GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 1 Mijbil the Otter

Oral Comprehension Check (Textbook Page No. 106)

Question 1. What 'experiment' did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Answer: Maxwell thought that he would keep an otter instead of a dog. Camusfearna, ringed by water a very short distance from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for the experiment.
In simple words: Maxwell decided to keep an otter instead of a dog. He believed Camusfearna, which was surrounded by water, was a good place for this test.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's thoughts or intentions, clearly state their idea and the reason or location for it.

Question 2. Why does he go to Basra ? How long does he wait there, and why ?
Answer: He went to Basra, to the Consulate-General, to collect and answer his mail from Europe. He had to wait there for five days. To begin with, his mail didn't arrive on schedule. Then he tried to make a telephone call. This occurrence dates back to when one had to book a call in advance. The telephone line was not working correctly on the first day. The next day it was some religious holiday, so it was not functioning. Finally, after a difficult wait of five days, his mail arrived.
In simple words: He visited Basra to get his mail from Europe. He waited for five days because his mail was late, and the phone lines weren't working properly due to breakdowns and a holiday.

Exam Tip: For "why" questions, provide both the primary reason and any secondary reasons that caused delay or complications.

Question 3. How does he get the otter ? Does he like it ? Pick out the words that tell you this.
Answer: When he received his mail, he carried it to his bedroom to read. There, he saw two Arabs, and next to them was a sack that twisted from time to time. They gave him a note from his friend saying that he had sent him an otter. Yes, he liked it. We understand this because he uses the phrase 'otter fixation' to refer to his feelings towards the otter. He felt that this otter fixation or strong bond with otters was something that most other people who had ever owned one also shared.
In simple words: He got the otter from two Arabs who handed him a sack and a note from his friend. He liked it, calling his feeling 'otter fixation', meaning a strong attachment.

Exam Tip: When asked to pick out words, quote the exact phrase from the text to support your answer about feelings or descriptions.

Question 4. Why was the otter named 'Maxwell's otter' ?
Answer: The otter was of a kind previously unknown to science and was eventually named by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell's otter.
In simple words: The otter was a new type of animal that scientists hadn't seen before. So, they gave it a special name, 'Maxwell's otter', after the person who found it.

Exam Tip: For naming questions, state the reason for the name and, if possible, the formal scientific name.

Question 5. Give the right answer. In the beginning, the otter was ....................
(a) aloof and indifferent
(b) friendly
(c) hostile
Answer: (a) aloof and indifferent
In simple words: At first, the otter kept its distance and didn't seem interested in anything or anyone.

Exam Tip: Read carefully for keywords like "in the beginning" to accurately identify the initial state or characteristic described in the story.

Question 6. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom ? What did it do two days after that ?
Answer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, it went wild with joy in the water for half an hour. It was plunging and rolling in it, shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and creating enough slosh and splash for a hippo. Two days after that, it escaped from his bedroom to the bathroom. By the time he got there, Mijbil was busy fumbling at the chromium taps with its paws. In less than a minute, it had turned the tap far enough to produce some water and after a moment, achieved the full flow.
In simple words: When Mijbil went to the bathroom, it became very happy in the water, splashing and rolling around. Two days later, it opened the tap itself and made water flow.

Exam Tip: Break down multi-part questions and answer each part clearly, using chronological order if appropriate.

(Textbook Page No. 108-109)

Question 7. How Was Mij to be transported to England ?
Answer: Maxwell booked a flight to Paris and from there he would go on to London. The airline insisted that Mij should be packed in a box (not more than eighteen inches square) that was to be placed on the floor, near his feet.
In simple words: Mij had to travel in a special box, no bigger than eighteen inches square. This box was placed on the floor near Maxwell's feet during his flight to Paris, before continuing to London.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific details of transportation, including restrictions or special arrangements made.

Question 8. What did Mij do to the box?
Answer: The box was lined with a metal sheet. Mij didn't find it comfortable to be inside so tried to escape. In its effort to escape, Mij tore into the metal lining of the box. As a result, it hurt itself and started bleeding.
In simple words: Mij felt uneasy in the metal-lined box and tried to get out. It ripped the metal inside the box, which caused it to get injured and bleed.

Exam Tip: Describe the action, the motivation, and the consequence when explaining events.

Question 9. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this ?
Answer: As there was no other way to carry Mij to London, the author had to put it back into the box. He must have felt pity because the otter had hurt itself. Additionally, he must have been worried.
In simple words: Maxwell had to put Mij back in the box because it was the only way to get him to London. He probably felt sorry for Mij, who was hurt, and also anxious about the situation.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's feelings, describe the emotion and provide reasons from the text that would cause such a feeling.

Question 10. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind”? (March 20)
Answer: Maxwell said that the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind” because she was extremely friendly and helpful. He confided in her about the incident with the box. She suggested that he might prefer to have his pet on his knee. Hearing this, he developed a profound admiration for her, because she understood the pain of both the otter and its owner.
In simple words: Maxwell called the airhostess "the very queen of her kind" because she was kind and helpful. She offered for him to keep Mijbil on his lap, showing she understood his and the otter's distress.

Exam Tip: When interpreting a quote, explain what the quote means and provide evidence from the story to support your interpretation.

(Text Book Page No. 110)

Question 11. What happened when the box was opened ?
Answer: When the box was opened, Mij came out of the box. He quickly disappeared down the aircraft. There were cries everywhere. A woman stood up on her seat screaming that there was a rat. He saw Mij's tail disappearing beneath the legs of an Indian passenger. He dived for it, but missed. The airhostess suggested he be seated and that she would find the otter. After a while, Mij had returned to him. It climbed on his knee and began to rub its nose on his face and neck.
In simple words: When the box opened, Mijbil escaped and ran quickly through the plane, causing passengers to scream, thinking it was a rat. The airhostess helped find him, and Mijbil soon returned to Maxwell, climbing onto his lap.

Exam Tip: Describe sequences of events clearly and chronologically, including reactions of other characters.

Question 12. What game had Mij invented?
Answer: Mij had invented a game with a ping-pong ball. He would put the ball at one end of a sloping lid and then grab it as it ran to the other end.
In simple words: Mijbil created a game where he'd place a ping-pong ball on a slanted lid, then chase and catch it as it rolled down.

Exam Tip: When describing an invention or game, clearly state the object used and the rules or actions involved.

Question 13. What are 'compulsive habits' ? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of
(i) school children
(ii) Mij?
Answer: Compulsive habits are usually strange acts or behavior that a person does without a clear reason.
(i) On their way to and from school, children make it a habit to place their feet exactly on the center of each paving block.
(ii) Similarly, Mij had made it a habit to jump onto the school wall and go galloping all along its length of thirty yards.
In simple words: Compulsive habits are odd actions done without thinking. For children, it's stepping only on the middle of paving blocks. For Mijbil, it's jumping onto a school wall and running along it for thirty yards.

Exam Tip: Define the term first, then provide specific examples for each sub-part as requested in the question.

Question 14. What group of animals do otters belong to ?
Answer: Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines, shared by the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others.
In simple words: Otters are part of a small animal group called Mustellines, which also includes badgers, mongooses, weasels, stoats, and minks.

Exam Tip: When classifying animals, provide the group name and a few examples of other animals in that group.

Question 15. What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mij was ?
Answer: According to Maxwell, the average Londoner does not recognize an otter. The Londoners who saw Mij made different guesses about what Mij was. They guessed, among other things, that it was a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard and a brontosaur.
In simple words: Most Londoners didn't know what an otter was, so they made many different guesses about Mij. They thought he might be a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard, or even a brontosaur.

Exam Tip: List all examples provided in the text to show a comprehensive understanding of the variety of guesses.

Thinking about the Text

Question 1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving animal who needs love?
Answer: Mij was an intelligent animal. He invented his own game out of ping-pong balls. He screwed the tap until water began to flow and then he would play and splash in the water. Though it was aloof and indifferent in the beginning, it soon became very friendly. It formed a special attachment with Maxwell. It responded when Maxwell called out his name. It grew desperate when Maxwell left it in a box and it got hurt while trying to come out of it. After Maxwell took it out, it clung to his feet. It was a fun-loving animal. It enjoyed playing all kinds of games. It would play with a selection of toys, ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit and a terrapin shell. It required love and affection from Maxwell and it received that readily.
In simple words: Mijbil showed intelligence by inventing games and opening taps. He became friendly, growing attached to Maxwell and responding to his calls. His desperation when left alone, his clinging, and his enjoyment of many toys showed he was fun-loving and needed affection.

Exam Tip: To show intelligence, friendliness, and need for love, provide specific examples of Mij's actions, responses, and play habits mentioned in the story.

Question 2. What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text ?
Answer: Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines, shared by the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others. Maxwell's otter was of a kind previously unknown to science and was at length named by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell's otter. They are found in large numbers in marshes. They are often tamed by the Arabs. It is a characteristic of otters that every drop of water must be spread about the place; a bowl must at once be overturned, or, if it will not be overturned, be sat in and splashed in until it overflows. For them, water must be kept moving. Otters love playing various games, especially with a ball.
In simple words: Otters are Mustellines, like badgers and weasels. Maxwell's otter was a new species, later named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. They live in marshes and Arabs often tame them. Otters love to splash water everywhere and keep it moving, and they enjoy playing games, especially with balls.

Exam Tip: List factual details about otters as described in the text, covering their classification, habitat, behavior, and preferences.

Question 3. Why is Mij's species now known to the world as Maxwell's otter?
Answer: Maxwell's otter was of a kind previously unknown to science and was eventually named by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell's otter.
In simple words: Mijbil's species was new to scientists. So, it was formally named by zoologists as Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or simply Maxwell's otter, after the person who discovered it.

Exam Tip: Clarify that the naming was due to its being a newly identified species and mention the scientific name if provided.

Question 4. Maxwell in the story speaks for the otter, Mij. He tells us what the otter feels and thinks on different occasions. Given below are some things the otter does. Complete the column on the right to say what Maxwell says about what Mij feels and thinks.

Answer:

Exam Tip: When filling tables, use concise phrases that directly correspond to the described action and feeling, as indicated in the text.

Question 5. Read the story and find the sentences where Maxwell describes his pet otter. Then choose and arrange your sentences to illustrate those statements below that you think are true.
Maxwell's description
(1) makes Mij seem almost human, like a small boy.
(2) shows that he is often irritated with what Mij does.
(3) shows that he is often surprised by what Mij does.
(4) of Mij's antics is comical.
(5) shows that he observes the antics of Mij very carefully.
(6) shows that he thinks Mij is a very ordinary otter.
(7) shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual.
Answer:
(1) He spent most of his time in play.
(3) I watched, amazed; in less than a minute he had turned the tap far enough to produce a trickle of water, and after a moment or two achieved the full flow.
(5) A suitcase that I had taken to Iraq had become damaged on the journey home, so that the lid, when closed, remained at a slope from one end to the other. Mij discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run down the length of the suitcase. He would dash around to the other end to ambush its arrival, hide from it, crouching, to spring up and take it by surprise, grab it and trot off with it to the high end once more.
(6) It is not, I suppose, in any way strange that the average Londoner should not recognize an otter, but the variety of guesses as to what kind of animal this might be came as a surprise to me. Mij was anything but an otter.
(7) He gave me some flowers on my birthday. He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.
In simple words: Maxwell describes Mij as playful (1), capable of surprising actions like turning on a tap (3), and observant, inventing games with objects like a suitcase (5). He also notes that Londoners' diverse guesses show Mij was not an ordinary otter (6) and mentions receiving flowers (7).

Exam Tip: When matching descriptions, select the most relevant sentences that directly support each given statement, even if the statements themselves are not direct quotes.

Thinking about Language

Question 1. From the table below, make as many correct sentences as you can using would and / or used to, as appropriate. (Hint: First decide whether the words in italics show an action, or Then add two or three sentences of your own to it.
Answer:
(1) Emperor Akbar used to be fond of musical evenings.
(2) Every evening we used to take long walks on the beach.
(3) Fifty years ago, very few people used to own cars.
(4) Till the 1980s, Shanghai used to have very dirty streets.
(5) My uncle would spend his holidays by the sea.
(6) My uncle used to take long walks on the beach.
(7) My uncle used to be fond of musical evenings.
In simple words: These sentences show how to use "would" and "used to" for past habits or states. "Used to" describes things that happened regularly in the past but don't anymore, or past states. "Would" describes repeated actions in the past.

Exam Tip: Remember that "used to" refers to past habits or states that no longer exist, while "would" refers to repeated actions in the past. Choose based on whether the sentence describes a state or a repeated action.

Question 2. Noun Modifiers
(I) Look at these examples from the text, and say whether the modifiers (in italics) are nouns, proper nouns, or adjective plus noun.
(1) An otter fixation
(2) The iron railings
(3) The Tigris marshes
(4) The London streets
(5) soft velvet fur
(6) A four-footed soccer player
Answer:
(1) Noun
(2) Noun
(3) Proper noun
(4) Proper noun
(5) Adjective plus noun
(6) Adjective plus noun
In simple words: This exercise shows different types of words used to describe nouns. Some modifiers are nouns themselves, some are specific proper nouns, and others are a combination of an adjective and a noun.

Exam Tip: To identify noun modifiers, look at the word immediately preceding the noun. Determine if it's another noun, a specific name (proper noun), or a descriptive word (adjective).

(II) Given below are some nouns, and a set of modifiers (in the box). Combine the nouns and modifiers to make as many appropriate phrases as you can. (Hint: The nouns and modifiers are all from the texts in this book.)
Nouns:
temple - girls - triangle - dresses
person - thoughts - boys - roar
gifts - scream - farewell - expression
time - subject - landscape - handkerchief
crossing - flight - chatterbox - profession
Modifiers:
college - rough - hundred - stone - ordinary
love - uncomfortable - white - slang - slack
rare - railroad - tremendous - family - marriage
Plump - invigorating - panoramic - heartbreaking - birthday
incorrigible - ridiculous loud - first - three
Answer:
Temple - white temple, stone temple, first temple
Person - incorrigible person, ridiculous person
Gifts - hundred gifts, ordinary gifts, birthday gifts
Time-college time, rough time, first time, family time .
Crossing - railroad crossing, first crossing
Physique - plump physique, ordinary physique
Girls-first three girls, incorrigible three girls, plump girls, college girls
Thoughts - incorrigible thoughts, uncomfortable thoughts, ridiculous thoughts, heartbreaking thoughts, first thoughts, ordinary thoughts
Scream - tremendous scream, loud scream
Subject - college subject, ordinary subject
Flight-rough flight, first flight
Coffee - invigorating coffee, ordinary coffee
Triangle - love triangle
Boys-college boys, incorrigible boys, rough boys, hundred boys
Farewell - college farewell, heartbreaking farewell
Landscape - bare landscape, rough landscape, white landscape
Chatterbox - incorrigible chatterbox
View - tremendous view, panoramic view, ordinary view
Dresses - hundred dresses, ordinary dresses, birthday dresses, marriage dresses
Roar - tremendous roar, loud roar
Expression - bare expression, slang expression, slack expression
Handkerchief - white handkerchief, ordinary handkerchief
Profession - family profession, first profession, ordinary profession
Celebration - tremendous celebration, family celebration, birthday celebration
In simple words: This exercise demonstrates how to combine nouns with various descriptive words (modifiers) to create more specific and detailed phrases. By choosing different modifiers, you can change the meaning or quality of the noun.

Exam Tip: When forming phrases, consider how each modifier changes the noun's meaning and ensure the combination makes logical sense within the context.

Question 3. Match the words on the left with a word on the right. Some words on the left can go with more than one word on the right.
(1) a portion of - blood
(2) a pool of - cotton
(3) flakes of - stones
(4) a huge heap of - gold
(5) a gust of - fried fish
(6) little drops of - snow
(7) a piece of - water
(8) a pot of - wind
Answer:
(1) a portion of - fried fish
(2) a pool of - blood
(3) flakes of - snow
(4) a huge heap of - stones
(5) a gust of - wind
(6) little drops of - water
(7) a piece of - cotton
(8) a pot of - gold
In simple words: This exercise shows common ways to describe quantities or parts of things using specific collective nouns. For example, "a portion" is used for food, while "flakes" are for snow.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the common collocations and standard usage when matching collective nouns or quantifiers with their respective items.

(II) Use a bit of/ a piece of/a bunch of/a cloud of/a lump of with the italicised nouns in the following sentences. The first has been done for you as an example.
(1) My teacher gave me some advice. - My teacher gave me a bit of advice.
(2) Can you give me some clay, please? -
(3) The information you gave was very useful.
(4) Because of these factories, smoke hangs over the city.
(5) Two stones rubbed together can produce sparks of fire.
(6) He gave me some flowers on my birthday.
Answer:
(1) My teacher gave me some advice. - My teacher gave me a bit of advice.
(2) Can you give me some clay, please ? - Can you give me a lump of clay, please?
(3)The information you gave was very useful. The piece of information you gave was very useful.
(4) Because of these factories, smoke hangs over the city. Because of these factories, a cloud of smoke hangs over the city.
(5) Two stones rubbed together can produce sparks of fire. Two pieces of stones rubbed together can produce sparks of fire.
(6) He gave me some flowers on my birthday. He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.
In simple words: This exercise helps us choose the right words to describe a small amount or group of something. For instance, you ask for "a lump of clay" or talk about "a cloud of smoke."

Exam Tip: Select the quantifier (e.g., a bit of, a piece of, a bunch of) that most naturally fits the noun and its context in the sentence.

GSEB Class 10 English Mijbil the Otter Additional Important Questions and Answers

Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers to the questions given below them:

Question 1.
I cabled to England, and when, three days later, nothing had happened, I tried to telephone. The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day the line was out of order; on the second the exchange was closed for a religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. My friend left, and I arranged to meet him in a week's time. Five days later, my mail arrived.
I carried it to my bedroom to read, and there, squatting on the floor, were two Arabs; beside them lay a sack that squirmed from time to time. They handed me a note from my friend :"Here is your otter .'' With the opening of that sack began a phase of my life that has not yet ended, and may, for all I know, not end before I do. It is, in effect, a thraldom of otters, an otter fixation, that I have since found to be shared by most other people, who have ever owned one.

Question 1. 'I cabled to England' means
A. I did electrification in England.
B. I reached England by a cable-car.
C. I sent message to England through telegraph.
D. I telephoned to England.
Answer: (C) I sent message to England through telegraph.
In simple words: To "cable" means to send a message using a telegraph, a method of sending long-distance messages before phones were common.

Exam Tip: Understand the historical context of words. "Cabled" refers to sending a telegram, not electricity or travel.

Question 2. The writer could not contact the concerned person the second day because of
A. the telephone-line being out of order.
B. there was some breakdown.
D. the exchange being closed for a religious holiday.
Answer: (D) the exchange being closed for a religious holiday.
In simple words: On the second day, he couldn't make contact because the telephone office was shut for a religious holiday.

Exam Tip: For passage-based MCQs, always refer back to the text to find the exact reason mentioned for the event.

Question 3. Pick out the correct sentence from the following:
A. The two Arabs were sitting on chairs.
B. The two Arabs were sitting with knees bent on the floor.
C. The two Arabs were sitting with knees bent on a raised platform.
D. The Arabs kept on standing with folded hands.
Answer: (B) The two Arabs were sitting with knees bent on the floor.
In simple words: The correct detail from the passage is that the two Arabs were sitting with their knees bent on the floor.

Exam Tip: When choosing the correct sentence, verify every detail against the original passage to avoid errors.

Question 4. The word 'thraldom' in the extract means.......................
A. 'being under the control of'.
B. 'being in the company of'.
C. 'being overwhelmed with'.
D. 'being under the influence of'.
Answer: (A) 'being under the control of'.
In simple words: The word 'thraldom' here refers to a state of being completely controlled or fascinated by something.

Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, use context clues from the passage to infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word, and then select the closest option.

Question 2.
Mijbil, as I called the otter, was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter. 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, plunging and rolling in it, shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo. 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 1. The zoologists named the otter ....................
A. Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli.
B. Maxwell's otter.
C. Mijbil.
D. Both 'A' and 'B
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B
In simple words: Scientists officially named the otter 'Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli' and also referred to it commonly as 'Maxwell's otter.'

Exam Tip: Be careful with options that combine answers; ensure both parts are correct according to the text.

Question 2. First day and night, Mijbil ....................
A. was greatly disturbed.
B. was inimical.
C. kept away from the writer.
D. was cordial.
Answer: (C) kept away from the writer.
In simple words: For the first day and night, Mijbil was distant and avoided interacting with the writer.

Exam Tip: Look for descriptions of Mijbil's initial behavior, focusing on phrases like "aloof and indifferent" to guide your choice.

Question 3. Which place in the writer's house was greatly admired by Mijbil ?
A. Bathroom
B. Bedroom
C. Garden
D. Kitchen
Answer: (A) Bathroom
In simple words: Mijbil really loved the bathroom in the writer's house, especially because of the water there.

Exam Tip: Identify specific locations mentioned in connection with Mijbil's joyful activities to pinpoint his favorite spot.

Question 4. .................... was provoking for the otter.
A. His body-belt
B. Bathtub water
C. Static water
D. Slosh and splash
Answer: (C) Static water
In simple words: Water that wasn't moving or doing anything bothered the otter, making it want to play or splash in it.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to phrases that describe what irritates or excites the animal; "static it is wasted and provoking" directly supports the answer.

Question 3.
I sat in the back of the car with the box beside me as the driver tore through the streets of Basra as a ricocheting bullet. The aircraft was waiting to take off; I was rushed through to it by infuriated officials. Luckily, the seat booked for me was at the extreme front. I covered the floor around my feet with newspapers, rang for the air hostess, and gave her a parcel of fish (for Mij) to keep in a cool place.
I took her into my confidence about the events of the last half hour. I have retained the most profound admiration for that air hostess; she was the very queen of her kind. She suggested that I might prefer to have my pet on my knee, and I could have kissed her hand in the depth of my gratitude. But, not knowing otters, I was quite unprepared for what followed.

Question 1. The words 'tore through' in the extract means ....................
A. 'drove with great speed through'.
B. 'met.with an accident'.
C. 'crossed in a zigzag way'.
D. 'travelled through'.
Answer: (A) 'drove with great speed through'.
In simple words: "Tore through" means the driver drove very quickly and forcefully through the streets.

Exam Tip: Infer the meaning of phrases based on the context of the sentence. "As a ricocheting bullet" suggests high speed and force.

Question 2. What angered the air-officials ?
A. That the writer was carrying a huge box with him.
B. That the writer was carrying an animal with him in the flight.
C. That the flight was getting delayed because of the writer coming late.
D. That the writer was arguing against allotting him the extreme front seat.
Answer: (C) That the flight was getting delayed because of the writer coming late.
In simple words: The airport staff were annoyed because the writer's late arrival was causing a delay for the flight.

Exam Tip: Look for direct indications of anger and its cause in the passage, such as "infuriated officials" linked to the writer being "rushed through."

Question 3. How could have the writer shown his thankfulness to the airhostess ?
A. He could have admired her as a queen.
B. He could have given her some tip.
C. He could have kissed her hand.
D. He could have gifted the otter to her.
Answer: (C) He could have kissed her hand.
In simple words: The writer felt so grateful that he wished he could have kissed the airhostess's hand to express his deep appreciation.

Exam Tip: Identify specific phrases that express extreme gratitude or desire to show appreciation within the narrative.

Question 4. The phrase 'took her in my confidence' means ....................
A. 'shared my experiences with her'.
B. 'got her do what I wanted her to do'.
Answer: (A) 'shared my experiences with her'.
In simple words: To "take someone into confidence" means to share private or sensitive information with them, trusting them with your personal experiences.

Exam Tip: Understand idioms and common phrases. "Took her in my confidence" implies revealing personal matters to build trust.

Answer the following questions in three to four sentences each:

Question 1. How was Mij to be transported to England ?
Answer: The British airline flying to London would not allow animals. So, Maxwell reserved a flight to Paris on a different airline and then planned to go to London from there. The airline insisted that Mij should be packed inside a box no larger than eighteen inches square. Consequently, Mij was transported to England in that container, which was placed on the floor near the writer's feet.
In simple words: Mij had to travel to England. The airline made him go in a box on the floor.

Exam Tip: Mention the specific airline rules and the two-stage journey (Paris then London) to score full marks for this question.

Question 2. Why did Maxwell get his mail after five days and what did he do to get it ?
Answer: Maxwell received his mail after five days because of some processing delay. To try and obtain it, he sent a cable and attempted to make a telephone call.
In simple words: Maxwell got his mail late because of a delay. He sent a telegram and called to try and get it faster.

Exam Tip: Remember both actions Maxwell took (cabling and telephoning) to show a complete understanding of his efforts.

Question 3. What did the otter look like?
Answer: The otter resembled a small dragon from the middle ages. It was covered with symmetrical, pointed scales of mud. Between these scales, one could see soft velvet fur, similar to that of a chocolate-brown mole.
In simple words: The otter looked like a little dragon. It had pointy mud scales and soft, brown fur.

Exam Tip: Focus on the visual description, particularly the comparison to a dragon and the unique fur texture, when answering this question.

Question 4. What did Mijbil do during the second night ?
Answer: Mijbil came into Maxwell's bed shortly after midnight. It stayed sleeping in the curve of his knees until the morning.
In simple words: Mijbil came to Maxwell's bed at night. It slept comfortably in his lap until morning.

Exam Tip: Note the specific time ("shortly after midnight") and its sleeping position for precise details.

Question 5. What is the 'real play' of the otter?
Answer: The otter's real playtime involves resting on its back and expertly juggling tiny objects with its paws. Mijbil would frequently roll a couple of marbles up and down its wide, soft stomach. It was amazing how the otter never once let go of these items.
In simple words: The otter's favorite game is lying on its back and juggling small things with its paws, like marbles, without dropping them.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the unique behavior of juggling objects on its back to show the otter's playful nature.

Question 6. Why was the narrator not able to communicate when there was a delay in the arrival of the mail ?
Answer: The narrator could not get in touch because telephone lines needed to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day, the line was broken; on the second day, the exchange was shut for a religious festival; and on the third day, there was another breakdown.
In simple words: The narrator couldn't talk to anyone because the phone lines were bad or closed for a holiday for three days straight.

Exam Tip: Listing all three reasons for the communication failure (booking, out of order, holiday, breakdown) demonstrates a thorough understanding.

Question 7. What was the first characteristic of the otter discovered by the narrator?
Answer: The first thing the narrator noticed about the otter was its fondness for playing with water. When taken to the bathroom, it became very excited in the water for thirty minutes, diving, jumping, and splashing around.
In simple words: The narrator first noticed that the otter loved playing in the water, splashing and diving with joy in the bathroom.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the characteristic (love for water) and provide the specific example of its behavior in the bathtub.

Question 8. How did Mij spend his time ?
Answer: Mij spent most of his time playing. He spent hours moving a rubber ball around the room, like a four-footed soccer player. His true playtime occurred when he juggled small items between his paws. Marbles were his favorite toy for amusement.
In simple words: Mij spent his time playing, especially with a rubber ball and juggling marbles with his paws.

Exam Tip: Mention both the "four-footed soccer player" game and the juggling of small objects to describe Mij's playtime comprehensively.

Question 9. While staying in London, what was the pastime of Mij ?
Answer: While living in London, Mijbil would play for many hours with its own collection of toys. His favorite toys included ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell that the narrator had purchased from its native marshlands.
In simple words: In London, Mijbil played for hours with its toys, like ping-pong balls, marbles, and a terrapin shell from its home.

Exam Tip: List a variety of Mij's favorite toys to illustrate its playful nature and the narrator's care.

Question 10. How did Mij make his way to the house in London?
Answer: Mij always followed the narrator when they went for walks in the streets. During these outings, Mij developed specific routines. He would go with the author, similar to how children play, run, and touch different things on the street. He often guided the author toward a primary school wall and then ran quickly along its full length of thirty yards.
In simple words: Mij followed the narrator on walks in London, playing and exploring like a child, and often ran along a school wall.

Exam Tip: Describe Mij's walking habits and its peculiar habit of galloping along the school wall to show its established routine in London.

Answer the following question in five to six sentences each:

Question 1. 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 today's world, it is becoming hard to find individuals who demonstrate such care and support. Instead of helping others, people often make excuses and cite rules or regulations. Previously, people considered the circumstances of others and assisted them in all possible ways. This is changing because of shifts in people's personal values. Individuals now prioritize their own safety and security, caring for themselves first and then considering others.
In simple words: It's hard to find truly caring people today. People often use rules as excuses instead of helping. Values are changing, with many people now putting their own safety and needs first before helping others.

Exam Tip: When discussing values, provide a contrast between past and present attitudes to highlight the change. Use phrases that show empathy and the shift towards self-preservation.

Grammar

Rectify the errors in each of the following lines as shown in the example:

(1) In the opening of the sack began a phase of my life, who has not since ended, and may, for all I know, not end before I did. It is, in effect, a thraldom of otters, an otter fixation.

(2) I sat on the back of the car with the box besides me as the driver torn through the streets of Basra as a ricocheting bullet. The aircraft was waiting to be taken off.

Turn the following dialogues into Indirect Speech:

Question 1. The otter was no more in the sight. I said to the airhostess, “Would you please help me find out my otter?” "Perhaps,” said the airhostess with the most charming smile, “it would be better if you resumed your seat, and I will find the animal and bring it to you.”
Answer: The otter was no longer visible, so I asked the airhostess to assist me in locating my otter. With a most delightful smile, the airhostess requested that I return to my seat and graciously added that she would locate the animal and bring it to me.
In simple words: I asked the airhostess to find my otter. She politely told me to sit down and said she would find it.

Exam Tip: When converting dialogue to indirect speech, ensure proper use of reporting verbs (asked, requested, added) and adjust pronouns and tenses accordingly.

Question 2. “CHAI-GARAM.............. garam-chai,” a vendor called out in a high-pitched voice. "Give us two cups,” Pranjol said. "Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world?" Rajvir said. “Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. 'Tea really is very popular."
Answer: A tea seller was shouting for his hot tea in a loud voice. He approached their window and politely inquired if they would like tea. Pranjol requested him to provide two cups of tea. Then Rajvir shared his knowledge with Pranjol by asking if he was aware that more than eighty crore cups of tea are consumed daily across the globe. Pranjol expressed surprise and stated that tea is very popular.
In simple words: A tea seller loudly offered tea. Pranjol asked for two cups. Rajvir mentioned that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk daily worldwide. Pranjol was surprised, saying tea is very popular.

Exam Tip: Capture the essence of each speaker's intention (vendor's call, Pranjol's request, Rajvir's information, Pranjol's exclamation) using appropriate reporting verbs.

Rewrite as directed:

(1) Otters are as common as mosquitoes in the Tigris marshes. (Change the Degree.)
Answer: Mosquitoes are not more common than otters in the Tigris marshes.
In simple words: Mosquitoes are not more common than otters in the Tigris marshes.

Exam Tip: To change the degree of comparison, ensure the new sentence conveys the same meaning as the original, often by using "not more...than" for "as...as".

(2) The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance at that time. (Change the Voice.)
Answer: People had to book the call twenty-four hours in advance at that time.
In simple words: People had to book the call a day before it happened.

Exam Tip: When changing from passive to active voice, identify the implied subject (e.g., "people") and place it at the beginning of the sentence.

(3) For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly. (Use 'either........or'.)
Answer: For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was not either hostile or friendly.
In simple words: Mijbil was not hostile or friendly during the first day.

Exam Tip: Remember that "neither...nor" implies a negative, so "not either...or" is its direct equivalent when instructed to use "either...or".

(4) When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. (Turn into a Simple sentence.)
Answer: On my return, I saw an appalling spectacle.
In simple words: I saw a terrible sight when I came back.

Exam Tip: A simple sentence has one independent clause. Combine the temporal clause ("When I returned") into a phrase ("On my return") to achieve this.

(5) The days passed peacefully at Basra, but I dreaded the prospect of transporting Mij to England. (Use 'though'.)
Answer: Though the days passed peacefully at Basra, I dreaded the prospect of transporting Mij to England.
In simple words: The days in Basra were calm, but I worried about taking Mij to England.

Exam Tip: "Though" is used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast. Place it at the beginning of the contrasting idea.

(6) The British airline to London would not fly animals. (Turn into Affirmative.)
Answer: The British airline to London would disallow flying animals.
In simple words: The British airline would not let animals fly.

Exam Tip: To make a negative sentence affirmative while keeping the meaning, replace the negative verb construction with an affirmative verb that conveys the same restriction (e.g., "would not fly" becomes "would disallow flying").

(7) I was quite unprepared for what followed. (Turn into Negative.)
Answer: I was not quite prepared for what followed.
In simple words: I was not ready for what happened next.

Exam Tip: Simply adding "not" to the main verb is often the easiest way to make a sentence negative without changing its core meaning.

Mijbil the Otter Summary in English

Gavin Maxwell (July 15, 1914 – September 7, 1969) was a Scottish naturalist and writer, best known for his non-fiction books and his studies with otters. He authored the book Ring of Bright Water (1960), detailing how he brought an otter from Iraq and cared for it in Scotland. The otter represented a previously unknown sub-species, which was later named after Maxwell.

In this narrative, the writer Gavin Maxwell shares details about his pet. After his dog, Jonnie, passed away, he considered getting another pet. In early 1956, he traveled to Southern Iraq. There, he observed some Arab people with an otter. He then decided he also wanted an otter. He informed his friend about this. His mail was expected; therefore, he and a friend went to Basra to receive his mail. His friend collected his mail and left.

After his friend had departed, he received a sack containing something. The sack was for the narrator, and it held an otter. The narrator named it Mijbil. Initially, the otter rested on the floor, but soon it went into the bed until the servant brought tea. When it was taken to the bathroom, it dived and rolled joyfully in the bathtub. The narrator was surprised when he found it wrestling with the water tap. It eventually learned how to turn on the tap. It spent most of its time playing with a rubber ball and marbles.

He was staying in Basra when he had to travel to England and then to Camusfearna. However, the issue was that some airlines did not permit animal transport. Therefore, the narrator had to select a different flight that allowed animals onboard. As a result, Mijbil was placed in a box of its size. The narrator then left for a meal. Upon returning to his room, he noticed blood seeping from the air holes. He became very frightened.

He quickly opened it and discovered that Mij was nearly unconscious. He removed all sharp edges from the box and placed Mij back inside. Time was passing, and he managed to hire a taxi. There were only ten minutes left until his flight. So he sat in the taxi's back seat with the box on his lap. He somehow managed to catch the flight and boarded the plane. The air hostess was quite friendly and permitted the narrator to place the otter on his lap. However, as soon as the narrator opened the box, the otter vanished inside the plane. This scared the other passengers. But the airhostess assisted him in finding Mij again.

In London, people did not recognize otters. They made random guesses to identify the creature. The most surprising event occurred when a laborer digging a hole in the street saw the animal, dropped his tools, and when the narrator approached him, he yelled, "What is that supposed to be?"