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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3 The Midnight Visitor

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Class 10 English The Midnight Visitor FREE PDF Download (Footprints Without Feet)

The Midnight Visitor is a thriller about two secret agents and the anecdotes and events they face on that fateful day when they encounter their enemy. What happens next as they outsmart him is what the story revolves around. Vedantu offers comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English The Midnight Visitor (Question and Answers) are compiled by master teachers and subject matter experts and are constantly updated to comply with the latest Class 10 English Syllabus.

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Glance on Chapter 3 - The Midnight Visitor Class 10

  • Ausable, a quick-witted secret agent, spends an evening with his writer friend, Fowler. Fowler imagines secret agents to be adventurous but finds Ausable to be chubby and speak with an American accent.

  • Upon entering Ausable's room, Fowler and Ausable are confronted by Max, a secret agent with a gun. Max demands a report on missiles that Ausable is expecting.

  • To divert Max's attention, Ausable fabricates a story about a balcony outside the window. A knock at the door increases the tension, and Ausable suggests it might be the police.

  • Believing Ausable's story and fearing the police, Max waits on the imaginary balcony. He warns Ausable and Fowler not to interfere, then jumps out of the window.

  • The knocking turns out to be the waiter bringing Ausable's wine. There are no police, as Ausable had lied to scare Max.

  • Fowler is surprised and questions Ausable about the police and the balcony. Ausable reveals there was never a balcony; it was a fabricated story to trick Max.

  • Ausable's quick thinking and clever deception make Max jump to his death, believing in a nonexistent balcony. Despite his unassuming appearance, Ausable outwits Max and saves himself and Fowler from danger.

Access NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3 – Midnight Visitor

Read and Find Out

1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents?

Ans: Ausable was distinct from other covert agents in several respects. He had a modest room in a dingy French hotel's musty corridor. It was on the sixth and top story, and it was hardly a romantic adventure scene. He was incredibly chubby. Despite having lived in Paris for almost two decades, he could only communicate in French and German and had an American accent. Instead of dark-eyed beauties slipping messages into his palms, he received a phone call setting up an appointment. In these ways, he was distinct from the stereotype of a spy.

 

2. Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day?

Ans: Fowler was an author who had travelled to meet Ausable. When Fowler spotted a man in Ausable's room aiming a pistol at Ausable and himself, he had his first genuine thrill of the day.

 

3. How has Max got in?

Ans: Ausable assumed Max had entered the room by the balcony, which made him angry because he didn't have a gallery. Max, on the other hand, admitted that he had entered using a master key and was unaware of the balcony.

 

4. How does Ausable say he got in?

Ans: Ausable assumed Max had entered the room by the balcony, which made him angry because he didn't have a gallery. However, it was the second time someone had entered through the same balcony that wasn't his. Ausable was so dissatisfied that he wanted to confront management about the problem because it was the second time it had occurred.

 

Think About it

1. “Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler hand ever read.” What do secret agents in books and films look like, in your opinion? Discuss in groups or class some stories or movies featuring spies, detectives, and secret agents, and compare their appearance with that of Ausable in this story. (You may mention characters from fiction in languages other than English. In English fiction, you may have come across Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple. Have you watched any movies featuring James Bond?)

Ans: In fiction, secret spies are portrayed as perfect guys, "tall, dark, and attractive." They are usually well-built and surrounded by attractive women. They would always smoke a pipe or a cigar while performing life-threatening acts. Ian Fleming's James Bond is a well-known character. James Bond movies feature high-tech gadgets that aid the detective in thwarting enemies. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Satyajit Ray, the well-known Bangla film director, developed a character named Feluda. By appearance, Feluda was a typical bhadralok.

 

2.  How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? Look back at his detailed description of it. What makes it a convincing story?

Ans: Ausable informs Max that someone had previously entered his room from the balcony. He also informed him that he had requested police protection because he was carrying crucial documents. Max grew terrified after hearing this and only wanted to get away from the cops; as a result, he leapt out of the window and plummeted. Ausable is convincing because of its capacity to think fast and calmly in a panicked circumstance.

 

3. Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? Or did he make up a plan taking advantage of events as they happened?

Ans: No, I don't believe he had mapped out his strategy in great detail. He took advantage of the situation as it unfolded. Ausable made up a narrative about the balcony outside the room, and when the doorbell rang, he said it was the cops; all of this put Max in danger. He felt restless in his hurry and leapt out the window without looking.

 

Talk About it

1. In this story, Ausable shows great ‘presence of mind’ or the ability to think quickly and act calmly and wisely, in a situation of danger and surprise. Give examples from your own experience, or narrate a story, which shows someone’s presence of mind.

Ans: This is a parody of the play "If I Were You." Gurrad was apprehended by a criminal who brandished a gun at him, but he treated the criminal as a guest and held him captive in his confidence. He got the offender to flee when the cops were closing in on him. He instructed the burglar to flee through the exit door, which turned out to be a cupboard door. The criminal was apprehended in the cupboard after exiting through the door.

 

2. Discuss what you would do in the situations described below. Remember that presence of mind comes out of a state of mental preparedness. If you have thought about possible problems or dangers, and about how to act in such situations, you have a better chance of dealing with such situations if they do arise. You may suggest other such situations.

  1. A small fire starts in your kitchen. 

Ans: I would figure out the reason for the fire. If it’s an electrical short circuit, I would cut off the electrical supply completely and then use the fire extinguisher. If the reason is burning food, I would turn off the stove, and safely take the container and put it in water.


  1. A child starts to choke on a piece of food. 

Ans: I would give them abdominal thrusts, if this does not work, I would immediately take them to the hospital.

 

  1. An electrical appliance starts to hiss and gives out sparks.

Ans: I would immediately cut the power and then turn off the appliance. Later, I will get it checked by an electrician, before using it again.

 

  1. A bicycle knocks down a pedestrian. 

Ans: I will help the pedestrian stand, check for any injuries. If they have suffered minor injuries, I will provide first aid. In case of serious injuries, I will call for an ambulance.

 

  1. It rains continuously for more than twenty-four hours. 

Ans: I will stay indoors, Make sure all the windows are closed properly. I will also make sure that the drainage system in my house and nearby is functioning well.

 

  1. A member of your family does not return home at the usual or expected time. 

Ans: I will try reaching out to them and ask by what time they will be back. If they are not reachable, I will wait patiently for an hour and then contact people they know or the place from where they are returning.


Benefits of Chapter 3 -The Midnight Visitor Class 10 Question Answers

  • NCERT Solutions to Class 10 English The Midnight Visitor Question Answers are provided by experts and master teachers with years of experience dealing with the CBSE syllabus, thus ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the answers.

  • NCERT Solutions to The Midnight Visitor PDF is FREE to download and access. This means students can study anywhere, anytime, on the go.

  • Solutions to The Midnight Visitor Class 10 Question Answers are all in one place, which helps save time as students do not need to search multiple sources for the answers.

  • All the solutions provided in the Class 10 English Midnight Visitor Question Answers are from the NCERT Textbook and are sure to appear in the final examinations.


Conclusion

The Midnight Visitor Class 10 is a thriller, suspense, and action-packed story about secret agents and their encounter with the enemy. Ausable, the hero of the story, does not resemble the looks of an agent at all, but in the climax, he uses his wit to get out of the situation and outsmart his enemy. Vedantu offers comprehensive NCERT Solutions to The Midnight Visitor Class 10 Question Answers. These solutions are compiled by subject matter experts and master teachers and are constantly updated to comply with the latest CBSE syllabus.


Related Study Materials for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3

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Study Material Links for NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 3

1

The Midnight Visitor Notes

2

The Midnight Visitor Important Questions




Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet)

Refer to the following table for chapter-wise solutions for the Footprints without Feet textbook. These solutions will headstart your exam preparation process and boost your marks.



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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3 The Midnight Visitor

1. What are the stepwise NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor, as per the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus?

The stepwise NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor, include:

  • Reading each question carefully and identifying the main focus (character, theme, or event).
  • Writing answers using evidence and examples from the chapter text.
  • Structuring responses as per CBSE marking guidelines: introduction, main content, and conclusion.
  • Reviewing answers to ensure use of correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary for a CBSE English paper (2025–26 exam standards).

2. How is Ausable in The Midnight Visitor different from typical NCERT secret agents?

Ausable stands out among secret agents in NCERT Class 10 English because he defies the stereotype. Instead of being physically fit and glamorous, he is described as overweight, speaks with an American accent, and uses intelligence and quick thinking to solve problems rather than relying on physical means.

3. How does Ausable use presence of mind to solve critical situations in The Midnight Visitor?

Ausable demonstrates exceptional presence of mind by inventing a story about a balcony to deceive Max. He remains calm, analyzes the threat, and manipulates the events, convincing Max there is a police threat, which leads to Max's downfall. This aligns with CBSE’s focus on analyzing critical thinking in NCERT solutions.

4. What is the CBSE-recommended method for writing answers in Class 10 English NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3?

CBSE recommends students:

  • Use structured paragraphs: opening, explanation, and conclusion.
  • Quote or reference textual evidence directly from the chapter.
  • Answer in their own words to display comprehension and analysis.
  • Use correct grammar, spelling, and CBSE-prescribed formats.

5. What core life skill is highlighted in NCERT Solutions for The Midnight Visitor Chapter for Class 10?

The core life skill highlighted is presence of mind, demonstrated by Ausable in high-pressure situations. The chapter encourages students to develop quick decision-making and logical reasoning, reflecting a key competency in CBSE English for 2025–26.

6. What is the main theme of Class 10 English Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor, according to NCERT Solutions?

The main theme is that intellect and cleverness can triumph over physical strength or appearances. Ausable’s ability to outsmart Max shows the importance of wit and critical thinking, a concept underscored in NCERT Solutions for class 10 English in line with CBSE trends.

7. Why is it important to understand the character traits of Ausable in CBSE Class 10 NCERT Solutions?

Understanding Ausable's character traits helps students analyze how unconventional heroes resolve conflicts. This aligns with CBSE’s focus on character study, theme understanding, and narrative analysis for Board exams.

8. What are some CBSE-style FUQ (Frequently Unasked Questions) from The Midnight Visitor for 2025–26 board exam practice?

Some examples include:

  • What assumptions did Fowler hold about spies, and how does his perception change?
  • If Ausable had panicked, how might the story have ended differently?
  • Compare the use of deception as a tool versus physical force in spy fiction and in The Midnight Visitor.

9. How should students address 'What if' scenario questions based on The Midnight Visitor in their English NCERT Solution?

Students should clearly state the alternate scenario, justify their reasoning with references from the chapter, and explain possible outcomes. For example, if asked ‘What if Max had not believed Ausable about the balcony?’ explain how the tension and events in the story would change, using evidence from the plot.

10. What should be avoided when writing NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 3 questions?

Students should avoid:

  • Copy-pasting text without interpretation.
  • Ignoring the specific demand of the question (e.g., character instead of theme).
  • Writing vague or general answers not anchored in the story.
  • Exceeding the recommended word limit for CBSE Board marking scheme.

11. How does the NCERT Solutions approach help in improving scores in Class 10 English Chapter 3 board questions?

By using NCERT Solutions, students learn:

  • To structure answers as per Board expectations.
  • To cover all parts of a question with accurate evidence from the text.
  • To use analytical skills for FUQs and value-based questions.

12. Why does the NCERT Solution emphasize both ‘textual understanding’ and ‘application’ for The Midnight Visitor?

This dual emphasis ensures that students not only know the story details but can also apply lessons, analyze themes, and relate literature to real-life skills—an approach directly in line with current CBSE English curriculum goals.

13. What is the importance of reviewing previous CBSE Board papers for The Midnight Visitor while using NCERT Solutions?

Reviewing past Board papers allows students to:

  • Identify question trends and recurring themes.
  • Practice writing answers within time and word limits.
  • Increase familiarity with high-weightage, CBSE-style questions for better exam performance.