Mijbil The Otter Extra Questions

This lesson describes how the author’s life changed after he domesticated an otter after losing his pet dog. His life changed as well. He develops an inseparable friendship with Mijbil, the otter, as he adjusts to life in London.Gavin Maxwell wrote Mijbil, the Otter. After losing his first pet dog, he kept an Otter as a pet, and it changed his life. He takes his audience through his journey of learning to play and his experiences with Mijbil-the-Otter. His life journey began on a flight from Iraq to London with his friend. The otter caused havoc and scared everyone during his flight. Despite this, a kind-hearted air hostess allowed the writer to travel with Mijbil.This chapter requires students to prepare Mijbil The Otter extra questions. This chapter teaches kindness and consideration. Additionally, you will build your reputation as considerate and respectful. Courtesy people are respected and have a positive impression.

Mijbil the Otter Extra Questions

1. Why did the author wait for three days?
Answer: The author waited to telephone for three days as there were problems with it.

2. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?
Answer: This race of animals was unknown to the scientists in the beginning. After its discovery it was christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell’s otter.

3. Why did Maxwell get his mail after five days and what did he do to get it?
Answer: Maxwell got his mail after 5 days due to some delay. He cabled and tried to telephone in order to get his mail.

4. In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored but people like the airhostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What virtues do we find in the airhostess?
Answer: The airhostess was somewhat friendly, and she allowed the narrator to place the otter on his lap. She could relate and empathise with the situation faced by the narrator. This shows that apart from being professional, she was a caring lady. She not only wanted to do her job but was also responsible as she helped the narrator in finding the otter back.

She did all that she could do for Maxwell and the otter. She was hard working and was ready to help as she did not say ‘no’ to help the narrator.

5. How did Mijbil behave in the beginning? Did some change come in the otter afterwards?
Answer: During the first 24 hours, Mijbil was neither hostile or friendly. He was aloof and indifferent. He slept on the floor far away from Maxwell’s bed. However, a change came in Mijbil afterwards. Ile started taking a keen interest in his surroundings. He went to Maxwell’s bed on the second day and remained asleep in it.

6. What is a characteristic of otter and how did Mijbil behave in the water?
Answer: The main characteristic of an otter is to extend and spread every drop of water about the place. A bowl full of water must be overturned. He would sit in and splash in until it flows.

7. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom ? What did Mijbil do two days after that ?
Answer: In bathroom, Mijbil fumbled with the taps and went mad with joy on seeing full flow of water. It played, splashed and thoroughly enjoyed like a hippo in water. Aloof at first, he started Answering to his name, played for hours with rubber belli and juggled with small objects, in two days after that.

8. Why was the author not allowed to take a flight of British Airways?
Answer: The British Airways did not allow pets on its flight, while the author had to carry his pet otter along with him.

9. Which group of animals do otters belong to?
Answer: Otters belong to a small group of animals called Mussel lines. They are water-loving animals and are generally found in marshy areas. They are intelligent, fun-loving and playful and are harmless beautiful creatures.

10. What did the Londoners think about Mijbil the otter?
Answer: Mijbil the otter was a new creature for the Londoners. They had never seen such a pet in their life. They guessed that it belonged to a small group of animals called mustellines. Some of them guessed it was a small walrus or a baby seal. Some called it a hippo and a brontosaur.

11. What was Mijbil’s favourite game during Maxwell’s stay in London?
Answer: Mijbil invented a game with the ping-pong ball while his stay in London. One of Maxwell’s suitcase had got damaged its lid, when closed remained at a shope which Mij used as his game he would place the pingpong ball on the high end and allow the ball to slide down. Before the ball went down the slope he would dash around to the other end and spring up to grab it and trot off with it to the high end again. He would keep himself engrossed in the game for about half an hour at a stretch.

12. How did Mijbil create chaos in the flight?
Answer: Mij was asked to put in a box. When the author did so, it had hurt itself. When an air hostess asked the author to keep the otter in his leg, he was happy. He opened the box but Mij in panic jumped out of the box. He kept going here and there and frightened many passengers.

13. How was Mij to be transported to England?
Answer. Mij was to be carried in a box, not more than eighteen inches square, to be kept on the floor at the author’s feet. British airlines did not allow transporting animals, so they booked another flight to Paris and from there to London.

14. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Answer. Maxwell thought that as Camusfearna was close to water, it was suitable for an experiment to domesticate an otter.

15. How did the author manage to reach the airport?
Answer: The author was late and the driver of the author’s car drove along the streets of basra like a bullet. The aircraft was waiting to take off. He was rushed through it by the angry officers. He put the box near his feet.

Very Short Answer Questions

1.Why was the author’s home at Camusfearna a fit place for an otter?
Answer: It was a suitable place for an otter because it was surrounded by water.

2. From where could Maxwell get an otter?
Answer: Maxwell could get an otter from the Tigris marshes.

3. Why did the author go to Basra?
Answer: The author went to Basra to collect and respond to his mail from Europe.

4. Who visited his room in Basra?
Answer: Two Arabs visited his room in Basra.

5. What was there in the sack?
Answer: There was an otter in the sack.

6. Where did the otter sleep on the second night?
Answer: On the second night, the otter slept on the author’s bed between his knees.

7. Why did the author book a flight to Paris instead of going directly to London?
Answer: He did not book a flight to London as the British airline would not allow flying with an animal.

8. What did the author give the air hostess?
Answer: He gave the air hostess a parcel containing fish for the otter.

9. What name did the scientists give to Mij’s species?
Answer: They named his species ‘Maxwell Otter’.

10. How did the woman in the aeroplane react to seeing the otter?
Answer: She stood up on her seat and screamed, ‘A rat! A rat!’

11. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s Otter?
Answer: The otter was named Maxwell’s otter because Maxwell made this species known to the scientists.

12. Where could Maxwell get an otter from?
Answer: Maxwell could get an otter from the Tigris marshes in Iraq.

13. ‘She was the queen of her kind’. Explain the reason behind admiration for the air hostess.
Answer: The air hostess suggested that the narrator could keep Mijbil on his knee during the flight for comfort.

14. Why was the author not allowed to take a flight of British Airways?
Answer: British Airways did not allow pets on its flights, and the author had to carry his pet otter with him.

15. Why were Maxwell and his friends going to Basra?
Answer: Maxwell and his friends went to Basra to the Consulate-General (of Iraq) to collect and answer their mail from Europe.

16. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?
Answer: The otter was of a race previously unknown to science and was christened by zoologists as ‘Maxwell’s otter’.

17. How did the otter look?
Answer: The otter was a small creature resembling a medically conceived dragon, coated with mud from head to tail.

18. What happened when Maxwell would call the otter by his name?
Answer: Mij would follow Maxwell without a lead and come to him when his name was called.

Mijbil the Otter Short Answer Type Questions

1. Describe the havoc created by Mijbil on the airplane when it came out of the box.
Answer: Mijbil darted out of the box upon opening, causing chaos on the plane with screams and commotion among passengers.

2. What were the guesses made by the Londoners about Mijbil?
Answer: Londoners made various guesses about Mijbil, ranging from squirrel and walrus to hippo, beaver, bear cub, leopard, and even a brontosaur.

3. How was ‘Mijbil’ a source of amazement on London streets?
Answer: Mijbil, being a rare sight, amazed Londoners who had never seen an otter before. Their surprise and varied guesses added to the spectacle.

4. Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal.
Answer: Mijbil demonstrated intelligence by inventing games, such as rolling marbles on his belly and keeping a ball on a sloped suitcase, showing his playful and creative nature.

5. What happened when Mij disappeared at speed down the aircraft?
Answer: Mijbil swiftly disappeared down the aircraft, causing a disturbance and prompting screams from passengers on the flight.

6. Prove that Mijbil loved the water, giving two instances in support of your answer.
Answer: Mijbil’s love for water was evident as he went wild with joy, plunging and rolling in the bathtub, and later fumbling at taps to create a flow, showcasing his affinity for water play.

7. Mijbil, the otter invented a game. What do you think would be the game that he invented?
Answer: Mijbil invented a game with a ping-pong ball, utilizing a sloped suitcase lid. He enjoyed playing in the water and jumping, showing his playful nature.

8. What is the most common characteristic of an otter?
Answer: Otters, belonging to the Mustelidae family, are characterized by being water-loving, intelligent, fun-loving, and harmless creatures, often found in marshy areas.

9. What routine did Mijbil follow every day while on the walk in London?
Answer: Mijbil, during his walks, would tug Maxwell to a low wall near a primary school in London, where he would jump and run, causing distraction to students and staff.

10. When did it come to the author’s mind to have an otter?
Answer: The idea of keeping an otter occurred to Maxwell after his pet dog died. Considering Camusfearna, surrounded by water, he found it a suitable place for an otter.

11. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this?
Answer: Maxwell put the otter back in the box due to time constraints before a flight. He felt regretful but had no other option as the airport was five miles away, and the flight was about to take off.

12. When and why did Maxwell think of keeping an otter as a pet?
Answer: Maxwell considered keeping an otter as a pet after his dog’s death. The idea arose during his travels to Southern Iraq in 1956, where he thought Camusfearna would be a suitable place for an otter.

13. How did the otter behave in the beginning?
Answer: Initially, Mijbil was aloof and indifferent, neither hostile nor friendly. He preferred sleeping on the floor, away from Maxwell’s bed.

14. What are ‘compulsive habits’? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of school children?
Answer: ‘Compulsive habits’ are actions one feels compelled to do. Maxwell mentions school children’s habits, such as placing feet on specific paving blocks or touching every seventh upright of iron railings.

15. What would Mij do on the low wall adjoining the school opposite to Maxwell’s flat in London?
Answer: Mijbil would tug Maxwell to a low wall near a school in London, jump on it, and run with leaps the full length, causing distraction to students and staff.

16. What had crossed the author’s mind and why? Or why did Maxwell think of keeping an otter as a pet?
Answer: After his favorite dog’s death, Maxwell considered keeping an otter as a pet during his 1956 travels to Southern Iraq, thinking it would be a unique experiment given the location surrounded by water.

17. What did his friend advise Maxwell?
Answer: Maxwell’s friend advised him to get an otter from the Tigris marshes in Southern Iraq, where otters were common and often tamed by the locals.

18. Why were they going to the Consulate-General in Basra? Why did he wait for five days there?
Answer: They went to the Consulate-General in Basra to collect mail. Maxwell waited for five days as his friend’s mail arrived, but his own did not. Despite attempts to contact England, there was no response until after five days.

19. How did Maxwell get Mijbil, the otter?
Answer: Maxwell asked a friend to arrange for an otter, and two Arabs presented him with a sack containing Mijbil, an otter. This was the beginning of Maxwell’s journey with his new pet.

20. Describe the physical appearance of Mijbil, the otter.
Answer: Mijbil’s appearance was unique, resembling a small imaginary dragon with pointed scales covering its body and soft velvet fur visible between the scales. The creature had a chocolate brown color.

21. Why has Mijbil christened Maxwell’s otter?
Answer: Mijbil was christened Maxwell’s otter as it belonged to a previously unknown race. Zoologists later named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell’s otter in honor of its owner.

22. How did Mijbil behave in the beginning? Did some change come in the otter afterwards?
Answer: Initially aloof, Mijbil later showed interest in his surroundings, sleeping on Maxwell’s bed. A positive change occurred, signifying Mijbil’s adaptation and developing connection with his owner.

23. How did Mijbil behave when he was taken to the bathroom?
Answer: Mijbil exhibited pure joy in water, plunging and rolling in the bathtub for half an hour. He created enough slosh and splash, demonstrating his enthusiasm for water play.

24. What is a characteristic of an otter and how did Mijbil behave in the water?
Answer: A characteristic of otters is spreading water about, and Mijbil demonstrated this by overturning a bowl full of water. He also fumbled at taps, achieving a full flow, showcasing his water-loving nature.

25. How did Mijbil fumble at the tap in the bathroom? Did he succeed?
Answer: Mijbil stood on the bathtub, fumbling at taps with his paws. He successfully turned the tap, producing a trickle and later achieving a full flow of water.

26. How would Mijbil play with a rubber ball, and jiggle with small objects and marbles?
Answer: Mijbil played with a rubber ball, shuffling it around like a soccer player. His favorite game involved juggling small objects and marbles with his paws while lying on his back.

27. How was Mijbil transported from Basra to London?
Answer: Mijbil was transported from Basra to London by a flight to Paris, as British Airways did not allow animals. Mijbil was placed in a small box an hour before the flight to ensure he became accustomed to it.

28. Why did Maxwell call the air hostess “the queen of her kind?”
Answer: Maxwell admired the air hostess for her friendliness and cooperation. He called her “the queen of her kind” after she helped by accepting a parcel of fish for Mijbil and suggested keeping the pet on his knee during the flight.

29. Where did Mijbil disappear, and how was he found?
Answer: Mijbil disappeared down the aircraft upon opening the box, causing chaos. He was found beneath the legs of a turbaned Indian after screams from passengers. Maxwell dived for him, finding his face covered in curry, but eventually, Mijbil came and sat on Maxwell’s knee.

30. What compulsive habits like children did Mijbil develop during walks in the London streets?
Answer: Mijbil developed compulsive habits during walks, similar to children. He would jump on a low wall near a school, distracting both students and staff, reminiscent of children’s habitual actions.

31. What were the wild guesses that the average Londoners makes in recognizing Mijbil? Whose remark was judged best by Maxwell?
Answer: Londoners made wild guesses about Mijbil, including ‘baby seal’, ‘squirrel’, ‘walrus’, ‘hippo’, ‘beaver’, ‘bear cub’, and ‘leopard’. The best remark came from a laborer asking, “What is that supposed to be?”

Long Answer Type Questions

1.Mijbil did things which demonstrated its personality. Which qualities of the narrator are shown in his care for Mijbil?
Answer: Mijbil, the otter, exhibited traits of intelligence, playfulness, and a love for water. Maxwell, the narrator, treated Mijbil like his own son, providing meticulous care. He offered a variety of toys, including marbles, rubber balls, rubber fruits, and a terrapin shell, showcasing his understanding of Mijbil’s preferences. Maxwell encouraged Mijbil’s natural behaviors, took him out for daily exercise, and showed immediate concern when he observed the otter in distress, demonstrating a deep emotional connection.

2. Why did Maxwell want to have an otter for a pet? How did he get one?
Answer: Gavin Maxwell desired a pet after the recent loss of his dog. However, he felt too saddened to consider another dog. During his travels to Southern Iraq, Maxwell opted for an otter as a pet instead. His friend suggested obtaining one from the Tigris marshes, a region abundant with otters. Maxwell, along with his friend, went to Basra to collect mail and unexpectedly received Mijbil as a gift from two Arabs, as mentioned in a letter from his friend.

3. What did Maxwell do to transport Mijbil to England?
Answer: After British Airways refused to transport a pet, Maxwell booked a flight to Paris with another airline. The airline required Mijbil to be packed into a box not exceeding eighteen inches square, placed on the floor near Maxwell’s feet. An hour before departure, Maxwell put Mijbil into the box for acclimatization. Upon returning, he found blood around the box’s air holes, revealing Mijbil’s distress. Despite the limited time, Maxwell hurriedly put Mijbil back into the box, holding the lid. During the flight, the stewardess, upon hearing Maxwell’s tale, allowed him to travel with Mijbil on his knee, overcoming the initial chaos.

4. Describe the relationship between the otter and Maxwell in your own words.
Answer: Maxwell and Mijbil shared a heartwarming relationship. Maxwell treated Mijbil like his own son, providing meticulous care. He offered a variety of toys, took him to play in the water, and observed Mijbil’s habits and traits. Initially aloof, Mijbil eventually became friendly, encouraged by Maxwell’s support. Maxwell’s concern during Mijbil’s distress and their shared moments, such as Mijbil sleeping on Maxwell’s knees, showcased a bond based on care and companionship.

5. How did it come to the mind of the writer that an otter can be substituted for dogs or cats?
Answer: The idea of substituting an otter for dogs or cats occurred to the writer when his pet dog died, leaving him feeling lonely. During his travels in Southern Iraq, a friend suggested obtaining an otter from the Tigris marshes, where otters were as common as mosquitoes. The prospect of a new and unconventional pet appealed to the writer, and he received Mijbil as a gift through two Arabs in Basra

6. When did the author decide to have an otter as a pet? How did he get an otter?
Answer: After the death of his pet dog Jonnie, the author felt the loneliness of life without a pet. In 1956, during his travels in Southern Iraq, he decided to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog. His friend supported the idea and suggested obtaining an otter from the Tigris marshes, where they were abundant and often trained by Arabs. The author received an otter, named Mijbil, as a surprise gift brought by two Arabs to his room in Basra.

7. How did the otter look when the author got it? What name did he give it? How did the otter enjoy being in the bathroom?
Answer: When the author received the otter, it was a small creature resembling a small dragon, covered in mud from head to tail. Under the mud, it had soft velvet skin. The author named the otter ‘Mijbil.’ Initially hesitant, Mijbil later enjoyed being in the bathroom, going wild with joy in the water. Mijbil’s fascination with water was evident as he even turned the tap on and sat happily under the running water

8. How did the author make arrangements for transporting his otter to London?
Answer: Facing the challenge of transporting Mijbil from Iraq to London, Maxwell discovered that British Airways wouldn’t allow animals. Consequently, he booked a flight to Paris on another airline that accepted pets. Following the airline’s instructions, Mijbil was placed in a box an hour before departure. However, a distressing incident occurred where Mijbil injured himself. With little time left, Maxwell proceeded to the airport, holding down the box lid with his hand during the flight. The air hostess, upon hearing the story, allowed Maxwell to travel with Mijbil on his knee

9. Describe the author’s experience with the otter in the aircraft.
Answer: During the flight from Basra to London, Maxwell faced a challenging experience with Mijbil. Despite placing Mijbil in a box as per airline instructions, an alarming incident occurred where blood appeared around the air holes. In a rush to catch the flight, Maxwell put Mijbil back in the box, holding down the lid with his hand. On the plane, chaos ensued as Mijbil escaped the box, causing squawks and shrieks. The air hostess, upon hearing Maxwell’s tale, allowed him to travel with Mijbil on his knee. After some initial chaos, Mijbil settled on Maxwell’s knee for the remainder of the flight.

10. Why did Maxwell decide to have an otter as a pet? How did he get it?
Answer: Maxwell decided to have an otter as a pet after his pet dog Jonnie passed away, leaving him feeling lonely. In 1956, during his travels in Southern Iraq, he chose to replace his dog with an otter as a pet. His friend supported the idea, suggesting he could get an otter from the Tigris marshes, where they were common and often tamed by Arabs. The surprise gift of an otter arrived at Maxwell’s room in Basra, brought by two Arabs.

11. Why was Mijbil, the otter, christened Maxwell’s otter by zoologists? How did the otter behave initially and afterwards?
Answer: Mijbil, the otter, was christened Maxwell’s otter by zoologists because it belonged to a race previously unknown to science. Initially aloof and indifferent, Mijbil slept on the floor far from Maxwell’s bed. However, a change occurred from the second night when Mijbil started sleeping on Maxwell’s bed between his knees. Mijbil’s behavior transformed from indifference to active interest in his surroundings, and he eventually became playful and enjoyed his time with Maxwell.

12. What is a characteristic of otters? How did Mijbil enjoy himself by playing different games?
Answer: A characteristic of otters, as learned by Maxwell, is their tendency to spread water everywhere. Mijbil, following this trait, displayed immense joy in water-related activities. In the bathtub, Mijbil went wild with joy, creating enough slosh and splash to resemble a hippo. His playful activities included shuffling a rubber ball like a soccer player, lying on his back juggling small objects between his paws, and enjoying marbles, his favorite toys. Mijbil’s love for water and playful antics made him a delightful companion for Maxwell.

13. How was Mijbil transported from Basra to London? What scenes did the otter create in the aircraft?
Answer: Transporting Mijbil from Basra to London presented a challenge as British Airways wouldn’t fly animals. Maxwell booked a flight to Paris with another airline, following their instructions to place Mijbil in a box not exceeding eighteen inches square. Chaos ensued on the plane as Mijbil escaped, causing squawks and shrieks. Despite initial commotion, the air hostess allowed Maxwell to keep Mijbil on his knee. Mijbil eventually settled on Maxwell’s knee, creating a memorable and eventful journey.

14. What were the strange and funny wild guesses that Londoners made about Mijbil? Who made the best remark about the otter?
Answer: Londoners made amusing guesses about Mijbil’s identity, demonstrating their unfamiliarity with otters. Some guessed he was a baby seal, a squirrel, or even a walrus. The funniest guesses included calling Mijbil a beaver, a bear cub, and even a leopard. The best remark came from a laborer who, upon seeing Mijbil, spat, glared, and growled, asking Maxwell, “Here, Mister—what is that supposed to be?” The diversity of guesses showcased the uniqueness of Mijbil as an otter.

Extract Based Questions

Question 1:

“Two days later, an unexpected incident occurred. As I entered my bedroom, Mijbil, my pet otter, dashed out, his tail vanishing around the corner towards the bathroom. When I reached the bathroom, Mijbil had climbed onto the edge of the bathtub and was clumsily handling the shiny chrome taps with his paws. To my astonishment, he managed to turn the tap, initially causing a small trickle of water, which soon turned into a steady flow.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. Identify the animal named Mijbil in the narrative.
2. What aspect of Mijbil’s behavior surprised the narrator in the bathroom?
3. Share your understanding of Mijbil’s character.
4. To which part of the house did Mijbil escape?

Answer 1:

1. Mijbil is an otter in the story.
2. The narrator was surprised to see Mijbil skillfully turning on the tap to play with water.
3. Mijbil is depicted as an otter that the narrator had as a pet.
4. Mijbil escaped to the narrator’s bathroom.

Question 2:

“The moment I opened that sack marked the beginning of a chapter in my life that continues to this day. It could very well last until my final days. This chapter is characterized by a deep bond with otters, an enchantment I found is shared by many who have ever kept one as a pet.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. What kind of animal was inside the sack?
2. Describe the appearance of the otter when it was first seen.
3. What new phase began in the author’s life following this event?
4. Explain why the otter was given the name ‘Maxwell’s otter’.

Answer 2:

1. The sack contained an otter.
2. The otter was encased in a unique coating of mud that formed pointed, symmetrical scales.
3. The author entered a phase of deep affection and connection with otters.
4. The otter was part of a species not known to science before and was later named Maxwell’s otter by zoologists.
   

Question 3:

“An otter’s true enjoyment is found in a unique kind of play. Mijbil, my otter, particularly delighted in this. He would recline on his back, effortlessly juggling small items between his paws. His toy of choice for this activity was marbles. Lying on his back, he skillfully rolled two or more marbles across his broad, flat stomach, never letting one fall to the ground.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. Describe the otter’s preferred form of play.
2. Which toys does Mijbil enjoy playing with the most?
3. What technique does he use to play with these toys?
4. Provide some details about Mij.

Answer 3:

1. The otter enjoys lying on his back and juggling small toys between his paws.
2. Mijbil’s favorite toys are marbles.
3. He lies on his back and rolls the marbles up and down his belly, ensuring they don’t drop.
4. Mij is an otter kept as a pet by the author.

Question 4:

“In early 1956, I traveled to Southern Iraq. Around this time, the idea of having an otter as a pet instead of a dog had taken hold in my mind. Camusfearna, surrounded by water, seemed like the perfect place for this venture. When I casually mentioned this idea to a friend, he suggested I could easily find an otter in the Tigris marshes, as they were common there and often domesticated by the locals.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. Where did the story’s narrator go on his journey?
2. What animal was he considering as a pet?
3. Why did Maxwell think Camusfearna was ideal for his plan?
4. What prompted the narrator to consider an otter as a pet instead of a dog?

Answer 4:

1. The narrator traveled to Southern Iraq.
2. He was considering an otter for a pet.
3. Maxwell believed Camusfearna, with its surrounding waters, was perfect for keeping an otter.
4. The narrator was grieving the loss of his pet dog and was reluctant to get another dog.

Question 5:

“After sending a cable to England, I experienced multiple delays in receiving a response. First, the telephone line malfunctioned, followed by a closure for a religious holiday, and then another line breakdown. Eventually, when my mail did arrive, I took it to my bedroom. There, I found two Arabs squatting on the floor beside a mysteriously wriggling sack. They handed me a note from my friend, saying, “Here is your otter…””

Extract Based Questions:

1. What difficulties did the narrator face in receiving his mail?
2. What did the narrator find in his package?
3. Describe the scene the narrator encountered upon entering his room.
4. What caused the sack to move intermittently?

Answer 5:

1. There were issues with the telephone line, a religious holiday, and another line breakdown.
2. The narrator received an otter as a pet.
3. He found two Arabs in his room with a squirming sack.
4. The intermittent movement of the sack was due to the otter inside it.

Question 6:

“I named the otter Mijbil, who turned out to be from a species previously unknown to science. Zoologists later named it Lutrogale perspicillata Maxwell, or Maxwell’s otter. Initially, Mijbil displayed a detached demeanor, preferring to sleep far from my bed. However, on the second night, he sought the warmth of my bed, sleeping peacefully near my knees. By the next day, his indifference had faded, and he began to show a lively interest in his new environment.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?
2. Describe Mijbil’s initial behavior.
3. How did Mijbil demonstrate a change in behavior on the second night?
4. When did Mijbil join the narrator on his bed?

Answer 6:

1. Zoologists named it Lutrogale perspicillata Maxwell, or Maxwell’s otter, due to its unique species.
2. Initially, Mijbil was indifferent and aloof.
3. He displayed friendliness by sleeping in the crook of the narrator’s knees.
4. Mijbil came to the narrator’s bed in the early hours of the second morning.

Question 7:

“When the creature emerged from the sack in the spacious Consulate bedroom, it bore an uncanny resemblance to a miniature, mythical dragon. The otter was completely enveloped in mud that had dried into pointed, symmetrical scales, revealing soft, velvet-like fur beneath, akin to that of a dark chocolate mole.”

Extract Based Questions:

1. What animal is being discussed in this passage?
2. To what is the creature compared?
3. What was the reason for its mud-covered appearance?
4. How is the otter’s appearance described?

Answer 7:

1. The passage is about an otter.
2. It is compared to a small, mythical dragon.
3. The otter was covered in mud because it hadn’t been bathed.
4. The otter’s fur is described as soft and velvet-like, similar to a chocolate-brown mole.