CBSE Class 10 English Footprints NCERT Solutions: The Book That Saved the Earth

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter, 'The Book That Saved the Earth,' from CBSE Class 10 English (Footprints) explores a humorous take on a Martian invasion attempt in the 21st century. The solutions delve into the reasons why the 20th century was termed the 'Era of the Book,' the Martians' misinterpretations of Earth's books, and the clever ways characters like Noodle handle their leader's blunders. It also touches upon the role of books versus electronic media and the enduring value of books as companions. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to all the questions, aiding students in understanding the nuances of the story and preparing effectively for their exams.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	Footprints
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	10. The Book that Saved the Earth

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (Footprints) Chapter 10, 'The Book That Saved the Earth,' focuses on understanding the narrative's satirical elements. The solutions cover the significance of the 20th century as the 'Era of the Book,' the Martians' comical misunderstandings of human literature, and character interactions. They also address the comparison between books and electronic media and the timeless importance of books. These answers help students grasp the story's humor and underlying messages.

Learning outcomes

Understand the historical context of the 20th century as the 'Era of the Book'.
Analyze the Martians' misinterpretations of Earth's books.
Explain Noodle's strategy for correcting Think-Tank.
Compare the role of books with electronic media.
Articulate the reasons why books are considered a 'man's best companion'.
Express personal preferences for books and justify them.

Topics covered

Paper topics

The Era of the Book
Martian Invasion
Misinterpretation of Books
Character Analysis (Think-Tank, Noodle)
Communication Styles
Books vs. Electronic Media
The Value of Books
Satire and Humor in Literature

Important topics

Significance of the 20th Century as the 'Era of the Book'
Martians' Misunderstanding of Books
Noodle's Diplomacy
Role of Books in Modern Society

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Why was the twentieth century called the 'Era of the Book'?

Solution: The twentieth century earned the title 'Era of the Book' because it was a time when books were incredibly comprehensive and influential. They served as primary sources of knowledge, covering an immense range of subjects from the mundane to the exotic. Books taught people practical skills, explained complex concepts, and provided insights into various aspects of life, covering the 'how, when, where, and why' of countless activities. Furthermore, they played a crucial role in educating, illustrating ideas, refining language, and even adding aesthetic value to people's lives.

Question 2

Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?

Solution: In the narrative, it is the Martians, inhabitants of the planet Mars, who attempted to invade Earth during the twenty-first century. Their invasion plan, however, was based on a comical misunderstanding of human culture and technology, particularly books.

Question 3

What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?

Solution: Upon discovering books on Earth, Think-Tank, the highly confident but misguided Martian leader, made several incorrect guesses about their purpose. His primary assumption was that these rectangular objects, filled with pages, were some form of communication device. He couldn't comprehend that they were repositories of knowledge and stories, instead interpreting them through the lens of Martian technology and understanding.

Question 4

Noodle avoids offending Think – Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?

Solution: Noodle, the astute advisor to Think-Tank, masterfully navigates the delicate task of correcting his leader's errors without causing offense. He achieves this by employing a strategy of subtle suggestion and deference. Instead of directly pointing out Think-Tank's mistakes, Noodle often frames his corrections as his own tentative ideas or as points of minor significance. He might preface his corrections with phrases that downplay their importance, such as suggesting they are 'no particular importance' or posing them as questions. This approach allows Think-Tank to 'discover' the correct information himself, preserving his ego and authority while ensuring the mission proceeds accurately. Noodle's method highlights his intelligence and his skill in managing a pompous and insecure superior.

Question 5

If you were in Noodle's place, how would you handle Think -Tank's mistakes?

Solution: If I were in Noodle's position, I would adopt a similar approach to handling Think-Tank's mistakes. The key would be to maintain respect for his position while gently guiding him towards the correct understanding. I would use polite and courteous language, perhaps framing my corrections as additional possibilities or observations that might be helpful. The goal would be to provide Think-Tank with the accurate information he needs without making him feel undermined or foolish, ensuring his confidence remains intact while preventing critical errors in judgment.

Question 6

Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?

Solution: It appears that electronic media is indeed replacing books in many aspects of life. Children often prefer watching television or using the internet over reading storybooks, and even textbooks are increasingly available in electronic formats. However, books possess unique advantages that electronic media cannot fully replicate. They allow readers to engage with content at their own pace without the need for power sources like electricity. While technology continues to advance, potentially making physical books less common, their intrinsic value in providing a focused, personal reading experience remains significant. It is unlikely we can completely do away with books, as they offer a distinct and valuable form of engagement with information and stories.

Question 7

Why are books referred to as a man's best companion? Which is your favorite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.

Solution: Books are often called 'man's best companion' because they offer a unique blend of benefits that enrich human life. They serve as constant sources of knowledge, helping to expand our understanding of the world and improving our vocabulary. Books can provide mental stimulation, acting as guides that offer wisdom and perspective. They are always available, offering solace, entertainment, and companionship without judgment. My favorite book is 'Malgudi Days' by R. K. Narayan. I am particularly drawn to this collection of short stories because it masterfully captures the essence of childhood. The way Narayan depicts the psychology, innocence, and everyday lives of children in his fictional town of Malgudi is deeply engaging and brings me immense pleasure as a reader.

Common mistakes

Confusing the 'Era of the Book' with modern media.
Failing to grasp the satirical humor in the Martians' actions.
Not understanding Noodle's subtle approach to correcting Think-Tank.
Giving simplistic answers about books vs. electronic media without nuance.

Revision tips

Reread the chapter to fully appreciate the humor and satire.
Focus on the reasons given for the 20th century being the 'Era of the Book'.
Analyze Noodle's dialogue to understand how he manages Think-Tank.
Consider the arguments for and against books in the age of electronic media.
Prepare a personal response for the question about your favorite book.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why was the 20th century referred to as the 'Era of the Book'?

Q2. What did Think-Tank initially believe the books found on Earth were?

Q3. How did Noodle manage to correct Think-Tank's errors without offending him?

Q4. Which group attempted to invade Earth in the twenty-first century according to the story?

Q5. What is a key reason books are called 'man's best companion'?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Book That Saved the Earth'?

The main theme is the satirical portrayal of a Martian invasion attempt, highlighting their misunderstanding of Earth's books and culture, and the enduring importance of literature.

Why is the 20th century called the 'Era of the Book' in the chapter?

It's called the 'Era of the Book' because books in that century contained vast knowledge, taught people how to do things, and were central to education and culture.

How does Noodle handle Think-Tank's mistakes?

Noodle handles Think-Tank's mistakes by subtly correcting him, often by presenting his own ideas as insignificant or as questions, thus avoiding direct confrontation.

What is the comparison made between books and electronic media?

The chapter suggests that while electronic media is replacing some functions of books, books retain unique values like allowing reading at one's own pace and not requiring electricity.

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all chapter questions, helping students understand the story's nuances, themes, and character interactions for better exam preparation.

What does the chapter suggest about the future of books?

The chapter speculates that with advancing technology, books might become less common, but acknowledges their unique utility and enduring value as companions.

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