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I. Chapter Summary (Part I)
This is the story of a young seagull who is afraid to fly. Despite seeing his siblings fly confidently, he hesitates due to fear of falling. His parents try to encourage him, but he resists. Finally, his mother uses a clever trick—she tempts him with food and leads him to take a leap of faith. Once he starts flying, he experiences confidence and freedom.
Theme: Overcoming fear, self-confidence, natural instincts, parental support.
I. Chapter Summary (Part II)
This is a mysterious story about a pilot flying a Dakota airplane at night. While heading from Paris to London, he gets caught in a storm with no visibility and no contact with the control tower. Suddenly, a black aeroplane appears and guides him to safety. When he lands, he learns from the control tower that no such aircraft existed on the radar. The story ends on a suspenseful and supernatural note.
Theme: Courage, mystery, hope in uncertainty, supernatural elements.
II. Key Concepts Covered
| Concept | Explanation |
| Fear and Courage | In both stories, protagonists overcome fear—one instinctively, one mysteriously. |
| Growth and Transformation | The young seagull transforms into a confident flyer. |
| Mystery and Wonder | The second story explores an unexplained phenomenon. |
| Parental/Natural Guidance | The bird’s parents push it toward independence. |
| Hope and Survival | The pilot’s faith helps him through danger. |
III. Important Questions
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
- Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
- a) He was physically weak
- b) He feared falling
- c) He was too young
- d) He had no wings
- Answer: b) He feared falling
- What trick did the mother seagull use to make the young seagull fly?
- a) She shouted at him
- b) She pushed him off the ledge
- c) She flew away
- d) She tempted him with food
- Answer: d) She tempted him with food
- What problem did the pilot face in the second story?
- a) The plane ran out of fuel
- b) A passenger fell ill
- c) He flew into a storm with no navigation instruments working
- d) He couldn’t land due to traffic
- Answer: c) He flew into a storm with no navigation instruments working
- What was mysterious about the black aeroplane?
- a) It belonged to the army
- b) It disappeared on the radar
- c) It flew too fast
- d) It was a drone
- Answer: b) It disappeared on the radar
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)
- How did the young seagull overcome his fear? (PYQ – 2020)
- What was the role of the mother seagull in her son’s first flight?
- Describe the appearance and behavior of the black aeroplane. (PYQ – 2021)
- What message does the story “His First Flight” convey?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
- Compare and contrast the situations faced by the seagull and the pilot. (PYQ – 2020)
- How does fear prevent growth? Justify with reference to both stories.
- Describe the emotions the young seagull experiences before and after his first flight.
- Why is the story of the black aeroplane considered mysterious? What is its significance?
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
- Do you think fear is a natural feeling or a learned one? Discuss using examples from both stories.
- If the black aeroplane was imaginary, what does that say about the human mind under pressure?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts
As this is a literature-based chapter, there are no formulas, but key literary elements include:
- Personification: The seagull’s thoughts are expressed like a human’s.
- Suspense: The second story builds curiosity through lack of explanation.
- Symbolism: The first flight represents personal growth; the black aeroplane represents hope or the unknown.
- Tone: Inspirational (Part I), Mysterious and thrilling (Part II).
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)
| Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
| Two Stories about Flying | 6–8 marks | MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer, HOTS |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Year | Marks | Question |
| 2020 | 5 | Compare and contrast the challenges faced in “His First Flight” and “The Black Aeroplane.” |
| 2021 | 2 | Describe the mysterious behavior of the black aeroplane. |
| 2019 | 3 | How did the mother seagull trick the young bird into flying? |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples
- Aviation and Flight Training: Relates to real-life pilot training and emotional control.
- Emotional Intelligence: Reflects on dealing with fear, pressure, and instinctive learning.
- Parenting and Education: Shows how gradual pushing builds confidence.
- Mystery and Science Fiction: Encourages imagination while exploring unexplained situations.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success
Time Management
- Dedicate time to read each part as a different genre: motivation (Part I) and suspense (Part II).
- Create a comparison table between the two stories.
Exam Preparation
- Focus on emotional arcs, narrative techniques, and theme-based questions.
- Practice character-based questions: the pilot and the seagull.
Stress Management
- Reflect on your own “first flight” moments—public speaking, first exam, etc.
- Write or sketch your fears and how you overcame them.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration
For Classes 9–10
Streams Overview:
- Science: Aeronautics, aviation, neuroscience (decision-making under stress).
- Commerce: Managing uncertainty and planning.
- Arts: Creative writing, storytelling, emotional expression.
Career Inspirations:
- Pilot / Airforce Cadet
- Travel Writer / Journalist
- Psychologist (fear and learning behavior)
- Fiction Author (mystery, adventure)
Relevant Exams & Activities:
- CBSE Reading Challenge
- NTSE
- Youth Innovation Summit (for themes like aviation, courage, or innovation)
XI. Important Notes
- Visit ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in for the official syllabus and updates.
- Conceptual clarity in these two stories builds skills in inference, comparison, and emotional analysis.
- Use theme-based vocabulary: courage, fear, mystery, transformation, hope.