The Book That Saved The Earth Long Answer Type Question

This page offers The Book That Saved The Earth long answer type question for Class 10 from the book Footprints Without Feet. 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 The Book That Saved The Earth long answer type question

1. Describe how Think-Tank’s arrogance leads to his downfall in the story. What can we learn from this about the importance of humility?

Answer: Think-Tank’s arrogance leads to his downfall because he thinks he is the smartest and most powerful being in the universe. He believes Earthlings are silly and their books are sandwiches or communication devices. His overconfidence makes him blind to what is really happening.

When he misreads simple nursery rhymes as serious threats, he gets scared and orders a retreat from Earth. This shows that his arrogance stops him from understanding and learning.

It also makes him make foolish decisions out of fear. From this story, we learn that humility is important. Being humble means being open to new ideas and willing to listen to others.

2. Imagine you are Noodle. Write a diary entry about your day and how you manage to deal with Think-Tank’s orders and mistakes.

Answer: Dear Diary,

Today was another busy day with Think-Tank. As usual, he gave many orders, and I had to manage them carefully. Think-Tank is very smart, but sometimes he makes mistakes because he thinks he knows everything. I always have to find ways to correct him without making him angry.

In the morning, Think-Tank thought Earth’s books were sandwiches. It was funny, but I had to stay serious. I gently suggested that the Earthlings might use the books for communication instead.

Think-Tank then thought they were communication devices, so I had to hint again that they should listen to them. This didn’t work, so I finally suggested watching the books, leading to the discovery of the nursery rhymes.

Yours

Noodle

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3. How do the Martians’ misunderstandings about books create humour in the story? Give examples and explain why these misunderstandings are funny.

Answer: The Martians’ misunderstandings about books create humour because they make silly mistakes. First, Think-Tank thinks books are sandwiches since Earthlings are always eating. He even orders Sergeant Oop to eat a book, which is funny because books and sandwiches are so different.

Then, they think books are communication devices and try to listen to them, which makes us laugh because we know books are for reading, not listening. Finally, Think-Tank decides books are for eye communication and tells them to watch the books. They see nursery rhymes and think they are dangerous messages.

This is funny because the Martians are very serious about their wrong ideas. Their efforts to understand books in such strange ways make us laugh.

4. If you were Captain Omega, how would you handle the confusion about the books? What steps would you take to understand Earth better?

Answer: If I were Captain Omega, I would handle the confusion about the books by taking a few careful steps to understand Earth better. First, I would closely observe the Earthlings to see how they use the books.

Watching their behaviour would give me clues about the true purpose of the books. Second, I would try to learn the Earth language to read and understand the books. This would help me know what is written in them.

Third, I would use Earth technology, like computers and translators, to get more information about their culture and habits. Fourth, I would communicate with Earthlings directly, asking them about the books and their use. This would help clear up any misunderstandings.

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5. Imagine the story is set in the 21st century instead of the 25th century. How would the interaction between Martians and Earthlings change with modern technology?

Answer: If the story were set in the 21st century, the interaction between Martians and Earthlings would be very different because of modern technology. The Martians would encounter gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and computers, leading to new, funny misunderstandings. They might think smartphones are magic communication tools or try to “eat” a tablet, thinking it’s another type of Earth sandwich.

Modern technology would also allow for faster communication. Earthlings could use translation apps to talk with the Martians, making explanations easier. The Martians could use the internet to quickly learn about Earth culture by watching videos, reading articles, and even joining social media.

6. Think-Tank misinterprets nursery rhymes as serious threats. Create your own short story where a similar misunderstanding leads to a humorous situation.

Answer: Once upon a time, in a peaceful village, there lived a serious scientist named Dr. Fumble. One day, he found an old children’s book filled with nursery rhymes. Being very serious, he thought the rhymes contained secret codes.

He read “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water” and panicked, thinking Jack and Jill were spies gathering dangerous chemicals. He warned the village council about the spies.

Then, he read “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall” and believed it meant a powerful machine would cause an explosion. He ordered an evacuation. Finally, he read “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and thought it was about an alien invasion.

The villagers laughed at his serious misinterpretations and explained that nursery rhymes were just playful poems for children. Dr. Fumble, feeling embarrassed, laughed too and learned to enjoy nursery rhymes for their fun, light-hearted nature.

7. Discuss the role of books in “The Book That Saved the Earth.” How do they contrast with the Martians’ perception of Earth?

Answer: In “The Book That Saved the Earth,” books play an important role in preventing a Martian attack. The Earthlings use books for learning, entertainment, and preserving knowledge. The story shows that books are powerful tools for communication and understanding. They contain valuable information and ideas that can influence and shape minds.

In contrast, the Martians, led by Think-Tank, completely misunderstand the purpose of books. They think books are sandwiches or strange communication devices. This confusion highlights the Martians’ ignorance about Earth culture.

The Martians’ perception of Earth is based on fear and misunderstanding, while the Earthlings view books as sources of knowledge and comfort. This contrast emphasises the importance of literacy and education. It also shows how cultural differences can lead to funny yet significant misunderstandings.

8. Imagine you are an Earthling witnessing the Martian mission. Write a letter to a friend describing the Martians and their funny behaviour in the library.

Answer:

Dear Sarah,

Today, I saw something unbelievable at our local library—a Martian invasion! These Martians, led by their bossy leader Think-Tank, were both strange and funny. They had big, egg-shaped heads and shiny suits. But the funniest part? They thought our books were sandwiches! Sergeant Oop even tried to eat one, making hilarious faces as he pretended to chew.

They also mistook books for communication devices, holding them to their ears and then staring at the pages. They were completely baffled by nursery rhymes like “Humpty Dumpty,” thinking these were serious threats!

Their silly mistakes made it seem like a comedy show. Eventually, they fled, scared off by what they misunderstood about Earth. What a day!

Best wishes

[Your Name]

9. How does the character of Noodle demonstrate the value of intelligence combined with humility? Give examples from the text.

Answer: Noodle combines intelligence with humility effectively. Although he is very smart, he doesn’t show off. Instead, he uses his intelligence to subtly help Think-Tank and the other Martians.

For example, when Think-Tank incorrectly thinks that books are sandwiches, Noodle gently corrects him by offering alternative ideas in a respectful manner, making Think-Tank think the ideas are his own. This not only shows Noodle’s intelligence but also his humility and tact.

Noodle’s approach is effective in managing Think-Tank’s arrogance. He never argues or tries to outshine his leader; he calmly provides better solutions and supports Think-Tank throughout their mission. His ability to blend intelligence with humility prevents conflicts and keeps their plans moving smoothly, proving his value as a key member of the team.

10. Predict what happens to the Martians after they flee from Earth. How do they adapt to their new home, and what lessons do they learn from their experience with Earth?

Answer: After the Martians flee from Earth, they travel to a new planet far away. They are scared because they think Earthlings are very powerful. On their new planet, they start exploring and learning about its resources. The Martians remember their mistakes on Earth and decide to be more open-minded and curious.

They begin reading books as sources of knowledge and not as sandwiches or communication devices. They learn to value humility and teamwork. Noodle becomes a respected leader because he combines intelligence with humility. The Martians work together to adapt to their new home.

From their experience on Earth, they learn the importance of understanding and respecting other cultures. They realise that arrogance and misunderstanding can lead to fear and mistakes.

11. Question: Imagine the Martians returned to Earth years later with a better understanding of books. How would their interaction with Earthlings change, and what new challenges might they face?

Answer: If the Martians returned to Earth years later with a better understanding of books, their interaction with Earthlings would be much smoother. They would now see books as sources of knowledge and stories instead of food or communication devices. This new understanding would help them communicate better with humans. They could read about Earth’s culture, history, and science, making their interactions more meaningful and respectful.

However, they might face new challenges. Earth’s technology would have advanced, and the Martians would need to catch up with these changes. They might also struggle with cultural differences, learning to respect Earthlings’ customs and ways of life. Trust would need to be rebuilt since their first visit was based on misunderstandings.

12. Question: If Think-Tank had accepted Noodle’s suggestions more openly, how might the story have unfolded differently? Discuss the possible outcomes of a more collaborative approach.

Answer: If Think-Tank had accepted Noodle’s suggestions more openly, the story would have unfolded very differently. By listening to Noodle, Think-Tank would have avoided many misunderstandings about Earth.

Instead of thinking books were sandwiches or communication devices, they might have quickly realised their true purpose as sources of knowledge.

A collaborative approach would have helped the Martians learn about Earth’s culture and technology properly. With better understanding, they could have communicated effectively with Earthlings, avoiding the fear that made them flee.

If Think-Tank had embraced teamwork, this could have changed a potential conflict into a chance for both groups to grow and understand each other better.

13. Question: What if another Martian, smarter and more humble than Think-Tank, had led the invasion? How would the story and the Martians’ understanding of Earth have been different?

Answer: If a smarter and more humble Martian had led the invasion instead of Think-Tank, the story would have been very different. This new leader would have been open to listening and learning, rather than jumping to wrong conclusions.

First, this Martian leader would likely understand that books are for reading, not for eating or listening. They would take the time to study Earth’s culture and technology carefully. This approach would help them avoid the funny mistakes Think-Tank made.

Second, by being humble, the new leader would encourage the Martians to ask questions and seek help from Earthlings. They could learn directly from humans, building a bridge of understanding. This cooperation would lead to better communication and fewer misunderstandings.

14. Question: Think-Tank’s arrogance causes many misunderstandings. How can being open-minded and willing to learn from others prevent such mistakes? Share a real-life example.

Answer: Think-Tank’s arrogance causes misunderstandings because he thinks he knows everything and doesn’t listen to others. If he were open-minded, he could avoid these mistakes. For instance, he mistook books for sandwiches and communication devices because he ignored Noodle’s advice. If he had listened to Noodle, he would have understood books’ true purpose faster.

Being open to others’ ideas prevents mistakes, allows us to see different views, and learn new things. For example, in a school project, I initially thought my idea was the best.

However, I listened to a friend’s different approach and realised it was better. By being open-minded, we made a successful project. This experience shows how listening and learning from others can lead to better results and avoid misunderstandings.

15. Question: The Martians’ misunderstandings about books are humorous. What do they teach us about understanding other cultures and communication? How can we apply these lessons in everyday life?

Answer: The Martians’ funny mistakes with books, like thinking they are sandwiches or communication devices, teach us important lessons about cultural understanding and communication. These errors show how easily misunderstandings occur when we’re not familiar with another culture.

To avoid such mistakes, we should be curious and respectful, asking questions and listening to learn about different traditions and viewpoints. For instance, when meeting someone from another culture, instead of assuming, we should inquire about their practices and beliefs.

By applying this openness and respect in our daily interactions, whether at school, work, or within our communities, we foster better communication and create a more inclusive environment.

16. Question: Why are intelligence and humility important in solving problems and teamwork, as shown by Noodle in the story? Give examples from the story and real life.

Answer: In the story, Noodle’s intelligence helps him think of effective solutions, and his humility lets him share these ideas in a way that doesn’t offend others. For example, when Think-Tank makes a mistake, Noodle proposes better solutions without making him feel embarrassed, which avoids conflict and helps solve the problem smoothly.

In real life, these qualities are equally important. For example, during a school group project, a smart yet humble teammate can be invaluable. Such a person not only contributes good ideas but also values others’ inputs, ensuring everyone’s views are considered.

This approach fosters a cooperative atmosphere, leading to successful and harmonious team efforts. Intelligence combined with humility enhances both problem-solving abilities and team dynamics.

17. Question: If you were Captain Omega, how would you manage your team’s confusion and fear? Discuss the importance of calm leadership and good communication, with examples from the story and your life.

Answer: If I were Captain Omega, I would manage my team’s confusion and fear by remaining calm and communicating clearly. For instance, when the team was puzzled about the books, I would explain things step-by-step and encourage them to express their thoughts and questions. This open dialogue can help ease fear and clarify misunderstandings.

Calm leadership is important because it prevents panic and keeps the team focused on solutions. In the story, better communication from Captain Omega could have made the team feel safer and more competent.

Similarly, in a school project I was involved in, our leader kept calm during a crisis, listened to our ideas, and clearly outlined our next steps.

18. Question: What challenges might the Martians face if they decided to stay on Earth to learn about human culture, and how could they work with Earthlings to overcome these challenges?

Answer: If Martians stayed on Earth, they’d face language barriers and struggle to understand human customs, as Earth’s traditions might seem strange to them. To tackle these issues, Martians and Earthlings could start language classes and cultural exchange programs to teach each other their languages and share customs.

They could also collaborate on projects that combine Martian technology with human cultural knowledge. Through joint efforts and open-mindedness, both groups could build strong bonds and overcome cultural differences, leading to peaceful coexistence.

19. Question: Justify the title of the play ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.

Answer: The title ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’ refers to a book of nursery rhymes called ‘Mother Goose.’ In the play, the Martian leader, Think-Tank, sends his crew to Earth to find out about humans.

They find the book in a library but don’t know what it is. After taking vitamins to get smarter, they read the rhymes and mistakenly think they are dangerous threats from Earth. This scares Think-Tank so much that he calls off the invasion and runs away to Alpha Centauri with his crew.

So, the nursery rhymes in the book stop the Martians from attacking Earth. That’s why the title fits perfectly – the book really did save the Earth.

Note- Following are the old types questions with answers for the chapter Making of a Scientist. These were asked till 2023-24 session. They focus more on memory rather than assumption and extrapolation. They are still useful.

1. Question: ‘Pride has a fall’. Justify this statement with reference to how Think-Tank reacted to the readings from Mother Goose.

Answer: Think-Tank, the Martian leader, believed he was very intelligent because of his large head. During their Earth visit, his team discovered a book of Mother Goose rhymes. Thinking too highly of himself, Think-Tank misunderstood the simple nursery rhymes as serious warnings.

For instance, he became very worried after reading “Hey Diddle Diddle,” and “Humpty Dumpty” scared him into believing an attack on Mars was being planned. Frightened by these wrong ideas, he decided to flee his mission and run away to Alpha Centauri. His mistakes show how his great confidence in his intelligence led to his failure.

2. Question: Attempt a character sketch of Noodle, highlighting the values he projects.

Answer: Noodle, known as Apprentice Noodle, is a crew member of the Martian team sent to Earth. He acts as a coordinator between Think-Tank, the leader, and the rest of the invasion team. Noodle often repeats what Think-Tank says, showing respect and obedience to his leader.

Despite his cleverness, he does not openly challenge Think-Tank’s authority but instead subtly influences him. For example, Noodle is the first to think differently about the books, initially mistaken for sandwiches. Even when Think-Tank claims the ideas as his own, Noodle does not express disappointment.

He remains a loyal and dedicated follower, supporting Think-Tank throughout the mission. Noodle’s role showcases values of loyalty, intelligence, and diplomacy in dealing with authority.

2. Question : How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the earth from a Martian invasion?

Question : How do the three nursery rhymes frighten Think-Tank?

Question : In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as a threat to the Martians?

Answer: Think-Tank, the Martian leader, sent his crew to Earth where they found a ‘Mother Goose’ book in a library. After taking vitamins to boost their understanding, they misread the nursery rhymes as serious threats.

Think-Tank interpreted ‘Mistress Mary’ as Earthlings combining agriculture and mining. He thought ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ indicated Earth was planning an interplanetary cow attack. The rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty’, with its depiction of a great fall and a character resembling him, made him believe it was a direct threat to Mars.

Fearing these imagined threats, Think-Tank hastily retreated to Alpha Centauri, abandoning his invasion plans. This series of misunderstandings, sparked by simple nursery rhymes, inadvertently saved Earth from the planned Martian invasion.

3. Question : What is the message or the lesson that ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ gives to the readers? Elucidate it.

Question : Half-Baked knowledge is always dangerous. Rushing to conclusions without going deep into the details of things always leads to uninvited chaos and disasters. Explain the above-mentioned statements in light of Think-Tank’s interpretations of the rhymes from the book ‘Mother Goose’.

Answer: The main lesson from ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ is that half-knowledge is dangerous and can lead to big mistakes. This is clearly shown through Think-Tank, the Martian leader.

He and his crew found a book of nursery rhymes but didn’t really understand what books were. Think-Tank quickly assumed the rhymes were real threats. For example, he thought the phrase “had a great fall” from the rhyme “Humpty Dumpty” meant an actual attack was coming.

This scared him so much that he ordered his entire team to flee Mars immediately. His rush to judgement based on limited understanding nearly caused a massive, unnecessary panic. This teaches us the importance of fully understanding something before reacting to it.

4. Question: Who is Think-Tank? Why has he sent a manned spacecraft to Earth?

Answer: Think-Tank is the Commander-in-Chief at the Mars Space Control Room. He has a large, egg-shaped head. He wears a robe with stars and circles. His assistant, Noodle, operates the switchboard. Think-Tank sent a spacecraft to Earth to gather information. He wanted to learn about Earth’s defence systems.

This data was for planning an attack on Earth. The planned invasion was set for the year 2040. However, a book of nursery rhymes caused a misunderstanding. This misunderstanding stopped the invasion. The play shows this through a historical film about the event.

5. Question: What happens when the Martians land in a library on Earth? What guess does Think-Tank make about books?

Answer: When the Martians first land in a library, they see books but don’t know what they are. They think the library might be a place to store things because they’ve never seen a library before.

Think-Tank, who is in charge, talks to his team from far away. He sees the books through a camera and thinks they are sandwiches, which are a type of food on Earth. He tells one of his team members to try eating a book to see if it’s really food.

The Martian pretends to eat it and says it tastes good, even though it’s not food at all. This mix-up makes the situation very funny because they’re so confused.

6. Question: Why does Think-Tank decide not to invade the Earth?

Answer: Think-Tank decides not to attack Earth after misunderstanding a nursery rhyme book. Omega, looking at the book, tells him it has pictures and what seem like codes, which are just simple rhymes.

Think-Tank thinks these show that Earthlings have advanced technology in agriculture and mining, and even that they can grow explosives. He also believes that Earthlings have taught their animals to understand music and space travel.

Convinced that Earth is too advanced and might be dangerous, Think-Tank tells his team to stop the attack, worried they are not ready to face such a sophisticated civilization.

The Book That Saved The Earth Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 10 Footprints Without Feet

The Book That Saved The Earth Long Answer Type Question