Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment.
(Mijbil the Otter)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:19 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Maxwell's decision to keep an otter as a pet clearly reflects a life of deep commitment. He says that with the opening of the sack containing Mijbil, "a phase of my life began that has not yet ended," describing it as a thraldom to otters. He made a body-belt for Mij, took him on walks on a lead, fulfilled his love for water daily, and played with him for hours. He also transported Mij all the way from Basra to London, making special arrangements throughout. As the SPCA states, "owning a pet is a lifetime of commitment involving considerable responsibility" — Maxwell's experience with Mij perfectly illustrates this.
Source: Mijbil the Otter, Sections II and IV
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Explanation
- The question links Maxwell's personal experience to the SPCA's statement about pet ownership being a lifelong commitment.
- Always quote or closely paraphrase both the narrative and the SPCA box — the question explicitly says "with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of commitment," pointing to that box.
- Key evidence: the word thraldom, daily water sessions, making a body-belt, London walks, and the long journey from Basra — these are your proof points.
- Keep to 3 specific examples; don't list everything — 3 marks = roughly 3 focused points.