his parents, and his siblings.
Why did the seagull's parents scold him?
They scolded him because he was afraid to fly, unlike his siblings, and they wanted him to learn this essential skill.
What does the chapter teach about learning new skills?
It teaches that learning new skills can be daunting, often involving fear, but with perseverance and support, these fears can be conquered.
What does 'skim' mean in the context of the chapter?
In this chapter, 'skim' means to move lightly and swiftly just above the surface of the sea.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 English — First Flight — Chapter 3 — English Two Stories About Flying. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.