This post, “The Book That Saved the Earth NCERT Solutions Class 10 English,” provides comprehensive NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 9: The Book That Saved the Earth (Claire Boiko). We recommend reading the summary of The Book That Saved the Earth first to understand the chapter’s questions much better!
Read and Find Out (Page 56)
Q.1. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
Ans. In the twentieth century there were books on every subject, from ant eaters to Zulus. Books taught people how to, when to, where to and why to do things. They illustrated, educated, punctuated and even decorated. That is why it was called the Era of the Book.
Q.2. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Ans. The Martians, led by the Great and Mighty Think-Tank, tried to invade the earth in 2040. Their invasion never really happened because a single book, Mother Goose, stopped it.
Read and Find Out (Page 58)
Q.1. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?
Ans. Think-Tank first guessed that the library was a crude refreshment stand and that books were sandwiches, the main staple of the Earth diet. Next he called them communication sandwiches meant for the ears. Finally he said they were for eye communication and that the printing in them was a secret code.
The Book That Saved the Earth Think About It Question Answer
Q.1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Ans. Noodle never contradicts Think-Tank directly. He uses very humble words like “I beg your pardon”, “Forgive me, your Cleverness” and calls his own information “an insignificant bit of data” or “a cloudy piece of information”. He offers the correct fact so politely that Think-Tank can claim it as his own idea. In this way Noodle corrects him without hurting his vanity.
Q.2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
Ans. I would do much the same as Noodle. As Think-Tank is vain and powerful, arguing with him would be dangerous. I would put the correct information in the form of a question or a doubt of my own, so that he could accept it without losing face. Politeness and tact work better than blunt contradiction with such a person.
Q.3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Ans. Yes, to a large extent electronic media has replaced printed books. People now read e-books, news and articles on mobiles, tablets and computers, which are cheap, easy to carry and searchable. But we cannot do away with books altogether. Books need no electricity or internet, they do not strain the eyes as much, and the pleasure of holding and turning pages cannot be replaced. Books are also the safest record of our knowledge and culture.
Q.4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why?
Ans. Books are called man’s best companion because they never leave us alone. They give us knowledge, advice and entertainment, and ask nothing in return. In sorrow they comfort us, in loneliness they keep us company, and they take us to places and times we can never visit. (Sample paragraph) My favourite book is Wings of Fire, the autobiography of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It tells how a poor newspaper boy from Rameswaram rose to become a great scientist and the President of India. The book teaches me that hard work, honesty and faith can overcome any hardship. Whenever I feel discouraged, a few pages of this book fill me with fresh hope.
The Book That Saved the Earth Talk About It Question Answer
Q.1. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians?
Ans. From “Mistress Mary” he concluded that Earthlings had combined agriculture and mining, and could grow silver and even high explosives. From “Hey diddle diddle” he decided that Earthlings had taught their animals music and space techniques, and might launch an attack of millions of cows. Seeing the picture of Humpty Dumpty, which looked like his own egg-shaped head, he believed the Earthlings had discovered him and planned to capture Mars. Terrified, he ordered his fleet to evacuate Mars and fled to Alpha Centauri. (For your own example: mention any incident where you misunderstood someone’s words or gesture, and how talking it over cleared the confusion.)
Q.2. The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language?
Ans. No, English is the language of the earth, not of Mars. The playwright has used English only so that readers can follow the play. The Martians would have their own language, perhaps made of beeps, buzzes and electronic signals like those heard on the switchboard, or a system of thought-waves.
