CBSE Class 10 English Mijbil the Otter Assignment Set 02

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Mijbil turned out to be a playful pet. Elaborate.
Answer: As a pet, Mijbil showed a highly playful nature by inventing various games with ping-pong balls. He took great pleasure in splashing and playing around in water, and he also enjoyed handling marbles and terrapin shells. Most of his free time was spent keeping busy with a rubber ball.
In simple words: Mijbil loved to play and made up his own games. He enjoyed playing in water, rolling marbles, and keeping busy with a rubber ball.

Exam Tip: To score full marks, mention the specific toys Mijbil played with, such as ping-pong balls, marbles, terrapin shells, and a rubber ball.

Question. Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment.
Answer: The travel experience of Maxwell returning to England with Mijbil illustrates the many adjustments and responsibilities that come with having a pet. He had to ensure that Mijbil remained safe and comfortable during the journey, which meant finding an airline that permitted animals on board. The chaotic incidents during the flight proved that a pet owner must always be prepared for sudden and unforeseen challenges.
In simple words: Taking care of a pet requires a lot of responsibility. You must plan for their comfort and be ready to handle unexpected problems during journeys.

Exam Tip: Focus your answer on the challenges Maxwell faced during the flight and how they reflect the commitment needed to care for an animal.

Question. What does Mijbil’s behaviour suggest aboutthe otter’s adaptability to urban surroundings?
Answer: Mijbil showed that he could easily adjust to city life by turning ordinary urban items, like a suitcase and a table-tennis ball, into toys. His capacity to stay entertained inside a flat in London and his willingness to go for walks on a leash along public roads show that otters can adjust well and find joy even outside their natural wild habitats.
In simple words: Mijbil could easily adapt to living in a city. He created his own fun using everyday objects inside a flat and learned to walk on a leash.

Exam Tip: Be sure to mention specific examples of urban adaptation, such as playing with a suitcase in the flat and walking on a lead on city streets.

Question. What compulsive habits had Mijbil developed?
Answer: While walking along London roads, Mijbil rapidly formed some repetitive routines. Similar to school children who feel compelled to step precisely in the middle of every paving stone or touch every seventh iron bar of a railing, Mijbil had his own rituals. On the return trip, he would pull the author toward the wall of a primary school, leap onto it, and run quickly across its entire thirty-yard length.
In simple words: Mijbil created fixed routines during his walks. He would step on specific spots, touch certain railings, and run along a school wall.

Exam Tip: Compare Mijbil's habits with those of school children to show his playful, repetitive behavior, and mention the school wall routine.

Question. What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after he took him to the bathroom?
Answer: Upon being taken to the bathroom, Mijbil spent thirty minutes expressing absolute delight in the water. He dived, rolled, and swam rapidly from one end of the tub to the other, creating a massive splash comparable to a hippopotamus. Through this, Maxwell discovered that the otter possessed an extraordinary passion for water.
In simple words: When taken to the bathroom, Mijbil played joyfully in the bathtub for half an hour. Maxwell realized that otters absolutely love water.

Exam Tip: Use descriptive words to explain how Mijbil behaved in the water, comparing his splashing to that of a hippopotamus.

Question. Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal.
Answer: Mijbil demonstrated his cleverness when he slipped out of Maxwell's room and made his way to the bathroom. By the time the author caught up with him, the otter had successfully turned the water tap on by himself in under a minute, initiating a strong stream of water to enjoy a bath.
In simple words: Mijbil proved his intelligence by escaping to the bathroom and turning on the water tap all by himself to take a bath.

Exam Tip: The key evidence of Mijbil's intelligence is his ability to operate the water tap independently; make sure to highlight this action.

Question. What is the most common characteristic of an otter ?
Answer: An otter's most prominent trait is its deep affection for water. Upon encountering water, they react with excitement, diving, rolling, and leaping around in it. They dislike seeing water remain still and will actively try to splash, scatter, and keep it in motion so that it spreads everywhere.
In simple words: Otters love water and get very excited around it. They do not like still water and prefer to keep it moving and splashing all over.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that otters love water and explain how they prefer moving water over still, stagnant water.

Question. How did the otter look ?
Answer: Mijbil was a small animal that looked very much like a dragon from medieval legends. His body was entirely covered from head to tail with even, pointed scales made of dried mud. Beneath these muddy scales lay a soft, velvety fur resembling that of a chocolate-colored mole.
In simple words: The otter looked like a tiny medieval dragon. He was covered in mud scales, with soft, chocolate-brown fur underneath.

Exam Tip: Use key descriptive phrases such as 'medieval dragon', 'scales of mud', and 'chocolate-brown fur' to get full marks.

Question. What was the amusing scene of the otter in the plane?
Answer: Once inside the airplane, Mij escaped from his container instantly and dashed down the aisle. This caused general panic, with passengers crying out and a woman jumping onto her seat screaming about a rat. While attempting to catch the otter, the author accidentally got curry splashed all over his face. After returning to his place, Mijbil soon hopped onto his lap and began affectionately rubbing against his face and neck.
In simple words: Mijbil escaped from his box on the plane, causing people to scream in fear. Eventually, he returned to Maxwell's lap and cuddled with him.

Exam Tip: Briefly describe the three main comical events: the escape, the passenger's panic (screaming 'rat'), and the affectionate reunion on Maxwell's lap.

Question. How was ‘Mijbil’ a source of amazement on London streets ?
Answer: Mijbil generated continuous curiosity among people in London, as most of them had never encountered an otter before. Seeing such an unusual creature left them highly surprised, and they attempted to identify it by suggesting various other animal names.
In simple words: People in London were surprised to see Mijbil because they had never seen an otter. They kept guessing what kind of animal he was.

Exam Tip: Mention that Londoners were unfamiliar with otters, which led them to make many wild guesses about what kind of animal Mijbil was.

Question. What did the otter look like ?
Answer: The animal had the appearance of a miniature dragon from the middle ages. It was covered in even, pointed scales of caked mud, between which one could catch glimpses of a soft, velvety coat of chocolate-brown fur similar to that of a mole.
In simple words: The otter looked like a small dragon from old times. He was covered with even mud scales, with soft brown fur underneath.

Exam Tip: This question frequently appears; ensure you mention 'medieval dragon', 'mud scales', and 'chocolate-brown velvet fur'.

Question. How did Mij spend his time ?
Answer: A major portion of Mij's day was dedicated to playful activities. He would spend hours nudging a rubber ball across the floor, resembling a four-legged soccer player. However, his favorite pastime was lying on his back and juggling small items, especially marbles, using his paws.
In simple words: Mijbil loved to play. He rolled a rubber ball around like a soccer player and juggled marbles with his paws.

Exam Tip: Highlight two distinct ways he played: playing soccer with a rubber ball and juggling marbles on his back.

Question. What happened when the author tried to search his otter ?
Answer: As the otter zoomed away through the cabin, the author went looking for him among the passengers. In the midst of this search, Maxwell's face got smeared with curry. The flight attendant then kindly advised him to return to his seat, promising to find the pet and return him.
In simple words: When Maxwell searched for the escaped otter, he got curry on his face. The air hostess told him to sit down and promised to find Mijbil.

Exam Tip: Describe the chaos of the search, the curry incident, and the helpful role of the air hostess.

Question. What did Mijbil do during the second night ?
Answer: Sometime after midnight on the second night, Mijbil climbed up onto Maxwell's bed. He settled down and slept peacefully in the bend of the author's knees until daylight arrived.
In simple words: On the second night, Mijbil climbed onto Maxwell's bed and slept near his knees until morning.

Exam Tip: This is a simple direct question; clearly state the time (after midnight) and where the otter slept (the crook of Maxwell's knees).

Question. Describe the havoc created by Mijbil on the airplane when it came out of the box.
Answer: The moment Maxwell opened the traveling container, Mijbil bolted out and vanished down the airplane cabin in an instant. This sudden escape triggered widespread commotion and loud screams of panic from the passengers on board.
In simple words: When the box was opened, Mijbil ran out extremely fast, causing panic and loud screams throughout the plane.

Exam Tip: Focus on the suddenness of his escape and the resulting panic ('hue and cry' or 'shrieks') among the passengers.

Question. What were the conjectural questions that the author faced ?
Answer: Since people in London were unfamiliar with otters, they made many creative guesses about what Mijbil was. Some assumed he was a baby seal or a squirrel, while others wondered if he was a walrus, a miniature hippopotamus, or even a prehistoric brontosaurus.
In simple words: Because Londoners did not know what an otter was, they guessed Mijbil was a baby seal, squirrel, walrus, hippo, or even a dinosaur.

Exam Tip: List at least three of the animals guessed by the Londoners (e.g., baby seal, squirrel, walrus, hippo, brontosaurus) to show the variety of their wild guesses.

Question. What does Maxwell say about the compulsive habit of Mij ? Give an example from the story.
Answer: Maxwell observed that Mijbil developed fixed habits similar to those of young kids. For instance, during walks, he insisted on placing his paws exactly in the middle of every paving stone and made a point of touching every seventh metal post along the railings.
In simple words: Mijbil developed playful habits like a child, such as stepping on the middle of paving stones and touching every seventh railing post.

Exam Tip: Explain the comparison with children's street rituals and describe the paving block and iron railing habits.

Question. Where and when did Maxwell think of keeping an otter as a pet ? Why did he think so ?
Answer: Maxwell visited Southern Iraq at the beginning of 1956, which was when the idea of raising an otter first came to him. He believed his home in Camusfearna, being situated right near abundant water, would serve as an ideal environment for such an animal.
In simple words: Maxwell thought of getting an otter in early 1956 while visiting Iraq. He thought his home, which was surrounded by water, would be perfect for an otter.

Exam Tip: Specify both the time (early 1956), the location (Southern Iraq), and the reason (his water-surrounded home in Camusfearna).

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment.
Answer: Maxwell showed great care and responsibility for Mijbil's safety during their plane trip. He took care to familiarize the otter with the transport box beforehand. When Mijbil hurt himself trying to break free, Maxwell felt deeply anxious for his recovery and even carried food for him during the journey. This narrative makes it clear that adopting an animal is a lifelong dedication. As owners, we are entirely responsible for another living creature's health and happiness, making pet care very similar to raising a child.
In simple words: Having a pet is a lifelong commitment. Maxwell cared deeply for Mijbil during the flight, showing that looking after a pet is like raising a child.

Exam Tip: In long answers, use examples like Maxwell preparing the box and caring for Mijbil's injuries to explain the concept of pet commitment.

Question. How did the otter behave in the beginning? How did he become familiar with the author?
Answer: At first, Mijbil remained detached and quiet, showing neither friendliness nor hostility towards Maxwell. He spent his first night sleeping on the floor at the maximum distance from the bed. However, during the early hours of the following night, he climbed up and slept near the author's knees. From that point on, Mijbil shed his indifference, becoming highly curious about his environment and eventually showing pure joy while playing and splashing in the bathtub.
In simple words: At first, Mijbil kept his distance and slept on the floor. On the second night, he slept on Maxwell's bed, soon becoming friendly and playful.

Exam Tip: Trace the progression of Mijbil's behavior: from aloofness on day one, to sleeping on the bed on night two, to fully bonding and playing in water.

Question. Imagine you are the air hostess of the flight on which Maxwell flew with his otter. Narrate the events on board the plane.
Answer: As Marriane Jones, the flight attendant on the trip to Paris, I remember having Maxwell and his pet otter on board. Fortunately, Maxwell occupied a front row seat. He paged me to hand over a package of fish, requesting that it be kept in a cool storage area. After he explained his situation, I suggested that he could keep the otter on his lap. Soon after, Mijbil suddenly escaped from his box and darted down the cabin, sparking panic as a passenger shrieked about a rat. Maxwell's attempts to capture him ended with curry on his face. I reassured him and helped search, but before long, the sweet little otter returned on his own, climbing onto Maxwell's lap to nuzzle his neck.
In simple words: As the flight attendant, I helped Maxwell with his pet. Though the otter escaped and caused a brief panic, he safely returned to cuddle with his owner.

Exam Tip: When writing a diary entry or first-person narration, adopt the persona of the air hostess, keeping the key narrative events intact.

Question. Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil, share a unique relationship. How is it developed in the lesson? Mention any two qualities of Mijbil which you would want in a pet of your own?
Answer: The deep connection between Maxwell and Mijbil grew very quickly, with the otter becoming attached within just forty-eight hours. Mijbil was both clever and sociable, showcasing his intelligence by learning to open water taps. Maxwell's commitment was clear as he organized his entire travel route to England around his pet's needs. Despite a chaotic flight where Mijbil injured himself in his container, Maxwell tenderly held him on his lap. Once in London, their bond deepened through daily walks and playtime. If I had a pet, I would cherish Mijbil's deep devotion to his owner and his remarkable intelligence, which allowed him to invent creative games and bring joy to everyone.
In simple words: Maxwell and Mijbil bonded quickly. If I had a pet, I would want them to be as loving, devoted, and highly intelligent as Mijbil.

Exam Tip: Clearly divide your answer into two parts: first, explaining how their relationship developed, and second, naming the two qualities you desire in a pet.

Question. How was Mij to be transported to England?
Answer: Transporting Mijbil from Basra to England proved challenging because British airlines refused to carry animals. Maxwell had to book a flight via Paris on a different carrier, which imposed two conditions: the pet had to be kept in a box under eighteen inches square, and the box had to rest on the cabin floor by Maxwell's feet. Before heading to the airport, Maxwell placed Mijbil in the box. Returning from a quick dinner, he discovered dried blood around the air vents. Upon tearing the box open, he found a blood-stained, exhausted Mijbil who had injured himself while ripping apart the inner lining.
In simple words: Maxwell had to use an airline that flew to Paris because British airlines did not allow pets. Mijbil had to travel in an 18-inch box, where he accidentally hurt himself trying to escape.

Exam Tip: Mention the restrictions on British airlines, the two conditions of the other airline, and the incident where Mijbil injured himself inside the box.

Question. Give an account of Mijbil’s journey to London.
Answer: To travel to London, Maxwell had to fly via Paris because British airlines declined to transport Mijbil. The selected airline required the otter to travel in an eighteen-inch square box placed at Maxwell's feet. After packing Mijbil inside, Maxwell returned from a meal to find blood oozing from the container's air holes. He opened it to discover the pet had injured himself by tearing the lining. On the flight, the sympathetic air hostess allowed Maxwell to keep the otter on his lap. However, as soon as the box opened, Mijbil escaped, running through the cabin and causing a passenger to scream about a rat. After a chaotic search that left the author's face covered in curry, Mijbil returned to Maxwell's seat, happily nuzzling his neck.
In simple words: Mijbil's journey was eventful. He got hurt in his travel box before the flight, escaped during the plane ride, caused a brief panic, and finally returned to cuddle with Maxwell.

Exam Tip: Summarize both major parts of the journey: the pre-flight box incident and the in-flight escape and reunion.

Question. Describe how the author came to have an otter. Or How did it come to his mind to have an otter ? Write down its earlier stay with the author.
Answer: After his pet dog Jonnie passed away, Gavin Maxwell was deeply grieved and felt that a home without an animal was incredibly lonely. While visiting southern Iraq in early 1956, he decided to raise an otter instead of another dog. He realized that his residence in Camusfearna was surrounded by plenty of water, making it a perfect environment for an animal that naturally thrives in wet surroundings.
In simple words: After his dog died, Maxwell wanted another pet. During a trip to Iraq in 1956, he decided to get an otter because his water-rich home in Camusfearna would suit one perfectly.

Exam Tip: Mention the death of his dog Jonnie, his trip to Iraq, and the water-rich geography of Camusfearna as the key reasons for his decision.

Question. What do you know about the short stay of Mijbil in London ?
Answer: During their month-long stay in London, Mijbil kept himself highly active with toys like ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell. He loved rolling balls along tilted surfaces for fun. While on daily walks, Mijbil displayed child-like habits, such as stepping precisely in the middle of paving stones, touching every seventh iron railing, and passing on the outside of every second streetlamp. He also enjoyed running along a thirty-yard school wall, which distracted the students and teachers inside. Because Londoners had never seen an otter, they made highly amusing guesses about his species, including an encounter with a confused laborer who asked what the creature was supposed to be.
In simple words: In London, Mijbil played with toys, developed funny walking habits on the streets, ran along a school wall, and made curious Londoners guess what kind of animal he was.

Exam Tip: For long answers about his London stay, cover his indoor toys, his street rituals (paving stones, railings, lamp posts), the school wall, and the reactions of the Londoners.

Question. The narrator called the airhostess the queen of her kind. This shows how caring and supportive she was. Do you find such people these days ? Are people having a change in their values ?
Answer: In modern times, encountering individuals who are genuinely helpful and sympathetic has become rare. People frequently offer excuses or hide behind official protocols rather than rendering assistance. Historically, there was a greater emphasis on understanding other people's difficulties and offering whatever help was possible. This shift stems from changing social values, where individual security and self-interest are often prioritized over community support and empathy for others.
In simple words: Genuinely caring people are harder to find today as society shifts towards self-interest and strict adherence to rules over empathy.

Exam Tip: Discuss the contrast between the airhostess's kind nature and the modern tendency to prioritize self-interest and rules over helping others.

Question. In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored but people like the airhostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What virtues do we find in the airhostess?
Answer: The flight attendant was quite warm and permitted the writer to keep the otter on his knees. She was capable of understanding and sharing the writer's predicament. This demonstrates that besides her professional duties, she possessed a very sympathetic nature. She did not merely perform her service but also displayed great accountability by assisting the writer in recovering his lost pet. She went out of her way to assist both Maxwell and the animal. Her industrious character and cooperative attitude shone through, as she never hesitated to offer her support.
In simple words: The airhostess was a kind and helpful person who showed great understanding. She went beyond her duties to help the narrator find his lost otter.
Exam Tip: To score full marks, emphasize key traits like empathy, helpfulness, and professional commitment, using textual evidence like her allowing Mij on the lap.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water.

Question 1(i). Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell’s bed in the small hours ?
(a) He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
(b) He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
(c) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
(d) He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.
Answer: (c) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
In simple words: The otter did not climb onto the bed to play, but rather to find warmth, comfort, and security as he got used to his owner.
Exam Tip: Carefully read the 'not' in the question, as Mijbil was seeking security and familiarity rather than active playtime at night.

Question 1(ii). Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and indifferent for the first twenty-four hours. Give reasons in not more than 40 words.
Answer: The otter was placed in an entirely unfamiliar setting, which naturally made him feel hesitant and cautious. Finding himself in a new environment, he required some time to adapt and feel secure in Maxwell's presence, which explains his early behavior of remaining distant and detached.
In simple words: The otter was in a strange place, so he kept his distance until he felt safe around his new owner.
Exam Tip: Keep your explanation concise and within the 40-word limit while focusing on how a new environment triggers caution in animals.

Question 1(iii). Read the following descriptions (a) - (d) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
(b) A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
(c) Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
(d) Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
Answer: (b) A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
In simple words: Animals need their own time and comfort zone to adapt to a new home and form a bond with their owners.
Exam Tip: Choose the option that best mirrors the theme of the provided passage, which focuses on the transition of the pet's behavior over time.

Question 1(iv). Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom ?
Answer: An intense delight and playful excitement when interacting with water.
In simple words: Otters have an absolute love for playing in water and splashing around.
Exam Tip: Keep the answer brief and focus directly on the species' natural obsession with water as shown in the text.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The creature that emerged from this sack on to the spacious tiled floor of the Consulate bedroom, resembled most of all a very small medievally-conceived, dragon. From the head to the tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour, between whose tips was visible soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole. He shook himself and I half expected a cloud of dust, but in fact, it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours.

Question 2(i). Pick the option that classifies (F) Fact from (O) opinion.
1. I think the otter was caked with mud, initially.
2. I feel he was a fine pet for the author.
3. Oh come on, his fur was like that of a mole.
4. Let’s not forget the otter needed to be cleaned for a month.
(a) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4
(b) F 2 and 3, O 1 and 4
(c) F 1 and 4, O 2 and 3
(d) F 1 and 2, O 3 and 4
Answer: (a) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4
In simple words: The statements regarding the mud caking and the resemblance of the fur are facts, while thoughts about being a good pet or the cleaning duration are opinions.
Exam Tip: Statements that can be verified directly from the text are facts, whereas statements reflecting personal feelings or judgments are opinions.

Question 2(ii). What do these words reveal about the author’s personality? Answer in about 40 words.
'But in fact, it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours.'
Answer: The narrator anticipated that the otter would shake off the dried earth, but this was not the case. By devoting an entire month to clean the animal's coat, Maxwell demonstrated incredible patience and devotion as an animal lover, eventually helping the creature reveal its natural splendor.
In simple words: These lines show that Maxwell was extremely patient and loving, spending a whole month cleaning his pet to see its true fur.
Exam Tip: Focus on the keyword 'patience' and highlight how his long cleaning effort proves his care and love for the animal.

Question 2(iii). Study the statement, 'From the head to the tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud...' In which of the options given below, the meaning of the word coated as used in the statement has been used?
(a) Roll the potato wedges in crumbs and fry.
(b) His tongue is layered yellow due to long sickness.
(c) My shoes were covered with mud after a long walk.
Answer: (c) My shoes were covered with mud after a long walk.
In simple words: In both sentences, 'coated' means being layered or covered with dirt or mud from the outside.
Exam Tip: Identify the context of the word 'coated' in the extract (which refers to being covered in dirt) to match it with the correct option.

Question 2(iv). The meaning of the word armour in, 'From the head to the tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour' is _____.
Answer: a protective outer layer or a shield.
In simple words: Armour is a hard covering that protects something from being hurt or damaged.
Exam Tip: Provide a direct, dictionary-style definition of 'armour' in the context of animal protection to get full marks.

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
This, I was to learn, is a characteristic of Otters; every drop of water must be, so to speak, extended and spread about the place; a bowl must at once be overturned or, if it will not be overturned, be sat in and sploshed in until it overflows. Water must be kept on the move and made to do things; when static it is wasted and provoking.

Question 3(i). What is the scientific name of the species of the Otter referred to in the extract?
(a) Lutrogale maxwelli
(b) Lutrogale perspicillata
(c) Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli
(d) Maxwelli perspicillata lutrogale
Answer: (c) Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli
In simple words: The scientific name given to this specific race of otter is Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli.
Exam Tip: Remember that this subspecies was named after Gavin Maxwell himself, so 'maxwelli' is a key part of the scientific name.

Question 3(ii). What does 'this' refer to in the given extract?
Answer: In this passage, 'this' points to the otter's deep obsession and playful habits when dealing with water. He was extremely fond of splashing around in it.
In simple words: 'This' means the otter's funny habit of splashing, playing, and making a mess with water.
Exam Tip: Explain clearly how 'this' is connected to the specific behaviors described in the paragraph, especially the otter's water habits.

Question 3(iii). Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) An autobiographical account describing the author’s feelings and thought regarding an event.
(b) A description of the narrator’s experiences and observations.
(c) A brochure which gives us a picture of the places’ culture, people and tourist destination.
Answer: (b) A description of the narrator’s experiences and observations.
In simple words: The passage is a first-person account detailing what the narrator noticed about the behavior of otters.
Exam Tip: Look for clues like 'I was to learn' to identify that the text is built on direct observation and personal experience.

Question 3(iv). Which word would correctly substitute 'spills', in the given sentence from the extract? The oil spills when it is poured into a smaller container.
Answer: overflows
In simple words: The word 'overflows' is the best substitute for 'spills' in this sentence.
Exam Tip: Choose a synonym that fits grammatically and matches the action of water spilling over the edges of a container.

4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. There was complete silence from the box, but from its air holes and chinks around the lid, blood had trickled and dried. I whipped off the lock and tore open the lid and Mij, exhausted and blood-spattered, whimpered and caught at my leg. He had torn the lining of the box to shreds; when I removed the last of it so that there were no cutting edges left, it was just ten minutes until the time of the flight and the airport was five miles distant. I put the miserable Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with my hand. I sat in the back of the car with the box beside me as the driver tore through the streets of Basra like a ricocheting bullet.

Question 4(i). Which of the following options correctly states Maxwell’s likely feelings, in the situation below?
'_____ I put the miserable Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with my hand.'
(a) Anxious
(b) Disappointed
(c) Terrified
(d) Surprised
Answer: (a) Anxious
In simple words: The author was extremely worried and nervous because he was late for his flight and his pet was injured.
Exam Tip: Identify the emotion of urgency and fear for the pet's safety, which perfectly aligns with feeling 'anxious'.

Question 4(ii). What is the appalling spectacle as mentioned in the extract?
Answer: The shocking sight involved Mijbil ripping the inner walls of the container apart, which caused blood to leak and dry around the box's openings and gaps. On top of that, there was a scary lack of sound from inside.
In simple words: The shocking sight was seeing dried blood on the outside of the silent box because the otter had hurt himself inside.
Exam Tip: Be sure to mention both key aspects: the dried blood coming from the box's openings and the absolute silence of the pet inside.

Question 4(iii). State true or false.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be applied to the statement - While I returned, there was an appalling spectacle.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon
Answer: True
In simple words: None of these technical terms apply because the author's statement is simply a direct description of what he saw.
Exam Tip: Since the statement is a direct observation rather than a theory, hypothesis, premise, or assumption, the correct option is 'True'.

Question 4(iv). Fill in the blank appropriately.
The author put Mij back into the box _____.
Answer: due to the extreme rush for his flight departure.
In simple words: The author put Mij back because he had only ten minutes left to catch his airplane.
Exam Tip: Keep the completion simple, showing the clear link between putting the pet back and the lack of time before takeoff.