GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 4 How to Tell Wild Animals

Thinking About The Poem

Question 1. Does dyin' really rhyme with 'lion' ? Can you say it in such a way that it does ?
Answer: No, "dyin'" does not truly rhyme with "lion." The poet purposely used "dyin'" so that when we say it, it sounds like it rhymes with "lion."
In simple words: No, "dyin'" doesn't truly rhyme with "lion." The poet made it sound that way on purpose.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the poet's intentional misspellings or phonetic choices that serve to create a specific rhythm or rhyme scheme in the poem.

Question 2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger ? When can you do so, according to him ?
Answer: The poet suggests that if a large and yellowish-brown animal in the eastern jungle moves towards us, then it is an Asian lion. We can recognize it when it roars at us while we feel like we are dying from fear. If we encounter a wild animal that is yellow with black stripes while roaming, it is a Bengal tiger. We can identify it when it attacks and eats us.
In simple words: If a big yellowish-brown beast roars at you in the east, it's an Asian lion. If a yellow animal with black stripes attacks and eats you, it's a Bengal tiger.

Exam Tip: When distinguishing animals in the poem, note the specific colors, patterns, sounds, and actions associated with each one to accurately describe them.

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: No, the words "lept" and "lep" are not spelled correctly. The poet spelled them this way to keep the poem's rhythm. When spelled in this manner, they rhyme with the first part of "leopard," emphasizing "leopard" in each line.
In simple words: The words "lept" and "lep" are spelled wrong. The poet did this to make them rhyme with "leopard" and keep the poem's rhythm.

Exam Tip: Notice how poets sometimes alter spellings for poetic effect, such as maintaining rhyme or rhythm, and explain the reason behind these choices.

Question 4. Do you know what a 'bearhug' is ? It's a friendly and strong hug – such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep ('crocodile tears') as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s) ?
Answer: A "bearhug" means a bear's very tight embrace. Hyenas never truly laugh, but their faces appear as if they are. Crocodiles do not weep, but tears come when they consume their prey.
In simple words: A "bearhug" is a tight hug. Hyenas look like they laugh, and crocodiles cry when they eat.

Exam Tip: Be aware of common idioms and folklore associated with animal behavior, as poets often use these popular ideas to add humor or imagery to their writing.

Question 5. Look at the line "A novice might miglft nonplus". How would you write this ''correctly'' ? Why is the poet's 'incorrect' line better in the poem ?
Answer: The line "A novice might nonplus" can be correctly written as "A novice might be nonplussed." The poet's original line is superior in the poem because it keeps the poem's rhyme scheme. By writing it incorrectly, "nonplus" rhymes with "thus."
In simple words: The correct line is "A novice might be nonplussed." The poet's way is better because it rhymes "nonplus" with "thus," fitting the poem's rhyme plan.

Exam Tip: When analyzing poetic license, consider how altered words contribute to the poem's musicality and rhyme, making the "incorrect" version more effective for the poetic form.

Question 6. Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s) ? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s) ?
Answer: Yes, many poets take such freedoms to create proper rhyming. For example, "Kirk" is used for "church" to rhyme with "work," and "Ken" is used for "see" to rhyme with "pen."
In simple words: Yes, poets often change words for rhymes, like "Kirk" for "church" to rhyme with "work."

Exam Tip: Reflect on the creative ways poets bend language rules to achieve their desired literary effects, such as humor, rhythm, or rhyme, in both English and other languages.

Question 7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If these are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
Answer: The humor in the poem largely comes from the poet's use of language, but the concepts themselves are also amusing. I like these lines: "Just notice if he eats you.", "'Twill do no good to roar with pain,", "He'll give you just one more caress.", "A novice might nonplus.", and "Hyenas come with merry smiles." The ideas are presented comically. These are dangerous wild animals; they will see and kill instantly. They never hug or smile sweetly at their victims. Bears are said to "hug" people to death by pressing them very hard.
In simple words: The poem is funny because of how words are used and the ideas. I like lines like "Just notice if he eats you" and "Hyenas come with merry smiles" because they describe dangerous animals in a funny way.

Exam Tip: When identifying humor in a poem, consider both the playful use of language (word choice, irony) and the comical nature of the ideas or situations depicted.

GSEB Class 10 English How To Tell Wild Animals Additional Important Questions And Answers

Read The Following Stanzas Carefully And Answer The Questions Below Them:

If ever you should go by chance
To jungles in the east;
And if there should to you advance
A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you're dyin'
You'll know it is the Asian Lion .........

Question 1. (1) How can one know the Asian / Asiatic lion ? (2) What happens when the lion roars ? (3) What do you mean by 'tawny' ?
Answer:
(1) An Asian Lion is big and brownish-yellow in color.
(2) When the lion roars, it is very frightening, and it feels like we are about to die.
(3) "Tawny" means brownish-yellow in color.
In simple words: An Asian lion is big and brownish-yellow. Its roar is scary and makes you feel like dying. "Tawny" means brownish-yellow.

Exam Tip: When answering questions based on a stanza, always refer back to the text to find the exact descriptions and definitions provided in the poem.

Question 2.

Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.

Questions:
(1) How can you recognise a tiger?
(2) Why does the poet call him a noble animal ?
(3) How is Bengal tiger different from the other animals ?
Answer:
(1) A tiger can be recognized by the black stripes on its yellow skin.
(2) The poet calls him a noble animal because he is very impressive in size and does not make loud roaring sounds.
(3) A Bengal tiger differs from other animals as it is quiet and moves silently.
In simple words: You know a tiger by black stripes on yellow skin. The poet calls it noble because it's big and quiet, unlike other roaring animals.

Exam Tip: For descriptions, focus on visual cues like colors and patterns, as well as behavioral traits like noise level or movement, as presented in the poem.

Question 3.

If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered
As soon as he has lept on you,
You'll know it is the Leopard.
'Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He'll only lep and lep again.

Questions:
(1) How is a leopard's skin ?
(2) When does one come to know that it is a leopard?
(3) What is the meaning of 'it will do no good' ?
Answer:
(1) A leopard's skin is covered with many spots.
(2) According to the poet, one realizes it is a leopard when it jumps on them.
(3) "It will do no good" means "it is useless."
In simple words: A leopard has spotted skin. You know it's a leopard when it pounces. "It will do no good" means it's pointless.

Exam Tip: When asked about the meaning of a phrase, use simple language to explain its context within the poem, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

Question 4.

If, when you're walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear,
If you have any doubts, I guess
He'll give you just one more caress.

Questions:
(1) Who is going to hug you ?
(2) What is the synonym of 'hug' ?
(3) Where can a bear be found ?
Answer:
(1) The bear is going to hug you.
(2) The synonym of "hug" is "embrace."
(3) A bear can be found in the yard where it might get honey from the beehives.
In simple words: A bear will hug you. "Hug" means "embrace." You can find bears in yards near beehives.

Exam Tip: Identify direct answers from the poem for factual questions, and for vocabulary, provide a clear synonym related to the context.

Question 5.

Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they're Crocodiles.

Questions:
(1) Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate ?
(2) How does a hyena differ from a crocodile ?
(3) Where does a novice may get confused ?
Answer:
(1) It would be hard to tell the difference between a crocodile and a hyena.
(2) A Hyena appears to laugh as it consumes its prey, while a crocodile appears to weep as it swallows its prey.
(3) A novice might get puzzled when trying to tell a hyena and a crocodile apart.
In simple words: It's hard to tell a crocodile from a hyena. Hyenas seem to smile when they eat, but crocodiles look like they cry when they eat. A new person might get mixed up telling them apart.

Exam Tip: When asked to differentiate, provide distinct characteristics for each animal based on the poem, especially contrasting their unique behaviors or appearances.

Question 6.

The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn't any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
'Tis the Chameleon you see.

Questions:
(1) What does a chameleon look like ?
(2) A chameleon has no .......... nor ..........
(Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.)
(3) Where can a chameleon be found ?
Answer:
(1) A chameleon looks like a lizard.
(2) A chameleon has no ears nor wings.
(3) A chameleon can be found on the tree.
In simple words: A chameleon looks like a lizard. It has no ears or wings. You can find it on trees.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blank questions based on a poem, use the exact words or descriptions found in the stanza to ensure accuracy.

Choose The Correct Figures Of Speech Used In The Following Lines:

Question 1. 'Or if some time when roaming round'.
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Alliteration
D. Anastrophe
Answer: (C) Alliteration
In simple words: This line uses alliteration, meaning words close together start with the same sound, like 'some' and 'time' or 'roaming' and 'round' having similar sounds.

Exam Tip: Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sound in multiple words within a phrase or line; listen for these recurring sounds to identify it.

Question 2. 'A noble wild beast greets you'.
A. Personification
B. Euphemism
C. Apostrophe
D. Metaphor
Answer: (A) Personification
In simple words: This is personification, where human actions like "greeting" are given to an animal, making it seem human-like.

Exam Tip: Personification occurs when human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or animals, making them seem to behave like people.

Question 3. 'Twill do no good to roar with pain'.
A. Internal Rhyme
B. Litotes
C. Simile
D. Synecdoche
Answer: (B) Litotes
In simple words: This line uses litotes, which is an understatement where an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, meaning "it will do no good" to say it's unhelpful.

Exam Tip: Litotes is a figure of speech that employs an understatement by using a double negative or an affirmative statement expressed by negating its contrary (e.g., "not bad" means good).

Question 4. 'He will only lep and lep again'.
A. Alliteration
B. Repetition
C. Personification
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: This line shows both alliteration (repeating sounds like 'l') and repetition (the word 'lep' is said twice).

Exam Tip: Some lines can contain multiple figures of speech; analyze for both sound devices like alliteration and structural devices like repetition.

Question 5. 'If when you're walking round your yard'.
A. Personification
B. Alliteration
C. Metonymy
D. Metaphor
Answer: (B) Alliteration
In simple words: The line uses alliteration because the 'y' sound is repeated in "you're" and "your" and "yard".

Exam Tip: Remember that alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial consonant sounds, even if the letters are different, as long as the sound is the same.

Question 6. 'Who hugs you very very hard'.
A. Repetition
B. Personification
C.Apostrophe
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: This line uses repetition (saying "very" twice) and personification (giving an animal a human action like "hugs").

Exam Tip: Look for words or phrases that are intentionally repeated for emphasis (repetition) and for human actions assigned to non-human entities (personification).

Question 7. 'Hyenas come with merry smiles'.
A. Personification
B. Repetition
C. Synecdoche
D. Metonymy
Answer: (A) Personification
In simple words: This is personification because hyenas are given the human quality of having "merry smiles."

Exam Tip: Understand that personification often creates vivid imagery or humor by attributing human emotions or expressions to animals.

Question 8. 'But if they weep they're crocodiles'.
A. Metaphor
B. Personification
C. Simile
D. Both 'A' and 'B'.
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B'.
In simple words: This line uses metaphor by implying that weeping animals are crocodiles, and personification by giving crocodiles the human action of weeping.

Exam Tip: A metaphor directly states one thing is another, while personification gives human traits to non-human things. This line combines both by directly linking "weeping" to "crocodiles."

Question 9. 'If there is nothing on the tree'.
A. Apostrophe
B. Litotes
C. Alliteration
D. Metaphor
Answer: (B) Litotes
In simple words: This is litotes, which means something is emphasized by saying the opposite of it in a softer way, like saying "nothing" to mean empty.

Exam Tip: Litotes is an intentional understatement, often used for ironic effect or to soften a statement by expressing the affirmative through the negative.

Answer The Following Questions In Three To Four Sentences Each:

Question 1. What are the distinctive features of the Asian Lion as given in the poem?
Answer: The Asian Lion is a large beast, characterized by its brownish-yellow color. It produces a terrible roar, a sound so frightening it can make a person feel as though they are dying. This animal is typically found in the forests of eastern Asian countries, which is why it is known as the "Asian Lion."
In simple words: The Asian Lion is a big, brownish-yellow animal. Its scary roar makes people feel like they're dying. It lives in eastern Asian forests.

Exam Tip: When describing features, list specific attributes like size, color, sound, and habitat as mentioned in the poem to provide a complete answer.

Question 2. Describe a leopard as given in the poem.
Answer: A leopard has black spots covering its entire skin. It is known as a very fast runner. As soon as it sees someone, it quickly jumps on them. Once a leopard attacks, escaping from it is quite difficult.
In simple words: A leopard has black spots and runs fast. It jumps on people as soon as it sees them, and it's very hard to escape once it attacks.

Exam Tip: For descriptions, focus on both physical traits (like spots) and behavioral actions (like jumping or running) as depicted in the poetic text.

Question 3. How does the poet describe the bear ?
Answer: The poet describes the bear in an amusing way. As soon as a bear approaches a human, it embraces them tightly. It will tenderly caress them. That's why it is referred to as a "bear-hug."
In simple words: The poet describes bears funnily. They hug people very tightly and lovingly, which is called a "bear-hug."

Exam Tip: When explaining humorous descriptions, highlight the specific actions or phrases used by the poet that create a comical effect, like the "bear-hug."

Question 4. What does the Bengal Tiger look like ? What is so distinct about him ?
Answer: The Bengal Tiger freely roams in the forest. It is noble and impressive in size. It has black stripes on its yellow skin. The Bengal tiger attacks its prey very quietly, which is a distinct characteristic.
In simple words: The Bengal Tiger is a big, impressive animal with black stripes on yellow skin. It hunts its prey silently in the forest.

Exam Tip: Emphasize both visual characteristics (stripes, color) and unique behaviors (silent hunting) when describing an animal from the poem.

Question 5. How can you distinguish between a tiger and a leopard?
Answer: A tiger has black stripes on its yellow skin. A leopard, however, does not have any stripes; its body is covered with black spots. Furthermore, a tiger typically kills only when it is hungry, while a leopard will continuously hunt for prey at any time.
In simple words: Tigers have black stripes on yellow skin, while leopards have black spots and no stripes. Tigers only kill when hungry, but leopards hunt all the time.

Exam Tip: When comparing and contrasting animals, focus on their key visual differences (stripes vs. spots) and their hunting behaviors as presented in the poem.

Question 6. Describe the characteristics of a chameleon.
Answer: A chameleon is a garden lizard that is skilled at camouflage. It adjusts its color to match its surroundings. This ability to blend in helps it save itself from predators. Additionally, a chameleon does not possess ears or wings.
In simple words: A chameleon is a lizard that's good at changing color to blend in, which helps it hide. It also has no ears or wings.

Exam Tip: When describing an animal's characteristics, include details about its appearance, special abilities, and any unique physiological traits mentioned.

Answer The Following Question In Five To Six Sentences:

Question 1. How does the poet create humour in the poem ?
Answer: The poet generates humor by describing various predators in unusual ways, using specific words and emotions. For example, the Bengal tiger is never truly "noble" at heart. The leopard quickly kills its prey, and its cries will not save it. The bear's hug is never affectionate, and the hyena never genuinely smiles. Thus, the poet vividly and lively portrays wildlife, adding a humorous twist to their descriptions.
In simple words: The poet makes the poem funny by describing dangerous animals in unexpected ways, using funny words and ideas. For instance, the tiger isn't truly noble, the leopard kills fast, the bear's hug isn't loving, and hyenas don't smile happily. This gives a lively, humorous picture of wildlife.

Exam Tip: To explain humor, identify instances where the poet uses irony, exaggeration, unexpected descriptions, or personification to portray serious subjects in a lighthearted or comical manner.

How To Tell Wild Animals Summary In English

How To Tell Wild Animals Introduction:

Carolyn Wells (June 18, 1862-March 26, 1942) was an American writer and poet. She was a productive writer primarily known for her popular mysteries, children's books, and humorous poetry.
In simple words: Carolyn Wells was an American writer who lived from 1862 to 1942. She wrote many popular mystery stories, children's books, and funny poems.

Exam Tip: When summarizing an introduction, focus on key biographical facts and major literary contributions of the author.

How To Tell Wild Animals Summary:

If, by chance, you venture into any forest in the East and a huge, terrifying animal approaches you, and if it roars loudly and you feel as though you are dying, then you will realize that it is an Asian Lion.
In simple words: If you go to an eastern forest and a huge, roaring animal makes you feel like you're dying, it's an Asian Lion.

Exam Tip: When summarizing, ensure you capture the main identifying characteristic and the associated danger for each animal described.

If a wild animal with black stripes on yellow skin welcomes you and consumes you, then this straightforward rule will help you understand that it is a Bengal tiger.
In simple words: If a yellow, black-striped animal welcomes and eats you, it's a Bengal tiger.

Exam Tip: Focus on unique visual traits (like stripes) and their predatory behavior when identifying animals in a summary.

When you are strolling and see a beast whose fur is covered with spots, and it jumps at you and begins to eat you, then you will understand that it is a leopard. There will be no benefit in shouting with pain because it will continue to eat you.
In simple words: If you see a spotted animal jump and start eating you, it's a leopard, and yelling won't help.

Exam Tip: Include both the physical appearance (spots) and the outcome of an encounter (no use shouting) in your summary to fully describe the animal.

If you are simply walking around in your yard and an animal meets you and hugs you tightly, then believe that it is a bear.
In simple words: If an animal hugs you tightly in your yard, it's a bear.

Exam Tip: Summarize the defining, often humorous, characteristic of each animal, like the bear's tight hug.

If you have any doubts, then I think it will kiss you; a new person might get confused when trying to recognize animals.
In simple words: If you're unsure, it might "kiss" you; beginners often struggle to tell animals apart.

Exam Tip: Mention the poet's humorous advice or a common difficulty in identification as part of the summary.

You can differentiate between a crocodile and a hyena. A hyena always appears to smile, but if tears come from its eyes, then it is a crocodile.
In simple words: You can tell crocodiles from hyenas: hyenas always look like they're smiling, but crocodiles cry.

Exam Tip: Highlight the key contrasting features, especially the deceptive appearances, to distinguish between similar-looking animals.

An actual chameleon resembles a lizard. It does not have ears or wings. If there is nothing visible on the tree, then you will find a chameleon there.
In simple words: A chameleon is like a lizard, with no ears or wings. If a tree looks empty, a chameleon is probably there, camouflaged.

Exam Tip: Conclude by summarizing the chameleon's defining physical traits and its unique ability to blend in with its surroundings.