NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Supplementary Reader Chapter 3

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter The Midnight Visitor – complete answers & explanations

This NCERT solutions blog for Class 10 English Chapter The Midnight Visitor from the supplementary reader Footprints without Feet helps students understand the story clearly and confidently. The story revolves around Ausable, an unusual secret agent who looks very different from the typical spies seen in movies and books. Despite his ordinary appearance, Ausable shows great intelligence and presence of mind when he faces danger from another spy named Max. Through clever thinking and calm behaviour, Ausable manages to trick Max and save himself. This chapter is important because it teaches students the value of quick thinking, confidence, and smart problem-solving in difficult situations. The solutions shared here follow the NCERT questions and help students understand the story, characters, and themes effectively.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. Understanding the character of Ausable and how he differs from typical secret agents
2. The concept of presence of mind and quick thinking in dangerous situations
3. Character analysis of Ausable, Fowler, and Max
4. The importance of intelligence over physical strength
5. Reading comprehension through story-based questions
6. Analytical thinking through discussion-based activities

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. Read the chapter carefully before checking the answers
2. Try to understand the characters and the sequence of events in the story
3. Attempt the textbook questions yourself before referring to the solutions
4. Follow the order of questions exactly as given in the NCERT exercise
5. Use the solutions for revision and exam preparation

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Focus on how Ausable handles the situation calmly despite danger
2. Understand the difference between appearance and intelligence in the story
3. Pay attention to how Ausable creates the story about the balcony
4. Remember the theme of presence of mind and clever thinking
5. Write answers clearly with examples from the story

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

Read and find out

1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents?
   Ausable is very different from the secret agents usually shown in books and movies. Instead of being slim, energetic, and stylish, he is fat and speaks with an American accent. He does not look like a typical spy but still proves to be very intelligent and capable.
2. Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day?
   Fowler is a young writer who meets Ausable to experience the life of a secret agent. His first authentic thrill occurs when he sees a man named Max standing in Ausable’s room with a pistol.
3. How has Max got in?
   Max entered the room using a passkey to unlock the door.
4. How does Ausable say he got in?
   Ausable tells Max that he must have entered through the balcony that runs outside the window.

Think about it

1. “Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.” What do secret agents in books and films look like?
   Secret agents in books and films are usually shown as tall, smart, athletic, and stylish. They often wear fashionable clothes, carry weapons, and are involved in exciting adventures and dangerous missions.
2. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?
   Ausable confidently describes a balcony outside the window and explains that someone had used it earlier to enter his room. His detailed explanation makes Max believe that the balcony really exists.
3. When do you think Ausable thought of his plan for getting rid of Max?
   Ausable likely made up the plan quickly when he saw Max in his room. Using his presence of mind, he invented the story about the balcony and the police to frighten Max.

Talk about it

1. In this story, Ausable shows great presence of mind.
   Presence of mind means the ability to remain calm and think quickly during difficult or dangerous situations. Ausable uses this ability to trick Max and save himself.
2. Discuss what you would do in the following situations:

A small fire starts in your kitchen.
Turn off the gas supply, use water or a fire extinguisher if possible, and call for help.

A child starts to choke on a piece of food.
Ask the child to cough or perform first aid such as the Heimlich manoeuvre if trained.

An electrical appliance starts to hiss and gives out sparks.
Switch off the electricity immediately and move away from the appliance.

A bicycle knocks down a pedestrian.
Help the injured person, call for medical assistance, and inform responsible authorities if needed.

It rains continuously for more than twenty-four hours.
Stay indoors, follow safety instructions, and avoid flooded areas.

A member of your family does not return home at the expected time.
Contact the person, check with friends or relatives, and inform authorities if necessary.

Suggested reading

1. After Twenty Years by O. Henry
2. The Stolen Bacillus by H.G. Wells
3. The Face on the Wall by E.V. Lucas

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help students understand textbook concepts clearly and prepare effectively for school examinations. They provide structured answers aligned with the CBSE pattern and improve comprehension, writing skills, and confidence in literature-based questions.

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