CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 6 - Mijbil the Otter

1. What inspired Maxwell to consider keeping an otter?
Ans: He thought an otter would be interesting to keep instead of a dog, especially as Camusfearna was near water.

2. Where did Maxwell get his otter from?
Ans: Maxwell got the otter from the Tigris marshes in Southern Iraq.

3. How did Maxwell name his otter?
Ans: The otter was named Mijbil, later known as Maxwell’s otter by scientists.

4. What was Mij’s favourite toy?
Ans: Mij loved playing with marbles, especially on his back.

5. What made Maxwell dread his journey to England with Mij?
Ans: He feared transporting Mij in a small box, as airlines had strict rules.

6. Describe Mij’s reaction when he was first released from the sack.
Ans: When first released, Mij resembled a small creature covered in mud. He looked like a dragon with pointed scales, showing curiosity but remaining somewhat aloof at first.

7. What did Mij do with water that made him unique?
Ans: Mij loved water and would roll and splash around in it. He tried to keep water constantly moving, showing frustration when it was still, a common trait in otters.

8. How did Maxwell feel after discovering Mij injured in the box?
Ans: Maxwell felt anxious and upset when he saw blood around the box. He quickly removed Mij, feeling guilty and concerned for the otter’s safety.

9. How did Mij show his playfulness during his time in London?
Ans: Mij played with a suitcase and ping-pong balls, creating games for himself. He would run around and surprise the ball, showing his energy and intelligence.

10. Why did Maxwell find it amusing when people in London couldn’t identify Mij?
Ans: People mistook Mij for various animals like a beaver or even a walrus, and the unusual guesses made Maxwell laugh.

11. Explain the ‘experiment’ Maxwell wished to try at Camusfearna.
Ans: Maxwell hoped to raise an otter at his house in Camusfearna, believing it to be the perfect environment due to its proximity to water. Inspired by his friend’s advice, he decided to get one from the Tigris marshes, where otters were commonly kept as pets by locals. When he finally acquired Mijbil, it marked the beginning of a deep connection, as he learned about Mij’s unique behaviours. This experiment wasn’t only about keeping a pet but also observing and understanding an otter’s lifestyle closely.

12. Describe Maxwell’s journey with Mij to England and the challenges he faced.
Ans: Maxwell booked a flight to Paris since British airlines didn’t allow pets. Mij had to be packed in a small box, which distressed him, causing him to injure himself. The journey was further complicated when Mij escaped, causing panic among passengers. However, the air hostess was kind and allowed Mij to sit on Maxwell’s knee, which helped calm the situation.

13. What role did the air hostess play in making Maxwell’s journey with Mij easier?
Ans: The air hostess was very understanding and supportive. She suggested Maxwell keep Mij on his lap, reducing the otter’s stress. This act of kindness helped Maxwell manage the journey better, as Mij responded well to his presence. The air hostess’s patience and friendliness made the challenging situation more manageable for both Maxwell and Mij.

14. How did Maxwell take care of Mij’s play needs, and what games did Mij enjoy?
Ans: Maxwell provided Mij with various toys, including marbles and a rubber ball. Mij created his own games, especially one involving rolling a ball down a suitcase slope and catching it. He would also lie on his back, juggling marbles on his belly. These activities showed Mij’s intelligence and playful nature, allowing him to stay entertained and happy.

15. Why do you think Maxwell felt so attached to Mij by the end of the chapter?
Ans: Maxwell’s attachment to Mij grew as he observed Mij’s personality and unique habits. Their shared experiences, including the journey’s challenges and Mij’s playful behaviour, deepened Maxwell’s bond with the otter. Mij’s curiosity and loyalty made him more than a pet to Maxwell, symbolising a friendship that Maxwell hadn’t expected. This strong connection left a lasting impact on Maxwell, making him devoted to Mij’s well-being.

16. Why do you think Mij preferred to move water around instead of letting it stay still?
Ans: Otters are naturally playful and curious animals, and water represents an exciting element for them. Mij’s constant need to move the water might reflect his instinctive behaviour, as otters enjoy making splashes and movements in their environment. This trait also suggests Mij’s need for mental stimulation and activity, something essential for intelligent animals.

17. What might Maxwell have learned about patience from his experience with Mij?
Ans: Keeping Mij required Maxwell to be very patient, especially during the initial days when Mij was indifferent and unresponsive. Maxwell had to wait for Mij to trust him, adjusting to his unique habits and play style. This patience likely taught Maxwell about understanding an animal’s natural behaviour rather than imposing expectations.

18. How did Mij’s personality contrast with the reactions of Londoners who saw him?
Ans: Mij was playful, curious, and intelligent, often surprising Maxwell with his antics. In contrast, Londoners who saw him were either confused or alarmed, mistaking him for other animals. This contrast highlights the unfamiliarity of urban dwellers with wild animals like otters, as they rarely see animals beyond the typical pets, showing a gap between nature and city life.

19. Why might the author have chosen to include humorous incidents with Mij in the chapter?
Ans: The humorous incidents add a light-hearted touch to the story, making it enjoyable and relatable. These moments highlight the playful nature of Mij and show how pets bring unexpected joy. The humour also makes the challenges Maxwell faced seem less overwhelming, focusing on the positive aspects of their journey.

20. Do you think Maxwell’s bond with Mij was stronger than a typical pet-owner relationship? Why?
Ans: Maxwell’s bond with Mij was indeed strong, as he saw Mij as a unique friend rather than just a pet. Their shared adventures and Maxwell’s deep interest in understanding Mij’s behaviour made their relationship closer and more meaningful. This connection shows a mutual respect and appreciation that goes beyond the usual pet-owner relationship.

21. How did Maxwell’s approach to keeping an otter differ from traditional pet-keeping?
Ans: Maxwell treated Mij not just as a pet but as a companion, respecting Mij’s unique habits and making adjustments to his lifestyle. Unlike common pets like dogs or cats, keeping an otter required Maxwell to learn about a different type of animal behaviour and adapt to it.

22. Why was Mij considered a “new” species, and how was it significant?
Ans: Mij belonged to a species unknown to science, later named Maxwell’s otter. This discovery was significant as it highlighted the diversity in animal species and contributed to zoological knowledge.

23. Describe how Maxwell managed to create a suitable environment for Mij in London.
Ans: In London, Maxwell provided Mij with various toys and a safe space to play. He also took Mij on walks, trying to make his surroundings comfortable despite the urban setting, showing his commitment to Mij’s happiness.

24. What lessons can we learn from Maxwell’s experience with Mij about handling animals?
Ans: Maxwell’s experience teaches patience, respect, and understanding of an animal’s natural behaviours. Instead of forcing habits, he adapted to Mij’s needs, showing how one can bond with animals by respecting their instincts.

25. How does Mij’s story reflect the theme of friendship and companionship?
Ans: Mij’s story reflects a unique friendship where both human and animal connect beyond simple ownership. Maxwell’s dedication and Mij’s loyalty show that friendship can be found in unexpected places, making the story touching and memorable.

Benefits of Important Questions for CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 6 - Mijbil the Otter

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Conclusion:

In Chapter 6, "Mijbil the Otter," we see how a deep bond develops between Gavin Maxwell and his pet otter, Mijbil. The story takes us through the challenges of bringing Mij to England, and the delightful moments as Mij explores his surroundings and displays his playful nature. Mijbil's antics, whether playing with marbles, splashing in water, or running around during the flight, show his curious and lively personality. The chapter is not just about an unusual pet; it is about the companionship and happiness that pets bring into our lives, and the unique experiences they share with us. Vedantu’s FREE PDF for this chapter covers everything from the chapter across its important questions and ensures that students are able to study the whole chapter from the PDF provided.

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