CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 6(a)
Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/4/1, section C, question 6(a), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.
Q6(a) · 5 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedMijbil the Otter
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
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.
(Mijbil the Otter)
- (i)1 mark
Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell's bed in the small hours?
- (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)2 marks
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.
- (iii)1 mark
Read the following descriptions (A) – (D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(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.- (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)1 mark
Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom?
Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/4/1.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
For (i), find the option that is not supported by the text.
Hint 2
For (ii), think about what Mijbil's new environment felt like to him.
Hint 3
For (iv), notice how Mijbil behaved in the water.
Step-by-step solution
Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.
- 1 mark
(i) The extract does not say that he came to play on the bed; it suggests friendliness, interest and a wish for security. Option (C).
- 2 marks
(ii) Mijbil was in a new, unfamiliar place far from his natural habitat. He needed time to adjust and settle, so he stayed aloof and indifferent.
- 1 mark
(iii) The extract shows that a pet needs its own space and time to adjust to the owner's surroundings. Option (B).
- 1 mark
(iv) Otters are playful and love water.
Answer: (i) C; (ii) new surroundings, away from habitat, needed time to adjust; (iii) B; (iv) playful and fond of water
Where the marks are
- (i) Option C (1 mark)
- (ii) Any two reasons (2 marks)
- (iii) Option B (1 mark)
- (iv) Playful/love water (1 mark)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Mijbil the Otter (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
More questions from Mijbil the Otter
- 2024 board paper, set 2/5/1, Q8 · 12 marksAnswer any four of the following five questions in 40–50 words each: (4 x 3 = 12)
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The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.