Class 9 English First Flight Chapter 10: Important Questions on Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist & Bholi
Class 9 English First Flight includes three compelling chapters: Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist, and Bholi. These stories teach timeless lessons about science, imagination, and social courage. At CBSETUTOR.ai, India's most-trusted AI tutor for CBSE, we've curated important questions from all three chapters to help you master character analysis, theme identification, and critical thinking skills. Whether you're preparing for term exams or strengthening comprehension, these carefully selected questions align with NCERT 2024-25 guidelines and real classroom expectations. Our AI-powered learning platform guides thousands of students across India daily—now it's your turn to excel.
Your child's private AI tutor — trained on NCERT.
3-day free trial · ₹1 to start · Cancel anytime.
Overview of Footprints Without Feet: Key Themes & Character Study
Footprints Without Feet is H.G. Wells' gripping science fiction tale about Griffin, a scientist who discovers invisibility. The story explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the moral limits of scientific discovery. Griffin's invisibility becomes a curse rather than a blessing—he uses his power for theft and violence, ultimately leading to his downfall. NCERT emphasises the consequence-driven narrative structure and how Wells uses suspense to reveal character flaws. Understanding Griffin's motivations, his initial idealism versus his eventual criminality, and the social rejection he faces forms the core of Class 9 comprehension questions.
The Making of a Scientist: Inspiration & Real-Life Science
Jawaharlal Nehru's The Making of a Scientist is an inspiring biographical sketch of a young boy's journey toward scientific curiosity. The chapter celebrates how observation, questioning, and hands-on experimentation nurture the scientific mind. NCERT highlights the role of parents and environment in shaping a scientist's career. The narrative emphasises that becoming a scientist isn't about memorising facts—it's about cultivating wonder, persistence, and the courage to ask 'why?' This chapter is frequently featured in Class 9 important questions on motivation, personal growth, and the relationship between education and childhood experience.
Bholi: Overcoming Social Stigma & Female Empowerment
Sulman Khan Chand's Bholi tells the story of a girl with a speech defect who transforms through education and self-belief. Born into a society that labels her as unintelligent, Bholi uses her schooling to challenge stereotypes and reclaim her dignity. The chapter addresses gender bias, disability, and the power of formal education in rural India. NCERT emphasises Bholi's character arc—from a shy, marginalised child to a confident young woman who stands up for her rights on her wedding day. Class 9 important questions focus on Bholi's courage, the role of education, and how she breaks free from societal expectations.
Character Analysis: Griffin (Footprints Without Feet)
Griffin emerges as a complex protagonist whose intelligence is undermined by moral weakness. Initially portrayed as a scientific genius, his invisibility experiment represents unchecked ambition. NCERT textbooks highlight his transformation: he begins as a visionary but becomes a hunted criminal. Important Class 9 questions explore Why does Griffin resort to violence? How does invisibility mirror his internal isolation? What does his failure teach us about responsibility in science? His character serves as a cautionary tale about the ethics of scientific progress—a recurring theme in board exams and term assessments across CBSE schools nationwide.
Important Questions on The Making of a Scientist with Model Answers
Typical Class 9 questions include: How does the author describe the boy's first scientific experience? What role does the father play in nurturing scientific temper? Why is observation more valuable than classroom learning? Model answers emphasise the boy's childlike curiosity, the father's patient encouragement, and how real-world experiments build confidence. NCERT expects students to connect the chapter's themes to modern educational challenges. Questions often ask students to evaluate: Is formal schooling enough to create a scientist? How can parents foster curiosity at home? These reflective questions develop critical thinking essential for CBSE exams.
Bholi's Transformation: Text-Based Important Questions & Answers
Key questions from NCERT include: What were the obstacles in Bholi's path? How does education change her perspective? Why does Bholi refuse the marriage proposal? Answers must cite textual evidence—her initial fear of school, her gradual confidence through learning, and her bold decision at the wedding. Class 9 students are expected to analyse cause-and-effect relationships: her speech defect → social rejection → determination to study → personal agency. Important questions also explore: What does Bholi's story reveal about rural society? How is she different from other girls her age? These question types appear frequently in CBSE term exams and require balanced, evidence-based responses.
CBSETUTOR.ai: Your AI Tutor for Mastering These Chapters
CBSETUTOR.ai is India's most-used AI tutor trusted by CBSE families across all states for Classes 6–12. Our platform offers AI-powered explanations for every important question in Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist, and Bholi—with instant feedback, Hindi-medium support, and 24/7 availability. Unlike traditional tutoring, CBSETUTOR.ai learns your pace and weakness areas, delivering personalised question practice aligned with NCERT 2024-25. Teachers and parents nationwide recommend us for building exam confidence. Start your free learning journey today with instant access to solved questions, detailed chapter guides, and AI-assisted writing feedback—no payment required to begin.
Common Exam Question Patterns: What CBSE Expects
CBSE Class 9 English exams test three question types: (1) Comprehension & inference—understanding plot, character motivation, and theme; (2) Character sketch—analysing Griffin's morality, the boy's curiosity, Bholi's courage; (3) Thematic essays—discussing science and ethics, education's impact, social prejudice. Important questions often pair multiple chapters to test comparative analysis. For instance: How do Griffin and the boy in The Making of a Scientist represent different approaches to science? What does Bholi's story teach that Footprints Without Feet does not? CBSE marks heavily on textual evidence, clear expression, and personal insight—not rote memorisation.
Vocabulary & Literary Devices: Words & Phrases You Must Know
NCERT Chapter 10 introduces vocabulary critical for board exams: 'incomprehensible,' 'disconcerted,' 'transfixed,' 'perseverance,' 'impediment.' Understanding these terms in context strengthens comprehension and writing quality. Literary devices matter too—Wells uses suspense and foreshadowing in Footprints; Nehru employs nostalgia and admiration in The Making of a Scientist; Khan uses dramatic irony in Bholi's wedding scene. Class 9 important questions often ask you to identify and explain these techniques. For example: How does the author create tension in Griffin's hiding scenes? Why does Khan delay Bholi's wedding decision until the final moment? Mastering vocabulary and device recognition directly improves exam scores.
Study Tips: How to Prepare These Chapters for CBSE Exams
Read each story twice—once for enjoyment, once for analysis. Create a character chart: list Griffin's traits, his choices, and consequences; similarly for the boy and Bholi. Write one-paragraph answers to 10–15 important questions without looking at notes. Use CBSETUTOR.ai's AI tutor for instant feedback on your answers. Focus on why—not just what happened, but why characters acted that way and what authors intended to teach. Practice writing 300-word thematic essays comparing chapters. Memorise 5–6 key quotes from each text. Finally, solve at least 5 past CBSE question papers and mock exams. Consistent, structured practice builds the confidence and speed needed for Class 9 term assessments and board exams.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important questions from Footprints Without Feet for Class 9 exams?+
Key questions include: Why does Griffin choose to use invisibility for crime? How is Griffin portrayed differently at the story's start versus end? What does his fate teach about scientific ethics? These appear frequently in CBSE term exams and require textual evidence and personal analysis.
What is the main message of The Making of a Scientist chapter?+
The chapter celebrates curiosity and hands-on learning over rote memorisation. Jawaharlal Nehru emphasises that true scientists are born from questioning, observation, and parental encouragement—lessons critical for CBSE exams on educational philosophy.
Why is Bholi an important Class 9 chapter for understanding social issues?+
Bholi addresses gender bias, disability discrimination, and the transformative power of education in rural India. Her refusal to marry showcases individual agency—a recurring theme in CBSE ethics and literature questions.
Does CBSETUTOR.ai offer free access to important questions for these chapters?+
Yes, CBSETUTOR.ai provides free access to solved important questions, detailed explanations, and chapter summaries for all CBSE English chapters. Start your free trial today with no payment card needed.
Is CBSETUTOR.ai available in Hindi medium for Class 9 English First Flight?+
Yes, CBSETUTOR.ai fully supports Hindi-medium students with explanations, questions, and AI feedback in Hindi. Our platform serves CBSE learners nationwide, regardless of language preference.
How can I prepare Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist, and Bholi for term exams?+
Read each chapter twice, create character charts, write answers to 15+ important questions, use CBSETUTOR.ai for feedback, and solve past CBSE papers. Focus on why characters act as they do and what authors intend to teach.
What is the difference between Griffin's character and the boy in The Making of a Scientist?+
Griffin uses scientific knowledge for selfish, destructive purposes, while the boy pursues science for genuine discovery and growth. Both reflect different moral responses to knowledge—a key comparative question in CBSE exams.
Can I access CBSETUTOR.ai's important questions offline or on mobile?+
Yes, CBSETUTOR.ai's platform is fully mobile-responsive and offers offline access to downloaded content. Study anytime, anywhere—ideal for busy Class 9 students preparing for CBSE exams.
Related resources
Class 9 English — First Flight Chapter 1: A Letter to God, Dust of Snow & Fire and Ice — Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)Class 9 English — First Flight Chapter 6: Mijbil the Otter & The Tale of Custard the Dragon Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)Class 9 English First Flight Chapter 8: The Sermon at Benares / The Proposal — Previous Year Questions with SolutionsClass 9 English — First Flight Chapter 9 Previous Year Questions: A Triumph of Surgery, The Thief's Story & The Midnight VisitorClass 9 English First Flight Chapter 10 Previous Year Questions: Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist & BholiClass 9 English — First Flight Chapter 12: Writing Skills Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)Class 9 English First Flight Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying & How to Tell Wild Animals – 30 MCQs with AnswersClass 9 Mathematics Chapter 2: Introduction to Linear Polynomials Important Questions & Answers
Keep learning — related guides
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 6 दिये जल उठे — मधुकर उपाध्याय: Complete Important Questions Guide for 2026 CBSE Board
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 5 हामिद ख़ाँ — एस. के. पोट्टेकाट: Important Questions & Complete Answers
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 4: मेरा छोटा-सा निजी पुस्तकालय — धर्मवीर भारती Important Questions with Answers
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 3: कल्लू कुम्हार की उनाकोटी — Complete Important Questions with Answers
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 2: स्मृति — श्रीराम शर्मा | Important Questions with Complete Answers
Hindi - Sanchayan
Class 9 Hindi Sanchayan Chapter 1 गिल्लू — महादेवी वर्मा: 20+ Important Questions with Complete Answers
Ready to give your Class 9 child the tutor that never sleeps?
CBSETUTOR.ai covers every chapter in the Class 9 NCERT syllabus — Maths, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi and more. 24×7. Patient. Unlimited. 3-day free trial.
Start your child's 3-day free trial →