This page helps you revise fast with Mijbil the Otter summary class 10 explained in simple words, so you clearly understand the story before exams. You will find a clear summary, NCERT solutions, class 10 English Mijbil the Otter question answer, important questions, extra question answer, and short notes for quick revision. The page also covers the Mijbil the Otter theme and key ideas from the story by the author, helping you prepare for board exams and class tests with confidence and less confusion.

mijbil the otter summary

English Summary

Have you ever opened a bag and found your life quietly changing inside it? One small, muddy creature arrives unexpectedly and turns an ordinary stay into an unforgettable adventure. This is the true story of how loneliness slowly changes into deep attachment.

                                         The chapter tells how Gavin Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog and how this choice leads him through surprise, trouble, joy, and chaos. The story begins in Iraq, moves through a risky journey by air, and ends with a strange but loving life together in London, showing how the bond between a human and an animal grows naturally.

                                            Early in the New Year of 1956, Gavin Maxwell travels to Southern Iraq. He is staying at the Consulate-General in Basra and thinking about life back home in Camusfearna, a cottage in the West Highlands of Scotland, surrounded by water. After his dog Jonnie died, he felt lonely and thought of keeping an otter instead. A friend casually suggests that otters are common in the Tigris marshes and can be tamed. Maxwell waits several frustrating days for his mail, facing broken phone lines and delays. Then one day, in his bedroom, he finds two Arabs sitting beside a sack that “squirmed from time to time.” A note reads simply, “Here is your otter…” The moment the sack is opened, Maxwell’s life changes completely.

                                      The otter that comes out looks strange and magical, like “a very small, medievally-conceived dragon.” It is covered in mud with soft brown fur underneath. Maxwell names him Mijbil, or Mij. At first, Mij is “aloof and indifferent,” sleeping far from Maxwell’s bed. But slowly, trust grows. One night, Mij climbs onto the bed and sleeps curled behind Maxwell’s knees. Soon, his love for water becomes clear. In the bathroom, Mij splashes wildly, dives under water, and turns every drop into play. He learns to turn taps on by himself and spends hours playing with balls and marbles, rolling them skillfully without dropping them. Mij follows Maxwell without a lead and comes when called, showing growing friendship and intelligence.

                                    Trouble begins when Maxwell has to take Mij to England. Airlines refuse to carry animals freely, so Mij must travel in a small box. When Maxwell returns after a short meal, he sees “an appalling spectacle.” Blood has seeped from the box. Mij has hurt himself trying to escape. With no time left, Maxwell rushes to the airport, holding the box shut. On the plane, an understanding air hostess allows Mij to sit on Maxwell’s knee. Suddenly, Mij escapes and runs through the aircraft, causing screams and panic as passengers shout, “A rat! A rat!” After a frantic chase, Mij returns on his own, chittering happily and nuzzling Maxwell’s face.

                             In London, Mij lives with Maxwell for nearly a month. He invents clever games with ping-pong balls and a suitcase, enjoys daily walks on a lead, and develops funny habits, like running along a low school wall every evening. People on the streets stare and guess what animal he is, calling him everything from a seal to a baby hippo. No one recognises an otter, but Mij remains playful, loving, and full of life.

Gavin Maxwell – observant and caring – narrator and owner of the otter

Mijbil (Mij) – playful and intelligent – the otter and central figure

                This story shows you that love and companionship can come from the most unexpected places. It teaches you that caring for another living being brings responsibility, patience, and deep joy.

mijbil the otter HINDI SUMMARY

क्या तुमने कभी कोई थैला खोला है और पाया है कि उसके अंदर तुम्हारी ज़िंदगी चुपचाप बदल रही है? एक छोटा-सा, कीचड़ से भरा जीव अचानक आता है और एक साधारण ठहराव को यादगार रोमांच में बदल देता है। यह सच्ची कहानी है कि कैसे अकेलापन धीरे-धीरे गहरे लगाव में बदल जाता है।

                  यह अध्याय बताता है कि कैसे गैविन मैक्सवेल कुत्ते की जगह एक ऊदबिलाव को पालतू बनाने का फैसला करते हैं और यह फैसला उन्हें हैरानी, परेशानी, खुशी और अफरा-तफरी के रास्ते से ले जाता है। कहानी इराक से शुरू होती है, हवाई जहाज़ की एक जोखिम भरी यात्रा से होकर गुजरती है और लंदन में एक अजीब लेकिन प्यार भरी साथ-साथ की ज़िंदगी पर खत्म होती है, जहाँ इंसान और जानवर के बीच का रिश्ता अपने-आप गहराता जाता है।

              सन् 1956 के नए साल की शुरुआत में गैविन मैक्सवेल दक्षिणी इराक जाते हैं। वे बसरा के कौंसुलेट-जनरल में ठहरे होते हैं और अपने घर कैमसफेर्ना के बारे में सोचते हैं, जो स्कॉटलैंड के वेस्ट हाइलैंड्स में पानी से घिरा एक छोटा-सा कॉटेज है। उनके कुत्ते जॉनी की मौत के बाद वे बहुत अकेला महसूस करते हैं और कुत्ते की जगह ऊदबिलाव पालने का विचार करते हैं। एक दोस्त साधारण-सा सुझाव देता है कि टाइग्रिस के दलदलों में ऊदबिलाव बहुत आम हैं और उन्हें पालतू बनाया जा सकता है। मैक्सवेल कई दिनों तक अपने डाक का इंतज़ार करते हैं। फोन लाइनें खराब रहती हैं और बार-बार देर होती है। फिर एक दिन, अपने कमरे में, वे दो अरब लोगों को देखते हैं जो एक बोरे के पास बैठे हैं, जो “समय-समय पर हिल रहा था।” एक छोटा-सा नोट दिया जाता है, जिसमें बस लिखा होता है, “यह रहा तुम्हारा ऊदबिलाव…” जैसे ही बोरा खुलता है, मैक्सवेल की ज़िंदगी पूरी तरह बदल जाती है।

             जो ऊदबिलाव बाहर आता है, वह अजीब और जादुई लगता है, बिल्कुल “एक बहुत छोटा, मध्ययुगीन कल्पना से बना ड्रैगन” जैसा। उसका शरीर कीचड़ से ढका होता है और नीचे मुलायम भूरी फर छिपी होती है। मैक्सवेल उसका नाम मिज़बिल, या प्यार से मिज़, रख देते हैं। शुरुआत में मिज़ “अलग-थलग और उदासीन” रहता है और मैक्सवेल के बिस्तर से दूर फर्श पर सोता है। लेकिन धीरे-धीरे भरोसा बढ़ता है। एक रात मिज़ बिस्तर पर चढ़ आता है और मैक्सवेल के घुटनों के पीछे सिमटकर सो जाता है। जल्द ही उसका पानी के प्रति प्यार साफ दिखने लगता है। बाथरूम में वह ज़ोर-ज़ोर से पानी उछालता है, पानी में गोते लगाता है और हर बूंद को खेल में बदल देता है। वह खुद नल खोलना सीख जाता है और गेंदों व कंचों के साथ घंटों खेलता है, उन्हें बड़ी कुशलता से घुमाता है बिना गिराए। मिज़ बिना पट्टे के मैक्सवेल के पीछे-पीछे चलता है और नाम बुलाने पर तुरंत आ जाता है, जिससे उसकी बढ़ती दोस्ती और समझदारी साफ दिखती है।

मुसीबत तब शुरू होती है जब मैक्सवेल को मिज़ को इंग्लैंड ले जाना पड़ता है। एयरलाइंस जानवरों को खुले तौर पर ले जाने से मना कर देती हैं, इसलिए मिज़ को एक छोटे-से डिब्बे में रखा जाता है। थोड़ी देर के खाने के बाद लौटने पर मैक्सवेल “एक डरावना दृश्य” देखते हैं। डिब्बे से खून रिस रहा होता है। भागने की कोशिश में मिज़ खुद को घायल कर लेता है। समय बहुत कम होता है, इसलिए मैक्सवेल डिब्बा कसकर पकड़ते हुए एयरपोर्ट की ओर दौड़ते हैं। हवाई जहाज़ में एक समझदार एयर होस्टेस मिज़ को मैक्सवेल की गोद में बैठने देती है। अचानक मिज़ भाग जाता है और पूरे जहाज़ में दौड़ने लगता है। यात्री चीखने लगते हैं और घबराकर चिल्लाते हैं, “एक चूहा! एक चूहा!” थोड़ी देर की अफरा-तफरी के बाद मिज़ खुद लौट आता है, खुशी से चहचहाता हुआ और मैक्सवेल के चेहरे को प्यार से सहलाता हुआ।

लंदन में मिज़ लगभग एक महीने तक मैक्सवेल के साथ रहता है। वह पिंग-पोंग गेंदों और एक सूटकेस से नए-नए खेल बना लेता है, रोज़ पट्टे पर सैर करता है और अजीब-सी आदतें डाल लेता है, जैसे हर शाम स्कूल की नीची दीवार पर दौड़ लगाना। सड़क पर लोग रुक-रुक कर उसे देखते हैं और अंदाज़ा लगाते हैं कि वह कौन-सा जानवर है। कोई उसे सील कहता है, कोई नन्हा हिप्पो। कोई भी उसे ऊदबिलाव नहीं पहचान पाता, लेकिन मिज़ हमेशा चंचल, प्यार भरा और ज़िंदगी से भरा रहता है।

गैविन मैक्सवेल – ध्यान से देखने वाले और देखभाल करने वाले – कहानी के कथावाचक और ऊदबिलाव के मालिक

मिज़बिल (मिज़) – चंचल और बुद्धिमान – ऊदबिलाव और कहानी का मुख्य पात्र

यह कहानी तुम्हें दिखाती है कि प्यार और साथ सबसे अनपेक्षित जगहों से भी मिल सकता है। यह तुम्हें सिखाती है कि किसी दूसरे जीव की देखभाल करने से ज़िम्मेदारी, धैर्य और गहरी खुशी मिलती है।

mijbil the otter Keywords with meanings:

Gavin Maxwell – the writer and owner of the otter

Mijbil (Mij) – the pet otter kept by Maxwell

Otter – a playful water-loving animal

Camusfearna – Maxwell’s cottage in Scotland

West Highlands – the hilly region of Scotland where Camusfearna is located

Southern Iraq – the place Maxwell travels to get the otter

Basra – the city in Iraq where Maxwell stays

Consulate-General – the official place where Maxwell lives in Basra

Tigris marshes – wet areas where otters are commonly found

Journey – travel from Iraq to England with the otter

Airline – the flight used to transport Mij

Box – the small container used to carry Mij on the plane

London – the city where Maxwell and Mij live later

Playfulness – Mij’s lively and fun-loving nature

Companionship – friendship and emotional bonding

Loneliness – feeling alone after losing a pet

Affection – love and care shown by Mij and Maxwell

Intelligence – Mij’s ability to learn and invent games

Responsibility – duty of caring for a pet

mijbil the otter Important Phrases :

“Here is your otter…”

“a very small, medievally-conceived dragon”

“aloof and indifferent”

“went wild with joy in the water”

“every drop of water must be… extended and spread about the place”

“an appalling spectacle”

“like a ricochetting bullet”

“A rat! A rat!”

“the very queen of her kind”

“bounded on to my knee”

“compulsive habits”

“a continuous barrage of conjectural questions”

mijbil the otter question answer

TEXT BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. What does the SPCA say about caring for a pet? Why is owning a pet a serious responsibility?

Answer:

• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, often lasting ten years or more, especially for dogs and cats.

• The decision to keep a pet should be taken by the whole family, or the pet may become unwanted later.

• Puppies and kittens look cute, but buying them without proper knowledge is harmful to the animal.

• According to the SPCA, a pet needs an annual licence, regular vaccination, toilet and obedience training, and proper grooming.

• Pets must be given a balanced diet, socialisation, and a daily dose of exercise, affection, and play.

• Overall, the SPCA reminds us that caring for a pet means love, time, responsibility, and informed care, not just attraction to its looks.

Q2. Imagine someone has gifted you a pet. What things would you need to know to take good care of it?

Answer:

• You should know the food it eats so that you can give it a balanced and healthy diet.

• You should know about its living place, such as whether it needs a cage, kennel, or open space.

• You should understand its daily care needs, including grooming, bathing, and cleanliness.

• You should know about its health care, like vaccinations, exercise, and regular check-ups.

• Knowing these things helps you become a responsible and caring pet owner.

Q3. If you wanted to bring an otter from Iraq to London as a pet, what special arrangements would you need to make?

Answer:

• You would need to arrange a place with plenty of water, as otters naturally live in marshes near rivers and lakes.

• Since Iraq has hot summers and London has a temperate climate, you would need to help the otter adjust to cooler weather.

• Proper transport arrangements must be made to keep the otter safe and comfortable during travel.

• You should also read books and guides on otter care to understand its food, habitat, and behaviour.

• Careful planning and knowledge are essential to keep a wild animal healthy and happy in a new environment.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?

Answer:

• Maxwell thought Camusfearna would be suitable for the experiment of keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog.

• The cottage was surrounded by water, which was ideal for an otter’s natural habits.

• This made Maxwell hopeful that the otter would live comfortably there.

• Thus, the place seemed perfect for trying a new kind of companionship.

Q2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?

Answer:

• Maxwell goes to Basra to collect and answer his mail from Europe at the Consulate-General.

• He has to wait there for about five days because his mail does not arrive on time.

• The delay is caused by broken telephone lines, holidays, and communication problems.

• This waiting period unexpectedly leads to a turning point in his life.

Q3. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the words that tell you this.

Answer:

• Maxwell gets the otter when two Arabs bring it to his room in a sack, sent by his friend.

• Yes, he likes it very much.

• The words showing this are: “With the opening of that sack began a phase of my life…” and “an otter fixation.”

• These words show his deep interest and growing attachment to the otter.

Q4. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?

Answer:

• The otter was named ‘Maxwell’s otter’ because it belonged to a new species previously unknown to science.

• Zoologists later named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli after Gavin Maxwell.

• This honoured Maxwell for discovering and keeping the otter.

• Thus, his name became permanently linked with the species.

Q5. Tick the right answer. In the beginning, the otter was:

• ✔ aloof and indifferent

• friendly

• hostile

Answer:

• In the beginning, the otter was aloof and indifferent.

• It kept away from Maxwell and slept far from his bed.

• This showed that it needed time to adjust to its new surroundings.

• Gradually, the otter became friendly and affectionate.

Q6. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did it do two days after that?

Answer:

• In the bathroom, Mijbil went wild with joy, plunging, rolling, and splashing water everywhere.

• He enjoyed water so much that he turned bathing into playful fun.

• Two days later, Mijbil escaped and cleverly turned on the tap by fumbling with it.

• This showed his intelligence and strong love for water.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. How was Mij to be transported to England?

Answer:

• Mij was to be transported to England by air, first on a flight from Basra to Paris and then to London.

• The airline insisted that he be kept in a small box not more than eighteen inches square, placed on the floor near Maxwell’s feet.

• This made the journey uncomfortable and risky for the otter.

• The arrangement shows how difficult it was to transport animals at that time.

Q2. What did Mij do to the box?

Answer:

• Mij tried desperately to escape from the box.

• He tore the lining of the box to shreds and injured himself in the process.

• Blood trickled out through the air holes, showing his panic and distress.

• This incident reveals Mij’s fear and discomfort during the journey.

Q3. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this?

Answer:

• Maxwell put the otter back in the box because there was no time left before the flight and rules had to be followed.

• He felt sad, guilty, and helpless seeing Mij hurt and frightened.

• Still, he had no other choice at that moment.

• This shows Maxwell’s deep concern and emotional attachment to Mij.

Q4. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind”?

Answer:

• Maxwell calls the airhostess “the very queen of her kind” because she was kind, understanding, and helpful.

• She calmly listened to his problem and suggested that Mij could sit on his knee.

• Her support eased a very tense situation.

• Her compassion made the journey safer and less stressful.

Q5. What happened when the box was opened?

Answer:

• When the box was opened, Mij jumped out immediately and ran through the aircraft.

• Passengers panicked and shouted, “A rat! A rat!”

• After some chaos, Mij returned and bounded onto Maxwell’s knee.

• The scene shows Mij’s energy and his strong bond with Maxwell.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. What game had Mij invented?

Answer:

• Mij invented a game using a ping-pong ball and a damaged suitcase.

• He placed the ball at the higher end so it rolled down, then ran to ambush it at the other end.

• He repeated this again and again with great excitement.

• This game shows Mij’s intelligence and love for playful activity.

Q2. What are ‘compulsive habits? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of

(i) school children

(ii) Mij?

Answer:

• Compulsive habits are actions that a person or animal feels forced to repeat.

• Maxwell says school children step only on certain paving stones or touch every few railings.

• Mij’s habit was running along a low school wall every day on the way home.

• These habits show natural patterns of behaviour and playful discipline.

Q3. What group of animals do otters belong to?

Answer:

• Otters belong to a small group of animals called Mustellines.

• This group includes animals like the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, and mink.

• Maxwell explains this to clear people’s confusion about Mij.

• It helps readers understand the otter’s place in the animal family.

Q4. What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mij was?

Answer:

• The Londoners made many wrong guesses about Mij’s identity.

• They called him a baby seal, squirrel, walrus, hippo, beaver, bear cub, leopard, and even a brontosaur.

• No one recognised him as an otter.

• This shows how unusual and unfamiliar Mij looked to city people.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly, and fun-loving animal who needs love?

Answer:

• Mij follows Maxwell without a lead and comes when his name is called, showing intelligence and trust.

• He invents games with balls, marbles, and a suitcase, which shows creativity and playfulness.

• He nuzzles Maxwell’s face and neck in the aeroplane, showing affection and need for love.

• These actions prove that Mij is not just clever but also loving and emotionally attached.

Q2. What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text?

Answer:

• Otters are water-loving animals that enjoy splashing, diving, and keeping water in motion.

• They are highly playful and intelligent, often inventing games and solving problems.

• Otters are social and affectionate, forming strong bonds with humans.

• The text shows otters as lively animals that need care, attention, and freedom.

Q3. Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as Maxwell’s otter?

Answer:

• Mij belonged to a species previously unknown to science.

• Zoologists later studied it and named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter.

• This name honoured Gavin Maxwell, who first kept and introduced the species.

• Thus, Maxwell’s name became permanently linked with the otter species.

Q4. Complete the column: What does Maxwell say Mij feels or thinks?

Answer:

• When Mij plunges and rolls in water, Maxwell shows that he feels wild joy and excitement.

• When Mij screws the tap the wrong way, he feels irritated and disappointed.

• When Mij nuzzles Maxwell’s face and neck, he feels love, recognition, and happiness.

• Maxwell carefully understands and explains Mij’s feelings through his actions.

Q5. Which statements about Maxwell’s description of Mij are true?

Answer:

• Maxwell makes Mij seem almost human, like a small boy at play.

• He often shows surprise and finds Mij’s actions comical.

• He observes Mij’s behaviour very carefully and finds the otter unusual, not ordinary.

• This detailed description helps readers connect emotionally with Mij.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. Explain how would and used to are used to describe repeated actions in the past.

Answer:

• Would and used to are used to talk about actions that happened regularly in the past but do not happen now.

• Examples from the text are: “Mij would follow me without a lead” and “He would play for hours.”

• These verbs help show habits or routines from the past.

• They make past actions sound natural and story-like.

Q2. When do we use only used to and not would? Explain with examples.

Answer:

• Used to is used for past states or situations, not actions.

• We cannot use would with verbs like be, have, believe.

• Examples: “We used to believe there were ghosts” and “More women used to be housewives.”

• This rule helps avoid grammatical mistakes in exams.

Q3. Make correct sentences using would or used to.

Answer:

• Emperor Akbar used to be fond of musical evenings.

• Every evening we would take long walks on the beach.

• Fifty years ago, very few people used to own cars.

• Till the 1980s, Shanghai used to have very dirty streets.

• My uncle would spend his holidays by the sea.

• Choosing the correct verb depends on action or state.

Q4. Complete the table: What does Maxwell say Mij feels or thinks?

Answer:

• When Mij plunges and splashes water, he feels great joy and excitement.

• When he screws the tap the wrong way, he feels irritated and disappointed.

• When he nuzzles Maxwell’s face, he feels love, recognition, and happiness.

• Maxwell understands Mij’s feelings through careful observation.

II. Noun Modifiers

Q5. Identify the type of modifiers used in the following phrases.

Answer:

• An otter fixation – noun modifier

• The iron railings – noun modifier

• The Tigris marshes – proper noun modifier

• The London streets – proper noun modifier

• Soft velvet fur – adjective + noun

• A four-footed soccer player – adjective phrase + noun

• Modifiers add detail and clarity to nouns.

Q6. Combine nouns and modifiers to make meaningful phrases.

Answer:

• temple girls

• triangular dresses

• farewell expression

• heartbreaking scream

• panoramic view

• incorrigible chatterbox

• rough landscape

• family marriage

• loud celebration

• Such phrases make writing more descriptive and effective.

III. Phrases Showing Quantity

Q7. Match the correct pairs.

Answer:

• a portion of gold

• a pool of water

• flakes of snow

• a huge heap of stones

• a gust of wind

• little drops of blood

• a piece of cotton

• a pot of fried fish

• These phrases describe uncountable quantities clearly.

Q8. Fill in the blanks using correct quantity phrases.

Answer:

• Can you give me a lump of clay, please?

• The information you gave was a piece of information.

• Smoke hangs over the city like a cloud of smoke.

• Two stones rubbed together can produce a spark of fire.

• He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.

• Quantity phrases make sentences accurate and expressive.

Text based questions and answers

Q1. How does Maxwell understand Mij’s feelings and thoughts? How can this be shown through the game of dumb charades?

Answer:

• Maxwell understands Mij’s feelings by carefully watching his actions, not by words.

• He notices how Mij splashes water, plays with toys, or nuzzles him to understand his joy, irritation, or affection.

• In dumb charades, students express feelings silently through actions, just like Mij does.

• This activity teaches that feelings can be understood through behaviour and observation.

Q2. Write a description of a person or an animal you love very much.

Answer:

• I love my pet dog very much because he is friendly and loyal.

• He follows me everywhere and becomes excited when I return home.

• He wags his tail when happy and sits quietly near me when I am sad.

• From his actions, I feel he understands my moods and cares for me deeply.

• Love and care can be clearly seen through small daily actions.

Q3. What changes have taken place over the years regarding keeping animals as pets?

Answer:

• Today, laws decide which animals can be kept as pets, and many wild animals are protected.

• Strict rules exist for exporting, importing, and trading animals.

• Airlines now follow clear safety rules for transporting pets.

• These changes help protect animals and prevent cruelty.

Q4. Why is it difficult to keep wild animals as pets? What might they miss?

Answer:

• Wild animals find it difficult to adjust to human homes and busy cities.

• They miss their natural habitat, freedom, and natural food.

• Keeping them as pets may harm their physical and emotional health.

• Animals are happiest when they live in their natural environment.

Q5. Do you think it is ‘cute’ to see Mij the otter on a leash? Give reasons.

Answer:

• Though it may look cute, keeping an otter on a leash is not natural.

• An otter belongs to rivers and marshes, not city streets.

• Such situations should be viewed from the animal’s point of view.

• True love means respecting an animal’s natural needs and freedom.

Grammar Exercise (Based on Mijbil the Otter)

Q1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb. (Tenses – Do as directed)

Maxwell ________ (travel) to Southern Iraq in the New Year of 1956.

Q2. Fill in the blank using the correct tense. (Do as directed)

Mij ________ (play) for hours with balls and marbles in Maxwell’s room.

Q3. Change the following sentence into the Passive Voice. (Do as directed)

Maxwell named the otter Mijbil.

Q4. Change the following sentence into the Active Voice. (Do as directed)

The tap was turned on by Mij.

Q5. Change the following sentence into Indirect Speech. (Do as directed)

The passengers shouted, “A rat! A rat!”

Q6. Change the following sentence into Direct Speech. (Do as directed)

Maxwell said that the air hostess was very kind.

Q7. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles. (Do as directed)

Mij was kept in ________ small box during ________ air journey.

Q8. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions. (Do as directed)

Mij slept ________ the crook ________ Maxwell’s knees.

Q9. Fill in the blank with a suitable modal verb. (Do as directed)

Animals ________ be treated with care and kindness.

Q10. Rewrite the sentence using the comparative degree. (Do as directed)

Mij was the most playful animal in the house.

Q11. Rewrite the following sentence as a negative sentence without changing its meaning. (Do as directed)

Mij loved playing in water.

Q12. Combine the sentences using because. (Sentence Transformation – Do as directed)

Mij enjoyed water.

Water was his natural habitat.

Q13. Identify and correct the error in the sentence. (Editing – Do as directed)

Mij did not liked being kept inside the box.

Q14. Fill in the missing word. (Omission – Do as directed)

Mij was fond ________ rolling marbles on his belly.

Q15. Fill in the blanks in the passage. (Cloze Test – Do as directed)

Mij was an otter who loved ________ water. He would splash and dive ________ the bathroom. Maxwell understood his feelings by ________ his actions carefully.

Here are grammar questions answers

A1. travelled

A2. played

A3. The otter was named Mijbil by Maxwell.

A4. Mij turned on the tap.

A5. The passengers shouted that there was a rat.

A6. Maxwell said, “The air hostess is very kind.”

A7. a, the

A8. in, of

A9. should

A10. Mij was more playful than any other animal in the house.

A11. Mij did not dislike playing in water.

A12. Mij enjoyed water because it was his natural habitat.

A13. Error: liked

Correct sentence: Mij did not like being kept inside the box.

A14. of

A15. Mij was an otter who loved playing in water. He would splash and dive in the bathroom. Maxwell understood his feelings by watching his actions carefully.

Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)

Q1. Why did Maxwell decide to keep an otter instead of a dog?

Answer:

Maxwell felt lonely after the death of his dog Jonnie.

He did not want to keep another dog.

He thought an otter would be different and interesting.

Camusfearna, surrounded by water, was suitable for an otter.

Q2. How did Mijbil behave during the first two days with Maxwell?

Answer:

Mijbil was neither friendly nor hostile at first.

He remained aloof and indifferent.

He slept on the floor far from Maxwell’s bed.

Slowly, he began to observe his surroundings.

Q3. What showed that Mijbil loved water?

Answer:

He went wild with joy in the bathtub.

He splashed, rolled, and dived under water.

He turned taps on by himself.

He believed water should always be moving.

Q4. Why was the journey by air difficult for Mij?

Answer:

Mij had to travel inside a small box.

He panicked and tried to escape.

He injured himself and tore the lining of the box.

The situation caused great stress to both Mij and Maxwell.

Q5. How did Mij show affection towards Maxwell?

Answer:

Mij slept curled behind Maxwell’s knees.

He followed Maxwell without a lead.

He came when his name was called.

He nuzzled Maxwell’s face and neck on the aeroplane.

Long Answer Questions (100–120 words)

Q6. Describe Mijbil as an intelligent and playful animal.

Answer:

Mijbil was highly intelligent and quick to learn.

He learned to turn taps on using his paws.

He invented games with balls, marbles, and a suitcase.

He could juggle marbles without dropping them.

He followed Maxwell without a leash and responded to his name.

He showed curiosity and problem-solving skills.

His playful nature made him lively and entertaining.

These qualities show that otters are clever, active, and joyful animals.

Q7. Describe the bond between Maxwell and Mijbil.

Answer:

The bond developed slowly but became very strong.

Mijbil trusted Maxwell and slept close to him.

Maxwell understood Mij’s feelings through his actions.

Mij showed affection by nuzzling and following him.

Maxwell worried deeply about Mij’s safety during travel.

He admired Mij’s intelligence and playful nature.

Their relationship was based on care, trust, and companionship.

It shows a deep emotional connection between human and animal.

Extract-Based Questions

Q1. Read the extract and answer the questions:

“The creature that emerged from this sack… resembled most of all a very small, medievally-conceived dragon.”

(a) What is being described here?

The otter Mijbil is being described.

(b) Why does the author compare it to a dragon?

Because it was covered with mud and looked strange and magical.

(c) What does this description show about Maxwell?

It shows Maxwell’s imaginative and observant nature.

Q2. Read the extract and answer the questions:

“With the opening of that sack began a phase of my life that has not yet ended.”

(a) What event is referred to here?

The moment Maxwell received the otter Mijbil.

(b) What does ‘a phase of my life’ mean?

A long-lasting attachment to otters.

(c) What feeling does this line express?

Deep emotional involvement and affection.

Very Short Extra Questions (for quick revision)

Q1. Why were Londoners confused about Mij?

Answer:

They had never seen an otter before.

They mistook him for many other animals.

Otters were unfamiliar to city people.

Q2. Why is Mij’s species called “Maxwell’s otter”?

Answer:

The species was previously unknown to science.

Zoologists named it after Gavin Maxwell.

His name became linked with the discovery.

FAQs