Humour and science fiction can be powerful tools to convey meaningful messages.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9, The Book That Saved the Earth, written by Claire Boiko, is a humorous play that highlights the importance of books, reading, and correct interpretation of knowledge.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9 – The Book That Saved the Earth
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 1
Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 1
Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 2
What guesses are made by Think–Tank about the books found on earth?
Q.
Think about it
Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Q.
Think about it
If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
Q.
Think about it
Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Q.
Think about it
Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.
Q.
Talk about it
In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?
Q.
Talk about it
The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9 – The Book That Saved the Earth
The story presents a futuristic scenario where the Earth is saved from Martian invasion due to a series of misunderstandings caused by the aliens’ inability to interpret human books correctly. The chapter explores themes such as knowledge, ignorance, power of books, miscommunication, and satire. This lesson is part of the Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook.
The NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9 – The Book That Saved the Earth given below are written in a clear, exam-oriented manner to help students understand the play, answer questions confidently, and prepare effectively for school and board examinations.
Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet
Chapter 9 Questions & Answers – The Book That Saved the Earth
Read and Find Out – 1
Q1. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
Solution: The twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the Book’ because books were available on almost every subject. They educated people, provided instructions, and served as sources of knowledge and information.
Q2. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Solution: The Martians tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century.
Read and Find Out – 2
Q3. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?
Solution: Think-Tank initially believes the books to be sandwiches and later calls them “communication sandwiches.”
Think About It
Q4. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Solution: Noodle carefully phrases his corrections in a respectful manner. He downplays his own ideas and presents them cautiously so that Think-Tank does not feel challenged or offended.
Q5. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
Solution: I would correct Think-Tank politely and diplomatically, offering suggestions gently without directly challenging his authority.
Q6. Do you think books are being replaced by electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Solution: Although electronic media is widely used today, books cannot be completely replaced. Books remain a reliable and timeless source of knowledge.
Q7. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why?
Solution: Books are considered a man’s best companion because they provide knowledge, comfort, and guidance. They entertain and educate at the same time. My favourite book is Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling because it teaches values like friendship, courage, and honesty.
Talk About It
Q8. How does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats?
Solution: Think-Tank misinterprets words like “shell,” “silver,” “cow,” and “moon” from nursery rhymes as signs of human aggression. The rhyme of Humpty Dumpty also makes him believe humans are planning an attack.
Q9. The aliens speak English in the play. Is this their real language?
Solution: No, English is not their real language. If it were, they would not have misunderstood the books. They likely spoke a Martian language.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9 – FAQs
Q1. What is the central message of “The Book That Saved the Earth”?
Answer: The play highlights the importance of books and correct interpretation of knowledge, showing how ignorance can lead to serious misunderstandings.
Q2. Why is the play humorous?
Answer: The humour arises from the Martians’ absurd misinterpretation of common nursery rhymes and books.
Q3. Why is this chapter important for board exams?
Answer: This chapter is important for questions on satire, theme, humour, and message-based answers.