Grade X

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Poem 4. How to Tell Wild Animals

Objective Type Questions

I. Extract based questions

I. Read the following extract and answer the questions/ complete the sentences that

follow :

If strolling forth, a beast you view,

Whose hide with spots is peppered,

As soon as he has lept on you,

You’ll know it is the Leopard.

’Twill do no good to roar with pain,

He’ll only lep and lep again.

1. Choose the option listing the stanza that would follow the given extract.

The leopard stalks on silent paws. With deadly armor of fangs and claws.
(1)
He lies in his tree perch throughout the day. Sleeping and resting the hours away.

A spotted leopard in a banyan tree, Kept his yellow carnivore-ic eyes on me. I knew

(2) better than to move fast or try to flee. His eyes narrowed, but I refused to see.

How fast that cat was chasing after me. If I can just get to that tall tall....

His claws and paws will make you forget, If you're in a dream or reality.

(3) And you'll feel clawed and pawed, I bet, The peppered pounce a certainty.

Tis a beast that runs and strikes fast, If you're caught you sure won't last.

The leopard and the lion chose to become friends; For they were all proud of claws

on their paws They each glorified one another for their mighty. Ability to live on

(4) meat of other fauna throughout a year, They each admired one another for

running speed, They each remained firm and loyal to one rule, Lions don't eat

leopards neither leopards eat lions.

a. Option 1 b. Option 2 c. Option 3 d. Option 4

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2. Given below are four examples of activities that Jasmeet does. Choose the option that
correctly demonstrates ‘strolling’.

a. Jasmeet runs with a great speed after being chased by a dog.

b. Jasmeet walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to his favourite song.

c. Jasmeet skids sharply on the icy skate rink.

d. Jasmeet rushes to switch off the water pump in the backyard.

3. Which option lists the statement that is NOT TRUE according to the extract?

a. The poetess asks the reader to hide on seeing the leopard.

b. The poetess cautions the reader about a leopard when walking through its

territory.

c. The poetess informs the reader that a leopard can launch repeated attacks

d. The poetess tells the reader that a leopard attack can result in pain.

4. The repetition used in “he’ll only lep and lep again” is an example of.
a. Poetic justice b. satire c. allusion d. poetic licence

5. Choose the option that matches with the rhyme scheme of the extract.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

proud wild wild loud
loud jungle proud jungle
child child child wild
wild mingle loud child
jungle loud jungle mingle
mingle proud mingle proud

a. Option 1 b. Option 2 c. Option 3 d. Option 4

II. Extract based questions

Read the following extract and answer the questions/complete the sentences that follow :

Though to distinguish beasts of prey

A novice might nonplus,

The Crocodile you always may

Tell from the Hyena thus:

Hyenas come with merry smiles;

But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

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1. Choose the option that DOES NOT describe a ‘novice’.
a. Lakshman has played cricket for the first time today.
b. Samiksha has been teaching for last ten years.
years
c. Srishti went for her first French class yesterday.
d. Gautam baked a second cake to improve his skills.

2. Which option lists the image that DOES NOT indicate what the poet means by ‘beasts
of prey’?

a. Option 1 b. Option 2 c. Option 3 d. Option 4

3. What according to the extract would cause bewilderment?

a. Discovering the similarity between different preys of beasts.

b. Analysing habits of beasts that prey on hyenas.

c. Knowing the difference between several beasts of prey.

d. Drawing the similarities between crocodiles and hyenas.

4. Choose the line from the given stanza that the poet takes liberty with, to fit to the

rhyme scheme.

a. Though to distinguish beasts of prey b. A novice might nonplus

c. The Crocodile you always may d. Hyenas come with merry smiles

5. Choose the crocodile fact that is related to the given extract.

a. They have webbed feet which, though not used to propel them through the water,

allow them to make fast turns and sudden moves in the water or initiate swimming.

b. Absence of sweat glands and so, release heat through their mouths making them often

sleep with their mouths open.

c. 99% of crocodiles are eaten in the first year of their life by large fish, hyenas,

monitor lizards and larger crocodiles.

d. While eating, they swallow too much air, which gets in touch with lachrymal

glands and causes them to weep.

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 III. Extract based questions

Read the following extract and answer the questions/ complete the sentences that follow :

Or if some time when roaming round

A noble wild beast greets you

With black stripes on a yellow ground

Just notice if he eats you.

This simple rule may help you learn

The Bengal Tiger to discern

1. Who is the noble beast?

a. Lion b. Tiger c. Leopard d. Cheetah

2. The tiger has black stripes on which ground?

a. Yellow b. Golden c. Brown d. White

3. How will the simple rule help you?

a. To understand you are in a forest.

b. To understand a wild animal.

c. To understand you are seeing the Bengal Tiger.

d. To understand where you are.

4. Which word means the same as 'assist'?

a. noble b. grass c. help d. discern

5. What is the rhyming scheme of the above stanza?

a. abbacc b. ababcc c. aabbcc D) abcabc

IV. Extract based questions

Read the following extract and answer the questions/ complete the sentences that

follow :

The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard fort of thing

He has not any ears at all.

And not a single wing.

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If there is nothing on the tree.

This the Chameleon you see.

1. How does a chameleon look like?

a. Frog b. Lizard c. Mongoose d. Snake

2. Where is a Chameleon generally found?

a. Water b. Marshes c. Tree d. Desert

3. He does not have any _______at all.

a. Wings b. nose c. ears d. both a and c

4. Which other reptile is spoken about?

a. Frog b. Lizard c. Mongoose d. Snake

5. The synonym of 'authentic in the above extract is_________ .

a. single b. sort c. true d. nothing

V. Extract based questions

V. Read the following extract and answer the questions/ complete the sentences that

follow :

Though to distinguish beasts of prey

A novice might nonplus,

The Crocodiles you always may

Tell from the Hyenas thus:

Hyenas come with merry smiles:

But if they weep they're Crocodiles.

1. How can a hyena be recognized by?

a. its colour b. its appearance c. its size d. its smile

2. Hyenas and Crocodiles are ________ in nature

a. somewhat b. same c. some d. different

3. Who weeps according to the poetess?

a. crocodile b. alligator c. tiger d. lion

4. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?

a. ababcc b. aaabcc c. ababbc d. aabbcc

5. Pick out the antonym of 'expert' from the above lines

a. nomplus b. novi c. Beast d. Prey

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 Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Hyperbole is a literary device used when the poet exaggerates an image to make it

comical. State two instances from the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” where the

literary device is used.

The two instances of hyperbole are as follows:

(i) The Crocodiles you always may tell from the Hyenas thus; Hyenas come with merry

smiles; But if they weep they are crocodile. Practically, we have never seen a hyena smile

nor a crocodile weep.

(ii) ‘If there is nothing on the tree, this the chameleon you see’. A chameleon may be

camouflaged but not invisible.

2. Why does the poetess use the term ‘noble’ and ‘wild’ for the tiger? (How to tell wild

Animals).

The poetess refers to the Bengal Tiger as ‘noble’ and ‘wild’ both. The tigers look impressive

when they walk majestically. But the same tigers become wild and would brutally kill anyone for

food.

3. Which genre is most appropriate for the poem? Substantiate your choice with reference

to the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”.

According to me, the poem belongs to ‘Light Verse’ genre which is a poetry that is mostly for

fun. The poem ‘How to tell Wild Animals’ is a humorous poem. The poet suggests some dangerous

ways to identify wild animals that create humour.

4. “All knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost.” Elaborate on the

quote in the context of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”.

The above quote is very true in the case of the poem ‘How to Tell wild Animals’. Actually the

knowledge provided through this poem is not worth the cost. But it definitely creates humour.

And humour is the fuel of life. Thus the poetess successful use of humour helps liven our minds

and brings a smile.

5. Would you agree that the poetess has an in-depth knowledge of the wild? Support the

statement in context of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”.

Yes, I do agree that the poetess has an in-depth knowledge of the wild. She has described

the various wild animals. These animals are very dangerous and she has introduced them one by

one and in great details. She treats even ferocious animals and beasts with a coat of gentle but

weird humour.
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6. What is the brief summary of the poem?

The poetess tries to distinguish different animals in a humorous manner. She is also

educating the readers by describing the various features of wild animals. She is introducing all

the animals of East one by one in a very practical way animals. She is introducing all the animals

of East one by one in a very practical way.

7. Why does the poetess say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice? A

It is the tendency of a bear to kill his victim by embracing him. He hugs the victim so tight

that he usually dies. But a novice who does not know the way of bears may misunderstand his

hug. He may think that it is a loving embrace.

8. What is the theme of the poem-‘How to tell wild Animals’? U

The theme of the poem is to create humor. The poet creates humour by suggesting

dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. You can identify most of the beast while attacking

you. Instead of shouting for help or trying to protect yourself. You are busy identifying the

attacker- the idea creates humour.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How would you recognise the Asian Lion?

He is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. He is a large and powerful animal. He

is a large and powerful animal. He is yellow - brownish in colour. He roars so loudly that the

very roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. If any animal has all these traits, he must

be the Asian Lion.

2. How will you recognise a bear from other animals?

If you are walking around your courtyard, you can meet a creature there. If he hugs you
very hard, then, be sure he is the bear. His embrace is very hard and tight. If you have any
doubt about it, he will give you just one more caress. The hug can be deadly.

3. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be distinguished from
crocodiles?

It is very difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals. He can be easily
confused. But it is very easy to distinguish between crocodiles and hyenas. Hyenas come with
merry smiles. Crocodiles can be recognised by the tears in their eyes. But their appearance is
always deceptive.

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4. How will you recognise a chameleon?

A chameleon is a small creature. It looks like a lizard in appearance. It is strange that it

doesn't have any ears. Nor does it have a single wing. If you see such a creature sitting on a
tree, be sure it is a chameleon.

5. What does the bear do?

According to the poet, the bear embraces the human being tightly. The description of
bear has been presented in a humorous style. The bear comes near a human being and embraces
very hard. He hugs very tightly. But the hug can be fatal.

6. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?

We find some humorous descriptions about the animals in the poem. The poet has
created it by the selection of words and his pattern of explaining. As the Bengal tiger is
described noble, the bear hugs and the hyena smiles. The crocodile weeps before attacking.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Imagine the poet meets Mijbil, the otter. Write a detailed account of the

characteristics the poet could use for her poem, if she were to write about

telling an otter.

If you ever happen to visit the West Highlands of Scotland for holidaying and you are

restless to keep a pet. Then, instead of a dog another is advisable. Because it won’t let you rest

at all. An otter is a wonderful creature which resembles a very small dragon. It is coated with

pointed scales. Between the scales is visible a soft velvet fur. Only to see its beautiful scaled

coat and velvety fur you have to remove the mud completely by bathing it nearly for a month.

Only then the otter could be seen in its true colours. And while bathing it you have to keep your

nose covered because it may stink badly. This chocolate brown mole like cremate will never even

remind you of a chocolate. But it will definitely help you to extend and spread every drop of

water and last but not the least let the people around you not recognize what it actually is and

give wild guesses about him.

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2. Write a letter to the poet detailing your favourite aspects of the poem and the ones
that you did not like. Include a request about which animal you’d like her to exclusively
compose a poem on. Give reasons for your choice.

XYZ
USA
18 July XXXX

Dear Ms. Wells.

I just read your poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” and enjoyed it thoroughly!

(continue)
_______________

Yours sincerely

I just read your poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” and enjoyed it thoroughly! The humorous poem

wonderfully tells us how a person can recognize animals. The methods suggested of recognizing

wild animals i.e. watching them how they eat us is quite funny.

I really; didn’t like the mention of hyenas and crocodiles as it were quite rare and unfamiliar.

The description of these animals gives a chill in ones spinal code. But the description of rest of

the animals was quite hilarious.

I, hereby, want you to compose one such poem on elephants. I’m sure children will definitely like

it as they are very fond of elephants. They also fascinate other animal groups due to their

humongous size.

Also, I request you describe its virtue, how it is helpful to us.

Yours sincerely

XYZ

3. The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘Tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’.

How do you think we need lots of it in our daily life?

Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would become difficult to continue living. Today, a

life of the common man is typically mired in stress, tension problems and sadness. It is amazing

how the smallest problems may take on epic proportions for a common person. In such a

situation, it becomes necessary to have a little humour in life. It gives us the much-needed

respite from our monotonous routine and helps us face life more positively. Thus, the poetess

successfully use humour to liven our minds and bring a smile on our faces.

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4. Every animals is unique and has some special characteristic. What tricks does the poet

adopt in distinguishing various wild animals?

No, doubt every animals is unique. Every wild animal has his own special trait, colour, size and

characteristic. The Asian lion is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and

mighty creature with brownish hide. His roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. The

Bengal tiger is a noble and impressive wild animal. He has yellowish hide and black stripes all

over it. The leopard has dark spots all over his body. He is very agile. The moment he sees its

prey, he pounces upon it without showing any mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight

hug. It becomes rather difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals. However, hyenas

and crocodile can be easily recognized. Hyenas come smiling merrily while crocodiles appear to

be weeping. The Chameleon is a small creature like a lizard. He has no ears and doesn’t have

even a single wing. You can find him sitting on a tree.

5. Carolyn Wells takes liberties with and employs humour to describe the wild animals.

Give some examples of humorous descriptions in the poem.

It depends on the subject matter what style a poet adopts while writing a poem. The

poem describes wild animals and how to distinguish them. To avoid oversimplification and

monotony, the poet uses humour' as an effective weapon. The 'humour used in the poem is

suggestive and mild. It is not biting or scathing in effect. If the Asian Lion "roars at you as

you're dyin" . The Bengal Tiger is a 'noble' wild beast that "greets you" when you are roaming

round in the jungle. The unsparing Leopard will show no mercy and it will "do no good to roar

with pain." If you have any doubts, the bear will give you just one more caress" The poet uses

subtle humour when he says: "Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep they're

Crocodiles"

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