The Happy Prince Class 9 Summary, Theme & NCERT Solutions | Moments Chapter 5

The Happy Prince Class 9 Summary, Theme & NCERT Solutions | Moments Chapter 5

   July 31, 2026       RSC

---

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an iconic Irish poet, playwright, and novelist renowned for his flamboyant personality, sharp wit, and mastery of satirical comedy.He was a central figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which advocated "art for art's sake"—believing that art should exist purely for beauty rather than moral or utilitarian instruction.

ABOUT THE HAPPY PRINCE- STORY::

A compassionate statue and a devoted Swallow give away all their gold and jewels to help the city's poor and suffering. Though both perish and are discarded by the ungrateful town, their selfless sacrifice is rewarded eternally in Heaven.

THEMES OF "The Happy Prince":

Love, Compassion, and Self-Sacrifice: The central message is that true love and kindness require sacrifice. Both the Prince and the Swallow give up everything—their beauty, comfort, and ultimately their lives—to alleviate the suffering of others.

Inner Beauty vs. Outer Appearance: The story contrasts superficial value with true moral worth. The citizens and town leaders value the statue only when it glitters with gold and jewels, but God and His angels recognize the spiritual beauty of the prince's dull, broken lead heart and the dead swallow.

Social Inequality and Hypocrisy: Wilde critiques class divides and social corruption. While the wealthy live in indulgence and ignorance, the poor face severe hunger and suffering. The town's leaders (the Mayor and Councilors) are portrayed as superficial and vain, caring more about titles and appearances than helping their people.

True Wealth and Divine Reward: Earthly riches and social status are temporary and superficial. The story shows that genuine fulfillment comes from generosity, and selfless deeds are rewarded in the afterlife rather than by human praise.

THINK ABOUT IT::

Q.1. Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?

Ans: When he was alive, the Prince lived in a palace where sorrow was strictly forbidden. Because he spent his days in pleasure and knew nothing of pain or suffering, his courtiers called him the "Happy Prince."

No, he is no longer happy.

Being placed high on a tall column as a statue, he sees all the ugliness, poverty, hunger, and misery of the people in his city, which fills his leaden heart with sorrow and makes him weep.

Q.2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the Swallow do in the seamstress’ house?

The Happy Prince sees a poor seamstress embroidery work on a satin gown for the Queen's maid-of-honor. Her young son is lying ill with a fever, asking for oranges, but she has nothing to give him except river water. Moved by pity, the Prince sends his ruby to help her buy food and care for her sick child.

The Swallow flies into the seamstress' room and drops the large red ruby on the table beside her thimble.He then gently flies around the bed, fanning the sick boy's forehead with his wings to cool his fever, helping the boy feel better and fall into a restful sleep.

Q.3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?

The happy prince saw that the young playwright is freezing in his cold garret and too weak from hunger to finish writing a play for the Theatre Director. The sapphire allows him to buy firewood and complete his play. She has accidentally dropped her matches in the gutter, ruining them all. Her father will beat her if she returns home without money, so the Prince sends his remaining sapphire so she can take money home safely.

Q.4. What does the Swallow see when it flies over the city?

Ans:: When the Swallow flies over the city, it witnesses the stark contrast between wealth and extreme poverty: The Wealthy: It sees the rich making merry in their beautiful houses while beggars sit outside at the gates. The Poor & Hungry: Flying into dark lanes, it sees the pale, starving faces of children looking out listlessly at the cold streets. The Homeless: It sees two hungry little boys lying under the archway of a bridge, trying to keep each other warm, only to be chased away into the rain by a watchman.

Q.5. Why did the Swallow not leave the prince and go to egypt?

Ans: It is because of deep Love & admiration. After giving away both of his sapphire eyes to help others, the Happy Prince became completely blind. Selfless Loyalty is another reason. Touched by the Prince's immense sacrifice and kind heart, the Swallow decided he could not abandon a blind friend. He chose to stay by the Prince's side forever as his eyes, telling him stories and carrying out his acts of charity, even though it meant facing the deadly winter cold.

Q.6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?

Ans::The Two Precious things are the broken leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead Swallow. They Are Precious because they represent pure, selfless love, compassion, and sacrifice. While the town’s authorities judged them by their shabby external appearance and threw them away, God and His angel recognized their immense spiritual value, deeming them the most valuable things in the city to earn eternal life in paradise.

1-Mark Questions & Answers

Q: Who is the author of "The Happy Prince"?

A: Oscar Wilde.

Q: Where was the statue of the Happy Prince placed in the city?

A: High above the city on a tall column.

Q: Why was the Prince called the "Happy Prince" when he was alive?

A: Because he lived in a palace where sorrow was not allowed, and he knew nothing of pain or suffering.

Q: What jewel was set in the hilt of the Happy Prince’s sword?

A: A large red ruby.

Q: What were the eyes of the Happy Prince made of?

A: Rare sapphires brought from India.

Q: Where was the Swallow planning to fly before meeting the Prince?

A: To Egypt for the winter.

Q: Why was the seamstress’s son crying?

A: He was ill with a fever and wanted oranges, but his mother could only give him river water.

Q: Who received the Prince’s second sapphire eye?

A: A poor matchgirl who dropped her matches in the gutter.

Q: What happened to the Prince’s lead heart when the Swallow died?

A: It snapped into two pieces.

Q: What two precious things did the Angel bring to God from the city?

A: The broken leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead Swallow.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who wrote the story "The Happy Prince"?

A) Ruskin Bond

B) Oscar Wilde

C) Guy de Maupassant

D) Anton Chekhov

Answer: B

2. Where was the statue of the Happy Prince set up?

A) Inside the royal palace

B) In the middle of a park

C) High above the city on a tall column

D) Near the riverbank

Answer: C

3. What was set in the hilt of the Happy Prince's sword?

A) A large diamond

B) An emerald

C) A large red ruby

D) A bright sapphire

Answer: C

4. Where were the sapphires in the Prince’s eyes originally brought from?

A) Egypt

B) India

C) Persia

D) Greece

Answer: B

5. Where was the Swallow planning to fly for the winter?

A) India

B) Italy

C) France

D) Egypt

Answer: D

6. Why was the seamstress’s young son crying?

A) He lost his toy

B) He was ill with a fever and wanted oranges

C) He was scared of the dark

D) He wanted a new dress

Answer: B

7. Why did the Prince send his first sapphire to the young man in the garret?

A) To help him buy food and firewood so he could finish his play

B) To pay off his home debt

C) To buy new clothes for an interview

D) To travel back to his hometown

Answer: A

8. What was the poor matchgirl afraid would happen if she went home without money?

A) She would be thrown out of the house

B) Her father would beat her

C) Her mother would cry

D) She would get no dinner

Answer: B

9. Why did the Swallow decide never to leave the Happy Prince?

A) The weather became too warm

B) He wanted to collect more jewels

C) The Prince had given away both eyes and was completely blind

D) He lost his way to Egypt

Answer: C

10. What two things did the Angel choose as the most precious in the city?

A) The ruby and the golden leaves

B) The sapphire eyes and the sword

C) The broken leaden heart and the dead Swallow

D) The statue’s pedestal and the palace

Answer: C

Read More

Tea From Assam Class 10: Chapter Summary, Legends & Key Notes

Tea From Assam Class 10: Chapter Summary, Legends & Key Notes

   July 30, 2026       RSC

---

 ABOUT THE LESSON:

"Tea From Assam," written by Arup Kumar Datta, is an engaging chapter from the Class 10 English textbook (First Flight, Glimpses of India). The story follows two classmates, Rajvir and Pranjol, on a train journey to Pranjol’s home state of Assam, the tea capital of the world. Through Rajvir’s curiosity and fascination, the chapter explores the lush green landscapes of tea gardens and delves into popular legends surrounding the discovery of tea—from an ancient Chinese emperor to the Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma. It provides students with a picturesque view of tea plantation life and highlights the significance of Assam's famous second-flush harvest season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Arup Kumar Datta is an acclaimed Indian writer and journalist from Assam, best known for his captivating children's fiction and educational writings. Born in Jorhat, Assam, in 1946, his deep connection to his homeland strongly influences his vivid descriptions of Assamese culture and scenery. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi and spent several years teaching before becoming a full-time author. Datta has written over 16 books for children and numerous adult non-fiction works, earning international recognition including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018. His story "Tea From Assam" beautifully showcases his knack for blending local heritage, history, and engaging storytelling for young readers.

QUESTION ANSWERS --2 marks each)

1. Why was Rajvir excited during the train journey?

Ans: Rajvir was extremely excited because he was visiting Assam for the first time. Having never seen such vast stretches of greenery and beautiful tea gardens before, the picturesque landscape fascinated him deeply.

2. How did Pranjol react to Rajvir’s excitement about the tea gardens?

Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s level of excitement because he was born and brought up on a tea estate. For Pranjol, seeing tea plantations was a regular, everyday sight.

3. What is the Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea?

Ans: According to the Chinese legend, an ancient Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day, a few leaves from the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavor. These were said to be tea leaves.

4. What is the Indian legend about the origin of tea?

Ans: According to the Indian legend, an ancient Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and when their leaves were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.

5. Where were the words 'tea' and 'chai' originally derived from, according to Rajvir?

Ans: According to Rajvir, tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ originated from the Chinese language.

6. When and how was tea introduced to Europe?

Ans: Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. Initially, it was consumed and used more as a medicine rather than a popular daily beverage.

7. Describe Dhekiabari Tea Estate as seen by Rajvir.

Ans: Dhekiabari Tea Estate was managed by Pranjol’s father. On both sides of the gravel road were acre upon acre of neatly pruned tea bushes, all cut to the same height, where groups of tea-pluckers wore plastic aprons and carried bamboo baskets on their backs.

8. What is the second-flush season, and why is it important?

Ans: The second-flush or sprouting period lasts from May to July. It is considered the most important period because it yields the best quality tea of the entire year.

9. How did Rajvir prepare himself before visiting Assam?

Ans: Rajvir had done extensive reading and research about tea, its history, legends, and cultivation before arriving in Assam, which surprised and impressed Pranjol’s father.

10. What sight did Rajvir see as the train neared Mariani Junction?

Ans: As the train neared the station, Rajvir saw soft green paddy fields giving way to vast tea bushes, along with tall, sturdy shade trees and a chimney emitting smoke from a distant tea factory.

question answers (1 mark each)___

1. Who is the author of "Tea From Assam"?

Ans: Arup Kumar Datta

2. Which state is known as the tea country?

Ans: Assam

3. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol studying?

Ans: Delhi

4. What was Pranjol’s father by profession?

Ans: Manager of a tea garden (Dhekiabari Tea Estate)

5. In which country was tea first drunk?

Ans: China

6. Around which year was tea first consumed in China?

Ans: 2700 B.C.

7. Which Indian Buddhist ascetic cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep during meditation?

Ans: Bodhidharma

8. How many tea plants grew out of Bodhidharma’s eyelids?

Ans: Ten (10)

9. In which century did tea come to Europe?

Ans: Sixteenth century )

10. What is the main period for the second-flush or sprouting season of tea?

Ans: May to July

MCQ WITH ANSWER---

1. Who accompanied Rajvir on his trip to Assam?

(a) Mr. Barua

(b) Pranjol

(c) Bodhidharma

(d) Arup Kumar Datta

Ans: (b) Pranjol

2. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol studying?

(a) Assam

(b) Kolkata

(c) Delhi

(d) Mumbai

Ans: (c) Delhi

3. According to Rajvir, over how many cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?

(a) 80 thousand

(b) 80 lakh

(c) 80 crore

(d) 800 crore

Ans: (c) 80 crore

4. What was Pranjol’s father’s role at Dhekiabari?

(a) Tea plucker

(b) Garden Manager

(c) Train driver

(d) Factory owner

Ans: (b) Garden Manager

5. Which country is believed to be the place where tea was first drunk?

(a) India

(b) Japan

(c) China

(d) England

Ans: (c) China

6. When was tea drunk in China for the first time?

(a) 2700 B.C.

(b) 1600 A.D.

(c) 500 B.C.

(d) 1900 A.D.

Ans: (a) 2700 B.C.

7. Who was Bodhidharma in the Indian legend about tea?

(a) A Chinese Emperor

(b) An ancient Buddhist ascetic

(c) A tea estate owner

(d) A British officer

Ans: (b) An ancient Buddhist ascetic

8. In which century was tea introduced to Europe?

(a) Fourteenth century

(b) Fifteenth century

(c) Sixteenth century

(d) Eighteenth century

Ans: (c) Sixteenth century

9. When tea was first brought to Europe, it was drunk more as a _______ than as a beverage.

(a) Tonic

(b) Medicine

(c) Soft drink

(d) Soup

Ans: (b) Medicine

10. Which period yields the best quality tea (second-flush)?

(a) January to March

(b) May to July

(c) August to October

(d) November to December

Read More

MADAM RIDES THE BUS

MADAM RIDES THE BUS

   July 12, 2026       RSC

---

 

The story, Madam Rides the Bus, illustrates the sensitive story of a young eight-year-old Tamil girl Valliammai. Valli was always curious to explore the outside world. She had no friends to play games with. So, her favourite pastime was to stand in the doorway of her house and watch all that was happening on the street outside. She would watch people get on and off the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. The bus that was filled with a new set of passengers filled her with a sense of unending joy. She had a strong urge to take a bus ride to explore the adventurous bus journey. Hence, she collected information about the bus timings by listening to the conversations of the people taking the bus ride. Soon she learnt that the bus journey from her village to the nearest town was approximately six miles. The bus fare costs thirty paise for a one-way ride. So, Valli started saving enough money to take a ride on the bus.

Valli planned to travel on the bus during the afternoon when her mother would be asleep. She stood on the roadside waiting for the bus. As the bus arrived, she told the conductor she wanted to go to town. The conductor happened to be a jovial person and referred to her as ‘madam’ and told her to hop into the bus and take her seat. She got into her bus quickly and noticed that the bus was painted in green and white colour stripes and looked brand new. The bus seats were luxurious, and the ride was comfortable. During her journey, Valli enjoyed looking at the greenery outside and the scenic natural beauty of the bus. She was thoroughly enjoying her bus ride and was amused when she saw a young cow that ran wildly in front of the bus and crossed the road. The driver blew the shrill horn as the cow crossed the road. This was a fascinating experience for Valli as she realised her dream of travelling on a bus had finally come true.

As Valli enjoyed watching the beautiful landscape outside, the bus started getting empty as the passengers got down to their respective stops. Soon, the conductor asked her if she would like to roam about the stalls in the town, but she told him that she had limited money, which she needed to take the return bus ride. The conductor casually smiled at her reply. Valli stayed on the bus and took a ticket from the conductor to return to her village. As the bus started again, she noticed a dead cow and realised that it was the same cow that had run wildly in front of her bus during her onward journey to the town. Looking at the sight of the bleeding cow made her very sad, and she understood the meaning of life and death from this incident. Soon, the bus dropped her at the bus stop near her home, and she returned home just on time. Thus, no one in her family knew about her adventurous bus trip that she had taken all by herself without their knowledge.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR—

The short story "Madam Rides the Bus" was written by the Indian author Vallikkannan. The story revolves around a young girl named Valli who embarks on a solo bus journey to experience the world outside her village. 

Vallikkannan, also known as R.S. Kandaswami Pillai, was a Tamil writer, journalist, critic, and translator. He often wrote under the pseudonym Vallikkannan. His works often explore themes of childhood, innocence, and the desire for freedom. In "Madam Rides the Bus," he uses Valli's adventurous bus ride to delve into these themes, showcasing her curiosity and determination to explore beyond her familiar surroundings. The story also touches upon the themes of empathy and the understanding of different perspectives. 

Oral Comprehension Check – 1

1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime? 

Ans: Valli’s favourite pastime was to stand on the front doorway of her house, and look at what was happening in the street outside. 

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

Ans: The view of the bus with new passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to have a ride on the bus once in her life. 

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

Ans: Valli discovered that the town was six miles from her village and it took 45 minutes to reach town from her village. She learned this information by listening to the passengers’ and the neighbours’ conversation and occasionally by questioning them.

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

Ans: Valli was planning to go to the town and then return back by the same bus. The fare was 30 paise one way and the ride took forty five minutes.

Oral Comprehension Check – ll

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

Ans: The conductor calls Valli ‘madam’ because she behaved like a woman. She declined his help and was very quick in her answers to the conductor’s questions.

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

Ans: Valli looked outside from the bus but a canvas blind cut off her view. So she had to stand up on the seat. She saw that the road was very narrow and beyond it were palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and the beautiful blue sky.

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

Ans: When the elderly man calls Valli a child she angrily  replies that there is no child in the bus. She also says that she has paid her fare of thirty paise like everyone else. 

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

Ans: Valli didn’t want to make friends with the elderly woman because she was absolutely repulsive with big ugly earrings which Valli didn’t like at all. She was chewing betel nut and the beetlejuice was about to spill over her lips. 

Oral Comprehension Check – lll

1. How could Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her? 

Ans: Valli saved up money for her first journey. In order to save money she did not buy peppermints, toys, balloons etc. She also prevented herself from riding on the merry – go – round. It was not easy for her. 

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

Ans: On her way, Valli saw a young cow, tail high in the air, which was running very fast. It went into the middle of the road and then galloped in front of the bus. The driver honked but the cow got scared and instead of leaving the road, she kept on galloping in front of the bus. This made valli laugh heartily. 

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

Ans: Valli didn’t get off at the bus station because she was going back on that same bus. She was taking a bus ride. 

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

Ans: Valli didn’t want to go to the stall and have a drink because she had no money to do so. She also refused to accept cold-drink from the conductor and said that she only wanted her ticket. This shows that Valli had a lot of self will and pride.

Thinking about the Text: 

1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find words and phrases in the story that te11 you this .

Ans: Valli’s deepest desire was to ride on the bus she saw everyday.  

The words and phrases are : Overwhelming desire; wistfully; calculated and recalculated; planned and replanted. 

2. 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 was planning to go to the town and then return back by the same bus. The fare was 30 paise one way and the ride took forty five minutes. She learned this information by listening to the passengers’ and the neighbours’ conversation and occasionally by questioning them. In order to save money she did not buy peppermints, toys, balloons etc. She also prevented herself from riding on the merry – go – round.

3. 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 clues to your answer. 

i) ‘Stop the bus! Stop the bus!’ And a tiny hand was raised…………… 

Ans: Commandingly.

ii) ‘Yes, I………  go to town’, said Valli, still standing outside the bus. 

Ans:  Simply have to.

iii) ‘There’s nobody here…………. ‘, she said haughtily, ‘I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else. ‘

Ans: Who’s a child?

iv) ‘Never mind ‘, she said. ‘I can…………  you don’t have to help me. I’m not a child, I tell you’, she said,……… 

Ans: Get on by myself.

v) ‘You needn’t bother about me. I……… ‘. Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out. 

Ans: Can take care of myself

vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, ‘Well, sir, I hope………… ‘

Ans: To see you again.

Valli is a self-confident girl. She is also self-dependent with a commanding nature. 

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

Ans: The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam because she behaves like a grown up lady. 

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

Ans: The lines are:

1) Valli clapped her hands with glee. 

2) She laughed and laughed……… eyes. 

3) Struck dumb with wonder, Valli gaped at everything. 

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

Ans: During her return journey Valli saw a young cow lying dead by the roadside. She asked the conductor if it wasn’t the same one that had run before the bus earlier. The conductor replied by nodding his head. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. So, she didn’t want to look out of the window on her way back. 

7. What does Valli mean when she says, ‘I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge. ‘

Ans: Valli admits that many things happen in our midst without our knowledge. Sometimes we can’t understand these. 

8. 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: The following evidence can be found in the text:

a)  Valli devoured everything with her eyes. 

b)  Valli clapped her hands with glee. 

c)  She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes. 

d)  Struck dumb with wonder, Valli gaped at everything.

MCQ---

1. Who is the author of the lesson “Madam rides the Bus”?
A) Gavin Maxwell
B) Vallikkannan
C) Paulo Coehlo
D) Arup Kumar Dutta

Q2. What was Valli’s full name?
A) Vallikkannan
B) Valliammai
C) Valliannai
D) Vallikannam

Q3. What was Valli’s age?
A) 7
B) 8
C) 9
D) None of these

Q4. What was her favourite pastime?
A) watching the street outside
B) playing outside
C) travelling the bus
D) reading books

Q5. How many times did the bus cross her street in an hour?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 4
D) 6

Q6. What was her overwhelming desire?
A) to have friends
B) to travel by bus
C) to top the class
D) None of these

Q7. “Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus.” What is the meaning of wistfully?
A) fearfully
B) carefully
C) willingly
D) longingly

Q8. What would make Valli jealous?
A) strangers travelling by bus
B) hearing stories of her friend’s bus journey
C) her mother travelling the bus
D) all of the above

Q9. How did she pick up small details about the bus journey?
A) listening to conversations of neighbours
B) asking a few discreet questions
C) All of the above
D) None of the above

Q10. Why did Valli stand up?
A) She wanted to enjoy the ride
B) she wasn’t able to look outside properly
C) she liked standing
D) she was tired of sitting

Q11. What did the old man say to Valli that annoyed her?
A) He shouted at her
B) he asked why she’s alone
C) he merely asked her to sit
D) None of the above

Q12. “Valli found the woman absolutely repulsive”. What do you mean by “repulsive”?
A) causing strong dislike
B) showing displeasure
C) extremely attractive
D) admirable

Q13. Why did Valli find the woman repulsive?
A) she had large piercings in her ears
B) she wore ugly earrings
C) she was chewing betel nut which could spill out any moment
D) all of the above

Q14. Why did the old lady ask Valli so many questions?
A) she was bothered about Valli
B) she liked Valli
C) she was poking her nose
D) she was bored

Q15. What did she have to resist on Village Fair Day to save for the ride?
A) balloons
B) merry go round
C) toys
D) peppermint

Q16. What was the next challenge once she’d saved enough money?
A) tell her mom about it
B) know about the timings
C) buy a ticket
D) to sneak out of the house 

Q17. What made her laugh on her journey?
A) the sight of a running cow
B) the old woman’s earrings
C) the old man
D) None of the above

Q18. Why did Valli not get off the bus for sight-seeing?
A) she was afraid
B) she didn’t want to
C) she didn’t have the time
D) she didn’t like the city

Q19. What does it tell you about Valli when she refused to accept the conductor’s treat?
A) responsible
B) stubborn
C) rude
D) disrespectful

Q20. Who was a “real chatterbox”?
A) Valli
B) conductor
C) her aunt
D) all of the above

Q21. What saddened Valli?
A) the dead cow
B) car accident
C) the handicapped passenger
D) all of the above

Q22. What was the one-way fare from the village to the town?
A) one rupee
B) 50 paise
C) 40 paise
D) 30 paise

Q23. What was the timing of the afternoon nap taken by Valli’s mother?
A) 1 to 3
B) 1 to 4
C) 2 to 4
D) 2 to 3

Q24. How does the conductor address Valli?
A) as Valli
B) as Madam
C) as kiddo
D) None of the above

Q25. What can you tell about the conductor from the text?
A) he was funny
B) he was grumpy
C)he was quiet
D) all of the above

Q26. What was the most fascinating scene for Valli in the street?
A) The bus with a new set of curtains every time.
B) The bus has a new set of passengers every time.
C) The bus has a new driver every time.
D) The bus has a new conductor every time.

Q27. The conductor offered Valli a _____
A) Burger
B) Cold Drink
C) Pizza
D) Cake

Q28. Find a suitable synonym of the underlined word – ‘Valli devoured everything with her eyes’
A) consumed
B) Ate hungrily
C) Tore into pieces
D) Liked

Q29. What are ear lobes?
A) Jewelry
B) Hearing aid
C) Portion of the ear
D) None of these

Q30. Why was the old woman asking so many questions to Valli?
A) She was a member of Child Protection Unit
B) She was concerned to see a small girl travelling by herself
C) She was a member of a child trafficking group
D) She was a member of a child lifter gang

Read More