THE FOG

Q10 Answer in 20-30 words

i Stealth is an important aspect of fog. State any two instances from the poem “Fog”
that suggest the same.

ii Highlight any two characteristics of fog from its description in the poem and justify
your choice of characteristics briefly.

iii Is the fog portrayed as a resident of the city or as an outsider? Support your answer
with two such references from the poem “Fog”.

Q11 Answer in 40-50 words

i Would you describe the role of the fog as active or passive? Support your answer with
reference to the poem “Fog”.

ii Why does the poet use the phrase “silent haunches”? Substantiate your answer with
reference to the poem “Fog”.

iii Comment, in detail, on the significance of the closing phrase of the poem- “moves
on”.

Q12 Answer in 100-120 words (beyond text and across texts)

i In the poem “Fog”, the poet features the fog as animated. If you had to write a similar
poem for one other natural phenomenon, which animal would you use to convey the
characteristics of that particular phenomena? Justify, in detail, your choice of animal
corresponding to it by bringing out similarities.

ii Do you agree with the poet’s comparison of fog to a cat or do you feel some other
image would have done justice to the poem?

Justify your answer by substantiating your claims with examples.

(OR) The poet beautifully compares the fog to a cat. Choose any two animals from ‘How
to Tell Wild Animals’ that do not have qualities that can be drawn out to be compared
with a fog.

MIJBIL THE OTTER

Q10 Answer in 20-30 words

i “…every drop of water must be, so to speak, extended and spread about the place…”
Describe Maxwell’s observation regarding Mij with reference to the given quote.

ii Maxwell’s fear of sending Mij to England was legitimate. Give a reason. iii Maxwell was
justified in thinking very highly of the airhostess. Justify
iv Compare any one compulsive human habit with respect to the otter’s compulsive
habit, as mentioned in the text.

Q11 Answer in 40-50 words

i What would you say was the greatest obstacle faced by the narrator in transporting
Mijbil to Camusfearna?

ii There is not a dull moment when pets are around. Explain how this holds true in case
of “Mijbil the Otter”.

iii Peculiar behaviours are a characteristic of Otters. Discuss with respect to “Mijbil the
Otter”.

iv Without the assistance of the airhostess, the narrator could not have transported
Mijbil from Basra to London safely. Comment.

v Mijbil caused a sensation in London. Expound with reference to the chapter “Mijbil the
Otter”.

Answer in 100-120 words

If Mijbil were living in the world of the poem, The Tale of Custard the Dragon, how do you
think he would have (a) behaved with Custard? (b) reacted to the appearance of the
pirate? Rationalise your answer.

TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON

Q10 Answer in 20-30 words

i Custard humbly accepts that other animals are braver than him. Give a reason to
support your stance that humility is a virtue worth possessing.

ii The usage of words like ‘realio trulio’ creates a wonderful poetic effect. How?

iii Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the ‘poster-boy’ for the belief that the real
nature of a person is revealed at times of the greatest difficulty?

iv State the reason you think the poet named the animals Ink, Blink, Mustard and
Custard?

v The poet could have included a burglar or an intruder in the poem, but chose to
include a pirate. Explain this choice. Q11 Answer in 40-50 words

i Belinda shares a post on Instagram with the following hashtags

#Ink#Blink#Mustard#Bravehearts#My family#My world# She doesn’t mention Custard in
her post. As a friend of Belinda, what would be your advice to her and why?
ii The poem is a light-hearted ballad with a powerful message. If the poem was written in
any other style, do you think it would have created the same effect on readers? Justify
your response with reason(s).

-Blowing one’s trumpet is a well-known idiom. Disagree with a friend’s opinion in the
context of this idiom. Friend: It’s important to recount your achievements whenever
there’s an opportunity. People need to know about your qualities, accomplishments
and awards. Always project yourself as superior. You: Gosh! I disagree. What’s the point
blowing one’s own trumpet? You see,
…………………………………………………………………………(continue).

Q12 Answer in 100-120 words (beyond text and across texts)

i- Custard though mocked for his cowardice, displayed courage and was the
one who saved the day in the end. Pick a character from any of the units
(lessons/poems) in First Flight, who displayed similar characteristics, like
Custard and overcame a troubling issue? What similarities and differences
do you find between the character and Custard?

UNIQUE KEY WORDS-

Mijbil the Otter

Crossed my mind: A thought that came into my mind.

A stone’s throw: A very short distance.

Otter: A semi-aquatic fish-eating mammal with a long body, dense fur, and webbed feet.

Eminently: Highly; very.

As common as mosquitoes: Easily found.

Tamed: Domesticated (made friendly and manageable, like a pet).

Cabled: Sent a message by telegraph (an old method of communication).

Breakdown: A mechanical failure.

Squatting: Crouching or sitting with knees bent and heels close to or touching one’s

buttocks.

Squirmed: Twisted about.

Thraldom: (Old-fashioned) Being under the control of.

Fixation: A very strong attachment or feeling.

Medievally conceived: An imagination of the Middle Ages.

Christened: Named.

Hostile: Unfriendly.

Curious: Eager to know or learn something.

Wistfully: Longingly.

Kindle: Set alight (fire), here, feelings.

A slang expression: Informal words, often used within a close group.

Discreet questions: Careful questions.

Commandingly: In a controlling tone.

Slack time: A time when there is not much work.

Devoured: Read quickly and eagerly (here).

Canvas: A coarse fabric.

Blind: A partition.

Haughtily: Proudly.

Repulsive: Causing strong dislike.

Curtly: Rudely brief or abrupt.

Drivel: Silly nonsense.

Thriftily: Spend money carefully.

Resolutely stifled: Suppressed/controlled with determination.

Ventured out: Went cautiously, courageously.

Hamlet: A small settlement with a few houses.

Gobbling up: To swallow or eat hastily.

Glee: Happiness and joy.

Thoroughfare: A busy public road.

Merchandise: Things for sale.

Railroad crossing: An intersection where a railway line crosses a road or path.

Spreadeagled: Spread out.

Haunted: Returned repeatedly to her mind; was impossible to forget.

Pokes her nose: Takes an interest in something that doesn’t concern her.