Past board exam questions
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
Describe the physical appearance of Mijbil, the Otter. (Mijbil the Otter)
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – any two points with textual evidence; Expression 1)
Mijbil resembled a very small, medieval dragon. His body was coated with pointed scales of mud that, once washed away, revealed soft, chocolate-brown velvet fur. He was a sleek creature with a long, flexible body, a flat head and small, velvety ear flaps.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
In the statement, “When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle,” which spectacle is the author referring to ? Elucidate.
(Mijbil the Otter)
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – at least two value points; Expression 1)
Maxwell had put Mijbil in a box for the flight and left him briefly. On returning, he found complete silence inside the box and blood on the air-holes and chinks around the lid. When he opened it, he saw that Mij had torn the lining of the box to shreds and was exhausted and blood-spattered, with his mouth and nose bleeding.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
How does the author’s portrayal of the air hostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ unveil the theme of kindness and empathy ?
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – at least two value points; Expression 1)
When the author was worried after Mijbil escaped from his box on the plane, the air hostess did not treat the otter as a nuisance. She understood his situation, smiled, helped him find the otter and suggested he keep it on his knee. She also kept fish for the otter in cold storage. Her caring, friendly behaviour put the author at ease, showing kindness and empathy.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
Mention the peculiarities of Otters based on your understanding of “Mijbil the Otter”.
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – any two points; Expression 1)
Otters are playful, curious and intelligent animals that are highly energetic and fond of water – Mij splashed in the bath, and even learnt to turn on the tap. He invented his own games, such as juggling marbles and playing with a rubber ball in the suitcase. Otters form strong emotional bonds with humans and are sensitive and responsive to affection.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
“Mijbil the Otter” sensitises human beings especially city people to wildlife. What emotions are conveyed through the association of Mijbil and Maxwell ?
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – any two points with textual evidence; Expression 1)
The bond between Maxwell and Mijbil conveys the warmth of friendship and affection – Maxwell cares for the otter like a pet and Mijbil grows attached to him. It also conveys the thrill and joy of exploring wildlife, as Maxwell delights in Mij’s playfulness with water and his ball, evoking a sense of joy and connection with nature.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
In ‘Mijbil the Otter’, how does the narrator’s patience contrast with the reactions of fellow passengers and local people ? What does this reveal about human understanding of the unfamiliar ?
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – at least one point for each aspect; Expression 1)
The narrator patiently cares for Mijbil, calming and handling him even when he wrecks the box and creates chaos on the plane, while passengers react with fear and panic – a woman shrieks that it is a rat – and people in London are curious but ignorant, guessing it is a baby seal, a beaver, a bear cub or even a ‘hippo’. This shows that unfamiliarity breeds ignorance and fear, and a lack of understanding of wildlife.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 3 marks
What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom ?
(Mijbil the Otter)
(Answer in about 40-50 words.)
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(Content 2 – at least two value points; Expression 1)
Mijbil went wild with joy in the water. For half an hour he plunged and rolled in the bathtub, sliding up and down, shooting through the water like a fish, and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo. Later he learnt to turn the tap on himself – and he would scatter the soap and toiletries around the bathroom.
CBSE 2026 board paper · 6 marks
How does the tone and style of ‘Mijbil the Otter’ contrast with that of ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ when it comes to depicting the human-animal relationship ?
(Answer in about 100-120 words.)
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(Content 3 – at least three value points; Expression 2; Accuracy 1)
‘Mijbil the Otter’ focuses on a close, personal bond between the narrator, Gavin Maxwell, and his pet otter. Written in an emotional, affectionate and personal tone, it describes how they travel together and how Maxwell cares for Mijbil with empathy, companionship and a sense of responsibility. Mijbil is shown as a playful, intelligent animal that loves water and is unknown to most people. ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’, in contrast, is humorous, light and ironic. It deals with wild animals rather than pets and presents them as dangerous yet amusing – the bear hugs you, the tiger eats you – so that one identifies them only …
