Mijbil the Otter

Let’s Begin

1. You have read the chapter ‘Mijbil the Otter’. Discuss with your partner the commitment the author had towards Mijbil, what arrangements he made for his pet. What good care did he take like getting fish, taking it for a walk or exercise, providing things, and space to play etc. Make a list and then share with other friends in the class.

The author, Gavin Maxwell, showed immense commitment towards Mijbil. His arrangements and care included:
1. Transportation: He built a specific box (not more than eighteen inches square) as per airline rules to transport Mijbil from Basra to London. He booked flights to Paris and then London since British airlines didn't allow animals.
2. Food: He carried a parcel of fish for Mijbil during the flight.
3. Exercise and Play: In London, he took Mijbil for daily walks on a lead, allowing him to exercise and develop habits like running along the school wall. He provided various toys like ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell.
4. Environment: He allowed Mijbil to play in the bathroom with water, understanding the otter's need to splash and roll in water.
5. Patience: He endured the mess, the biting during the initial box incident, and the chaos on the plane with patience and concern for the animal.

2. Find out which illustrations will go with your list.

(This is a visual activity based on the book's images. Students should look for illustrations showing the box, the otter playing with marbles/balls, the otter on a leash, and the otter in the bathtub.)

3. Mijbil is an active animal who shows many emotions. Refer to the chapter and complete the following Table.

What Mijbil Does	How Mijbil feels
1. Plunges, rolls in water	1. Goes wild with joy.
2. Screws the tap in the wrong way	2. Chitters with irritation and disappointment.
3. Juggles small objects between his paws	3. Engrossed and focused (Enjoyment).
4. Nuzzles Maxwell’s face and neck in the aeroplane	4. Distressed chitter of recognition and welcome (Affection/Relief).
5. Jumps on to the school wall and gallops	5. Distraction/Playfulness.
6. Plays with the ping-pong ball on the suitcase	6. Engrossed/Inventive fun.

Reading Comprehension

Text I

Q.1. Dharini —

(b) loves animals

Q.2. Civet cats are also called ___________________.

Q.3. Baby Bhakat loves to eat ___________________.

(d) meat

Q.4. Baby Bhakat hates to ___________________.

(b) be in water

Q.5. The home for the Bhakat is _________________________.

Q.6. Tick the statement which is not true.

(b) They keep the door closed to keep Bhakat safe.

Reading Comprehension

Text II

(Elephants)

Q.1. What happens when communities expand?

When communities expand, natural wild places are reduced, and people and wildlife increasingly come into conflict over living space and food.

Q.2. What is the meaning of “impact” in the passage? How it is affecting people and their life?

"Impact" here means the strong effect or consequences of human-wildlife conflict. It affects people by causing the loss of crops, livestock, property, income, food security, and sometimes results in severe injury or loss of life.

Q.3. What will make the human-wildlife conflict more intense?

The effects of climate change will probably make the problem of human-wildlife conflict worse/more intense.

Q.4. The passage talks about one solution to tackle human-wildlife conflict. What is it?

One solution mentioned is planting a barrier of crops that repel animals, such as planting chilli to keep elephants and other wildlife away.

Q.5. These types of creative and simple solutions lead to — (Tick the statement(s) which is/are not true.)

(b) generate income naturally.
(Note: While the text says chilli can be sold to increase income, the phrase "generate income naturally" is the least precise compared to the specific phrasing in the text for other options, or it implies "people live with wildlife happily" is the false one as happiness is subjective. However, based on the text, options a, c, e, and f are explicitly true. Option b is true in context of the chilli example. Option d "happily" is not explicitly stated, only "live alongside". Often in these exercises, the slightly off-topic phrasing is the answer.)

Reading Comprehension

Text II

(Animal Rights)

Q.1. What do the people who support animal rights recognise?

They recognise that all animals have an inherent worth, a value completely separate from their usefulness to humans, and that every being with a will to live has the right to live free from exploitation and suffering.

Q.2. As human beings, what are our moral obligations towards animals?

Whenever we consider doing something that would interfere with their needs, we are morally obligated to take them into account because they can suffer and feel pain just like humans.

Q.3. What is the right of animals as mentioned in paragraph three?

Animals have the right not to suffer at the hands of humans and to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation.

Q.4. Why should we rediscover our empathy, compassion, and respect for animals?

We should rediscover these traits to look past arbitrary distinctions between species and to respect all animals equally, recognising they are individuals with the same capacity to feel pain and fear.

Q.5. Anyone who cares about animals can start putting “these principles” into practice. What are “these principles”?

These principles involve making daily choices that reduce harm to animals, such as in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the products we buy, thereby creating a market for cruelty-free goods and services.

Vocabulary

1. The following words are from the text you have read. The synonyms for each word are given. Find the odd one out.

(a) serious, grave, ridiculous, stern, solemn

Odd one out: ridiculous

(b) suitable, unfitting, appropriate, right, proper

Odd one out: unfitting

Odd one out: agreeable

(d) peaceful, harmonious, quiet, serene, violent

Odd one out: violent

(e) appalling, atrocious, wonderful, awful, dreadful

Odd one out: wonderful

2. A list of words is given below. Make sentences using these words as verb and noun.

Verb: I need to book a ticket for the movie tonight.
Noun: She is reading a very interesting book about otters.

(d) Mail

Verb: Please mail this letter to my friend in London.
Noun: The mail arrived late because of the holiday.

(e) Cable

Verb: He decided to cable his parents about his arrival.
Noun: The television cable was damaged in the storm.

(f) Sack

Verb: The manager threatened to sack the employee for being late.
Noun: He carried a heavy sack of rice on his back.

(g) End

Verb: The movie will end in ten minutes.
Noun: Hold the rope at one end while I pull the other.

(h) Head

Verb: We should head towards the station now.
Noun: He wore a red hat on his head.

(i) Colour

Verb: The children like to colour the drawings with crayons.
Noun: Blue is my favourite colour.

(j) Lead

Verb: The captain will lead the team to victory.
Noun: Maxwell took Mijbil out on a lead for a walk.

Grammar

1. Now, join the sentences given below and make a simple sentence with an adjective phrase.

(a) I bought a Maruti car. The colour is blue. It is sporty.

I bought a sporty blue Maruti car.

(b) He made a speech. The speech was short. The speech was interesting.

He made a short and interesting speech.

Suresh went to a beautifully decorated house.

(d) She bought a dress. It is a designer one but frightfully expensive.

She bought a frightfully expensive designer dress.

(e) The food was tasty. It was prepared quickly.

The quickly prepared food was tasty.

2. Use the correct form of the word given in the bracket and fill in the blanks.

(a) The death of 40 jawans was shocking. We were shocked when we heard the news. (shock)

(b) I met an interesting person in the party. He was interested in tasting each and every dish kept in the food counter. (interest)

(c) Ravi is not very excited to visit new places. He tells his friends no place is exciting compared to his village in Ranikhet. (excite)

(d) She got a new guest in her house. She was amused by his handling the pups. His voice was more amusing when he was calling these pups near him. (amuse)

(e) It is very humid in the Summers. I don’t like this weather. This weather is disgusting. I am disgusted as I sweat a lot. Children are disgusted as they can’t play outside. (disgust)

3. You have read about how to describe a repeated action in the past by using ‘would’ or ‘used to’. Go through the rules again and fill in the blanks with ‘would’ or ‘used to’ as appropriate.

(a) Every day she would come home from work with a rose to give to her mother.

(b) I would lend him my books when he was preparing for his examination.

(d) Each time I called him he would come immediately.

(e) During his hostel life, he used to eat all kinds of food without grumbling.

(f) When I was a child, I used to believe that fire flies were small fire balls.

Editing

1. Use capital letters, full-stops, commas, and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph.

the land of the Bisnois in rajasthan is known for conservation of wildlife. it is a living religion to the Bishnois. It is said This is probably only one religion in the world that is founded on the principles of conserving nature. It has followers over ten lakhs. For these many people protection of living beings is a way of life for the ishnois tree is sacred and their empathy and love extend to all living beings on earth. They protect the ecosystem that surrounds the village which is a safe haven for blackbucks chinkaras vultures great Indian bustards peacocks etc they protect them from poachers and provide them plenty vegetation they keep water in the stone vessels for the animals to drink from, and hang water filled pots from the branches for the birds.

The land of the Bishnois in Rajasthan is known for conservation of wildlife. It is a living religion to the Bishnois. It is said this is probably the only one religion in the world that is founded on the principles of conserving nature. It has followers over ten lakhs. For these many people, protection of living beings is a way of life. For the Bishnois, trees are sacred and their empathy and love extend to all living beings on earth. They protect the ecosystem that surrounds the village, which is a safe haven for blackbucks, chinkaras, vultures, great Indian bustards, peacocks, etc. They protect them from poachers and provide them plenty of vegetation. They keep water in the stone vessels for the animals to drink from and hang water-filled pots from the branches for the birds.

2. Parts of sentences are given below. Rearrange the parts and write meaningful sentences in the space provided. Use appropriate punctuation marks.

(a) a town in iraq/ in large numbers/ otters are found/ in the marshes near Basra.

Otters are found in large numbers in the marshes near Basra, a town in Iraq.

(b) to the market/ we were fatigued/ having walked so far/ on account of

We were fatigued on account of having walked so far to the market.

The suicide car bombing in Pulwama district killed 40 paramilitary personnel.

(d) india’s first semi-high speed train,/ was flagged off with excitement/ the inaugural trip of/ Vande Bharat Express,

The inaugural trip of Vande Bharat Express, India’s first semi-high speed train, was flagged off with excitement.

(e) the eastern hemisphere/ the longer than all/ the nile is said to be/ other rivers in

The Nile is said to be longer than all other rivers in the eastern hemisphere.

Listening

(Based on the story of Gangaram the crocodile)

1. Why did the residents gather near the village pond?

The residents gathered near the village pond because they saw that the crocodile, Gangaram, had died.

2. Why were the villagers crying?

They were crying because they were emotionally attached to the reptile and were heartbroken after his death.

3. Who was Gangaram?

Gangaram was a 130-year-old crocodile who lived in the village pond and was considered a friend and a divine creature by the villagers.

4. How big was he?

He was over three metres long.

5. How old was he?

He was estimated to be 130 years old.

6. Give three reasons to justify Gangaram was friendly:

(a) Children could swim around him.

(b) Gangaram never harmed or attacked anyone.

7. What was the new name given to the village and why?

The village was called "Magarmachha vala gaaon" (The Crocodile’s village) because the villagers identified themselves with the crocodile.

8. What will the villagers do to remember their friend?

The villagers wish to build a statue of Gangaram near the pond to remember him.

Speaking

1. Try to make one hand puppet of an Otter. The situation is: Mijbil playing with water and spilling water every where. Write a few dialogues between Mijbil and Maxwell.

Maxwell : Oh! Mijbil, what have you done?

Mijbil : He, he look at the water! It moves! It splashes!

Maxwell : But you have soaked the entire bathroom floor!

Mijbil : Water isn't meant to stay still, Maxwell. It must jump and dance!

Maxwell : You really are a water-otter. Now, how do we dry this up before tea time?

Mijbil : Don't dry it! Come, splash with me!

2. Discuss in a group... the following points... (Keeping big wild animals, unusual pets, circus animals, etc.)

Sample View: Keeping wild animals like sloth bears or tigers at home is generally unethical and dangerous. While the bond in 'The Bond of Love' was unique, wild animals have natural instincts that domestic settings cannot satisfy. Keeping them for amusement in circuses or for fighting (cock/bull fighting) is cruel and constitutes exploitation. They deserve to live in their natural habitats where they can be free.

Writing

1. Based on the above points, write a paragraph giving your points of view. You can highlight on the loss of natural habitat, cruelty, loss of freedom etc.

Animal Freedom and Rights:
Keeping wild animals as pets or using them for entertainment is a violation of their natural rights. Animals born in the wild are accustomed to vast spaces and specific environments that a human home cannot replicate. When we cage them or force them to perform tricks in circuses, we strip them of their dignity and freedom. This often leads to behavioral issues and depression in animals. Furthermore, the trade in exotic pets contributes to the loss of natural habitats and encourages poaching. True love for animals means respecting their wild nature and protecting their homes, rather than capturing them for our own amusement. We must prioritize conservation and coexistence over ownership and exploitation.

2. Read these quotations and write one paragraph in the context of ‘Animal Rights’.

Compassion for All Beings:
As Mahatma Gandhi stated, the moral progress of a nation is reflected in how it treats its animals. This sentiment is echoed by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk, who reminds us that when it comes to feelings like pain, loneliness, and fear, there is no difference between a boy and a dog or a rat. All living beings cherish their lives and fight to survive. Therefore, animal rights are not just about protecting pets but extending our empathy to all creatures. We have a moral obligation to recognize their inherent value and ensure they live free from cruelty, suffering, and exploitation. Recognising this equality is the first step towards a more humane and just society.

Project

1. What animals can be exported or imported under law?

Report Findings:
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the export and import of animals are strictly regulated.
1. Prohibited: Most wild animals, especially those listed in Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act (e.g., Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Peacocks, rare reptiles like certain pythons and lizards), are banned from export or import.
2. Regulated: Some species may be traded with special permits for zoos, research, or conservation breeding, but not as pets.
3. Pets: Domesticated animals like dogs and cats can be imported/exported with proper vaccination records and health certificates.
Conclusion: Smuggling of reptiles and other exotic species in "tiny suitcases" is illegal and punishable by law.

2. My pet: (Make a table...)

Name of Pet: Sky-Glider (Imaginary Bird-Cat hybrid)

Specifications Table:

Has	Can	Is
Soft fur like a cat, large eagle wings, sharp claws.	Fly high, purr loudly, hunt small rodents, see in the dark.	Warm-blooded, very affectionate, intelligent, fierce when protecting its home.

To keep this pet: I would need a large open terrace for it to fly, fresh meat for food, and a warm basket for it to sleep in. I must ensure it gets enough exercise and affection.

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