NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter A Triumph of Surgery – complete answers & explanations

This blog is designed for Class 10 English students studying NCERT Chapter A Triumph of Surgery from the book Footprints without Feet. The chapter tells the story of Tricki, a small dog who becomes seriously ill due to overfeeding and excessive pampering by his mistress, Mrs Pumphrey. It highlights the importance of discipline, practical thinking, and responsible care. This blog provides complete NCERT solutions strictly based only on the given worksheet, without adding, modifying, or interpreting any answers beyond what is written.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. Understanding character traits of Mrs Pumphrey, Tricki, and the narrator
2. Identifying the theme of overindulgence and its consequences
3. Reading comprehension through “Read and Find Out” questions
4. Analytical thinking through “Think about it” questions
5. Value-based and opinion-based responses in “Talk about it”
6. Writing clear, structured answers as per NCERT expectations

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. Read the chapter carefully before attempting the worksheet questions.
2. Write your answers independently in your notebook.
3. After completing the worksheet, compare your responses with the answers provided here.
4. Parents and teachers can guide students by checking whether answers follow the same structure and wording.
5. These solutions follow the exact order given in the worksheet for systematic revision.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Focus on the cause of Tricki’s illness and how it was treated.
2. Write answers clearly and avoid adding extra information not asked in the question.
3. For opinion-based questions, follow the structure shown in the worksheet answers.
4. Revise key character traits for better performance in exams.
5. Read questions carefully to ensure answers are precise and aligned with NCERT standards.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

READ AND FIND OUT

1. Mrs Pumphrey is worried because Tricki has become hugely fat, listless and has no energy. His eyes are bloodshot and he seems very ill.

2. She gives him extra food like malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, cream cakes and chocolates. She does not cut down his sweets. No, she is not wise because overfeeding is making him more ill.

3. ‘I’ refers to the narrator, Mr Herriot, a veterinary surgeon.

READ AND FIND OUT

1. No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki’s mistress. He lives a simple professional life.

2. He hospitalises Tricki, gives him no food for two days, plenty of water, exercise and allows him to mix with other dogs.

3. He is tempted because Mrs Pumphrey keeps sending eggs, wine and brandy for Tricki, which he and his partners enjoy.

4. She thinks Tricki’s recovery is due to the doctor’s surgical skill, though no surgery was performed.

Think about it

1. The narrator is kind, practical and intelligent. He understands that Tricki’s illness is due to overfeeding. He tactfully convinces Mrs Pumphrey to let him hospitalise the dog. He uses common sense instead of medicines to cure Tricki. Yes, he is tactful and full of common sense.

2. Yes, Tricki was happy to see his mistress and jumped into her lap. However, if Mrs Pumphrey starts pampering him again, he may fall ill once more.

3. It appears to be a mixture of both. James Herriot was a real veterinary surgeon, so the incident may be based on real experiences. However, some details are presented humorously like fiction.

Talk about it

1. Such people are not merely silly; their actions can cause harm. Mrs Pumphrey’s overindulgence made Tricki seriously ill. Excessive pampering can spoil and weaken others.

2. Yes, some parents overindulge their children by fulfilling all their wishes. This can make children dependent and unhealthy.

3. (i) As a staff member, I would politely suggest reducing Tricki’s food and ensuring proper exercise.
(ii) As a neighbour, I would advise Mrs Pumphrey not to overfeed him.
Life around her would be dramatic and full of unnecessary worry.

4. I would have done the same as the narrator — hospitalise Tricki, control his diet and provide exercise instead of medicines.

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help students prepare exactly according to the prescribed syllabus. They improve clarity of concepts, ensure accurate answer writing, and build confidence for school tests and board exams. Following NCERT-aligned answers helps students understand the expected format and score better.

Help your child master Class 10 English with accurate and reliable NCERT solutions aligned strictly with the worksheet content.
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