NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English - Footprints Without Feet

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English - Footprints Without Feet. 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 Triumph of Surgery

  A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot tells the story of a wealthy woman named Mrs. Pumphrey and her pet dog, Tricki. Tricki is overfed and pampered to the point that he becomes extremely unhealthy and overweight. Seeing Tricki’s poor condition, Dr. Herriot, a veterinarian, decides to take the dog to his clinic, claiming he needs surgery, but his actual intention is to get Tricki back in shape. At the clinic, Tricki undergoes a transformation by following a healthier routine, eating balanced meals, and playing with other dogs. Eventually, Tricki returns home fit and healthy, and Mrs. Pumphrey is overjoyed. The story emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle for both humans and animals.

• Chapter 2 The Thief's Story

  The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond follows the life of a young thief named Hari Singh, who tries to rob a man named Anil. Hari Singh plans to steal from Anil, who is a simple and kind-hearted writer. Over time, Hari Singh builds a bond with Anil, who even teaches him to read and write. When Hari finally steals money from Anil, he feels guilty and returns the money, realizing the value of trust and kindness. Through this story, Ruskin Bond highlights how love, trust, and compassion can change even the most hardened individuals.

• Chapter 3 The Midnight Visitor

  The Midnight Visitor by Robert Arthur revolves around a secret agent named Ausable, who is known for his wit and intelligence. One evening, Ausable is visited by a writer, Fowler, who expects a thrilling spy experience. However, they are confronted by Max, another spy, who tries to get information from Ausable at gunpoint. Using his quick thinking, Ausable invents a fake story about a balcony outside the window. Max, believing the story, tries to escape through the "balcony" and ends up falling to his death. The story emphasizes that intelligence and presence of mind can help in overcoming any difficult situation.

• Chapter 4 A Question of Trust

  A Question of Trust by Victor Canning is about a man named Horace Danby, who is a respectable lockmaker but secretly a thief. Horace enjoys stealing once a year to buy rare books. During one of his robberies, he encounters a woman pretending to be the lady of the house. She tricks him into opening a safe and then escapes with the valuables. Later, Horace realizes he was fooled by another thief. This story explores themes of trust, deception, and irony, highlighting how even the cleverest of people can be outsmarted.

• Chapter 5 Footprints without Feet

  Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells tells the story of Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. However, his newfound power brings him trouble, as he starts using his invisibility for criminal activities. Griffin’s actions lead to a series of conflicts, and he ultimately faces the consequences of his choices. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misusing scientific discoveries and highlights the ethical responsibilities of scientists.

• Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist

  The Making of a Scientist by Robert W. Peterson is the inspiring story of Richard Ebright, a young boy who grows up to become a successful scientist. The chapter traces Richard’s early curiosity about butterflies, which eventually leads to groundbreaking research in the field of genetics. His mother’s encouragement, his hard work, and his dedication to science play a significant role in shaping his career. The story highlights the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and a strong support system in achieving success.

• Chapter 7 The Necklace

  The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant is a story of vanity, pride, and irony. It follows the life of Mathilde Loisel, a woman who dreams of wealth and luxury. She borrows a beautiful necklace to attend a fancy party, only to lose it afterward. Mathilde and her husband work for years to repay the debt for the replacement necklace, only to discover later that the original necklace was a fake and not worth the fortune they spent. The story teaches the importance of being content with one’s own life and warns about the dangers of materialism.

• Chapter 8 The Hack Driver

  The Hack Driver by Sinclair Lewis revolves around a young lawyer who is sent to a village to serve a summons to a man named Oliver Lutkins. The young lawyer is assisted by a hack driver named Bill, who claims to know Lutkins. However, Bill cleverly deceives him and takes him on a wild chase around the town. Later, the lawyer finds out that Bill was actually Lutkins himself. The story highlights themes of deception, innocence, and the charm of rural life, showing how appearances can be deceptive.

• Chapter 9 Bholi

  Bholi by K.A. Abbas is an emotional story about a girl named Bholi, who is considered "simple" due to her slow learning and speech impairment. Despite her family’s low expectations of her, Bholi’s teacher takes special interest in her, helping her to gain confidence and improve her speech. Eventually, Bholi becomes a courageous young woman who stands up for herself when her family arranges her marriage to an old man. This story emphasizes the importance of education, self-respect, and empowerment.

• Chapter 10 The Book that Saved the Earth

  The Book That Saved the Earth by Claire Boiko is a humorous science-fiction story set in the 25th century. The story revolves around Martians who plan to invade Earth but are thwarted when they encounter a book of nursery rhymes. They mistakenly interpret the rhymes as Earth's secret weapons, leading them to abandon their invasion plan. This lighthearted story emphasizes the power of literature and imagination, showing how even simple things can have profound effects.