An Overview of Important Questions Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a pet that’s not a dog or a cat? In Important Questions Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6, you’ll dive into the unforgettable story of Mijbil the Otter and his owner, Gavin Maxwell. This chapter takes you through their heartwarming adventures and the ups and downs of caring for such a unique animal friend.
Table of Content
The questions here are picked to help you understand the story better and prepare for your CBSE exams without feeling lost. You can also check your full English syllabus at Class 10 English Syllabus to stay on track.
Vedantu’s expert-made important questions, available as a handy PDF, will make revision much easier. Don’t forget to explore more with Class 10 English Important Questions so you’re fully prepared for your big day!
FAQs on Important Questions Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6
1. What inspired Gavin Maxwell to choose an otter as a pet in the chapter “Mijbil the Otter” for Class 10 English (First Flight)?
Gavin Maxwell was influenced to keep an otter as a pet after hearing from a friend that otters were often domesticated in the Tigris marshes. Since Maxwell lived near water at Camusfearna, he believed that the setting was ideal for such a pet and wanted a change from having a dog.
2. Describe two important challenges Maxwell faced while bringing Mijbil the otter to England as mentioned in Class 10 English (First Flight).
- Strict pet transport rules by airlines made it nearly impossible to carry an animal, forcing Maxwell to take a non-direct and stressful route.
- Mijbil’s panic inside the travel box resulted in injury, causing both logistical and emotional distress during the journey.
3. Why is Mijbil the Otter considered a 'new species', and what is its significance in the chapter?
Mijbil belonged to a subspecies of smooth-coated otter that was previously unknown to zoology. This otter was later named Maxwell's otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli), underlining Maxwell’s contribution and making his experience unique in natural history.
4. How did Mijbil’s behavior with water highlight a key theme of the chapter?
Mijbil’s fascination with water, including his efforts to keep it moving and playful splashes, emphasized natural instincts and adaptation. This trait illustrated the importance of catering to an animal’s inborn behaviors, which is central to the chapter’s message about understanding and respecting wildlife.
5. Explain how examiners may test understanding of the bond between Maxwell and Mijbil in board exams.
CBSE examiners often frame long-answer questions requiring students to analyze the evolving relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil. Candidates may need to cite examples from their shared challenges and playful experiences to discuss how genuine companionship developed, reflecting empathy and responsibility as thematic elements.
6. List three playful habits of Mijbil the otter as described in Class 10 English.
- Mijbil enjoyed rolling marbles on his belly while lying on his back.
- He created games with rubber balls and suitcase slopes for entertainment.
- He showed creativity by learning to turn on water taps and engaging with water for hours.
7. What major difficulties did Maxwell face during Mijbil’s air travel, and how were they overcome?
Maxwell struggled with airline restrictions and Mijbil's stress in confinement, leading to injury and passenger alarm. The air hostess’s empathy provided relief by allowing Mijbil to stay on Maxwell’s lap, soothing both the otter and the owner.
8. Why do people in London fail to recognize Mijbil, and what does their reaction convey about the context of the story?
Londoners could not identify Mijbil due to lack of familiarity with otters; they mistook him for animals like beavers or walruses. This illustrates the theme of urban disconnect from wildlife, and adds humorous relief, highlighting cultural differences in perception of pets.
9. In what ways does “Mijbil the Otter” test exam candidates' higher-order skills (HOTS) in Class 10 English exams?
Exam questions may require inference regarding character motivation (why Maxwell persisted), analysis of emotional themes (attachment, compassion) or evaluation of narrative technique (use of humor, imagery). Students are expected to interpret and justify their arguments with textual support, demonstrating application and synthesis of information.
10. How did Maxwell cater to Mijbil’s need for mental stimulation, and what can be inferred for exam preparation?
Maxwell provided a variety of toys and created safe environments for play, understanding Mijbil’s intelligence and curiosity. As per CBSE 2025–26 trend, questions may focus on recognizing the importance of respecting animal instincts and drawing real-life parallels to responsible pet care.
11. What lessons about pet-keeping does Maxwell’s experience with Mijbil impart to readers, expected in 5-mark analytical questions?
Key lessons include:
- Patience is required to gain an animal’s trust.
- Understanding and adapting to unique behaviors is crucial.
- Companionship with animals can offer unexpected learning, growth, and joy.
12. Why is the journey with Mijbil described as both humorous and challenging in CBSE board important questions?
The narrative balances comic incidents (public reactions, otter’s antics) with genuine hardship (injuries, regulatory roadblocks). This duality helps highlight the unpredictable nature of life with unusual pets, a topic the CBSE may use for evaluation of narrative style and theme comprehension.
13. How do Mijbil’s actions during walks in London reflect the concept of adaptation, likely tested in exam HOTS questions?
Mijbil quickly developed new behaviors suitable for the urban setting—jumping on walls, engaging schoolchildren, staying safe in unfamiliar environs—demonstrating adaptability. Students should connect this to broader ideas about adjusting to new environments or situations, as commonly required in HOTS-based questions.
14. What key differences can be drawn between keeping an otter and traditional pets based on the text “Mijbil the Otter”?
- Otters have specific environmental and behavioral requirements, such as access to water and mental challenges.
- They display more complex, less predictable behaviors compared to dogs or cats.
- Owners must be highly adaptive and observant to ensure welfare, making it a less conventional but more demanding responsibility.
15. Summarize the central theme of “Mijbil the Otter” as it would appear in an important questions PDF for CBSE Class 10 English exams.
The central theme centers on unconventional friendship, empathy, adaptation, and respect for natural instincts. Maxwell’s journey with Mijbil demonstrates that bonds with animals can transcend traditional boundaries, teaching lessons about responsibility and understanding.
