NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English - First Flight

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English - First Flight. This page offers chapter-wise solutions designed to help students grasp key concepts easily. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

• Chapter 1 A Letter to God

  A Letter to God is the chapter written by G.L. Fuentes which depicts the firm faith of a poor and simple-minded farmer named Lencho in God. He was poor but a dedicated farmer. He was hoping for a decent harvest. To his dismay, a hailstorm came suddenly which fully destroyed all his crops and harvest.

• Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom

  This chapter is an extract from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela (born- 18 July, 1918), the first Black President of South Africa. Excerpts from “Long Walk to Freedom” include description of the inauguration ceremony, citations from his speech, his journey to being a freedom fighter, the struggle, along with a tribute to other freedom fighters and countless other people who fought for their freedom.   In South Africa, a brutal practice named “apartheid” was followed. Apartheid refers to the discrimination between people on the basis of their race. It was one of the most brutal societies where dark-skinned people were deprived of their basic rights. This lesson gives us an overview as to how Nelson Mandela along with others, carved their way to a society where there will be no discrimination on the basis of their colour, caste, race, age or gender.

• Chapter 3 Two Stories about Flying

  This story is about a young seagull, who was afraid of flying. Young seagull was full of pessimism. His parents and family members used to encourage him for his first flight but he doesn't have enough courage to fly. He was left alone by his family members for 24 hours and he ate nothing.

  Young seagull who is afraid to fly because of distrust on its wings. All his younger siblings can fly fearlessly despite their shorter wings. On the other hand, the young bird cannot gather the courage to trust his wings.

  The story “Black Aeroplane” is about a pilot who feels happy and contended to fly over a city that is sleeping (at the night time). He is flying from Paris to London. While taking his flight, he dreams about the long holiday with his family. He also fantasizes about the scrumptious breakfast he would have upon landing.

• Chapter 4 From the Diary of Anne Frank

  From the Diary of Anne Frank is an excerpt from the famous diary of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who documented her life in hiding during World War II. In this chapter, Anne writes about her personal experiences, emotions, and relationships as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while being confined to a hidden annex with her family to escape the Nazis.

  The entry begins with Anne sharing her feelings of loneliness and isolation. Though surrounded by her family and a few others, Anne feels misunderstood and struggles to find someone with whom she can openly share her thoughts. This sense of alienation prompts her to start writing a diary, which she names "Kitty." Through her diary, Anne expresses her innermost thoughts and desires, forming an emotional bond with it as a trusted confidante.

  Anne also describes her experiences at school, her teachers, and her classmates. She is a lively and intelligent student, but often finds herself in trouble due to her outspoken nature. Anne’s diary captures the typical struggles of a teenager dealing with self-identity, friendship, and parental expectations, along with the added stress of living in hiding.

  The chapter provides readers with a glimpse into Anne’s courageous spirit and her ability to find hope and meaning despite the horrors surrounding her. Her reflections resonate with readers, highlighting universal themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of self-expression. Anne’s diary remains a timeless testament to the human spirit and its ability to endure and hope, even in the face of adversity.

• Chapter 5 The Hundred Dresses - 1

  The Hundred Dresses-1 is the story about a little Polish girl named Wanda Petronski who lives in America. In the story, it is seen that Wanda’s Classmates make fun of her, especially Peggy, and Madeline are always making fun of her. Wanda is a Polish immigrant studying with American students.

  Her American Classmates  make fun of her name because they find it strange and weird as compared to the easier and common American names. As Wanda belonged to a poor family, she always wore the same faded blue dress to school. She could be seen sitting alone and quiet in a corner of the Classroom. Wanda claimed that she had one hundred dresses and a pair of sixty shoes in her possession. But everyone made fun stating that if she had so many dresses, why would she wear the same pair to school every day?

  Wanda was always teased and taunted by two of her Classmates, Peggy and Maddie, who were best friends to each other. These two girls were also the most famous ones in the school. And Wanda was simply a stranger to everyone.

  The story is seen from the viewpoint of Maddie who was the main character behind the daily teasing. Peggy and Maddie would wait for Wanda before coming to school, even if they were late they would still wait for her. Maddie was also poor, just like Wanda, and did not like it when Peggy made fun of Wanda.

  But she did not dare do anything as she feared that she could become another target of teasing. Maddie could not do anything when Peggy made fun of Wanda because she was also afraid that she might lose her best friend. Although Peggy did not want to hurt Wanda intentionally, yet she did tease her on purpose because she was very curious to find out why Wanda was lying about the hundred dresses.

  On the day of the drawing competition, the truth about Wanda’s hundred dresses is revealed to everyone. In the room, there were one hundred paintings of one hundred beautiful dresses, each distinctly more attractive than the other. It is now clear that Wanda truly had a hundred dresses and all of them lined up in the Classroom. Peggy and Maddie just could not believe their eyes and were much ashamed about treating Wanda badly.

  The story has the moral meaning to it-never mistreat anyone who appears to be different than others. Wanda’s story also teaches us that we should not make fun of unique differences about fellow human beings. We must accept everyone as they are.

• Chapter 6 The Hundred Dresses - 2

  At the beginning of the lesson, all the students are seen present in Room no.13. In this room, all the wonderful paintings by Wanda Petronski have been displayed. Suddenly, Miss Mason receives a note from Wanda’s father.

  To everyone’s surprise, it is revealed in letter that they are all leaving the town and moving to a big city where no one would judge them for their names. The letter leaves Miss Mason in utter shock and conveys her disappointment to the Class. Maddie seemed to be deeply affected by the letter, and she realizes that she should already ask for her forgiveness. So, Peggy and Maddie rush to Boggin Heights, where Wanda had lived, in the hope that the family hadn’t moved by then.

  Sadly, to their utter dismay, they find that the house has been vacated and no one lived there anymore. Maddie was so sad that she couldn’t sleep at night anymore. She felt guilty for acting like a coward and not standing against the wrong.

  That very day she decided to not tease anyone ever again. Later during the weekend, Maddie and Peggy decide to pen a letter to Wanda which would actually be a letter of apology but should sound like a friendly note interested to know Wanda’s experience in the new place. After waiting several weeks for her reply, finally, on the day of Christmas, they receive an announcement from Miss Mason about Wanda.

  In her letter, Wanda wrote that she missed everyone and conveyed how she wished to give Maddie and Peggy one dress each as she has a whole new bunch of hundred dresses at her house. Both the girls were rejoiced to receive the letter and later found out that their faces were drawn along with the dresses by Wanda.

  They realized that Wanda liked them. Maddie was so emotional at this realization that she had teary eyes with the thought of Wanda.

• Chapter 7 Glimpses of India

  Glimpses of India is a collection of three fascinating stories that take readers on a journey across the diverse landscapes and cultures of India. Each story provides a unique perspective on different aspects of Indian heritage, traditions, and way of life.

  1. A Baker from Goa: This story, narrated by Lucio Rodrigues, explores the traditional occupation of bread-making in the state of Goa. The narrator reminisces about the time when Portuguese influence was strong in Goa, and bakers, known as "padeirs," played an important role in the community. Bread-making is an integral part of Goan culture, and the narrator fondly recalls the sounds, smells, and sights associated with the baker’s daily routine. The story captures the nostalgia of traditional Goan life and highlights the enduring significance of the baker’s craft in the local community.

  2. Coorg: Coorg, written by Lokesh Abrol, transports readers to the picturesque district of Coorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka. Known for its lush coffee plantations, dense forests, and scenic landscapes, Coorg is a land of natural beauty and cultural richness. The story describes the warm and hospitable people of Coorg, their martial traditions, and their respect for nature. Readers also learn about the region's history, its connection to the Kodava warriors, and its reputation as the "Scotland of India." The story captures the essence of Coorg's beauty and its distinctive cultural heritage.

  3. Tea from Assam: In this story by Arup Kumar Datta, readers are introduced to the tea gardens of Assam. The narrator, Rajvir, is on a train journey to Assam with his friend Pranjol, who is a native of the region. Rajvir is fascinated by the lush green tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Through Rajvir's observations, the story provides insights into the history of tea, its origins, and its journey to becoming one of the most popular beverages in the world. This narrative not only highlights Assam’s tea culture but also gives readers an understanding of the hard work that goes into tea cultivation.

  Together, these stories celebrate India’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and traditional livelihoods, offering readers a rich tapestry of Indian life and values.

• Chapter 8 Mijbil the Otter

  Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell is a lesson which moves around the experiences of the author after he pets an otter and gives the name Mijbil to him. It begins when the writer is travelling to a place called Basra, along with his friend. At one point, the author showed his interest to pet an otter. The author lost his pet dog and felt alone ever since the dog passed away. Therefore, he decided to pet an otter. His friend suggested he get an otter from the marshes. When they arrived at the destination, they discovered nothing else, only a letter from the friend’s mail. But the author still waited for the mail. When he received it, he went to the room only to find an otter packed. The otter has been sent to him with the help of the Arabs along with a message. The author names the otter as Mijbil and calls him Mij with love.

• Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

  Madam Rides the Bus is a heartwarming story by Vallikkannan about a young girl named Valli, who has an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond her village. Valli, who is around eight years old, has a deep fascination with the bus that travels between her village and the nearby town. She dreams of taking a ride on it and eagerly observes the details of the bus journey, including the sights along the way.

  One day, Valli secretly saves enough money to fulfill her dream and buys a ticket for a bus ride to the town. She is excited and filled with wonder as she experiences the joy of seeing the world outside her village for the first time. However, on her return journey, Valli encounters a sad sight that changes her perspective. She sees a dead cow on the road, which brings a somber reality to her otherwise joyful adventure.

  Madam Rides the Bus is a touching story that captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood, while also introducing the young protagonist to the complexities of life. It highlights Valli’s courage, her desire for independence, and the profound impact of her experiences on her worldview.

• Chapter 10 The Sermon at Benares

  The Sermon at Benares is an excerpt from a sermon delivered by Gautama Buddha, one of the most revered spiritual leaders in history. This chapter recounts the life and teachings of Buddha, focusing on his message of compassion, enlightenment, and understanding of suffering.

  The story begins with Buddha's early life as Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who lived a life of luxury. Siddhartha was deeply affected by the sight of human suffering and renounced his royal life to seek the truth of existence. After years of meditation and self-discipline, he attained enlightenment and became Buddha, "The Enlightened One."

  In his sermon at Benares, Buddha addresses the concept of suffering and the transient nature of life. He explains that sorrow is an inherent part of human existence and that one must accept the inevitability of change. By using the story of Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother seeking relief from the pain of losing her child, Buddha teaches the importance of detachment and inner peace. He emphasizes that understanding the impermanence of life can help people overcome suffering and attain spiritual liberation.

  The Sermon at Benares provides valuable insights into the philosophy of Buddhism and its emphasis on compassion, acceptance, and the path to inner peace.

• Chapter 11 The Proposal

  The Proposal, written by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, is a humorous one-act play that explores the theme of marriage, materialism, and human folly. The story revolves around three main characters: Ivan Lomov, a wealthy landowner; Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov, his neighbor; and Natalya Stepanovna, Chubukov’s daughter.

  The play begins with Lomov visiting Chubukov’s house to propose marriage to Natalya. Chubukov is initially delighted, as Lomov is a wealthy match for his daughter. However, when Lomov and Natalya meet, they quickly get into an argument over a piece of disputed land called Oxen Meadows. The trivial disagreement escalates into a heated quarrel, and Lomov, who suffers from various ailments, is left exhausted.

  Chubukov intervenes, and the quarrel momentarily subsides. However, when Lomov attempts to propose again, he and Natalya start arguing about their respective dogs. The situation spirals out of control, with both parties bickering incessantly. Eventually, Chubukov forces them to reconcile and persuades them to marry, despite their constant fighting.

  The play ends with Lomov and Natalya begrudgingly accepting each other, though it is clear that their relationship will continue to be filled with petty disputes. The Proposal satirizes the trivial concerns that often dominate human relationships and underscores the absurdity of materialism and social status in marriage.