Class 10 English - UP
Prose: Mijbil the Otter
Mijbil the Otter is a captivating prose piece by Gavin Maxwell from the Class 10 English First Flight textbook prescribed by the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) board. The chapter narrates the author's experiences of keeping an otter named Mijbil as a pet in his London flat after bringing him back from the Tigris marshes. It explores the deep bond between humans and animals, highlighting the playful, intelligent, and curious nature of otters. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' comprehension of narrative details, character traits, and thematic interpretations through both short-answer and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Journey from Tigris to London
Gavin Maxwell decides to keep an otter instead of a dog and receives Mijbil in the Tigris marshes, eventually arranging a stressful flight to London via Paris.
Mijbil's Playful and Inquisitive Nature
Mij exhibits typical otter traits, such as an obsession with water, inventing his own games with ping-pong balls, and exploring every nook and corner.
The Airline Incident
During the flight to Paris, Mij escapes from his box, causing panic among passengers, but calmly returns to the author's lap, showcasing their trust.
London Life and Public Reaction
In London, Mij becomes a local celebrity; Londoners make amusing wild guesses about what kind of animal he is, ranging from a baby seal to a squirrel.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 10 English examination, prose chapters typically carry around 6 to 8 marks in total. Questions from 'Mijbil the Otter' frequently appear as multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer type questions (30-40 words assessing comprehension), and occasionally a long-answer type question (60 words focusing on character traits or central theme).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gavin Maxwell choose an otter instead of a dog?
After his pet dog Jonnie died, Maxwell felt too sad to keep another dog. A friend suggested that he keep an otter instead, which sparked his interest.
What were the amusing guesses made by Londoners about Mijbil?
Londoners had no idea what an otter was and made wild guesses, calling Mijbil a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a beaver, a bear cub, and even a hippo.
How did Mijbil spend most of his time in London?
Mijbil spent his time inventing new games, playing with ping-pong balls and marbles, and turning on the bathroom tap to let water flow over him playfully.
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