Class 10 English - Complete Notes (First Flight + Footprints)

Chapter 1: A Letter to God

Summary: A farmer, Lencho, writes to God for help after his crops are destroyed in a storm. The postmaster secretly collects money for him. Lencho, unaware of their help, thinks the post office staff stole part of God’s money.

Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom

Summary: Mandela narrates his struggle against apartheid, his inauguration as South Africa’s first Black president, and his commitment to equality.

Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying

Summary: Part 1: A young seagull overcomes fear to fly. Part 2: The pilot of an old Dakota plane flies into a storm, guided safely by a mysterious black airplane.

Chapter 4: From the Diary of Anne Frank

Summary: Anne Frank writes about her life hiding during Nazi rule, her relationship with family, and her dreams.

Chapter 5: The Hundred Dresses I & II

Summary: Wanda, a poor Polish girl, is mocked by classmates for her shabby clothes. After her departure, they realize she was talented and kind.

Chapter 6: Glimpses of India

Summary: Three parts: Coorg’s beauty, a baker in Goa, and Assam’s tea plantations.

Chapter 7: Mijbil the Otter

Summary: The author adopts an otter in Iraq and brings it to England, narrating their adventures.

Chapter 8: Madam Rides the Bus

Summary: A young girl, Valli, fulfills her dream of riding a bus alone, facing both excitement and life’s harsh realities.

Chapter 9: The Sermon at Benares

Summary: Gautama Buddha teaches that death is universal and the way to overcome sorrow is through detachment.

Chapter 10: The Proposal

Summary: A humorous one-act play about marriage negotiations between quarrelsome neighbors.

Chapter 1: A Triumph of Surgery

Summary: Mrs. Pumphrey spoils her dog, Tricki, making him sick; a vet cures him by putting him on a balanced diet and exercise.

Chapter 2: The Thief's Story

Summary: A young thief is reformed by the kindness of a writer, Anil, who trusts him despite being robbed.

Chapter 3: The Midnight Visitor

Summary: Secret agent Ausable uses his wit to outsmart a rival spy.

Chapter 4: A Question of Trust

Summary: A thief plans a burglary but is outsmarted by another thief.

Chapter 5: Footprints Without Feet

Summary: A scientist turns invisible but faces trouble when misusing his powers.

Chapter 6: The Making of a Scientist

Summary: Richard Ebright’s journey from a curious child to a successful scientist through hard work and determination.

Chapter 7: The Necklace

Summary: A woman borrows a necklace, loses it, and spends years repaying the debt, only to learn it was fake.

Chapter 8: Bholi

Summary: A simple, shy girl overcomes fear, stands up against a greedy groom, and earns respect.

Chapter 9: The Book That Saved the Earth

Summary: A humorous play about Martians invading Earth and being scared off by a children’s book.