NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet - Supplementary reader Chapter 9
NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter The Book That Saved the Earth – complete answers & explanations
This NCERT solutions blog for Class 10 English Chapter The Book That Saved the Earth from the supplementary reader Footprints without Feet helps students understand the chapter clearly and effectively. The chapter is a humorous science-fiction play set in the future where Martians attempt to invade Earth but misunderstand simple nursery rhymes found in books. The story shows how ignorance, pride, and misunderstanding can lead to wrong conclusions, while knowledge and correct interpretation can prevent conflict. This chapter is important because it highlights the value of books, reading, intelligence, and thoughtful communication. The solutions provided here follow the exact NCERT structure and are based strictly on the chapter and worksheet content without any additions or modifications.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
1. Understanding a science-fiction play set in the future
2. The importance of books and knowledge in shaping decisions
3. Character understanding of Think-Tank, Noodle, and the Martian crew
4. Humour created through misunderstandings of nursery rhymes
5. Reading comprehension through scene-based questions 6. Analytical thinking through discussion-based questions
How to use these NCERT solutions?
1. Read the chapter carefully before checking the answers
2. Try to understand the story and characters while reading the play
3. Attempt the questions yourself first and then compare with the answers
4. Follow the sequence of questions exactly as given in the NCERT exercise
5. Use the solutions for revision and exam preparation
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Pay attention to the humorous misunderstandings in the play
2. Understand the role of Noodle and how he corrects Think-Tank politely
3. Remember the nursery rhymes mentioned in the play
4. Focus on the message about the importance of books and knowledge
5. Write answers clearly and according to the context of the chapter
NCERT solutions – complete answer key Scene 1 – Read and find out
Question Answer
1 The twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the Book’ because there were books about everything. Books taught people how to, when to, where to and why to. They illustrated, educated, punctuated and even decorated.
2 The Martians tried to invade the Earth in the twenty-first century.
Scene 2 – Read and find out
Think-Tank guesses that the books are sandwiches, the main staple of the Earthlings’ diet. Later he thinks they are communication devices — first for listening (ear communication) and then for watching (eye communication). He also believes they contain codes that reveal advanced Earth technology.
Think about it
1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank by speaking politely and respectfully while gently suggesting corrections. He presents his ideas as bits of information or reminders instead of directly pointing out mistakes. This allows Think-Tank to feel superior while still being corrected.
2. If I were in Noodle’s place, I would handle Think-Tank’s mistakes tactfully and respectfully. I would provide correct information indirectly so that he does not feel insulted, while ensuring that the right decision is taken.
3. Though electronic media is becoming popular, books are not being completely replaced. Books provide deep concentration, easy access without electricity, and a personal reading experience. We cannot do away with books altogether because they are reliable, durable, and valuable sources of knowledge.
4. Books are referred to as a man’s best companion because they provide knowledge, comfort, guidance and entertainment. They are always available and never judge us. My favourite book is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank because it gives a touching account of real-life struggles and inspires courage and hope.
Talk about it
1. Think-Tank misinterprets nursery rhymes as serious threats. He thinks “pretty maids all in a row” means Earthlings can grow metal crops and explosives. He believes “the cow jumped over the moon” shows advanced space technology. When he sees Humpty Dumpty, he imagines it resembles him and assumes the Earthlings plan to attack Mars.
2. The aliens speak English in the play for the audience’s understanding. It is unlikely to be their real language. The language of aliens could be entirely different — possibly consisting of sounds, signals, symbols or telepathic communication unknown to humans.
Suggested reading
1. Diamond Cuts Diamond by J.H. Parker – This story highlights how intelligence and clever thinking can overcome power and pride. It connects with the theme of the play by showing how wisdom is stronger than arrogance.
2. The Cindrella Story by Kenneth Lillington – This humorous retelling of a familiar fairy tale offers a fresh and entertaining perspective and encourages readers to think creatively.
3. The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov – This science fiction story explores the contrast between traditional books and futuristic electronic education and emphasises the importance and value of books.
Why NCERT solutions help students?
NCERT solutions help students understand textbook concepts clearly and prepare effectively for school exams. They provide accurate answers aligned with the CBSE pattern and improve comprehension, writing skills, and confidence in literature-based questions.
CTA Build stronger English reading and comprehension skills with structured NCERT practice and expert learning guidance.
What this NCERT chapter covers
1. The concept of the twentieth century as the “Era of the Book”
2. A futuristic Martian invasion plan
3. Think-Tank’s comic misunderstandings
4. The importance of books and reading
5. Dramatic techniques such as satire, humour, and irony
6. Character analysis of Think-Tank and Noodle
7. Interpretation of nursery rhymes in different contexts
8. Value of wisdom over arrogance
How to use these NCERT solutions
1. Read the chapter carefully before checking answers.
2. Try to frame answers in your own words first.
3. Use these solutions to verify accuracy and improve structure.
4. Pay attention to key terms like satire, irony, and misinterpretation.
5. Practise writing answers within word limits for exams.
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Focus on character traits of Think-Tank and Noodle.
2. Understand how nursery rhymes were misinterpreted.
3. Remember the humour and satire in the play.
4. Write answers in clear, simple, exam-friendly language.
5. Prepare short and long answers separately.
Scene 1 – Read and Find Out
1. The twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the Book’ because books were widely used for knowledge, education, and entertainment. There were books on almost every subject, and they played a major role in people's lives.
2. The Martians tried to invade the Earth in the twenty-first century.
Scene 2 – Read and Find Out
Think-Tank guesses that the books are: a refreshment stand, sandwiches, the main food of Earthlings, communication devices, codes containing secret information, and advanced technological manuals.
Think About It
1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank by speaking politely and respectfully. He presents corrections as “insignificant bits of information” or “cloudy pieces of thought,” which allows Think-Tank to feel superior while being guided toward the correct interpretation.
2. If I were in Noodle’s place, I would respectfully suggest corrections and provide logical explanations without directly criticising him.
3. Although electronic media is popular, books cannot be completely replaced. They provide deep knowledge, concentration, and lasting value.
4. Books are called man’s best companion because they provide knowledge, comfort, guidance, and entertainment. They help people grow intellectually and emotionally. My favourite book is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank because it teaches courage, hope, and resilience even in difficult times.
Talk About It
1. Think-Tank misinterprets “Mistress Mary” as proof that Earthlings can grow metals and explosives. He thinks “Hey Diddle Diddle” shows animals trained for space missions. He believes “Humpty Dumpty” is about him and that Earthlings are planning an invasion of Mars.
2. The aliens speak English for the convenience of the audience. In reality, they may have a completely different language made up of unknown symbols and sounds.
Why NCERT solutions help students NCERT solutions help students understand the chapter clearly, learn exam-oriented answer structure, improve writing skills, revise important themes quickly, and build confidence before exams. These structured solutions follow the NCERT pattern closely, making preparation easier and more effective.