SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions & Previous Year Solved Questions

Q: Why is Madam Rides the Bus important for HSLC exam?

It includes character-based and theme-based questions frequently asked in the HSLC exam.

Q: Are these questions based on the latest SEBA syllabus?

Yes, all questions follow the latest SEBA (ASSEB) syllabus for 2026–27.

Q: What themes are important in Madam Rides the Bus?

Important themes include independence, curiosity, courage, and maturity.

Q: Can practising these questions improve marks?

Yes, regular practice improves comprehension and exam performance.

Q: Is this content suitable for ASSEB students?

Yes, SEBA and ASSEB are the same board.

SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions are carefully prepared to help students understand the lesson in a clear and exam-oriented manner. This page provides SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions along with previous year solved questions (PYQs) frequently asked in the HSLC examination.

The SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions strictly follow the latest SEBA (ASSEB) syllabus for the academic session 2026–27. Important short answer, long answer, character-based, and extract-based questions are included to match the HSLC exam pattern.

Students searching for HSLC English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions or SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus PYQs will find this resource highly useful. These SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions help improve understanding of themes such as independence, curiosity, courage, and maturity.

SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions | Chapter-wise PYQs

A. Previous Year MCQs with Solutions

Q.1 Despite having a strong desire, what did Valli resist in the fair to save for the bus fare? [HSLC ’23]
(a) merry-go-round
(b) ribbons
(c) snacks
(d) lollipops
Answer: (a) merry-go-round

Q.2 Read the following statements with reference to ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ and choose the correct option : [HSLC 2024]
Statement 1 : Valli loved standing at the front door.
Statement 2 : Her playmates were of her age.

(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
Answer: (A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false

Q.3 “On and on went her thoughts as she calculated and recalculated, planned and replanned.” What was the planning about? [HSLC 2024]
(A) It was about a birthday party
(B) It was about a bus ride
(C) It was about a picnic
(D) It was about a school event
Answer: (B) It was about a bus ride

Q.4 With reference to the given passage, choose the word having the same meaning as the word ‘stifled’. [HSLC 2024]
(A) Removed
(B) Allowed
(C) Suppressed
(D) Released
Answer: (C) Suppressed

Q.5 According to the narrator of the given passage, it was a difficult day on the day of the village fair for the girl because [HSLC 2024]
(A) the girl had no friends to go with to the fair
(B) the girl had a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round
(C) the girl could not spend her money
(D) the girl had to resist her temptations to ride the merry-go-round despite having the money to spend
Answer: (D) the girl had to resist her temptations to ride the merry-go-round despite having the money to spend

Q.6 Read the two statements with reference to “Madam Rides the Bus” and choose the correct option — [HSLC 2025]
Statement I – Valli had many playmates of her age in her neighbourhood.
Statement II – Valli gained many new unusual experiences by watching the street.

(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False.
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True.
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True.
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False.
Answer: (b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True.

B. Extra MCQs as per HSLC Pattern with Solutions

Q1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
(a) Playing with friends
(b) Watching the street from her front doorway
(c) Reading storybooks
(d) Visiting the town
Answer: (b) Watching the street from her front doorway

Q2. The bus travelled between Valli’s village and the nearest town at an interval of —
(a) every half hour
(b) every two hours
(c) every hour
(d) twice a day
Answer: (c) every hour

Q3. The distance from Valli’s village to the town was —
(a) four miles
(b) five miles
(c) six miles
(d) eight miles
Answer: (c) six miles

Q4. The one-way fare of the bus journey was —
(a) twenty paise
(b) thirty paise
(c) forty paise
(d) sixty paise
Answer: (b) thirty paise

Q5. How long did it take to reach the town from Valli’s village?
(a) Thirty minutes
(b) One hour
(c) Forty-five minutes
(d) Two hours
Answer: (c) Forty-five minutes

Q6. What did Valli shout to stop the bus?
(a) Wait for me!
(b) Stop the bus!
(c) Hold on!
(d) Wait, conductor!
Answer: (b) Stop the bus!

Q7. Why did the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
(a) To show respect
(b) To tease her playfully
(c) Because she was rich
(d) Because she was old
Answer: (b) To tease her playfully

Q8. What did Valli do when she could not see outside clearly from her seat?
(a) She changed her seat
(b) She asked the conductor for help
(c) She stood up on the seat
(d) She got off the bus
Answer: (c) She stood up on the seat

Q9. What made Valli laugh loudly during the journey?
(a) The conductor’s jokes
(b) The crowded market
(c) A cow running in front of the bus
(d) The railway crossing
Answer: (c) A cow running in front of the bus

Q10. Why did Valli refuse the conductor’s offer of a cold drink?
(a) She did not like cold drinks
(b) She had no time
(c) She did not have enough money
(d) She was not thirsty
Answer: (c) She did not have enough money

Q11. What did Valli see on her return journey that saddened her?
(a) A broken bus
(b) A crying child
(c) The dead cow by the roadside
(d) An accident in the town
Answer: (c) The dead cow by the roadside

Q12. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli had many friends of her age in her street.
Statement II: Watching the bus gave Valli many new experiences.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True

Q13. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli saved sixty paise for her bus journey.
Statement II: She borrowed money from her mother.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False

Q14. Why did Valli not get off the bus at the town?
(a) She was afraid of the conductor
(b) She had no relatives there
(c) She only wanted to enjoy the ride
(d) She missed the stop
Answer: (c) She only wanted to enjoy the ride

Q15. Valli managed to go on her journey when her mother —
(a) went to the market
(b) was sleeping in the afternoon
(c) visited a neighbour
(d) was busy cooking
Answer: (b) was sleeping in the afternoon

Q16. The inside of the bus had —
(a) wooden benches
(b) dirty seats
(c) soft and luxurious seats
(d) broken windows
Answer: (c) soft and luxurious seats

Q17. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli was eight years old.
Statement II: She considered herself a child.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False

Q18. What was Valli’s strongest desire?
(a) To buy toys
(b) To visit the fair
(c) To ride on the bus once
(d) To go to school
Answer: (c) To ride on the bus once

Q19. The word ‘thriftily’ in the story means —
(a) carelessly
(b) carefully saving money
(c) quickly spending money
(d) borrowing money
Answer: (b) carefully saving money

Q20. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: The sight of the dead cow dampened Valli’s enthusiasm.
Statement II: After seeing the dead cow, Valli laughed loudly.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False

Q21. What did Valli call the people who rode the bus and tried to describe the town to her?
(a) Proud
(b) Clever
(c) Lucky
(d) Rich
Answer: (a) Proud

Q22. What expression did Valli and her friends use as a slang expression of disapproval?
(a) Silly
(b) Proud
(c) Stupid
(d) Foolish
Answer: (b) Proud

Q23. What colour was the outside of the bus?
(a) Red with white stripes
(b) Blue with green stripes
(c) White with green stripes
(d) Yellow with black stripes
Answer: (c) White with green stripes

Q24. Where was the beautiful clock placed inside the bus?
(a) Near the door
(b) Above the windshield
(c) At the back seat
(d) Near the driver’s seat
Answer: (b) Above the windshield

Q25. What was on one side of the narrow road along which the bus was moving?
(a) A railway track
(b) A deep ditch
(c) A canal
(d) A marketplace
Answer: (c) A canal

Q26. What did Valli compare the trees to while the bus was moving?
(a) Soldiers standing in a line
(b) People dancing
(c) Trees running towards the bus
(d) Birds flying in the sky
Answer: (c) Trees running towards the bus

Q27. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli had carefully saved sixty paise for the round trip.
Statement II: The fare for the round trip was one rupee.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False

Q28. Why was Valli annoyed with the elderly man on the bus?
(a) He laughed at her
(b) He tried to take her seat
(c) He called her a child
(d) He refused to talk to her
Answer: (c) He called her a child

Q29. Why did Valli find the elderly woman repulsive?
(a) She talked loudly
(b) She wore dirty clothes
(c) She had big holes in her earlobes and chewed betel nut
(d) She scolded Valli
Answer: (c) She had big holes in her earlobes and chewed betel nut

Q30. What did the conductor do before the bus started?
(a) Rang a bell
(b) Blew his whistle twice
(c) Shouted loudly
(d) Closed the windows
Answer: (b) Blew his whistle twice

Q31. What did Valli do when the bus stopped at the town?
(a) She got down immediately
(b) She waited for her friends
(c) She stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise
(d) She went to the market
Answer: (c) She stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise

Q32. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli borrowed money from her aunt for the bus journey.
Statement II: Valli resisted buying peppermints and balloons.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True

Q33. The bus passed through a busy, well-laid-out —
(a) village fair
(b) shopping street
(c) railway platform
(d) playground
Answer: (b) shopping street

Q34. What did Valli do after returning home from her journey?
(a) She told her mother everything
(b) She cried loudly
(c) She went straight to sleep
(d) She smiled to herself
Answer: (d) She smiled to herself

Q35. What time did the bus reach Valli’s village on its return?
(a) Two forty-five
(b) Three forty
(c) Four fifteen
(d) One forty-five
Answer: (b) Three forty

Q36. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli’s mother was talking to her aunt when Valli returned home.
Statement II: Valli’s aunt was described as a chatterbox.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True

Q37. What lesson did Valli learn after seeing the dead cow?
(a) The value of money
(b) The excitement of travelling
(c) The reality of life and death
(d) The importance of friendship
Answer: (c) The reality of life and death

Q38. What kind of person was the conductor?
(a) Strict and rude
(b) Jolly and fond of joking
(c) Serious and silent
(d) Angry and impatient
Answer: (b) Jolly and fond of joking

Q39. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Valli was very confident and independent.
Statement II: She accepted the conductor’s treat gladly.
(a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False
(b) Statement I is False and Statement II is True
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are True
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are False
Answer: (a) Statement I is True and Statement II is False

Q40. Why did Valli’s enthusiasm get dampened on her way back?
(a) She was tired
(b) The bus was crowded
(c) She saw the dead cow by the roadside
(d) The conductor scolded her
Answer: (c) She saw the dead cow by the roadside

C. Previous Year Questions with Answer

Q.1 How did Valli gather information about the bus journey? [HSLC 2024]
Answer: Valli gathered information by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus. She also asked a few discreet questions here and there.

Q.2 What are the temptations that Valli had to resist to take the first journey by bus? [HSLC 2024]
Answer: Valli had to resist buying peppermints, toys, balloons and especially the temptation to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair.

Q.3 Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back? [HSLC 2025]
Answer: Valli refuses to look out of the window because she sees the young cow lying dead by the roadside. The memory of the dead cow haunts her and dampens her enthusiasm.

Q.4 Describe the inside of the bus. [HSLC 2025]
Answer: The inside of the bus had overhead bars that shone like silver. There was a beautiful clock above the windshield, and the seats were soft and luxurious.

Q.5 Give the opposites of the words ‘soft’, ‘beautiful’. [HSLC 2025]
Answer:
soft — hard
beautiful — ugly

D. Extra Questions as per HSLC Pattern with Answers

Q.1 What was Valli’s favourite pastime? How did it help her in shaping her desire?
Answer: Valli’s favourite pastime was standing at the front doorway of her house and watching the happenings in the street. Since she had no playmates of her age, this became her source of entertainment. Watching the bus pass by every hour filled her with excitement and curiosity. Gradually, this regular sight developed into a strong desire to ride the bus at least once. Thus, her simple pastime slowly shaped her dream of undertaking a bus journey.

Q.2 What information did Valli gather about the bus journey? How did she collect these details?
Answer: Valli gathered that the town was six miles away from her village and that the fare was thirty paise one way. The journey took forty-five minutes, and by paying another thirty paise, she could return on the same bus. She collected this information by carefully listening to conversations between neighbours and regular passengers. She also asked a few discreet questions to confirm the details. Her patience and alertness helped her plan properly.

Q.3 How did Valli save money for her first bus ride? Was it easy for her?
Answer: Valli saved money by thriftily putting aside stray coins that came her way. She resisted buying peppermints, toys, balloons and other small pleasures. The most difficult moment was at the village fair when she had enough money to ride the merry-go-round but suppressed her strong desire. It was not easy for her, but her determination to ride the bus was stronger than her temptations.

Q.4 Describe Valli’s character as revealed in the story.
Answer: Valli was curious, determined, confident and self-respecting. She carefully planned her journey and saved money patiently. She insisted on being treated like a grown-up and did not like being called a child. She was independent, as she travelled alone and refused help or free treats. At the same time, she was sensitive, as seen when the sight of the dead cow deeply affected her.

Q.5 Why did the conductor call Valli ‘madam’? How did she react to it?
Answer: The conductor called Valli ‘madam’ jokingly because she behaved like a grown-up woman. He found her confidence amusing and addressed her playfully. At first, Valli felt annoyed and insisted that she was not a madam. However, later she joined in the laughter and enjoyed the friendly banter.

Q.6 Describe the scenes that Valli saw on her way to the town.
Answer: On her way to town, Valli saw the narrow road running along a canal, palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains and vast green fields. She also noticed trees appearing to run past the bus. She saw a young cow running in front of the bus, which made her laugh heartily. Later, she saw a railway crossing and a train rushing past with a roar and rattle. The busy shopping street in town also amazed her.

Q.7 Why did Valli refuse to get off the bus at the town?
Answer: Valli refused to get off the bus because her only aim was to enjoy the bus ride. She had carefully planned to return on the same bus and had saved exactly sixty paise for the round trip. She did not want to spend extra money or explore the town alone. Her plan was strictly limited to experiencing the journey itself.

Q.8 What made Valli laugh during the journey? Why was it funny to her?
Answer: Valli laughed when she saw a young cow running in front of the bus with its tail raised high. The driver kept honking, but the more he honked, the faster the cow ran. This scene appeared amusing and playful to her. She laughed so much that tears came into her eyes.

Q.9 How did the sight of the dead cow affect Valli?
Answer: On her return journey, Valli saw the same cow lying dead by the roadside. The sight shocked and saddened her deeply. The once lively and playful animal now looked horrible and lifeless. This incident dampened her excitement and made her thoughtful. She no longer felt interested in looking outside the window.

Q.10 How did Valli manage to slip out of her house without her mother knowing?
Answer: Valli planned her journey during the afternoon when her mother used to take a nap from about one to four o’clock. She regularly used this time to stand at the doorway or move around the village. On that particular day, she quietly left the house during her mother’s nap and returned before she woke up, thus successfully carrying out her plan.

Q.11 Describe the inside of the bus. How did it impress Valli?
Answer: The bus was newly painted in gleaming white with green stripes. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver, and there was a beautiful clock above the windshield. The seats were soft and luxurious. All these details impressed Valli greatly. She looked at everything with wonder and excitement.

Q.12 What does the story tell us about Valli’s sense of self-respect?
Answer: Valli had a strong sense of self-respect. She paid for her own ticket and insisted that she was not a child. She refused the conductor’s offer of a free drink because she did not have enough money to pay for it. She wanted to be independent and treated as an equal passenger like others.

Q.13 Why is the title ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ appropriate?
Answer: The title is appropriate because the conductor humorously calls Valli ‘madam’ during the journey. Though she is only eight years old, she behaves with confidence and maturity. The title highlights her desire to be treated as a grown-up and captures the central incident of her first bus ride.

Q.14 How does the story show the difference between childhood innocence and experience of life?
Answer: At first, Valli enjoys the journey with excitement and innocence, laughing at simple sights like the running cow. However, the sight of the dead cow introduces her to the harsh reality of death. This experience changes her mood and makes her thoughtful. The story thus shows how a child’s innocence is gradually touched by life’s deeper truths.

Q.15 What message does the story convey through Valli’s journey?
Answer: The story conveys that curiosity and determination can help one achieve goals. It also highlights the transition from innocence to awareness. Valli’s journey is not just a physical trip but also an emotional learning experience. She learns about independence, responsibility and the reality of life and death.

SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions with Previous Year Solved Questions for HSLC Exam 2026–27

The SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions provided on this page are specially prepared for HSLC students following the latest SEBA (ASSEB) syllabus 2026–27. These important extra questions along with previous year solved questions (PYQs) help students practise exam-oriented answers effectively.

This SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions guide includes short answer questions, long answer questions, extract-based questions, and character analysis. The structured format matches the HSLC examination pattern and improves answer-writing and comprehension skills.

Each important question in this Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Question Answers collection highlights key aspects such as Valli’s curiosity, her courage, her planning skills, and the theme of independence. Frequently asked previous year solved questions are included to help students understand exam trends clearly.

These SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions are ideal for final revision and last-minute preparation. Regular practice strengthens analytical ability, vocabulary, and confidence in answering literature-based questions.

If you are searching for reliable and updated SEBA Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus Important Extra Questions for the HSLC Exam 2026–27, this study material prepared by Assam Eduverse serves as a trusted exam-focused revision resource.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Madam Rides the Bus important for HSLC exam?

Madam Rides the Bus is important because it includes character-based and theme-based questions frequently asked in the HSLC exam.

2. Are previous year solved questions included?

Yes, important previous year solved questions (PYQs) are included for effective exam preparation.

3. Are these questions based on the latest SEBA syllabus?

Yes, all important extra questions follow the latest SEBA (ASSEB) syllabus for 2026–27.

4. Are extract-based questions available?

Yes, extract-based questions are included according to the HSLC exam pattern.

5. What themes are important in Madam Rides the Bus?

Important themes include independence, curiosity, courage, maturity, and the journey of self-discovery.

6. Can practising these questions improve marks?

Yes, regular practice improves comprehension, writing skills, and overall exam performance.

7. Is this content suitable for ASSEB students?

Yes, SEBA and ASSEB are the same board, so the content is suitable for all Class 10 students.

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Class 10 English Madam Rides the Bus PYQs