TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS – MODEL CBSE BOARD ANSWERS

Q1. What “experiment” did Maxwell think of?
Answer: Maxwell thought of keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog. He wanted to observe whether an otter could adapt to a domestic environment and form companionship with humans.

Q2. Why was Maxwell prepared to face challenges in keeping an otter?
Answer: Maxwell understood that an otter was a wild animal with natural instincts. He was prepared for challenges because he was patient, observant, and genuinely interested in understanding Mijbil’s behaviour.

Q3. What habits of Mijbil surprised Maxwell?
Answer: Mijbil’s intelligence, curiosity, love for water, and ability to invent games surprised Maxwell. His playful behaviour showed emotional depth and adaptability.

Q4. What problem did Maxwell face while travelling with Mijbil?
Answer: Airline rules prohibited animals in the cabin, forcing Maxwell to transport Mijbil in a box. During the journey, Mijbil escaped, creating panic among passengers.

Q5. How does the story highlight human-animal bonding? (8 marks)
Answer: The story highlights human-animal bonding through Maxwell’s patience, care, and emotional connection with Mijbil. Despite difficulties, Maxwell prioritises Mijbil’s safety and comfort. Mijbil responds with affection and trust, proving that animals reciprocate love and understanding. The bond transcends ownership and reflects mutual respect.

WORKSHEET – MIJBIL THE OTTER (40 FULLY SOLVED QUESTIONS)

SECTION A: MCQs
1. Mijbil was an: Otter
2. The author is: Gavin Maxwell
3. Mijbil was brought from: Iraq
4. Otters are naturally fond of: Water
5. Maxwell’s pet before Mijbil was a: Dog

SECTION B: ASSERTION–REASON
6. Assertion: Mijbil adapted well to Maxwell. Reason: He was treated with care and patience. Ans: Both true, reason correct
7. Assertion: People feared Mijbil. Reason: They misunderstood his behaviour. Ans: Both true, reason correct

SECTION C: VERY SHORT ANSWER
8. Mijbil’s favourite activity? Playing in water
9. Mijbil escaped during: Flight journey
10. Maxwell lived in: Iraq
11. Mijbil was kept in a: Box

SECTION D: SHORT ANSWER
12. Why did Maxwell choose an otter as a pet? Ans: He wanted companionship and a new experience.
13. How did Mijbil show intelligence? Ans: By inventing games and adapting quickly.
14. Why did people panic on the flight? Ans: Mijbil escaped from the box.
15. How did Mijbil behave in public? Ans: He attracted curiosity and admiration.

SECTION E: LONG ANSWER
16. Describe Mijbil’s playful nature. Ans: Mijbil loved water, games, and exploration.
17. Explain Maxwell’s responsibility as a pet owner. Ans: He ensured safety, comfort, and care.
18. How does the story show adaptability? Ans: Both Maxwell and Mijbil adjust to challenges.
19. What lesson does the story teach? Ans: Animals respond to love and respect.

SECTION F: EXTRACT-BASED
20. “He spent most of his time playing with water.” What does this show? Ans: Natural instinct
21. Tone of the story? Ans: Affectionate

SECTION G: VALUE-BASED
22. What value does Maxwell display? Ans: Compassion
23. What value does Mijbil inspire? Ans: Empathy

SECTION H: TRUE / FALSE
24. Mijbil was aggressive. Ans: False
25. Maxwell abandoned Mijbil. Ans: False

SECTION I: ONE-WORD ANSWERS
26. Mijbil’s species? Otter
27. Mijbil’s trait? Playful

SECTION J: APPLICATION-BASED
28. How should pets be treated? Ans: With care and respect.
29. Why should wildlife be understood? Ans: To reduce fear.

SECTION K: COMPETENCY-BASED
30. Why is patience important with animals? Ans: It builds trust.
31. What bridges human-animal gap? Ans: Love

SECTION L: REVISION
32. Setting? Ans: Iraq and England
33. Conflict? Ans: Travel challenges
34. Resolution? Ans: Safe arrival
35. Theme? Ans: Companionship
36. Tone? Ans: Warm
37. Author’s feeling? Ans: Affection
38. Public reaction? Ans: Curiosity
39. Message? Ans: Respect animals
40. Moral? Ans: Love creates bonds