Q1. [5]
For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell's bed in the small hours? [1]
- (A) He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
- (B) He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
- (C) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
- (D) He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.
- (ii) Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and indifferent for the first twenty-four hours. Give reasons in not more than 40 words. [2]
- (iii) Read the following descriptions (A)–(D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract. [1]
- (A) Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
- (B) A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner's environment.
- (C) Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
- (D) Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
- (iv) Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom? [1]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 2/4/1 Q6(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:19 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (C) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
(ii) Mijbil was newly brought to a strange environment. He was unfamiliar with Maxwell and his surroundings, so he felt uncertain and kept his distance — sleeping on the floor far from Maxwell's bed. It took time for him to feel comfortable and trust his new owner.
(iii) (B) A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner's environment.
(iv) When Mijbil is taken to the bathroom, he goes wild with joy in the water for half an hour. This reveals that otters are naturally water-loving animals — they are highly energetic and playful in water.
Source: Mijbil the Otter, Gavin Maxwell
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Explanation
- (i) Options B and D relate to his growing comfort with Maxwell; option A happened during the day after the second night. Option C — playing — is never mentioned; this is the "not a reason" answer.
- (ii) Examiners want you to explain the cause of aloofness: new/strange place + unfamiliar owner. Keep it within 40 words.
- (iii) The extract clearly shows Mijbil needing time to adjust — so B is the best fit. Avoid overthinking other options.
- (iv) "Went wild with joy in the water" is the key phrase. Always lift evidence from the passage to support your answer.
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