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Mijbil the Otter AP 10th Class English First Flight 6th Lesson Questions and Answers
Oral Comprehension Check
Page No. 84
Question 1.
What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for ?
Answer:
Camusfearna would be suitable for his experiment of owning an otter as his pet. Otters are semiaquatic animals and Camusfearna is ringed by water.
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 more than a week for his mail to arrive.
Question 3.
How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the words that tell you this.
Answer:
He got an otter from a friend. He did not exactly like the otter. The words “began a phase of my life that has not yet ended” show this.
Question 4.
Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’ ?
Answer:
Gavin Maxwell owned the pet ‘otter’ and after his name the otter was called ‘Maxwell’s otter’.
Question 5.
Tick the right answer.
In the beginning, the otter was
- aloof and indifferent
- friendly
- hostile
Answer:
aloof and indifferent ( ✓ )
Question 6.
What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did it do two days after that?
Answer:
In the bathroom, the otter went wild with joy in the water. Two days later, the otter went to the bathroom and opened the taps on his own.
Page No. 86
Question 7.
How was Mij to be transported to England ?
Answer:
Mij, the otter, was to be transported to England from Basra by flight via Paris in a box.
Question 8.
What did Mij do to the box ?
Answer:
Mij had torn the lining of the box into shreds and tried to widen the airholes.
Question 9.
Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this ?
Answer:
It was time Maxwell started for the airport. So he put back Mij in the box. But he felt bad looking at the miserable Mij.
Question 10.
Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind” ?
Answer:
The airhostess was very kind. She sympathetically listened to Maxwell about his pet otter, Mij. So Maxwell said she was “the very queen of her kind”.
Question 11.
What happened when the box was opened ?
Answer:
Mij was out of the box in a flash when the box was opened. He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft.
Page No. 88
Question 12.
What game had Mij invented ?
Answer:
Mij invented his own game with the ping-pong ball. He would be engrossed in that game for up to half an hour at a time. He also played with a ball placing it on the damaged and slanting lid of a suitcase.
Question 13.
What are ‘compulsive habits’? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of
i) school children ii) Mij ?
Answer:
Compulsive habits are those rituals (acts) people do automatically, regularly which they cannot stop from doing. Children placing their feet squarely on the centre of each paving block is one example of compulsive habits. Mij developed such habits quickly.
Question 14.
What group of animals do otters belong to ?
Answer:
Otters belong to group of animals called Mustellines.
Question 15.
What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mij was ?
Answer:
Londoners guessed that Mij was a baby seal’, ‘a squirrel’, a walrus’ and a hippo’.
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 intelligent, friendly and fun-loving. In just one day, he adapted himself to his new place and made friends with Maxwell. He invented games with balls and damaged suitcases. After just one visit to the bathroom, he could go there on his own and turn on taps. He nuzzled Maxwell’s face and slept on his bed. He loved and needed love.
Question 2.
What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text ?
Answer:
Mij went wild in water. That shows otters love water as they are semiaquatic creatures. Mij invented games, telling us that otters are intelligent. Mij adopting himself to his new environment proves the fact that otters are flexible. Mij loved his master, establishing the fact that otters are responsive to gentle feelings.
Question 3.
Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as Maxwell’s otter ?
Answer:
Otters are known as Maxwell’s otters as Mr Maxwell introduced otters to Londoners first as his pet animal later as an inhabitant of the London zoo.
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.
| What Mij does | How Mij feels or thinks |
| plunges, rolls ity the water and makes the water splosh and splash | a) |
| screws the tap in the wrong way | b) |
| nuzzles Maxwell’s face and neck in the aeroplane | c) |
Answer:
a) Mij went wild with joy.
b) Mij chittered with irritation and disappointment (at the tap’s failure to open).
c) Mij was distressed first and on recognition of Maxwell, he happily bounded onto his master’s knee.
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
i) makes Mij seem almost human, like a small boy.
ii) shows that he is often irritated with what Mij does.
iii) shows that he is often surprised by what Mij does.
iv) of Mij’s antics is comical.
v) shows that he observes the antics of Mij very carefully.
vi) shows that he thinks Mij is a very ordinary otter.
vii) shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual.
Answer:
i) True – Mij quickly developed certain compulsive habits.
ii) False – Mij tore the lining of the box in which he was put for transportation.
iii) True – Mij suddenly escaped from his room, went into the bathroom, jumped on to the bath-tub and turned on the taps.
iv) True – Mij played with the damaged suitcase. He lay on his back and rolled marbles on his flat belly without ever dropping one to the floor.
v) True – I watched Mij amazed.
vi) False – It is a thraldom to otters.
vii) True – Mij would jump on to the school wall, gallop the full length of thirty yards and distract students and teachers there.
Thinking about Language
I. Describing a Repeated Action in the Past
To talk about something that happened regularly in the past, but does not happen any longer, we use would or used to. Both would and used to can describe repeated actions in the past.
a) Mij would follow me without a lead and come to me when I called his name.
b) He would play for hours with a selection of toys.
c) On his way home… Mij would tug me to this wall.
d) When I was five years old, I used to follow my brother all over the place.
e) He used to tease me when Mother was not around.
To describe repeated states or situations in the past, however, we use only used to. (We cannot use would for states or situations in the past.)
So we do not use would with verbs like be, have, believe, etc. Look at the following sentences.
- When we were young, we used to believe there were ghosts in school.
(Note: believe shows a state of mind.) - Thirty years ago, more women used to be housewives than now. ?
(Note: be here describes a situation.)
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 a state or situation, in the past.) Then add two or three sentences of, your own to it.
Answer:
1. Emperor Akbar used to be fond of muscial evenings.
2. Every evening we would take long walks on the beach.
3. Fifty years ago, very few people used to own cars.
4. Till the 1980s, Shangai used to have very dirty streets.
5. My uncle would spend his holidays by the sea.
6. My uncle used to spend his holidays by the sea.
7. Harshita used to sing only devotional songs.
8. Srihas would attend a few classes a month as his health was not good.
9. Ms Suvarna would address devotees on festive occasions.
10. Balu used to be the centre of attraction at musical events.
II. Noun Modifiers
To describe or give more information about a noun (or to modify a noun), we use adjectives or adjectival phrases. Look at these examples from the text:
- An eminently suitable spot
- His wide, flat belly
- Symmetrical pointed scales
- A ricocheting bullet
Nouns can also be used as modifiers :
- The dinner party
- A designer dress
- The car keys
We can use more than one noun as modifier. Proper nouns can also be used :
- The Christmas dinner party
- A silk designer dress
- The Maruti car keys
In the examples below, there is an adjectival phrase in front of a noun modifier :
- The lovely Christmas party
- A trendy silk designer dress
- The frightfully expensive golden Maruti car keys
Question 1.
Look at these examples from the text, and say whether the modifiers (in italics) are nouns, proper nouns, or adjective plus noun.
i) An otter fixation
ii) The iron railings
iii) The Tigris marshes
iv) The London streets
v) soft velvet fur
vi) A four-footed soccer player
Answer:
i) otter – noun
ii) iron – noun
iii) Tigris – proper noun
iv) London – proper noun
v) soft velvet – adjective + noun
vi) four-footed soccer – adjective + noun
Question 2.
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.)
Answer:
1) the stone temple
2) an incorrigible person ; an ordinary person ; a ridiculous person
3) one hundered gifts ; three gifts ; marriage gifts ; birthday gifts
4) college time ; family time ; first time
5) railroad crossing
6) plump physique
7) college girls ; one hundred girls ; three girls
8) uncomfortable thoughts
9) loud scream
10) invigorating subject
11) rough flight
12) ordinary coffee; first coffee
13) love triangle; bare triangle
14) college boys ; one hundred boys ; three boys
15) heartbreaking farewell
16) panoramic lándscape
17) an incorrigible chatterbox; a loud chatterbox
18) a panoramic view; a tremendous view
19) white dresses ; one hundred dresses ; birthday dresses ; marriage dresses ; three dresses
20) a loud roar
21) a slang expression
22) a white handkerchief
23) a slack profession
24) marriage celebration; birthday celebration
III. Read this sentence :
He shook himself, and I half expected a cloud of dust.
The author uses a cloud of dust to give a picture of a large quantity of dust. Phrases like this indicate a particular quantity of something that is not usually countable. For example : a bit of land, a drop of blood, a pinch of salt, a piece of paper.
Question 1.
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.
i) a portion of – blood
ii) a pool of – cotton
iii) flakes of – stones
iv) a huge heap of – gold
v) a gust of – fried fish
vi) little drops of – snow
vii) a piece of – water
viii) a pot of – wind
Answer:
i) a portion of fried fish
ii) a pool of blood
iii) flakes of snow
iv) a huge heap of stones
v) a gust of wind
vi) little drops of water
vii) a piece of cotton
viii) a pot of gold
Question 2.
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.
Answer:
ii) Can you give me a lump of clay, please?
iii) The bit/piece of information you gave was very useful.
iv) Because of these factories, a cloud of smoke hangs over the city.
v) Two pieces of stones rubbed together can produce sparks of fire.
vi) He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.
Speaking
You have seen how Maxwell describes Mij the otter’s feelings and thoughts by watching him. Play the game of dumb charades. Take turns to express a feeling or thought silently, through gestures. Let the class speak out their guesses about the feelings or thoughts you are trying to express.
Answer:
happiness, melancholic, meditative, silent, surprised, excited, true joy, reasons for sorrow, causes of suffering, invigorating, pleasant, painful, mystery.
Writing
Write a description of a person or an animal (such as a pet) that you know very well and love very much. Questions (4) and (5) in ‘Thinking about the Text’ will have given you some idea about how to do this. Mention some things the person or animal does, what you think the person or animal feels, etc.
Answer:
Our pet dog is indeed very different from other dogs. He expresses his feelings, thought and emotions in a creative way. Showing his happiness to us, he literally dances in his own style in our drawing hall. We are all thrilled to our full. On occasions of celebrations, his actions should be seen to believe. If he is constantly looking at the kitchen tells us his hunger. Innovative indeed are his ways of communication.
Activity
Question 1.
Do you have a pet? If you do, you perhaps know that a pet is a serious responsibility. Read in the box below what the SPCA – the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – has to say about how to care for a pet.
Answer:
Owning a pet is a lifetime of commitment (up to ten years or more if you own a dog or a cat) involving considerable responsibility. The decision to acquire one, therefore, should be made by the whole family. Without full agreement by everyone, the pet could end up unwanted.
Puppies and kittens are so adorable, it is easy to understand why adults and children alike would be attracted to them. Unfortunately their cute looks are often a disadvantage, because people purchase them without consideration and the knowledge on how to take proper care of them. The basic points you should keep in mind before adopting a puppy are:
- an annual dog licence in accordance with government regulations
- its annual vaccination against major diseases
- toilet training
- regular grooming and bathing
- obedience training
- don’t forget you should feed your pet a balanced diet
- socialisation (many dogs are kept confined in cages or tied up to stop them from dirtying the garden or from chewing on shoes – this is wrong) is very important
- a daily dose of exercise, affection and play.
Reading up on the subject before hand is another important requirement and will guide you towards being a responsible pet owner. Selected pet shops and major book stores provide books on the care of various breeds/pets.
Answer:
Do you want to own a pet ? Remember that it is a lifetime commitment. It is a big responsibility. Read all the relevant literature, consider all angles, verify your family’s readiness and when satisfied fully, go for a pet.
Question 2.
Imagine someone has gifted you a pet. With your partner’s help, make a list of the things you need to know about the pet in order to take good care of it. One has been done for you.
Answer:
ii) The ‘home’ it needs
iii) The hygiene it requires including medical care
iv) The training necessary for its behaviour
v) The love and affection that keep it enthusiastic
Question 3.
Otters are found in large numbers in the marshes (i.e. wet areas near lakes, rivers or seas) near Basra, a town in Iraq. Imagine you wanted to bring an otter from Iraq to London, as a pet. What special arrangements would you need to make for your pet otter? You would need to find a place with lots of water, for example. What other points should you think about? The information about Iraq and Lorrdon given below may help you.
| Iraq | London |
| Iraq has mostly broad plains and marshes along the Iranian border in the south, with large flooded areas. A large part of Iraq’s land area is desert, so it has cool winters and dry, hot and cloudless summers. The mountain areas near Iran and Turkey have cold winters. There is heavy snowfall there, and when the snow melts in spring, it causes floods in central and southern Iraq. | London has a large population and is a very busy city. In addition to multi-storeyed buildings, however, it has many open spaces or parks. It has a temperate climate (i.e. it is neither very hot, nor very cold), with regular but generally light rainfall or snow throughout the year. The warmest month is July, and the coolest month is January. February is the driest month. Snow is not very common in London. |
Answer:
- Suitable and favourable water facilities like bath tubs to play in or with water
- Comfortable climate conditions for the otter to live a healthy and active life
- Good food in right quantity and quality to help the otter grow strong and energetic.
Additional Questions :
I. Read the following passage carefully.
Early in the,New Year of 1956 I travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment.
When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
What was the author’s reason for travelling to Southern Iraq in 1956 ?
Answer:
The author wanted to travel to Southern Iraq to experiment with keeping an otter instead of a dog.
Question 2.
Who suggested to the author that he should obtain an otter from the Tigris marshes?
Answer:
The author’s friend suggested that he should obtain an otter from the Tigris marshes.
Question 3.
Where did the author and his friend go to collect and answer their mail from Europe?
A) Baghdad
B) Basra
C) Mosul
Answer:
B) Basra
Question 4.
Why did the author decide to get an otter instead of a dog?
A) They are easier to train.
B) They are common in the Tigris marshes.
C) They are better suited to life near water.
Answer:
B) They are common in the Tigris marshes.
Question 5.
What was the status of the author’s mail when they visited the Consulate-General ?
A) Both their mails had arrived.
B) Only the author’s mail had arrived.
C) Only the friend’s mail had arrived.
Answer:
C) Only the friend’s mail had arrived.
II. Read the following passage carefully.
When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not.
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…”
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
What was the friend’s response when the author casually mentioned wanting to keep an otter?
Answer:
The friend;casually suggested getting an otter in the Tigris marshes.
Question 2.
Why did the author go to the Consulate-General in Basra?
Answer:
The author went to the Consulate-General in Basra to collect and answer mail from Europe.
Question 3.
Why did the author have trouble contacting England by telephone?
A) The line was out of order and there was another breakdown.
B) The exchange was closed for a religious holiday.
C) All of the above
Answer:
C) All of the above
Question 4.
What happened five days after the author cabled to England?
A) The author received his mail.
B) The author’s friend left.
C) The author arranged to meet his friend.
Answer:
A) The author received his mail.
Question 5.
Who was squatting on the floor in the author’s bedroom when the author received his mail ?
A) The author’s friend
B) Two Arabs
C) The otter
Answer:
B) Two Arabs
III. Read the following passage carefully.
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…”
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
Why did the author attempt to telephone England after cabling without response?
Answer:
The author attempted to telephone England after cabling without response because nothing had happened after three days.
Question 2.
How long did the author’s friend arrange to meet him after leaving?
Answer:
The author’s friend arranged to meet him in a week’s time after leaving.
Question 3.
Why did the author’s friend leave a note with the Arabs?
A) The author’s friend couldn’t wait any longer.
B) The Arabs were supposed to deliver the note to the author.
C) The author’s friend wanted to surprise the author.
Answer:
B) The Arabs were supposed to deliver the note to the author.
Question 4.
Why couldn’t the author reach England by telephone initially?
A) The telephone lines were busy.
B) The call had to be booked in advance.
C) The telephone exchange was closed for a religious holiday.
Answer:
C) The telephone exchange was closed for a religious holiday.
Question 5.
What did the Arabs bring with them when they handed the author the note from his friend?
A) A sack of mail
B) A sack of food
C) A sack containing something alive
Answer:
C) A sack containing something alive
IV. Read the following passage carefully.
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 to otters, an otter fixation, that I have since found to be shared by most other people, who have ever owned one.
The creature that emerged from this sack on to the spacious tiled floor of the Consulate bedrom 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 a 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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How does the author describe the phase of his life that began with the opening of the sack ?
Answer:
The author describes the phase of his life that began with the opening of the sack as a threat to otters, an otter fixation.
Question 2.
What does the author compare the otter to when it emerged from the sack?
Answer:
The author compares the otter to a very smahl, medievally-conceived dragon.
Question 3.
How did the otter appear when it emerged from the sack?
A) Covered in mud armor with visible fur
B) Completely clean and dry
C) Drenched in water
Answer:
A) Covered in mud armor with visible fur
Question 4.
What did the author half expect when the otter shook himself?
A) A cloud of dust
B) A loud roar
C) A splash of water
Answer:
A) A cloud of dust
Question 5.
When did the author manage to remove the last of the mud from the otter ? ( )
A) Immediately after it emerged from the sack
B) A month after it emerged from the sack
C) The mud was never completely removed
Answer:
B) A month after it emerged from the sack
V. Read the following passage carefully.
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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
What was the scientific name given to the otter by zoologists?
Answer:
Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter.
Question 2.
How did Mijbil behave during the first twenty-four hours after arriving?
Answer:
Mijbil was aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from the author’s bed as possible.
Question 3.
What change in behavior did Mijbil exhibit on the second night?
A) He remained aloof.
B) He slept on the floor.
C) He slept on the author’s bed.
Answer:
C) He slept on the author’s bed.
Question 4.
Where did the author take Mijbil for a wild water experience?
A) The kitchen sink
B) The bathtub
C) The swimming pool
Answer:
B) The bathtub
Question 5.
What is described as a characteristic behavior of otters regarding water ?
A) They avoid water whenever possible.
B) They prefer to drink water only from running streams.
C) They must keep water on the move and make it do things.
Answer:
C) They must keep water on the move and make it do things.
VI. Read the following passage carefully.
Two days later, Mijbil escaped from my bedroom as I entered it, and I turned to see his tail disappearing round the bend of the corridor that led to the bathroom. By the time I got there he was up on the end of the bathtub and fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws.
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. (He had been lucky to turn the tap the right way; on later occasions he would sometimes screw it up still tighter, chittering with irritation and disappointment at the tap’s failure to cooperate.)
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did Mijbil escape from the author’s bedroom?
Answer:
Mijbil escaped from the author’s bedroom as the author entered it.
Question 2.
What did Mijbil do upon entering the bathroom?
Answer:
Mijbil fumbled at the chromium taps with his paws.
Question 3.
How did Mijbil react when he turned the tap the wrong way on later occasions?
A) He became fearful.
B) He ignored the tap.
C) He chittered with irritation and disappointment.
Answer:
C) He chittered with irritation and disappointment.
Question 4.
What did Mijbil achieve in less than a minute after turning the tap?
A) He produced a trickle of water.
B) He escaped from the bathroom.
C) He turned off the tap.
Answer:
A) He produced a trickle of water.
Question 5.
Why was Mijbil lucky on his first attempt at turning the tap?
A) He had previous experience.
B) He turned the tap the right way.
C) He had assistance from another otter.
Answer:
B) He turned the tap the right way.
VII. Read the following passage carefully.
Very soon Mij would follow me without a lead and come to me when I called his name. He spent most of his time in play. He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player using all four feet to dribble the ball, and he could also throw it, with a powerful flick of the neck, to a surprising height and distance. But the real play of an otter is when he lies on his back and juggles with small objects between his paws.
Marbles were Mij’s favourite toys for this pastime: he would lie on his back rolling two or more of them up and down his wide, flat belly without ever dropping one to the floor.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did Mijbil spend most of his time?
Answer:
Mijbil spent most of his time in play.
Question 2.
What was Mijbil’s favourite pastime with small objects?
Answer:
Mijbil’s favorite pastime with small objects was juggling them between his paws.
Question 3.
What did Mijbil use to play like a four-footed soccer player ?
A) A rubber ball
B) Marbles
C) A tennis ball
Answer:
A) A rubber ball
Question 4.
How did Mijbil play with marbles?
A) He bounced them on the floor.
B) He threw them to a surprising height.
C) He juggled them between his paws on his belly.
Answer:
C) He juggled them between his paws on his belly.
Question 5.
How did Mijbil throw the rubber ball?
A) With a powerful flick of the tail
B) With a powerful flick of the neck
C) With a kick of the hind legs
Answer:
B) With a powerful flick of the neck
VIII. Read the following passage carefully.
The days passed peacefully at Basra, but I dreaded the prospect of transporting Mij to England, and to Camusfearna. The British airline to London would not fly animals, so I booked a flight to Paris on another airline, and from there to London.
The airline insisted that Mij should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches square, to be carried on the floor at my feet. I had a box made, and an hour before we started, I put Mij into the box so that he would become accustomed to it, and left for a hurried meal.
When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. There was complete silence from the box, but from its airholes 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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
Why did the author dread transporting Mijbil to England?
Answer:
The author dreaded transporting Mijbil to England because of the difficulty involved.
Question 2.
What did the British airline refuse to do regarding animal transportation?
Answer:
The British airline refused to fly animals.
Question 3.
How did the airline require Mijbil to be transported?
A) In a cage in the cargo hold
B) In a box at the author’s feet
C) In a specially designed pet carrier
Answer:
B) In a box at the author’s feet
Question 4.
What was the condition of the box when the author returned before the flight?
A) It was intact and silent.
B) Blood had trickled and dried from the airholes and chinks around the lid.
C) Mijbil had torn it to shreds.
Answer:
B) Blood had trickled and dried from the airholes and chinks around the lid.
Question 5.
How did Mijbil react when the author opened the box?
A) He whimpered and caught at the author’s leg.
B) He jumped out and ran away.
C) He remained silent.
Answer:
A) He whimpered and caught at the author’s leg.
IX. Read the following passage carefully.
I sat in the back of the car with the box beside me as the driver tore through the streets of Basra like a ricochetting 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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did the author travel to the airport with Mijbil ?
Answer:
The author traveled to the airport with Mijbil in the back of a car.
Question 2.
Why did the author cover the floor around his feet with newspapers?
Answer:
The author covered the floor around his feet with newspapers to manage any mess from Mijbil.
Question 3.
What did the author give to the air hostess to keep for Mijbil?
A) A box of toys
B) A parcel of fish
C) A blanket
Answer:
B) A parcel of fish
Question 4.
How did the air hostess assist the author regarding Mijbil ?
A) She suggested the author have Mijbil on his knee.
B) She offered to take care of Mijbil during the flight.
C) She provided a special cage for Mijbil.
Answer:
A) She suggested the author have Mijbil on his knee.
Question 5.
How did the author feel about the air hostess’s suggestion?
A) He was angry and refused.
B) He was grateful and would have kissed her hand.
C) He was confused and unsure.
Answer:
B) He was grateful and would have kissed her hand.
X. Read the following passage carefully.
Mij was out of the box in a flash. He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft. There were squawks and shrieks, and a woman stood up on her seat screaming out, “A rat! A rat!” I caught sight of Mij’s tail disappearing beneath the legs of a portly white- turbaned Indian.
Diving for it, I missed, but found my face covered in curry. “Perhaps,” said the air hostess 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.”
I returned to my seat. I was craning my neck trying to follow the hunt when suddenly I heard from my feet a distressed chitter of recognition and welcome, and Mij bounded on to my knee and began to nuzzle my face and my neck.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did Mijbif initially react upon being let out of the box?
Answer:
Mijbil disappeared at high speed down the aircraft.
Question 2.
Why did a woman stand up on her seat screaming?
Answer:
A woman stood up on her seat screaming because she thought Mijbil was a rat.
Question 3.
What was the reaction of the passengers when Mijbil ran down the aircraft ? ( )
A) They laughed.
B) They screamed and panicked.
C) They applauded.
Answer:
B) They screamed and panicked.
Question 4.
How did the author end up with curry on his face?
A) He fell into a curry dish.
B) Mijbil caused a commotion that led to curry splattering on the author’s face.
C) He accidentally spilled curry on himself.
Answer:
B) Mijbil caused a commotion that led to curry splattering on the author’s face.
Question 5.
How did Mijbil react when he finally found the author?
A) He started to groom the author.
B) He began to play with the author.
C) He nuzzled the author’s face and neck.
Answer:
C) He nuzzled the author’s face and neck.
XI. Read the following passage carefully.
I returned to my seat. I was craning my neck trying to follow the hunt when suddenly I heard from my feet a distressed chitter of recognition and welcome, and Mij bounded on to my knee and began to nuzzle my face and my neck.
Mij and I remained in London for nearly a month. He would play for hours with a selection of toys, ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell that I had brought back from his native marshes. With the ping-pong ball he invented a game of his own which could keep him engrossed for up to half an hour at a time.
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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did Mij react when he found the author in the airplane?
Answer:
Mij bounded onto the author’s knee and began to nuzzle the author’s face and neck.
Question 2.
What types of toys did Mij play with in London?
Answer:
Mij played with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell.
Question 3.
How did Mij play with the ping-pong ball on the damaged suitcase ?
A) He chased it as it rolled down.
B) He bounced it.
C) He ignored it.
Answer:
A) He chased it as it rolled down.
Question 4.
Why was the lid of the author’s suitcase sloped?
A) It was damaged during the journey.
B) It was designed that way.
C) Mij had tampered with it.
Answer:
A) It was damaged during the journey.
Question 5.
What did Mij discover he could do with the ping-pong ball on the sloped suitcase?
A) Hide it
B) Roll it down the length of the suitcase
C) Bounce it off the walls
Answer:
B) Roll it down the length of the suitcase
XII. Read the following passage carefully.
Mij and I remained in London for nearly a month. He would play for hours with a selection of tbys, ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell that I had brought back from his native marshes. With the ping-pong ball he invented a game of his own which could keep him engrossed for up to half an hour at a time.
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.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
What types of toys did Mij play with in London?
Answer:
Mij played with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell.
Question 2.
How did Mij play with the ping-pong ball?
Answer:
Mij invented a game where he placed the ping-pong ball on the high end of a sloped suitcase, then chased it as it rolled down.
Question 3.
What happened to the suitcase the author had taken to Iraq?
A) It got lost during the journey.
B) It became damaged and the lid remained sloped.
C) It remained intact.
Answer:
B) It became damaged and the lid remained sloped.
Question 4.
What did Mij discover he could do with the ping-pong ball on the damaged suitcase?
A) He could bounce it.
B) He could roll it.
C) He could chase it as it rolled down.
Answer:
C) He could chase it as it rolled down.
Question 5.
How did Mij play with the ping-pong ball on the sloped suitcase ?
A) He chased it as it rolled down.
B) He bounced it.
C) He hid it.
Answer:
A) He chased it as it rolled down.
XIII. Read the following passage carefully.
Outside the house I exercised him on a lead, precisely as if he had been a dog. Mij quickly developed certain compulsive habits on these walks in the London streets, like the rituals of children who on their way to and from school must place their feet squarely on the centre of each paving block; must touch every seventh upright of the iron railings, or pass to the outside of every second lamp post.
Opposite to my flat was a single-storied primary school, along whose frontage ran a low wall some two feet high. On his way home, but never on his way out, Mij would tug me to this wall, jump on to it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards, to the hopeless distraction both of pupils and of staff within.
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did the author exercise Mij outside the house?
Answer:
The author exercised Mij outside the house on a lead.
Question 2.
What are some of the compulsive habits Mij developed during walks in London?
Answer:
Mij developed compulsive habits like touching every seventh upright of iron railings and galloping along a low wall.
Question 3.
What was the purpose of the low wall outside the author’s flat?
A) To prevent people from entering the school
B) To serve as a boundary for the school property
C) To act as a barrier against vehicles
Answer:
B) To serve as a boundary for the school property
Question 4.
When would Mij jump on the low wall outside the primary school?
A) On his way tb the author’s flat
B) On his way out for walks
C) On his way home, but not on his way out
Answer:
C) On his way home, but not on his way out
Question 5.
How did the author describe the reaction of pupils and staff to Mij’s behaviour?
A) They were delighted.
B) They were indifferent.
C) They were hopelessly distracted.
Answer:
C) They were hopelessly distracted.
XIV. Read the following passage carefully.
It is not, I suppose, in any way strange that the average Londoner should not recognise an otter, but the variety of guesses as to what kind of animal this might be came as a surprise to me.
Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines, shared by the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others. I faced a continuous barrage of conjectural questions that sprayed all the Mustellines but the otter; more random guesses hit on ‘a baby seal’ and ‘a squirrel.’
Is that a walrus, mister?’ reduced me to giggles, and outside a dog show I heard ‘a hippo’. A beaver, a bear cub, a leopard- one, apparently, that had changed its spots – and a ‘brontosaur’; Mij was anything but an otter.
But the question for which I awarded the highest score came from a labourer digging a hole in the street. I was still far from him when he laid down his tool, put his hands on his hips, and began to stare.
As I drew nearer I saw his expression of surprise and affront, as though he would have me know that he was not one upon whom to play jokes. I came abreast of him; he spat, glared, and then growled out, “Here, Mister what is that supposed to be?”
Now, answer the following questions. 5 × 2 = 10
Question 1.
How did the author feel about the variety of guesses regarding Mij’s species?
Answer:
The author found the variety of guesses regarding Mij’s species surprising.
Question 2.
What group of animals do otters belong to?
Answer:
Otters belong to a group of animals called Mustellines.
Question 3.
What were some of the random guesses people made about Mij’s identity ?
A) Baby seal, squirrel, walrus
B) Beaver, bear cub, leopard
C) Hippo, brontosaur, seal
Answer:
A) Baby seal, squirrel, walrus
Question 4.
Where did the author hear someone mistake Mij for a hippo?
A) Outside a dog show
B) At the zoo
C) At the airport
Answer:
A) Outside a dog show
Question 5.
Who asked the author the highest-scoring question about Mij’s identity ?
A) A schoolteacher
B) A construction labourer
C) An airline attendant
Answer:
B) A construction labourer
Mijbil the Otter Summary in English
The narrator presents a vivid picture of his experiences with his pet, Mijbil the Otter. The details are graphic. The style is racy. The information is both interesting and entertaining. Once, the narrator visited Iraq. He suddenly thought of adopting an otter as his pet. His friend suggested that Iraq was the best place for tamed otters.
No sooner than later he received his otter from a friend. The otter came to him with lots of mud all over his body. On the first day Mijbil – as named – was indifferent. The second day he was a bit closer. A little later he was taken to the bathroom. Playing with and in water was his favourite activity.
He loved fun. He invented new games with balls. He liked marbles most. He started going to the bathroom on his own and could turn on the tap. At last he was taken to London, the narrator’s place, in a box by air. It was a real drama in the plane as Mijbil roamed around. There were shouts, screams etc.
At last Mijbil resumed his seat in the lap of the narrator. In London, he was a stranger. People made wild guesses as to what that animal was. Their guesses were real fun to the narrator. And going through the narration tempts the reader to go for an otter as a pet.
Mijbil the Otter Summary in Telugu
కథకుడు మిబ్బిల్ అనే పేరు కల తన పెంపుడు జంతువు ఓటర్ (నీటి పరిసరాలలో పెరిగే ఒక క్షీరదము)తో తన అనుభవాలను అత్యంత వివరంగా చిత్రిస్తున్నారు. వివరాలు కళ్ళకు కట్టినట్లుగా ఉన్నాయి. శైలి అక్షరాల వెంట పరుగులు తీయిస్తుంది. సమాచారం ఆసక్తికరం మరియు వినోదాత్మకం.
ఒకసారి కథకుడు ఇరాక్ సందర్శిస్తాడు. ఆకస్మికంగా ఓటర్ను. పెంచుకోవాలనే ఆలోచన వస్తుంది. తన స్నేహితుడు తనకు పెంపుడుకు అనుగుణమైన ఓటర్లకు ఇరాక్ ప్రసిద్ధి అని సూచిస్తాడు. ఎక్కువ ఆలస్యం లేకుండానే ఒక స్నేహితుడి నుండి ఒక ఓటర్ తనకు అందుతుంది.
ఆ ఓటర్ ఒళ్ళు అంతా మట్టి, దుమ్ము నిండి ఉంటుంది. మొదటి రోజున మిజిబిల్ – ఆ ఓటర్ పేరు – నిరాసక్తంగా ఉంటుంది. రెండవ రోజు కొంచెం దగ్గరకు వస్తుంది. కొద్ది సమయం తరువాత ఓటర్ను స్నానాల గదిలోకి తీసుకువెళతాడు కథకుడు. నీళ్ళతో, నీళ్ళలో ఆడుకోవటం’ ఆ ఓటర్కు అత్యంత ఇష్టమైన పని. వినోదం, సరదా అంటే బాగా ఇష్టం. బంతులతో కొత్త, కొత్త రకాల ఆటలను కనుగొనేది
ఆ ఓటర్. ఆడుకునే గోలీలు అన్నా అమిత ఇష్టం. తనంతట తాను స్నానాల గదికి వెళ్ళి నల్లా తెరవటం కూడా వచ్చింది. ఎట్టకేలకు కథకుడు విమానంలో ప్రయాణిస్తూ, ఆ ఓటర్ను ఒక పెట్టెలో ఉంచి, లండను – ఆయన స్వస్థలం – కు తీసుకు వస్తాడు. ఇక విమానంలో పెద్ద సంచలనం ఆ ఓటర్ అటూ ఇటూ విమానంలో కలియ తిరగడం, ప్రయాణికులు భయంతో అరుపులు, కేకలు … చివరకు మిజ్బిల్ తన యజమాని ఒడిలోని తన స్థానానికి తనకు తాను చేరుకుంటుంది.
లండనులో ఆ ఓటర్ పూర్తిగా కొత్త ప్రాణి. ఎవరికీ అంతగా దాని గురించి తెలియదు. ప్రజలు అందరూ వింత, వింత ఊహలు చేశారు అది ఏ జంతువు అయి ఉంటుంది అని. వాళ్ళ ఊహలు కథకునికి అమిత వినోదాన్ని అందించాయి. ఇక ఈ కథనం చదివిన పాఠకునికి ఒక ఓటర్ను తమ పెంపుడు జంతువుగా పెంచుకోవాలని బలమైన కోరిక కలుగుతుంది.
Glossary
- otter (n)(ఓట(ర్) : a marine mammal; నీటి పరిసరాలలో పెరిగే ఒక క్షీరదము
- crossed my mind : (an idea) (or thought) came to my mind; ఒక ఆలోచన తట్టింది నాకు
- a stone’s throw : a very short distance; చాలా కొద్ది దూరము
- eminently (adv) : to a great degree; చాలా వరకు
- casually (adv) : done without preplan design; ముందు అనుకోకుండా అప్పటికప్పుడు చేసిన; యథాలాపంగా; ప్రత్యేక ప్రణాళిక లేకుండా
- tamed (v-pp) : domesticated; made gentle; made friendly; ఇంట్లో పెంచుకోవిడానికి అనుగుణంగా శిక్షణ ఇవ్వబడిన; స్నేహపూర్వకంగా, సున్నితంగా మెలిగేలా తయారు చేసిన
- cabled (v-pt) : sent a message by telegraph; టెలి(గ్రాం ఇచ్చెను; పంపెను
- breakdown (n) : a failure (of a machine) to function; పని చేయని స్థితి; చెడిపోయినది
- squatting (v+ing) : sitting close to the ground with legs folded; చకిలం ముకిలంగా కూర్చోవడం; బాసిపట్లు వేసుకొని కూర్చోవడం
- squirmed (v-pt) twisted about; మెలిపెట్టెను; మలిచెను
- thraldom (n) : bondage; బంధము; అనుబంధము
- fixation (n) : strong bond; attachment; దృఢ బంధము
- resembled (v-pt) : looked like; మాదిరిగా కనపడెను; ఓోలిక కలిగి ఉండెను
- medievally (adv) : in a way connected with Middle Ages; మధ్యయుగాలకు చెందిన
- conceived (adj) : planned; thought of; designed; రూపుదిద్దబడిన; పపణాళిక వేయబడిన
- symmetrical (adj) : with proportionate arrangement; సమపాళ్ళల్లో, దామేశా ప్రకారం ఏర్పడిన; రూపుదిద్దబడిన
- armour (n) : a coat; a cover; కప్పు; కప్పివేసిన పొర
- mole (n) : a pigmented spot on the skin; పుట్టుమచ్చ
- as it were (adv) : so to speak; in a way; చెప్పాలంటే; ఒక విధంగా
- hostile (adj) : unfriendly; వ్యతిరేక భావంతో; శతుత్వంతో
- aloof (adj) : away from; దూరం పాటిస్తూ
- indifferent (adj) : uninterested; నిరాసక్తంగా
- drook (n) : a bend; a curve; మెలిక; వంపు
- apathy (n) : indifference; lack of interest; నిరాసక్తత
- keen (adj) : eager; enthusiastic; ఆతురతగల; తపన కల
- plunging (v+ing) : diving; leaping; దుముకుతూ; లోనికి దిగుతూ
- slosh (n) : spilling of a liquid (water) చిమ్మటం; చల్లటము
- characteristic (a) : a trait; a quality; a property; ఒక లక్షణము
- so to speak as it were; in a way; చెప్పాలంటే; ఒక విధంగా
- fumbling (v+ing) : doing something in a disorderly way; గజిబిజిగా, పిచ్చిగా చేస్తూ ఉన్న
- amazed (adj) : surprised; ఆశ్చర్యంతో
- chittering (v+ing): making a series of high pitched sounds; కిచకిచ శబ్దములు చేస్తూ
- dribble (v) : move a ball; బంతిని కదిలించు; విసురు
- flick (n) : a quick light movement; తేలికపాటి విదిలింపు; కదిలించడము
- juggles (n-pl) : light movements; చిన్న కదలికలు
- dreaded (adj) : frightening; భయపెట్టే; భయానక
- prospect (n) : something that is going to happen; సంభవించబోవునది
- accustomed (adj) : habituated to; అలవాటుపడిన
- appalling (adj) : shocking; ఆందోళన కలిగించే
- spectacle (n) : sight; scene; దృశ్యము
- chinks (n-pl) : cracks; నెరికలు; పగుళ్ళు
- trickled (v-pp) : flowed in drops; చుక్కలు, చుక్కలుగా కారెను
- whipped off (phr.v-pt) removed swiftly; వేగంగా తొలగించెను
- exhausted (adj) : tired; fully spent; అలసిపోయిన; శక్తి అయిపోయిన
- spattered (adj) : covered with droplets; చుక్కృతో కప్పబడిన
- whimpered (v-pt) : sobbed; మూలిగెను; ఏడ్చెను
- shreds (n) : small pieces; చిన్న ముక్కలు
- ricocheting (v+ing-adj) (రికెెటింగ్) : array rebounding; గోడకు తగిలి వెనుకకు వచ్చే
- infuriated (adj) : took her into my very angry; తీవ్ర ఆవేశం కల; బాగా కోపం కల
- confidence : shared with her my secrets; నా విషయములు, రహస్యములు ఆమెకు తెలిపితిన
- profound (adj) : deep; లోతైన; ఎక్కువ; intense; తీవ్ర
- squawks (n-pl) : yells; screams; కేకలు; అరుపులు
- shrieks (n-pl) : screams; కేకలు
- portly (adj) : stout; దృఢకాయము కల; బలిష్టమైన
- resumed (v-pt) : occupied again; తిరిగి ఆక్రమించుకొనెను; చేరుకొనెను
- craning (v+ing) : spreading out; సాచుతూ; బయటకు విస్తరిస్తూ
- distressed (adj) : anxious; uneasy; ఆందోళనతో ఉన్న; ఇబ్బందిగా ఉన్న
- bounded onto : climbed up quickly; త్వరితంగా ఎక్కును
- nuzzle (v) : rub gently; మృదువుగా రుద్దుతూ
- terrapin shell : the shell of a turtle; తాబేలుపై ఉండే గట్టి పొర
- ping-pong (n) : table tennis; బల్సపై ఆడే ఆట (బంతితో)
- engrossed (adj) : interested in; ఆసక్తి కల; లీనమైపోవు)
- ambush (v) : to attack suddenly from a secret place; ఆకస్మికంగా తెలియకుండా దాడిచేయు
- crouching (v+ing) : bending down; క్రిందికి వంగుతూ
- Compulsive (adj) : that which are impossible to control; అదుష
- rituals (n-pl) : repeated sets of actions; తరచుగా చేసే పనులు
- upright (n) : a rod; కడ్డీ
- tug (v) : pull; drag; లాగు; గుంజు
- gallop (v) : run in quick jumps; దుముకుతూ పరిగెత్తు
- distraction (n) : something that diverts attention; దృష్టిని మరల్బునది
- badger, mongoose,weasel, stoat, mink : all creatures belonging to the otter family; ఓటరు కుటుంబానికి చెందిన జంతువులు
- barrage (n) : a lot of something; చాలా ఎక్కువ సంఖ్యలో ఉన్నవి; a stream; ప్రవాహము
- conjectural (adj) : imaginary; ఊహాజనిత
- reduced (v-pt) : brought down to a lower level; క్రింది స్థాయికి తెచ్చెను
- giggles (n-pl) smiles; చిరునవ్వులు
- bear, brontosaur,leopard, beaver : all creatures looking like the otter to them; వారికి ఓటర్లా కనిపించిన వివిధ జంతువులు
- affront (n) : insult; అవమానము; చిన్నతనము
- abreast of : alongside; పక్కకు