Two Stories About Flying Part-I His First Flight Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based| Class 10  First Flight

This page offers Two Stories About Flying Part-I His First Flight long answer type question for Class 10  from the book First Flight.   We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Two Stories About Flying Part-I His First Flight long answer type question

Two Stories About Flying Part-I His First Flight Long Answer Type Question

By– Liam O’Flaherty

1. Question: Describe the young seagull’s emotions and thoughts as he stands on the edge, preparing for his first flight. What fears might he face, and how does he overcome them?

Answer:  The young seagull felt a mix of excitement and fear as he stood on the edge of the cliff. He wanted to fly like his brothers and sisters, soaring through the air and feeling the wind beneath his wings. But he was scared too. He was thinking “What if I fall into the vast sea below? ” What if his wings weren’t strong enough?

The seagull tried to be brave. He reminded himself how his siblings had learned to fly. If they could do it, so could he! He saw his mother circling nearby, a fish held in her beak. His hunger grew stronger, and it battled with his fear.

Finally, the seagull’s desire to eat and join his family became too great. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and leaped off the ledge. He felt the air rush past him, but something amazing happened – his wings started to work!

2. Question: How does the family’s behaviour towards the young seagull change from the beginning to the end of the story, and what does this signify about their intentions?

Answer:  At the start of the story, the young seagull’s family doesn’t help him right away when he’s afraid to fly. They even call him by some irrititating names. This might make the little seagull feel like they don’t care about him.

But the truth is, his family is trying to help him learn a very important lesson. They want him to be strong and independent. Imagine if our parents always helped us with everything – we wouldn’t learn to do things ourselves! The seagull’s family acts tough because they want him to find his own courage.

In the end, when the young seagull finally figures out how to fly, the family’s true feelings come out. They are so happy and proud of him! They fly around him, cheering and offering him food. This shows they love him very much, and they always believed he could do it.

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3. Question: Reflect on the moment the young seagull makes his first successful flight. What does this moment represent in his life, and how might it affect his future?

Answer:  The young seagull’s first flight was a special moment for him. Before this, he was too scared to fly. 

On the day of his first flight, he was really hungry, and his mom tried to help him. She brought a piece of fish close to him but not close enough for him to grab it without flying. He wanted that fish so badly that he finally jumped towards it. 

At first, he was terrified and thought he was going to fall, but then he felt his wings spread out, and he started flying. He wasn’t just falling; he was moving forward and down in a smooth glide. Suddenly, he wasn’t scared anymore. He even started to enjoy it and flew up to join his family.

This experience not only boosts his self-confidence but also solidifies his place within his family and community. In the future, this newfound confidence and skill will lead him to explore more, take on new challenges, and maybe even help his own siblings or future offspring learn to fly.

4. Question: Consider the young seagull’s perspective as he first views the vast ocean from above while flying. How might this new perspective change his understanding of the world around him?

Answer:  Seeing the vast ocean for the first time from high above was a huge moment for the young seagull. Before this, he had only seen the sea from the edge of his cliff, which made it look big but not endless. Now, flying high above, the sea looked like a never-ending green carpet that went on forever. This made the seagull realise just how big the world really is, and how small he and his worries are in comparison.

This new view of the world might make the young seagull want to explore more and see what else is out there. He might become more curious about different places beyond his home cliff and the endless sea. This could make him want to go on adventures, learn new things, and maybe even meet new friends. Seeing the world from this new perspective could change how he thinks about his home, his family, and himself. It’s like he’s opened a door to a whole new world of possibilities, and now he’s just starting to step through it.

5. Question: Discuss the significance of the family offering food to the young seagull after his first flight. What does this act symbolise in terms of family support and recognition of his achievement?

Answer: We see that the young seagull’s daring first flight, his family’s gesture of offering him food is deeply meaningful. This moment is not just about feeding him but is a warm celebration of his big leap into independence. It’s as if they’re clapping for him, saying, “You did it! You’re one of us now.” 

This act of sharing food is a sign of acceptance and pride from his family, making the young seagull feel loved and supported.

This family celebration does more than just fill his stomach; it fills his heart with joy and confidence. It’s a moment that says, “We saw you being brave, and we’re all here for you.” This kind of support is like a strong wind beneath his wings, giving him the courage to soar even higher in the future.

As he grows, this memory of love and support will remind him that he’s never alone, and with courage and the support of loved ones, he can conquer any height. This first successful flight, celebrated by his family’s loving gesture, marks the beginning of many more adventures and achievements in the young seagull’s life.

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6. Question: Imagine the young seagull’s life a few months after his first flight. How might his experiences influence his interactions with his siblings and other young birds?

Answer: A few months after his first flight, the young seagull is likely more confident and skilled in flying. He might thank his mother and the younger siblings for encouraging him to take his first flight. He might have shared his experience with the other young birds, and taught them the lessons he learned about courage, perseverance, and the joy of flying. 

Having mastered flying, the young seagull now sees the world from a new perspective. His experiences in the air, going into the vast skies, and overcoming his old fears have told him valuable skills. This newfound confidence and expertise are likely to influence how he talks to his siblings and other young birds. 

The young seagull might find himself in the role of a guide or mentor, sharing stories of his own challenges and triumphs. He could teach them the intricacies of flight, from the basic techniques to more advanced manoeuvres. His advice would carry the weight of personal experience, making it all the more impactful for those still learning.

7. Question: How does the young seagull’s initial fear of flying reflect common fears faced by individuals when trying new things? Relate this to a human experience.

Answer: The young seagull’s initial fear of flying is very similar to the nervous feelings we all face when we try something new for the first time. 

Imagine the first time one tries to ride a bike or have to speak in front of a lot of people. It’s scary because one doesn’t know what will happen. one might fall off the bike or forget what to say. But just like the seagull, you have to face your fear and try.

When the seagull finally flew, he must have felt amazing, just like you feel when you finally ride the bike without falling or finish your speech and everyone claps. That moment when you realise you can do it is really special. It makes you feel strong and happy inside.

This first success is important because it helps you grow. It makes you want to try even more new things and not be so scared of making mistakes. It’s like unlocking a door to all sorts of adventures. And just like the seagull, once you’ve done it, you might even help others do the same, like teaching a friend to ride a bike or giving someone tips on how to speak in public. Overcoming that first big fear shows you that with a little courage, you can do anything you set your mind to.

8. Question: Reflect on the role of the environment, specifically the ledge and the sea, in the young seagull’s journey to his first flight. How do these elements contribute to his story?

 Answer: In the young seagull’s journey, the ledge and the sea play important roles. The ledge is where he starts, safe but limited. It’s like being in a small, familiar place where you feel secure. 

The sea below is like the big, wide world with all its mysteries and challenges. When the seagull jumps off the ledge, it’s a big moment. It’s like he’s saying goodbye to his old, safe life and hello to a new, exciting one.

Flying over the sea is his first big adventure. It shows him there’s so much more to see and do. The sea, with its endless waves, is like all the new experiences waiting for him. It’s a bit scary but also thrilling.

This flight from the ledge, over the sea, is a big lesson for the young seagull. It teaches him about bravery, about trying new things, and about growing up. It’s a journey that starts with a single brave step, or in his case, a leap. And it’s a journey that leads to a whole new world of possibilities.

9. Question: How does the young seagull’s story illustrate the learning process, from initial failure and fear to eventual success and confidence?

Answer: The young seagull’s story is a perfect example of how we learn and grow. At first, he was too scared to fly. He watched his family fly away, but he just couldn’t bring himself to jump. He was afraid he might fail, and that fear kept him stuck on the ledge.

But then, something changed. His mother showed him a piece of fish, tempting him. He was so hungry and wanted that fish so badly that he forgot his fear for a moment and leaped towards it. That leap was scary, but it was also the moment he learned to fly. Suddenly, he was doing what he was afraid of, and it felt amazing. He wasn’t falling; he was soaring

This is a lot like when we try new things. We might be scared at first, maybe it’s riding a bike, swimming, or speaking in front of a class. We’re afraid we might fall, or fail, or embarrass ourselves. But like the young seagull, we have to take that leap. We might wobble, we might get a little scared, but then we find our balance, our voice, or our stroke, and we’re doing it. We’re learning and growing.

10. Question: Consider the emotional transformation of the young seagull’s parents from the beginning to the end of the story. How do their feelings evolve, and what does this say about the nature of parental support?

Answer: In the story, the young seagull’s parents first seem tough. They scold him and say they will let him starve if he doesn’t fly. This might seem harsh. But they are trying to teach him an important skill he needs to survive.

As the story progresses, we see the parents’ true feelings. After the young seagull flies for the first time, they are very proud. They fly around him, calling out happily. They even bring him food as a reward. This shows they were tough only to help him learn.

This change in the parents’ behaviour teaches us about how parents support their children. Sometimes, they push us to try hard things. This might feel scary or tough at first. But when we succeed, they are the first to celebrate our success. This mix of challenge and support helps us grow and learn new skills.

11. Question: If hunger and isolation hadn’t forced the young seagull to fly, what would his ledge life be like, and how might this affect his future and family ties?

 Answer: If the young seagull hadn’t been pushed by his hunger and feeling alone, he might have stayed on the ledge for a long time. He would have become more scared of flying. This would have made him rely more on his family for everything.

Staying on the ledge would have made things difficult with his family. They might have thought he didn’t want to learn how to live like a seagull. This could have made him feel left out or even more alone when he saw his family flying and he was still on the ledge.

As time went by, not flying could have made him miss out on a lot. Seagulls need to fly to find food and be with other seagulls. If he didn’t fly, he wouldn’t learn these important things.

This story shows us it’s important to try new things, even if they scare us. Overcoming our fears helps us grow and be part of our community. If the young seagull had never flown, he would have missed so much in life. It’s a good lesson for all of us about facing our fears and trying, even when it’s hard.

12. Question: Consider an alternate scenario where the young seagull’s first flight attempt was unsuccessful. How might this failure impact his psychological state and his family’s approach to encouraging him to fly again?

Answer: If the young seagull’s first try at flying had failed, it might have made him very unsure of himself. He could have become really scared to try flying again. This fear might have made him not want to leave the ledge at all.

Seeing their child so scared and unsure, his family might have changed how they help him. Instead of pushing him to try again right away. They might have been gentler with him. They could have started showing him how to fly in small, easy steps. This would help him feel safer and more confident.

His family might have spent more time with him, showing him how to use his wings in a way that didn’t seem so scary. They could have encouraged him more, cheering for him even when he just made little jumps.

Over time, with lots of patience and gentle encouragement, the young seagull might have started to feel a bit braver. He might have begun to believe that he could fly, just like his family. 

13. Question: If the young seagull tries new places after his first flight, what problems could he meet, and how might these change him and his flying skills?

Answer: Inspired by his first successful flight, if the young seagull decides to explore new areas, he might face several new challenges. He might come across different kinds of weather, some of which could be very tough to fly in, like strong winds or heavy rain. He might also meet predators that he’s never seen before, which could be dangerous. Finding food could be harder too, especially if he goes to places where he’s not sure where to look.

Facing these challenges would not only test his courage but also help him grow stronger and more capable. He would learn how to navigate through tough weather, which would make him an even better flyer. Dealing with predators and finding food in new places would teach him to be smart and quick. These experiences would shape him into a more resilient and skilled seagull, ready to take on whatever comes his way in the future. This journey of exploration and overcoming obstacles would be an important part of his journey to becoming a wise and brave seagull.

14. Question: If the young seagull told his story to the next generation, what would he say he learned from his first flight and how he felt?

 Answer: If the young seagull shared his story with any other baby seagulls, he would tell them a lot about what he learned from flying for the first time. 

First, he would say that it’s really important to not be scared, even when something feels really, really scary. He would talk about how he was afraid to fly at first, but then he found out that flying was amazing. 

He would explain that even when you’re scared, you have to try because that’s how you find out you can do great things. He would also say that it’s okay to be scared at the beginning because everyone feels that way when they try new things. But the best part, he would share, is when you finally do it, and you feel so happy and proud of yourself. He would want all the young seagulls to know that they can fly too if they just give it a try and don’t give up, just like he didn’t.

15. Question: Reflecting on the young seagull’s initial fear of flying, what does this story teach us about the importance of facing our fears, and how can this lesson be applied in our own lives?

Answer: The young seagull’s story is a powerful reminder that facing our fears is a key part of growing and finding new chances in life. 

At first, the young seagull was really scared to fly. He watched his family flying and wanted to join them, but he just couldn’t make himself take that first leap. 

This fear is something we all feel when we’re about to do something we’ve never done before. 

It could be trying out for a team, speaking in front of people, or learning something new. The story shows us that when we finally face our fears, like the seagull did when he took his first flight, we discover new strengths and abilities we didn’t know we had. This bravery can lead us to amazing experiences that we would have missed if we had let our fears hold us back. So, in our own lives, when we’re scared to try something new, we should remember the young seagull. Just like he learned to fly, we can overcome our fears and do things we never thought possible.

16. Question: Considering the family’s role in the young seagull’s first flight, how does this story highlight the value of support and encouragement from loved ones in overcoming personal challenges?

Answer: The story shows us something important. Family and friends can really help us. They give us the push we need to try hard things. When they cheer us on, scary stuff seems less scary. Think about when you’re scared to do something. Like talking in front of people. Or trying out for a team. If your family or friends are there, it helps, right? They say, “You can do it!” And you start to believe it too.

This is a big part of the story. Having people who believe in you is a big help. They don’t have to push you for real. But their support can make you brave enough to try. And when you try, you might find out you can do things you were scared of. It feels great. It’s like finding out you’re stronger than you thought. All because someone was there for you. So, the story is not just about being brave. It’s also about how being brave is easier with friends and family by your side.

17. Question: The moment the young seagull takes his first flight represents a significant achievement. What does this tell us about the value of perseverance and determination, and how can these values be fostered in young learners?

Answer: The story of the young seagull learning to fly teaches us an important lesson about perseverance and courage. At first, the seagull was too scared to fly. He watched his family soaring in the sky, but he just couldn’t bring himself to take that first leap.

Despite his fear, the young seagull didn’t give up. He kept thinking about flying, even though it seemed daunting. Then, one day, with a little encouragement from his growling stomach and a longing to be with his family, he summoned the courage to try again. And this time, something remarkable happened – he flew!

This story shows us that it’s normal to feel scared when facing new challenges. What’s crucial is not letting that fear stop us from trying. Each attempt, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal. Just like the young seagull, we can learn that by being brave and persevering, even when things seem tough, we can achieve great things.

So, when we encounter obstacles in our own lives, we can remember the young seagull’s journey. We can find inspiration in his determination to overcome his fears and soar to new heights. This story reminds us that with patience, persistence, and a belief in ourselves, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

18. Question: How does the young seagull’s encounter with the sea symbolise the process of learning and discovery, and what lessons can we learn about exploring the unknown?

Answer: The sea below the young seagull symbolises the unknown. His exploration of this new environment represents the process of discovery and learning in life. This interaction with the sea teaches us an important lesson about venturing into the unknown.

Just like the young seagull, when we step into unfamiliar areas, we face uncertainties and challenges. However, by these new experiences, we open ourselves up to valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. The sea, with its vastness and mystery, reminds us of the vast potential for learning and discovery that lies beyond our comfort zones.

Through the young seagull’s journey, we learn the value of curiosity and courage in facing the unknown. Venturing into uncharted territories allows us to expand our horizons, gain new perspectives, and develop essential skills for navigating life’s challenges.

So, the young seagull’s interaction with the sea encourages us to embrace the unknown with an open mind and a sense of adventure. 

19. Question: Compare and contrast the young seagull in the beginning and at the end of the lesson. You can use the words given in the following box. 


frightened coward terrified desperate afraid impatient confident joyous triumphant amused 

Ans. In the beginning, the seagull is a coward. He lacks confidence. The time has come when he should fly. His parents try to teach him how to fly. But he is too afraid to fly. He refuses to fly. His parents leave him alone on the ledge. They threaten him that he would starve. His brothers and sister make fun of him. They call him a coward. Even then the seagull does not fly. However, he falls from the rock when he tries to get the fish from his mother. The next moment he flaps his wings and starts flying. Now he is full of confidence. He starts crying with joy. He flies higher and higher. He is no longer afraid. He overcomes his fear of the water also. He finds that he can float on the surface of the seta. His family members praise him and give him pieces of fish to eat. In this way, there is a difference in the behaviour of the seagull at the beginning and end of the story.

20. Question: Describe the methods used by the seagull family to help the young seagull overcome his fear and fly. 

Answer: This story is about a young seagull. The time had come when he should fly like his parents and brothers and sister. But he was afraid to fly. His parents tried their best to teach him how to fly. But he refused to fly. They left him alone on his ledge. They threatened him that he would starve. Even then he was too afraid to fly. His brothers and sister made fun of him. They laughed at his cowardice. At last, his mother thought of a plan. She took a piece of fish in her beak and flew towards him. She came near him but did not land on the ledge. The young seagull was very hungry. He came to the brink of the ledge. In order to get food, he dived at the fish. But he fell from the rock. He became terrified. But it was only for a moment. The next moment, he flapped his wings and started flying. In this way, his mother was able to make him fly. 

21. Question: What message does the story ‘His First Flight’ convey? 

Answer: The story “His First Flight” teaches us an important lesson: we learn by being brave and trying new things, not by staying afraid and doing nothing. In the story, a young seagull is afraid to fly. His parents try to teach him, but he’s too scared. Then, his mother comes up with a plan. She flies near him with food, but she doesn’t land. So, the hungry seagull comes to the edge of the rock to get the food and accidentally falls. But instead of falling, he starts flying! He learns that he can fly when he’s brave.

This story tells us that sometimes, we have to be brave and take risks to learn and grow. If we always stay afraid and don’t try new things, we’ll never know what we’re capable of. So, like the young seagull, we should have courage and try, even if it seems scary at first. That’s how we learn and become better at things.

22. Question: The mother of young seagull picked up a piece of fish but still did not come nearer to give him. Why did she do so ? Did she lack love for her son or she wanted to make him courageous ? What values does the mother depict through her act ? Write in 100-120 words.

Ans. The young seagull was terribly afraid to fly. His parents encouraged him to make his first flight. But he could not do so. Then, the mother picked up a piece of fish but did not go near to give him. The seagull was extremely hungry. He started crying so that his mother would give him some food. But after coming towards him, the mother stopped opposite to him but almost within his reach. When the seagull dived to get the piece, she swooped upwards. Maddened by hunger, the young seagull spread his wings upwards and started flying. This shows that the mother wanted her son to become courageous. This shows that sometimes parents take such harsh steps for their kids which may appear wrong at that time but later prove to be beneficial for their kids. 

23. Question: Was the young seagull the same at the beginning and at the end of the lesson? Compare and contrast the two kinds of the same seagull in the lesson.

Ans. No, the young seagull was not the same bird at the beginning and at the end of the lesson. In the beginning, the young seagull used to be all alone on his ledge. His two brothers and his sister had flown away the day before. He had been afraid of flying with them. Whenever he tried to flap his wings, he was seized with fear. He felt certain that his wings would never support him. His father and mother flew around calling to him shrilly. They were constantly scolding and taunting him. They were threatening to let him starve on his ledge unless he flew away.

 However, the young seagull was more confident and sure of his success in the end. Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish. After trials and errors, his wings spread outwards. He was soaring gradually downwards forgetting all his hesitations and fears. He could float on the ocean now. His success was welcomed by his family. They were praising him now and their beaks were offering him their scraps of dog-fish.

24. Question: ‘All parental acts are for the betterment of the children.’ It is true. However, one has to make efforts through trials and errors shedding off one’s early hesitations and fears to succeed in any enterprise. Justify this statement by taking points from the lesson ‘His First Flight’.

Answer: There is no doubt about it ‘All parental acts are for the betterment of the children’. It is the ardent wish of every parent that they may teach all skills to their young ones so that they may succeed in life. 

First of all, they can learn all the things which their parents have taught in life. If the young ones don’t act then they also indulge in scolding, taunting and insulting them to shed off their hesitations and fears. This is exactly what the parents of the young seagull did. They were successful in teaching the art of flying to his two brothers and sister. They also tried their best to embolden him to take the plunge. Particularly, the mother-seagull went on flying around him with a piece of fish in her beak. It was her attempt to tempt her starving son to dive at the fish. And she succeeded in her aim. The young seagull did dive at the fish and it led to his success in the end.

25. Question: ‘Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish,’ says the narrator about the young seagull. Do you feel hunger was the main motivating force that made the young seagull take the plunge that taught him how to fly in the air?

Answer: The young seagull sat alone on his ledge, feeling scared whenever he thought about flying. He watched his brother catch a fish, which made him feel even more helpless. Then, when his mother flew near with a piece of fish, he couldn’t resist his hunger and dived for it, falling into space. At first, he was terrified, thinking he would fall into the sea. But then, something amazing happened – his wings spread out, and he began to glide toward the water below. As he floated on the water, his fear slowly disappeared, replaced by a sense of wonder at his newfound ability to fly. Seeing how brave he was, his family cheered him on and offered him food as he flew around, exploring his new world. This heartwarming tale teaches us that even in our moments of fear and doubt, hunger can give us the courage to take flight and discover our true potential.