NCERT Class 10 English - First Flight – All Chapters

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Chapter 1.0 – Letter to God

Lencho, a poor farmer, writes a letter to God asking for help after a hailstorm destroys his crops. The postmaster and employees, moved by his faith, collect money and send him part of it. Lencho, however, believes the post office took the rest, showing his unwavering faith in God.

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Chapter 1.1 – Dust of Snows

A simple encounter with nature— a crow shaking snow from a tree— brightened the poet’s mood and salvaged a gloomy day.

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Chapter 1.2 – Fire and Ice

The poet reflects on how the world might end— either in fire, symbolizing desire, or in ice, symbolizing hate— and suggests both are powerful enough to bring destruction.

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Chapter 2.0 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela recounts his journey from childhood freedom to the harsh realities of apartheid in South Africa. He describes the sacrifices made by countless patriots and the struggle for equality, leading to his election as the first black President in 1994. Mandela emphasizes that true freedom is indivisible, and one’s liberty is linked to the freedom of all people.

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Chapter 2.1 – A Tiger in the Zoo

The poem depicts a tiger confined in a cage, stripped of its natural freedom and power, forced to pace silently while longing for the wild it was meant to roam.

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Chapter 3 – Two Stories about Flying

In His First Flight, a young seagull overcomes fear and takes his first flight, discovering the joy and freedom of flying. In The Black Aeroplane, a pilot lost in a storm is mysteriously guided to safety by an unseen plane, highlighting courage, trust, and the unseen forces that help us in danger.

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Chapter 3.2 – The Ball Poem

The poem reflects a boy’s experience of losing his ball, teaching him early about loss, responsibility, and the reality that some things cannot be replaced.

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Chapter 4.0 – From the Diary of Anne Frank

Anne Frank begins her diary to confide in an imagined friend, Kitty, sharing her thoughts, family life, and school experiences. She humorously describes her habit of talking in class, her interactions with teachers, and her creative efforts to turn punishments into poetry, revealing her intelligence, wit, and lively personality.

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Chapter 4.1 – Amanda!

The poem contrasts the strict, nagging voice of Amanda’s daily life with her vivid imagination, where she experiences freedom, adventure, and joy beyond everyday rules.

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Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India: A Baker from Goa

The chapters explore the vibrant traditions and landscapes of India. From the cheerful Goan baker (Pader) and his village role, to the scenic hills and coffee estates of Coorg with its proud people, and the sprawling tea gardens of Assam with their rich history and culture, each story celebrates local life, heritage, and the charm of everyday experiences.

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Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India: Coorg

The chapters explore the vibrant traditions and landscapes of India. From the cheerful Goan baker (Pader) and his village role, to the scenic hills and coffee estates of Coorg with its proud people, and the sprawling tea gardens of Assam with their rich history and culture, each story celebrates local life, heritage, and the charm of everyday experiences.

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Chapter 5 – Glimpses of India: Tea from Assam

The chapters explore the vibrant traditions and landscapes of India. From the cheerful Goan baker (Pader) and his village role, to the scenic hills and coffee estates of Coorg with its proud people, and the sprawling tea gardens of Assam with their rich history and culture, each story celebrates local life, heritage, and the charm of everyday experiences.

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Chapter 6.0 – Mijbil the Otter

Gavin Maxwell adopts an otter named Mijbil from Iraq and brings him to Scotland and later to London. Mijbil, playful and intelligent, forms a deep bond with Maxwell, creating chaos and joy alike. The story captures the unique charm, intelligence, and antics of the otter, along with Maxwell’s affection and patience in raising him.

3.1

Chapter 3.1 – How to Tell Wild Animals

The poem humorously guides the reader on how to identify wild animals— from the Asian lion and Bengal tiger to leopards, bears, crocodiles, hyenas, and chameleons—by their distinctive traits and behaviors.

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Chapter 7.0 – Madam Rides the Bus

Valli, an adventurous eight-year-old girl, dreams of riding the village bus to town. Carefully saving money and planning her journey, she experiences the excitement, sights, and small adventures of her first solo bus ride. Her joy is tinged with a moment of sadness when she witnesses a dead cow on the roadside, but her curiosity and courage shine throughout.

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Chapter 7.1 – The Tale of Custard the Dragon Ogden Nash

The poem tells the playful story of Belinda and her quirky pets, highlighting their adventures, courage, and humor, especially Custard the dragon, who surprises everyone by bravely defeating a pirate.

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Chapter 8.0 – The Sermon at Benares

Kisa Gotami, grief-stricken over the death of her child, seeks a cure and turns to Buddha. He teaches her the universality of death, showing that all lives are transient and sorrow is part of existence. Through this lesson, Kisa understands impermanence and attains peace of mind.

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Chapter 8.1 – For Anne Gregory

The poem reflects on the idea that superficial beauty, like golden hair, often attracts love, but true affection for one’s inner self is rare, suggesting only divine love is entirely selfless.

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Chapter 9.0 – The Proposal

Lomov nervously visits Chubukov to propose to his daughter, Natalya, but trivial disputes over land and dogs turn the meeting into heated arguments. Despite the chaos, the couple eventually reconciles, and Natalya accepts Lomov’s proposal, highlighting Chekhov’s humorous take on human quarrels and love.