CBSE Class 10 English How to Tell Wild Animals Important Questions Set 01

Extract Based Questions

Extract 1

(a). What does the word ‘ground’ in the stanza refer to?
Answer: The word ‘ground’ refers to the hide (skin) of the tiger.

(b). What was the speaker’s mood when she suggested ways to identify the Bengal Tiger?
Answer: The poet’s mood is humorous and light when she suggests dangerous ways of identifying this wild beast.

(c). Complete the statement with reference to the stanza.
According to the poet, a reader would find out that he had met the Bengal tiger ______.
(a) if he would be eaten up by the tiger.
(b) while roaming around in a forest.
(c) after he would be eaten up by the tiger.
(d) when he comes face to face with this noble wild beast.
Answer: (c) after he would be eaten up by the tiger.

(d). Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines in 40 words.
Answer: The poet describes the wildlife vividly using figurative language: alliteration in ‘roaming round’, allusion to the ‘Bengal Tiger’, and consonance in ‘simple rule may help you learn’. It makes the description rich and emotive.

Extract 2

(a). In what way does the language used in this line challenge the traditional ideas of how poetry should be written?
‘’Twill do no good to roar with pain, He’ll only lep and lep again.’
Answer: The poet has opted for poetic licence by using ‘lep and lep’ instead of ‘leap and leap’ to maintain rhythm in the poem.

(b). What is the significance of humour while describing the wild beasts in the poem and how does this contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The poet uses tongue-in-cheek humour to describe the natural instincts of wild animals: ‘A noble wild beast greets you’, ‘A bear hugs you’, ‘Crocodiles weep’, ‘He’ll only lep and lep again’ and ‘Hyenas come with merry smiles’. These distinctive qualities give them a unique identification and induce laughter.

(c). The contextual meaning of the word ‘peppered’ in the stanza is ______.
(a) it refers to the spots of the leopard.
(b) it refers to the camouflage of the leopard.
(c) it means that the leopard has spotted you.
(d) it means that you have spotted the leopard.
Answer: (a) it refers to the spots of the leopard.

(d). Why will roaring with pain not do any good?
Answer: It will not do any good because the leopard will attack you again and again.

(e). Describe the animal of the given extract.
Answer: The animal has peppered spots all over its body.

(f). How does the animal attack?
Answer: The animal pounces on its prey at once.

(g). Why would crying in pain not help?
Answer: Its grip is very strong and it keeps jumping and leaping on its prey.

(h). What is the meaning of ‘strolling’?
Answer: Walking

(i). What does “He’ll only lep and lep again” mean?
Answer: The poet, by using the phrase lep and lep again, is actually describing the natural manner in which a leopard attacks humans. A leopard usually attacks a person by leaping continuously on the victim and at the same time slashing him with its paws.

(j). What does, “peppered” mean?
Answer: Here peppered means spotted. The leopard bears a spotted coat.

(k). According to the poet what are the three ways by which we can identify a leopard?
Answer: The poet notes that besides the spotted hide of the animal and its roar the tendency of the animal to make multiple leaps on the victim shows that it is a leopard.

(l). What is the meaning of, “Twill do no good to roar with pain”?
Answer: The poet is trying to make it clear that there is no point in screaming with pain when the leopard attacks, as it continuously goes on attacking without any respite.

(m). What is most interesting about the way the poem from which this extract is taken?
Answer: The poet, throughout the poem, very beautifully uses humour to explain the fearsome nature of attack by wild animals .

Extract 3

(a). Fill the blank with suitable words.
The hyena and a crocodile are dissimilar to each other because ______ but they are similar because ______.
Answer: a hyena smiles and a crocodile weeps; both are dangerous beasts of prey.

(b). How has the poet used literary devices to enrich the description in the given stanza?
Answer: In the lines ‘A novice might nonplus’ and ‘they weep they’re Crocodiles’ the poet has used alliteration and consonance, whereas enjambment has been used in the entire stanza.

(c). Which of the following sayings does not match the conduct of the animals in the given stanza?
(a) The essence of lying is in deception, not in words.
(b) Don’t judge a book by its cover.
(c) Appearances are deceptive.
(d) A pretty face doesn’t mean a pretty heart.
Answer: (a) The essence of lying is in deception, not in words.

(d). The poet says, ‘A novice might nonplus.’ Is this expression correct? Comment on the poet’s use of language in this line in about 40 words.
Answer: The line ‘A novice might nonplus’ can be correctly written as ‘A novice might be nonplussed’. The poet’s incorrect line is better in the poem as it maintains the rhyme scheme of the poem. The poet has used poetic licence so that ‘nonplus’ rhymes with ‘thus’.

(e). What is the significance of the use of the word "beasts of prey" to describe the animals in the poem and how does this word choice contribute to the overall tone of the poem?
Answer: ‘Beasts of prey’ reminds us that these animals are dangerous hunters. Yet the poet describes them light-heartedly, so the phrase adds to the humorous and ironic tone of the poem.

(f). Look at the line, ‘A novice might nonplus’. How would you write this correctly? Why is the poet’s incorrect line better in the poem?
Answer: The correct form is ‘A novice might be nonplussed’. The poet’s line is better because it fits the rhythm and rhymes with ‘thus’, which adds to the humour.

(g). Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option. The crocodile and the Hyena serve as cautionary examples, reminding us to be wary of making judgements based solely on ______
(a) thoughts
(b) outward appearances
(c) past experiences
(d) animal behavior
Answer: (b) outward appearances

(h). Identify the type of imagery used in the lines of the poem.
Answer: Visual imagery is used in these lines.

(i). How does a crocodile behave?
Answer: A crocodile weeps.

(j). How does a hyena appear before one?
Answer: A hyena appears before one with merry smiles.

(k). How does a hyena differ from a crocodile?
Answer: A hyena laughs when it swallows its prey whereas a crocodile weeps.

(l). How may a novice get confused?
Answer: A novice may get confused in differentiating between a hyena and a crocodile.

(m). The last line of this extract is based on Crocodile’s tears. What does it mean?
Answer: A crocodile, which is out of the water for a long time, needs to excrete tears so that its eye remains moist. This is called crocodile’s tears.

(n). What does the poet mean by, ‘A novice might nonplus’?
Answer: The poet, by this line, means that a newcomer in a forest might get confused by the laughter like calls of a hyena or a crocodile’s tears which has nothing to do with sadness.

(o). What’s special about a Hyena’s smile?
Answer: A hyena’s jaws are so designed that it seems that it is in a perpetual state of smiling.

(p). ‘If there is nothing on the tree, ’Tis the chameleon you see.’ Explain.
Answer: The chameleon is a master of camouflaging. So, when on a tree, it changes its colours to suit the environment, the poet points out that even if one sees there is nothing on the tree one may be actually missing the chameleon seated on it.

(q). What is satirical about the two animals described in the extract above ?
Answer: The Hyena’s smile indicates its fearful intention of tearing out its victims. Crocodile tears means false tears, hence the weeping of crocodile is sarcastic expression of its nature.

(r). Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate?
Answer: As per the lines from the poem, it would be difficult to differentiate between a crocodile and a hyena.

(s). Where would a novice get confused?
Answer: According to the above lines from the poem, a novice may get confused in differentiating between a hyena and a crocodile.

Extract 4

(a). Comment on the tone of the poet in this stanza when she describes a leopard. Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The poet's tone is filled with a sense of warning and caution. The use of words like "lep and lep again" implies the leopard's quick and relentless nature. It conveys a message to be cautious when encountering this fierce animal. The tone also comes across as a matter of fact, which further adds to the irony and humour.

(b). Fill in the blank with an appropriate answer. The statement “he’ll only lep and lep again” is an example of ______.
Answer: Repetition

(c). What does the poet's description of the Leopard's actions suggest about it's nature and behavior?
Answer: The poet's description of the leopard's action of continuously leaping suggests its aggressive and relentless nature.

(d). Below are four examples of activities that Jasmeet does. Choose the option that correctly demonstrates ‘strolling’.
(a) Jasmeet runs with great speed when spotting a dog.
(b) Jasmeet walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to her favourite song.
(c) Jasmeet skids sharply on the icy skate rink.
(d) Jasmeet rushes to switch off the water pump in the backyard.
Answer: (b) Jasmeet walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to her favourite song.

Extract 5

(a). Explain the ironic tone in the statement "Just notice if he eats you." How does this dark humor add to the overall tone of the poem?
Answer: The ironic tone in the statement suggests humorously that identifying a Bengal Tiger may be too late if you're already being attacked. The dark humor adds a playful and cautionary tone to the poem, warning readers about the tiger's dangerous nature.

(b). Identify the option that explains the poetic device used in the given line: Or if some time when roaming round.
(a) Imagery
(b) Personification
(c) Alliteration
(d) Hyperbole
Answer: (c) Alliteration

(c). What does the word "noble" suggest about the nature of the wild beast mentioned in these lines?
Answer: The word "noble" suggests that the Bengal Tiger, is majestic and distinguished in its appearance. It portrays the tiger as a royal and attractive creature in the jungle.

(d). Fill in the blank with ONE word only. ______ imagery is used in these lines of the poem.
Answer: Visual

(e). How can you recognise a tiger?
Answer: A tiger can be recognised by its black stripes on a yellow body.

(f). How does the tiger look?
Answer: The tiger looks noble and majestic.

(g). How is the Bengal tiger different from other animals?
Answer: It is different from other animals because it is quiet and roams silently.

(h). Why does the poet call it noble?
Answer: The poet calls it noble because it looks majestic and impressive in size and remains silent.

Extract 6

(a). Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract: Crocodiles can be identified by their ______.
(a) tears
(b) attitude
(c) smiles
(d) attacks
Answer: (a) tears

(b). State whether the following statement is True or False: Hyenas are famous for weeping.
Answer: False

(c). ‘Novice’ in line 2 means the same as:
(a) learner
(b) beast
(c) tender foot
(d) beginner
Answer: (d) beginner

(d). In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______.
Answer: the weeping of crocodiles while swallowing its prey and laughter of hyenas while attacking its prey.

(e). The poet uses ‘A novice might nonplus’ instead of ‘the novice might get confused’. How does this usage impact the poem? (CBSE 2023)
(a) adds an incorrect option.
(b) it is associated with beasts.
(c) it rhymes and adds humour.
(d) it simplifies the meaning.
Answer: (c) it rhymes and adds humour.

Extract 7

(a). The use of the word "chance" in the opening line implies that the poet's attitude towards encountering the Asian Lion is:
(a) Prepared
(b) Unexpected
(c) Reluctant
(d) Ambiguous
Answer: (b) Unexpected

(b). In what way has the poet used vivid imagery to describe the physical appearance of the lion?
Answer: The poet describes the lion as ‘a large and tawny beast’, giving a clear picture of its huge size and yellowish-brown colour.

(c). Fill in the blank with one word. "If he roars at you as you're dyin'', is to suggest that the Asian Lion's roar is call of ______.
Answer: death

(d). "If he roars at you as you’re dyin’/ you’ll know it is the Asian Lion…" Comment on the irony of the quote.
Answer: The irony is that you can identify the Asian Lion only when it is already killing you, and at that point the knowledge is of no use. This creates dark humour.

Extract 8

(a). Where can one find the Asian Lion?
Answer: The Asian Lion can be found in jungles in the east.

(b). What are the characteristics of the Asian Lion?
Answer: The Asian Lion is a large, tawny beast with a loud roar.

(c). What is the effect of the roar of a lion on you?
Answer: When a lion roars it feels as if we are about to die.

(d). Identify the poem and the poet.
Answer: The name of the poem is ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ by Carolyn Wells.

Extract 9

(a). Describe the Asian Lion.
Answer: The Asian Lion is a large, brownish-yellow coloured beast.

(b). What happens when the lion roars?
Answer: When the lion roars, it scares human beings and they feel they are going to die.

(c). Where can you find these lions?
Answer: These lions can be found in the jungles of the east.

(d). What is the meaning of ‘tawny’?
Answer: Brownish-yellow colour.

Extract 10

(a). Which animal is described in these lines?
Answer: A bear is described in the given lines.

(b). What is a bear hug?
Answer: A bear hug is a hug given by a bear to kill its prey.

(c). How does a bear behave?
Answer: The bear embraces its prey when it meets it.

(d). Give one distinctive feature of a bear.
Answer: The bear hugs hard when it meets someone.

(e). Point out two characteristics of the bear used here.
Answer: Two characteristics of the bear used in the extract are that bears hug very hard and they give ‘one more caress’ if you have any doubts. This shows that bears are very strong creatures.

(f). What is the pun used in the line, ‘Who hugs you very, very hard’?
Answer: The poet humorously points out to the bears’ hug which actually strangulates and may even kill the victim.

(g). Point out one example of alliteration in the above lines
Answer: Be sure, it is a Bear.

(h). What is satirical about the bear’s caress?
Answer: ‘Caress’ means a loving gesture. But the bear’s caress is the scratching on the victim with its heavy paws and sharp nails.

(i). In which tone do you think has the poet expressed line 4 from the extract above?
Answer: It is basically a warning to the pedestrians or those people who may be taking a stroll round their yard to beware of the behaviour of the bear.

(j). Who is going to hug and why?
Answer: The given lines from the poem tell us that the bear is going to hug hard to embrace.

(k). Where can a bear be found?
Answer: A bear can be found while one is walking around their yard, where it may get the nectar from beehives.

Extract 11

(a). What does a chameleon look like?
Answer: A chameleon looks like a lizard.

(b). Give two features of a chameleon.
Answer: Chameleons have no ears and no wings.

(c). What is special about a chameleon?
Answer: A chameleon can camouflage itself with its surroundings.

(d). Where can a chameleon be found?
Answer: A chameleon can be found on a tree.

Extract 12

(a). What is the poet trying to tell her readers through the extract given above?
(a) She loves animals
(b) About big black beasts
(c) Animals’ habitats
(d) She is trying to explain to the readers the characteristics of animals.
Answer: (d) She is trying to explain to the readers the characteristics of animals.

(b). What is the tone of the poem in the lines given above?
(a) Humorous
(b) Warning
(c) Sarcastic
(d) Depressing
Answer: (a) Humorous

(c). ‘Blonde’ is a synonym of which word from the extract?
(a) Large
(b) Tawny
(c) Advance
(d) Beast
Answer: (b) Tawny

(d). Which one of the following statements given below is false ?
(a) Tawny beast is the Asian Lion.
(b) This poem describes the characteristics of various animals
(c) The literary device of enjambment is given in second line.
(d) Carolyn Wells is the writer of the above lines.
Answer: (c) The literary device of enjambment is given in second line.

(e). The literary device of ‘enjambment’ has been used in the first and the third line because_______
(a) the thought is passed on to the next line.
(b) the lines do not end with punctuation marks and continue to the next.
(c) the lines give an impression of getting stuck somewhere.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (b) the lines do not end with punctuation marks and continue to the next.

(f). Which country or region of the world is the poet describing?
Answer: The poet is describing the animals found in the forests of the Indian subcontinent.

(g). What is the meaning of ‘tawny’?
Answer: The tawny shade pertains to orange-brown colour, which is usually the colours of lions.

(h). Point out two special qualities of an Asian Lion?
Answer: Loud roar and huge size.

(i). “If he roars at you as you’re dyin’“– what does the poet mean by this?
Answer: By this, the poet means to say that when a lion roars at us, we freeze with fear. It feels like we are about to die.

(j). In which tone does the poet speak of the Asian Lion?
Answer: The poet uses a very humorous tone to point out the qualities of an Asian Lion.

Extract 13

(a). The poet addresses the above stanza to a type of people. Who are they?
(a) Hunters
(b) Poets
(c) Novices
(d) None of these
Answer: (c) Novices

(b). Mention one common quality for the two animals mentioned above.
(a) Both are herbivorous animals
(b) Both are domestic animals
(c) Both are dangerous
(d) Both are mammals
Answer: (c) Both are dangerous

(c). What is the reference to ‘weep’ over here?
(a) crocodile tears
(b) crocodile cry
(c) crocodile food
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) crocodile tears

(d). What is the subtle relationship between the two verbs ‘smiles’ and ‘weep’?
(a) Two activities of the animals
(b) No relationship between the two
(c) A signal for attack on humans
(d) Both are signals of danger for their prey
Answer: (d) Both are signals of danger for their prey

(e). What is the rhyme scheme of the given extract?
(a) aabb
(b) abab
(c) abcc
(d) abca
Answer: (c) abcc

Extract 14

(a). To which category of animals does the chameleon belong?
(a) Pisces
(b) Reptiles
(c) Insects
(d) Arthropoda
Answer: (b) Reptiles

(b). Which of the following is a characteristics of a chameleon?
(a) ears
(b) leaves
(c) colours
(d) sky
Answer: (c) colours

(c). Which animal doesn’t have “any ears at all”?
(a) Bear
(b) Crocodiles
(c) Chameleon
(d) Hyenas
Answer: (c) Chameleon

(d). Which figure of speech is used in the lines of the extract?
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Metaphor
(d) Not sure
Answer: (a) Alliteration

(e). Which particular characteristic of the chameleon is emphasised in the most subtle manner?
(a) It cannot hear
(b) It can fly
(c) It can camouflage
(d) All of the above
Answer: (c) It can camouflage

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. Does ‘Dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
Answer: No, ‘Dyin’ does not rhyme with ‘lion’. If we change the pronunciation of ‘lion’ a bit by speaking it as ‘lyin’, then it may rhyme with the word ‘dyin’.

Question 2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so according to him?
Answer: According to the poet, the large tawny beast that roars at you while you are dying is the Asian lion, and the noble wild beast with black stripes on a yellow ground that eats you is the Bengal tiger. They can be identified only at the time of attacking and eating you.

Question 3. Do you think the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
Answer: The words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ are not spelt correctly. The correct spelling of ‘lept’ is ‘leapt’ and of ‘lep’ is ‘leap’, but the poet creates a sense of humour by making them closer to the word ‘Leopard’ and to maintain the rhyme.