First Flight (Prose): Madam Rides the Bus

Topics in this chapter

• Independence and Determination
• Planning and Self-Control
• Bus Journey and Relationships
• Observation of Rural Life
• Maturity and Mortality

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-6871F0

   What was Valli's strongest, most overwhelming desire in the story 'Madam Rides the Bus'?

   1. A.To buy a pair of new shoes from the village market
   2. B.To ride on the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town
   3. C.To visit the grand fair in the city with her mother
   4. D.To own a pet cow with horns like a tulip
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-D7144A

   How old was Valli, and how did she manage her secret bus journey?

   1. A.She was ten years old; she stole money from her father's pocket.
   2. B.She was eight years old; she saved every stray coin meticulously over many months.
   3. C.She was twelve years old; she won the fare in a village lottery.
   4. D.She was eight years old; her mother gave her pocket money specifically for the trip.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-5FD381

   Why did Valli become annoyed when the elderly man on the bus addressed her as 'child'?

   1. A.She thought he was trying to steal her seat.
   2. B.She wanted to prove she was a grown-up, independent traveler who had paid her full fare.
   3. C.She did not like old people speaking to strangers.
   4. D.She was hiding her true identity from the conductor.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-F16372

   What ironic and tragic sight did Valli encounter on her return journey to the village?

   1. A.The bus broke down in the middle of a deserted highway.
   2. B.Her mother had boarded the bus looking for her.
   3. C.The same young cow that had run joyfully in front of the bus earlier was now lying dead.
   4. D.The conductor refused to let her back on without paying double fare.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-370071

   Why did Valli refuse to step off the bus to visit the town stall or have a drink when the bus reached its destination?

   1. A.She was afraid of getting lost in the big town.
   2. B.The conductor offered to buy her a cold drink, but she was too proud to accept favors.
   3. C.She had saved only enough money for the return bus ticket and was afraid of being unsafe or stranded.
   4. D.She wanted to rush back home before her mother woke up from her afternoon nap.
   See the answer and solution