Mijbil the Otter – important questions for Boards 2027

CBSE Class 10 English

1. SA · 2 marks

   Why should the decision to acquire a pet be made by the whole family, and what responsibility does pet ownership involve?

   Answer

   The whole family should agree because a pet may otherwise become unwanted. Pet ownership is a lifetime commitment, lasting up to ten years or more for a dog or cat, and involves considerable responsibility.

2. MCQ · 3 marks

   Choose the option that correctly describes Maxwell’s arrangements for taking Mij to England. (3 marks) A. The British airline accepted animals, so Mij travelled loose beside Maxwell. B. The British airline would not fly animals, so Maxwell booked a route through Paris; Mij had to travel in a small box on the floor at his feet. C. Maxwell sent Mij by ship in a large cage. D. Maxwell left Mij in Basra and travelled alone.

   Answer

   (B) The British airline would not fly animals, so Maxwell booked a route through Paris; Mij had to travel in a small box on the floor at his feet — the airline required Mij to be packed in a box not more than eighteen inches square.

3. LA · 5 marks

   Describe Mij’s unusual habits on walks and explain which animals belong to the Mustelline group. What guesses did Londoners make about Mij’s identity?

   Answer

   Mij’s curious habits on walks revealed his playful nature, while Londoners’ guesses showed how unfamiliar otters were to them. 1. Mij followed Maxwell without a lead and came when Maxwell called his name. On the way home from the swimming pool, he would tug Maxwell towards a wall, jump onto it and run along its length. 2. Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines. The group includes the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others. 3. Londoners guessed that Mij was a squirrel, seal, walrus, beaver, bear cub, leopard, rabbit or dog. Their guesses formed a continuous barrage of conjectural questions. 4. The variety of guesses surprised Maxwell because most Londoners did not recognise an otter. Mij’s distinctive appearance and habits made him difficult for Londoners to identify.

4. VLA · 6 marks

   Explain how the poem presents fog as a cat. Describe how the fog arrives, what it does as it looks over the harbour and city, and how these details create the comparison.

   Answer

   “Fog” presents fog through the image of a cat, making its movement and behaviour easy to visualise. The comparison gives the fog a quiet, watchful presence. 1. The opening line says that “The fog comes on little cat feet.” The image suggests that fog arrives softly and silently, like a cat moving without making a sound. 2. The fog “sits looking over harbour and city”. Like a cat pausing to observe its surroundings, it seems to settle above the busy landscape and watch it from a calm, elevated position. 3. The phrase “on silent haunches” strengthens the comparison by describing the fog as if it were a cat crouching. This detail helps the reader imagine the fog resting quietly over the harbour and city. 4. The fog does not remain in place; it “moves on”. Its arrival, pause and departure resemble a cat that comes, sits for a while, and then quietly leaves. The brief comparison makes the fog seem gentle and mysterious. The cat image also conveys how silently the fog appears, watches the city, and disappears.

5. VVLA · 12 marks

   Describe the responsibilities involved in caring for a dog, including its health, training, daily care and wellbeing. Explain why these responsibilities matter to a responsible pet owner.

   Answer

   Caring for a dog means accepting a long-term responsibility, not simply enjoying the company of a puppy. The SPCA — the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — points out that owning a pet is a lifetime of commitment. A dog may live for ten years or more, so the decision to acquire one should be made by the whole family. Full agreement matters because a pet that is not wanted by everyone could eventually be neglected or abandoned. The family must be prepared to meet the dog’s needs throughout its life, including when caring for the animal becomes demanding. A responsible owner must obtain an annual dog licence in accordance with government regulations. The dog also needs annual vaccination against major diseases. Vaccination helps protect the animal’s health, while licensing ensures that ownership follows the required regulations. These duties should be planned for regularly rather than left until a problem arises. A dog’s health also depends on a balanced diet. The owner should provide suitable food consistently, rather than feeding the dog carelessly or treating food as an occasional concern. Training is another essential responsibility. Toilet training helps a dog learn appropriate habits and keeps the home and garden clean. Obedience training helps the dog respond to its owner and behave safely around people and other animals. Regular grooming and bathing keep the dog clean and cared for. Grooming is not merely a matter of appearance; it is part of attending to the animal’s everyday needs. A dog also needs socialisation, daily exercise, affection and play. Keeping dogs confined in cages or tied up to prevent them from dirtying the garden or chewing shoes is wrong. Confinement does not meet a dog’s need for interaction and activity. Socialisation allows the dog to experience company and become accustomed to people and surroundings. Daily exercise gives the dog an opportunity to move, while play and affection provide companionship and attention. Owners must make time for these needs as part of the daily routine. Each responsibility matters because a dog depends on its family for care, health, training and companionship. A pet owner who provides food and shelter but ignores exercise, socialisation or affection has not met the animal’s needs. Careful preparation and consistent attention help prevent a dog from becoming unwanted and allow the family to fulfil its commitment responsibly.

6. VVLA · 15 marks

   What are Mustellines? Explain how the text places otters within this group and identify the other animals named as its members.

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

7. SA · 2 marks

   Why is reading about an animal’s needs before adopting it an important part of responsible pet ownership?

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

8. MCQ · 3 marks

   What happened after Mij was released from his box on the aircraft? Choose the correct option. (3 marks) A. He stayed on Maxwell’s knee throughout the flight. B. He ran down the aircraft, frightening passengers, and later returned to Maxwell and nuzzled him. C. He flew out through an open window. D. He hid under a passenger’s seat until the flight ended.

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

9. LA · 5 marks

   Describe a pet you know well and love. Include details of what it does and what you think it feels, using observations to make your description vivid.

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

10. VLA · 6 marks

    Does “Fog” have an obvious rhyme scheme? Explain what free verse means and why this poem is described as free verse.

    🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike