CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 3 - Two Stories About Flying

This chapter consists of two different stories - “His First Flight” and “Black Aeroplane”.

His First Flight:

1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
Ans. The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings wouldn’t support him, and he was scared of falling into the sea below.

2. Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others?
Ans. Not all young birds are afraid to fly; some might be braver than others. Just like humans, some birds might be more timid while others are ready to try flying right away.

3. Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
Ans. Yes, a human baby often finds it challenging to take its first steps. It can be scary to stand and walk without falling.

4. What does it mean when it says, “The sight of the food maddened him”?
Ans. It means that seeing the food made the young seagull very excited and hungry. This strong desire for food finally made him want to fly.

5. What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Ans. The young seagull was so hungry and desperate to reach the food that his mother had. This need pushed him to take the leap and fly for the first time.

6. Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and encourage him to fly?
Ans. The seagull's parents wanted him to learn how to fly so he could survive and find food on his own. They were frustrated because he was too scared to try, and they wanted to push him to overcome his fear. By encouraging and sometimes scolding him, they hoped he would finally take that important step.

7. Have you ever had a similar experience where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try?
Ans. Yes, many people have had experiences where their parents encouraged them to try new things, like riding a bike or swimming. For example, my parents encouraged me to ride my bike without training wheels, even though I was scared of falling.

8. Was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try regardless of the possibility of failure?
Ans. My success was not guaranteed when I tried, but it was important for me to give it a go. Even if I fell, I knew I was learning, and each attempt helped me get better.

9. What did the young seagull feel when he finally flew?
Ans. When the young seagull finally flew, he felt a rush of excitement and joy. He was no longer afraid, and he enjoyed the feeling of soaring through the air. He also felt proud of himself for overcoming his fear.

10. How did the young seagull's family react when he flew for the first time?
Ans. The young seagull's family was very excited and praised him when he flew for the first time. They cheered and called to him, offering him food as a reward for his bravery.

11. How does the young seagull’s fear of flying change throughout the story?
Ans. At the beginning of the story, the young seagull is scared to fly and watches his siblings fly away. He feels alone and afraid to take the plunge. However, when he sees his mother with food, his hunger drives him to jump off the ledge. As he falls, he is terrified at first, but then he discovers he can actually fly. This change from fear to joy shows that sometimes facing our fears can lead to amazing experiences.

12. What does the story suggest about the importance of overcoming fears?
Ans. The story shows that overcoming fears is important because it can lead to new experiences and personal growth. The young seagull was afraid to fly but learned that he could soar through the air when he finally tried. This teaches us that facing our fears, like trying new things, can help us grow stronger and more confident.

13. What lessons can we learn from the young seagull’s experience?
Ans. We can learn that everyone has fears, but it’s important to try to overcome them. Just like the young seagull, we may feel scared to do something new, but pushing ourselves can lead to wonderful achievements. The story also teaches us the value of support from family, as the seagull's parents encouraged him to try flying.

14. Why do you think the author chose a seagull as the main character?
Ans. The author likely chose a seagull because they are known for their ability to fly over the sea, which fits the story’s theme of overcoming fears. Seagulls also represent freedom, and showing the young seagull's journey to flight symbolises gaining independence and confidence.

15. How does the young seagull’s journey relate to human experiences?
Ans. The young seagull’s journey is similar to human experiences, especially when we face challenges or fears, like learning to ride a bike or speak in public. Just like the seagull needed encouragement to fly, people often need support from family and friends to try new things and overcome their fears.

16. Why do you think the young seagull felt so alone on his ledge?
Ans. The young seagull felt alone because his siblings had already flown away, and he was stuck in his fear. This loneliness made him realise that he had to face his fears if he wanted to join his family.

17. What do you think the young seagull learned about himself after he flew for the first time?
Ans. After flying for the first time, the young seagull learned that he was stronger and braver than he thought. He discovered that he could overcome his fears, which gave him confidence to explore the world around him.

18. How does the story encourage readers to face their fears?
Ans. The story encourages readers to face their fears by showing the young seagull’s journey from fear to freedom. It teaches us that taking risks and trying new things, even when we are scared, can lead to great rewards.

19. What might have happened if the young seagull had never tried to fly?
Ans. If the young seagull had never tried to fly, he would have remained alone on his ledge, missing out on the joy of flying and the experiences with his family. He would have stayed in fear and not learned about his abilities.

20. How does the author create a sense of tension in the story?
Ans. The author creates tension by describing the young seagull’s fear and his struggle to overcome it. As he watches his siblings fly and hears his parents calling him, the reader can feel his anxiety and the urgency to take the leap, making the eventual moment he flies even more powerful.

21. Imagine you are the young seagull. Write a diary entry about your feelings before and after your first flight.
Ans. Dear Diary, I am feeling scared and alone today. My brothers and sister have flown away, and I wish I could join them, but I’m too afraid of falling. I see my mother with food, and I feel so hungry! I know I have to try. Finally, I jumped off the ledge, and I was terrified at first. But then I flew! I can’t believe it! I’m so happy and proud of myself for overcoming my fear!

22. Write a letter to your friend describing how you felt when you learned to ride a bike.
Ans. Dear [Friend's Name], I want to tell you about the time I learned to ride a bike. At first, I was super scared and didn’t want to fall. My parents kept encouraging me, telling me I could do it. When I finally tried, I was wobbly at first, but then I rode a little further each time! It felt amazing to finally ride without training wheels. I was so proud! I hope you can learn too!

23. Imagine you are one of the young seagull’s siblings. Describe your thoughts as you watch him on the ledge.
Ans. Watching my brother on the ledge makes me feel worried. I want him to fly with us, but he looks so scared! I remember being scared too, but once I flew, it felt incredible. I wish he could feel that joy. I hope he gathers the courage to join us soon!

24. Identify three key themes in "The First Flight" and explain how they relate to the young seagull’s experience.
Ans. One theme is courage, as the young seagull has to overcome his fear of flying. Another theme is family support, shown by how his parents encourage him to try. The third theme is independence, as flying represents the young seagull gaining the freedom to explore the world on his own.

25. Discuss the importance of taking risks in life, as shown in the story.
Ans. The story shows that taking risks is important because it can lead to great rewards. The young seagull took a big risk by jumping off the ledge, and it allowed him to experience the joy of flying. This teaches us that while it can be scary to try new things, facing our fears can help us grow and discover new abilities.

The Black Aeroplane

1. What was the narrator doing at the beginning of the story?
Ans. The narrator was flying his old Dakota aeroplane over France, heading back to England and dreaming about his holiday with his family.

2. What did the narrator see in front of him as he flew?
Ans. He saw the lights of a big city in front of him and later noticed huge storm clouds that looked like black mountains.

3. Why did the narrator decide to fly into the storm?
Ans. He wanted to get home for breakfast and thought he could take the risk to fly through the storm.

4. What happened to the narrator’s instruments in the storm?
Ans. All his instruments, including the compass and the radio, stopped working, leaving him lost and unable to navigate.

5. What did the narrator see that made him feel better while flying in the storm?
Ans. He saw another aeroplane flying next to him, and the pilot waved, indicating that he should follow him.

6. How did the narrator feel when he first entered the storm?
Ans. The narrator initially felt confident about his flight but quickly became frightened when he entered the storm. Everything turned black, and he lost control of his instruments, making him realise he was in a dangerous situation.

7. What did the narrator think when he saw the other pilot?
Ans. The narrator felt relieved to see another pilot and believed that this pilot was trying to help him. He thought that the pilot understood he was lost and wanted to guide him safely through the storm.

8. What happened when the narrator followed the strange aeroplane?
Ans. When he followed the strange aeroplane, it led him down through the clouds, and eventually, he saw the lights of a runway. He felt a sense of safety and happiness as he realised he was close to landing.

9. What did the control tower staff say when the narrator asked about the other pilot?
Ans. The staff in the control tower looked at him strangely and told him that no other aeroplanes were flying that night due to the storm. They said his was the only one visible on the radar.

10. What is the main mystery at the end of the story?
Ans. The main mystery is about the strange black aeroplane and its pilot, as no one else was flying during the storm. The narrator wonders who helped him land safely without a compass or radio.

11. Describe the narrator’s feelings during the flight and how they changed.
Ans. At first, the narrator felt happy and excited to be flying at night, dreaming of his family and a big breakfast. However, when he entered the storm, his feelings changed to fear and panic as he lost control of his instruments. He felt helpless and worried about crashing. When he saw the other aeroplane and followed it, his feelings shifted back to hope and relief. After landing, he felt gratitude but also confusion about who had helped him. The experience showed how quickly emotions can change in difficult situations.

12. What does the story suggest about help and guidance in times of trouble?
Ans. The story suggests that help can come from unexpected places or people. The mysterious pilot in the storm represented guidance when the narrator needed it the most. This idea highlights the importance of being open to support and assistance, even when it seems unlikely. The narrator's experience reminds us that sometimes help can come in ways we don’t fully understand or see clearly.

13. How does the author create tension and suspense in the story?
Ans. The author creates tension by describing the narrator's initial confidence followed by the sudden storm that leaves him lost and afraid. The uncertainty of flying in a storm without working instruments builds suspense as the reader wonders whether he will be able to land safely. The appearance of the mysterious black aeroplane adds to this tension, leaving readers curious about who the pilot is and whether the narrator will follow him safely.

14. What does the strange black aeroplane symbolise in the story?
Ans. The strange black aeroplane symbolises unexpected help and hope in difficult times. It represents the idea that even in moments of despair, guidance may appear when least expected. This pilot helps the narrator navigate through the storm, showing that there is always a way to overcome challenges, even if it is not immediately visible.

15. Discuss the importance of perseverance as shown in the narrator’s actions.
Ans. Perseverance is important in the story because the narrator refuses to give up despite the challenges he faces. Even when he is lost and scared, he continues to fly and looks for a solution. His decision to follow the other aeroplane shows determination and a willingness to trust, even in a dangerous situation. This perseverance ultimately leads him to safety, teaching readers that persistence can help us overcome obstacles.

16. Why do you think the narrator felt it was worth the risk to fly into the storm?
Ans. The narrator felt it was worth the risk because he wanted to reach home for breakfast and be with his family. His desire to get back home outweighed his fear of the storm, showing how strong motivation can push someone to take risks.

17. What might the story suggest about the nature of fear and bravery?
Ans. The story suggests that fear is a natural feeling, but bravery is about facing that fear. The narrator starts out scared but learns that by taking risks, he can find strength within himself. This teaches us that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.

18. How does the narrator’s experience in the storm relate to real-life situations where people face challenges?
Ans. The narrator’s experience in the storm is similar to real-life challenges where people might feel lost or scared. Just like the narrator, many people face difficult situations where they must rely on their courage and the support of others. This story highlights that seeking help and being brave can lead to overcoming obstacles.

19. What lessons can we learn about relying on others during tough times?
Ans. We can learn that it is important to rely on others for help during tough times. Just as the narrator found support from the mysterious pilot, we can find guidance and assistance from friends, family, or even strangers when we need it most. This teaches us the value of community and connection.

20. Why do you think the author left the identity of the black aeroplane’s pilot a mystery?
Ans. The author may have left the pilot's identity a mystery to emphasise the idea that help can come from unexpected sources. It allows readers to think about the nature of assistance and support, showing that sometimes we may not know who helps us but can still be grateful for their presence.

Benefits of Important Questions for CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 3 - Two Stories About Flying 

• The questions are prepared by experienced educators who understand the CBSE exam pattern and syllabus.

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Conclusion

In the chapter, "Two Stories About Flying," we see how both the young seagull and the pilot face their fears. The seagull is scared to fly but finally takes a leap when he gets hungry and sees his mother with food. When he jumps, he discovers how amazing flying feels. The pilot, on the other hand, gets caught in a storm while flying his plane and loses all his instruments. Just when he feels lost, a mysterious black aeroplane appears to guide him safely to the airport. Both stories show us that it's important to face our fears and that help can come from unexpected places. They remind us that we can achieve great things if we are brave enough to try. Vedantu’s FREE PDF of Important Questions for the chapter help understand and grasp all the concepts of the chapter by providing important questions straight from master teachers thus ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the questions and answers provided.

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