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First Flight — “How to Tell Wild Animals” Exercise Question Answers (Simple Words)

How to Tell Wild Animals

By Carolyn Wells

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Thinking about the Poem

Question 1

Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?

Answer:

Yes, in the poem the poet pronounces “dyin’” as “dye-in” so that it rhymes with “lion”.

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Question 2

How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to her?

Answer:

The poet says:

• A lion can be identified by its loud roar and brown colour.

• A tiger can be identified by its yellow body with black stripes.

According to the poet, you can identify them when they attack you.

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Question 3

Do you think the words “lept” and “lep” in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?

Answer:

No, the words are not spelt correctly. The correct words are “leapt” and “leopard”. The poet uses these spellings to create humour and maintain the rhyme of the poem.

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Question 4

Do you know what a “bearhug” is? It’s a friendly and strong hug. Who is said to be very fond of bearhugs in the poem?

Answer:

In the poem, the bear is said to be very fond of bearhugs.

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Question 5

Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this “correctly”? Why is the poet’s way better in the poem?

Answer:

The correct form is “A novice might be nonplussed.”
The poet’s way is better because it sounds funny and fits the rhyme and rhythm of the poem.

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Question 6

Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language?

Answer:

Yes, poets often change spellings or grammar to make poems musical and interesting.

Example:

• “O’er” instead of “over”

• “Ne’er” instead of “never”

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Extra Short Question Answers

1. What is the poem about?

The poem is about identifying wild animals in a funny way.

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2. Which animal laughs in the poem?

The hyena laughs in the poem.

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3. Which animal changes its colour?

The chameleon changes its colour.

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4. What are “crocodile tears”?

False tears are called crocodile tears.

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5. What type of poem is this?

It is a humorous poem.

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Very Short Answers for Exam

• Poet: Carolyn Wells

• Theme: Humorous description of wild animals

• Tiger’s feature: Black stripes on yellow skin

• Hyena’s feature: Laughing sound

• Chameleon’s feature: Changes colour

• Crocodile: Sheds false tears