May 15, 2026

NCERT English Class 10th – Mijbil the Otter Exercise Question Answers (Simple Words)

Oral Comprehension Check

1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?

Maxwell thought that Camusfearna would be a good place to keep an otter as a pet because it had plenty of water and open space.

2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?

He went to Basra to travel back to England. He waited there for several days because the airport was closed due to bad weather.

3. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the words that tell you this.

A friend brought the otter to him in a sack. Maxwell liked it very much. Words like “greatly enchanted” show his liking for the otter.

4. Why was the otter named ‘Mijbil’?

The otter was named Mijbil because that was the name given by Maxwell. Later, it was shortened to “Mij”.

5. How was Mij to be transported to England?

Mij was taken to England in a special box by airplane.

Oral Comprehension Check (Part 2)

1. What did Mij do to the box?

Mij damaged the box badly. He scratched and tore it from inside because he wanted to escape.

2. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box?

Maxwell put him back in the box because it was necessary for safe air travel.

3. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind”?

He says this because the airhostess was very kind, calm, and helpful during the journey.

4. What happened when the box was opened?

When the box was opened, Mij escaped and moved around the plane, frightening some passengers.

Thinking About the Text

1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving animal?

Mij played with water, marbles, and toys. He learned to open taps and followed Maxwell everywhere. These actions show he was intelligent, friendly, and playful.

2. What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text?

We learn that otters love water, are playful, intelligent, curious, and can become very attached to humans.

3. Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as Maxwell’s otter?

Mij belonged to a rare species of otter. Scientists later named the species after Maxwell, so it became known as Maxwell’s otter.

4. Maxwell in the story speaks for the otter. From the text, find the expressions used by him to show that he thinks of the otter as a human being.

Maxwell treats Mij like a human friend. He describes Mij’s expressions, feelings, and playful activities just like those of a child.

Thinking About Language

1. Describing a Repeated Action

(i) Mij kept on asking for food again and again.

(ii) The author kept searching for Mij everywhere.

2. What game had Mij invented?

Mij invented a game with marbles. He would place marbles on the floor and run after them happily.

Speaking Activity

Talk about an animal that you have seen.

I have seen a dog in my neighborhood. It is friendly and playful. It likes running and playing with children. Dogs are loyal animals and good companions.

Writing Activity

Write a description of a funny incident related to an animal.

One day, a monkey entered our school classroom. It jumped on benches and took a student’s lunch box. Everyone laughed loudly while the monkey quickly ran away with the food.

Important Short Answers for Exam

Who was Mijbil?

Mijbil was the author’s pet otter.

Where did Maxwell get Mij?

He got Mij in Basra, Iraq.

What did Mij love the most?

Mij loved water and games.

How did people react to Mij in London?

People became surprised because they had never seen an otter before.

What kind of animal was Mij?

Mij was intelligent, playful, and loving.

Conclusion

The chapter Mijbil the Otter teaches us that animals are loving and intelligent creatures. The friendship between Maxwell and Mij shows the deep bond that can develop between humans and animals.