Oral Comprehension Check
Page 97
- What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Valli’s favorite way to spend time was standing in her doorway, watching everything that happened on the street outside. - What brought Valli endless joy? What was her greatest wish?
The passing bus, full of new passengers every time it went between her village and the nearby town, brought Valli endless joy. Her deepest wish was to take a ride on that bus. - What did Valli find out about the bus trip? How?
She learned that a bus ride to town took 45 minutes and cost thirty paise one way. Valli found out these details by listening to her neighbors and asking a few careful questions. - What was Valli planning to do?
Valli planned to take the bus to town and come back on the same bus. Since she knew the times, she could return home before her mother noticed she was gone.
Page 100
- Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
The conductor calls her ‘madam’ because she acts very grown-up and insists she can handle everything herself, refusing his help or advice. - Why does Valli stand up on the seat? / What does she see?
Valli stands up on her seat because the window’s canvas curtain blocks her view. Standing lets her look outside to spot canals, palm trees, green fields, mountains, and the sky. - What does Valli say to the elderly man who calls her a child?
Valli quickly corrects him, saying she’s not a child since she paid her fare just like any other passenger. - Why doesn’t Valli want to talk to the elderly woman?
She avoids the older woman because she finds her unattractive—she has large earholes with ugly earrings and chews betel, so her mouth is messy and red.
Page 105
- How did Valli save money for her first journey? Was it easy?
Valli saved every coin she could find, ignoring her urge to buy treats or toys. Even at the village fair, she resisted riding the merry-go-round. It was difficult, but she managed to save sixty paise for her adventure. - What did Valli see on her trip that made her laugh?
Valli saw a young cow running wildly along the road ahead of the bus. The more the driver honked, the faster the cow ran. Valli found this so funny she laughed until she cried. - Why didn’t she get off at the town bus station?
Valli had only planned to experience the bus ride. She wasn’t interested in visiting the town—she wanted to return on the same bus right away. - Why didn’t Valli get a drink at the stall? What does this show about her?
Valli refused to buy a drink because she had just enough money for the round-trip fare, and she wanted to make sure she could get home. This showed she was careful and disciplined.
Thinking About the Text
- What was Valli’s deepest wish? Highlight words or phrases that support this.
Valli’s greatest wish was riding the bus to town. The story describes her joy as “a source of unending joy” and her longing as something that filled her “with dreams and hopes.” - How did she plan her ride and save up?
Valli listened intently to adults talking about the bus. She learned the schedule and fare. She secretly saved every penny by avoiding small purchases, eventually gathering just enough to travel there and back. - What kind of person is Valli?
Sentences from the story show Valli is independent, determined, mature for her age, and resourceful. She also considers herself capable and insists on handling things herself. - Why does the conductor call her ‘madam’?
Because Valli speaks and behaves with confidence, acting like a grown-up, the conductor jokingly treats her as an adult. - Which lines show Valli enjoyed the bus ride?
She delighted in the scenery—canals, fields, mountains—and laughed with tears in her eyes watching the cow. The text: “Oh! it was all so wonderful,” and “She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.” - Why didn’t Valli look out of the window on the way back?
On her return, Valli saw the same cow dead on the road, which upset her deeply. After seeing this, she no longer felt like looking out and simply sat quietly. - What does Valli mean by “I was just agreeing with you about things happening without our knowledge”?
She is hiding the truth about her journey and feels pleased that her secret trip went unnoticed. - How does the author write from an 8-year-old’s perspective?
The author describes scenes—the bus, the ride, the people, and Valli’s feelings—with childlike wonder, mentioning her excitement, curiosity, innocence, and emotional reactions, like delight at the bus and sadness over the cow.
Writing
- Have you planned something on your own without telling adults? Describe.
Last summer, I planned a surprise birthday party for my mother with help from my sister. We saved pocket money and secretly prepared decorations and a cake. On her birthday, my mother was truly surprised and delighted. - Describe a journey you’ll never forget.
I will always remember my trip to Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath. The scenic mountains, fresh air, and beautiful rivers made it memorable. The climb to Hemkund on foot among chanting devotees, the icy holy tank, and the hot springs at Badrinath left lasting impressions. - Are you concerned about road safety? What should be done?
I am very concerned about road safety. Many accidents occur because people ignore rules, drive recklessly, or don’t use helmets or seat belts. Everyone should follow traffic laws for their own and others’ safety—safe driving saves lives.