MIJIBIL THE OTTER :CLASS -10

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CBSE Class 10 English

First Flight - Chapter 8

MIJBIL THE OTTER

Author: Gavin Maxwell

Academic Year: 2025-2026

Pattern: CBSE 2025-26 (5 Exercises per Worksheet - 18 Marks Each)

Source: englishwithmrk.co.in

Chapter Overview & Key Content

About the Author - Gavin Maxwell

Gavin Maxwell (1914-1969) was a Scottish naturalist and author best known for his work with otters. His most famous book, Ring of Bright Water (1960), described his life in a remote house in coastal Scotland with his pet otters. Maxwell was a passionate conservationist who brought attention to the plight of otters and other wildlife. His vivid, affectionate writing about animals made him one of the most popular nature writers of the 20th century. "Mijbil the Otter" is an excerpt from Ring of Bright Water, showcasing his deep bond with his otter, Mijbil.

Story Summary

This charming autobiographical account narrates Gavin Maxwell's experiences with Mijbil (Mij), an otter he brought from Iraq to London. After the death of his beloved dog, Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. His friend arranges to get him an otter from the Tigris marshes in Iraq.

When Mijbil first arrives in a sack, he is covered in mud. After a bath, Maxwell discovers that Mij is a previously unknown subspecies—a smooth-coated otter. Initially aloof, Mijbil soon becomes friendly and playful. He loves playing with water, particularly in the bathtub where he discovers the joy of turning on the tap himself. Mij also invents his own game with a rubber ball and a suitcase.

The most challenging part comes when Maxwell has to transport Mij to England by air. British airline rules require animals to be packed in boxes, causing great distress to both Maxwell and the otter. During the flight, Mij escapes from his box, creating chaos in the aircraft. Eventually, he's recaptured and the journey continues.

Once in London, Mij becomes a local celebrity. When Maxwell takes him for walks, people offer various amusing and incorrect guesses about what animal Mij is—ranging from a baby seal to a squirrel to a walrus. The story beautifully captures the unique bond between human and animal, and the joy and challenges of keeping an unusual pet.

Key Characters

• Gavin Maxwell (Narrator): Scottish naturalist, author, deeply attached to animals, patient, caring, adventurous
• Mijbil (Mij): The otter - playful, intelligent, curious, affectionate, inventive, energetic
• The Friend: Helps Maxwell get the otter from Iraq
• Airline Staff and Passengers: React to the otter during the journey
• Londoners: Offer amusing guesses about Mij's species

Key Themes

• Human-Animal Bond: Deep connection between Maxwell and Mijbil
• Intelligence of Animals: Mij's ability to learn, play, and adapt
• Joy of Companionship: How pets enrich our lives
• Challenges of Unusual Pets: Difficulties in traveling and public reactions
• Curiosity and Playfulness: Mij's inventive games and explorations
• Conservation and Nature: Appreciating and protecting wildlife

Important Moments

• Mijbil's arrival covered in mud
• The first bath and discovery of the new species
• Mij's water games in the bathtub
• Inventing the ball and suitcase game
• The chaotic airplane journey
• Mij's escape from the box mid-flight
• People's amusing guesses about Mij's identity in London
• Daily walks and Mij becoming a local celebrity

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Integrated Grammar Worksheets (CBSE 2025-26 Pattern)

📥 Download All 5 Enhanced Grammar Worksheets

Each worksheet: 5 exercises • 18 marks • Complete answer keys

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INTEGRATED GRAMMAR WORKSHEET 1

Based on: Mijbil the Otter

Time: 45 minutes | Marks: 18

Name: ________________________ Class: X Roll No: ____

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1. Read the conversation between Maxwell and his friend about getting an otter. Then report it by completing the sentences that follow using appropriate expressions. (1 × 4 = 4)

Maxwell: Can you help me get an otter from the marshes?

Friend: I'll arrange it, but it might take some time.

Maxwell: How long will I have to wait?

Friend: Be patient. I'll send you one as soon as possible.

Maxwell was discussing his plan with a friend. Maxwell asked his friend (a) __________________________________. The friend agreed and said that (b) __________________________________ but it might take some time. Maxwell enquired (c) __________________________________. The friend advised him (d) __________________________________ and promised to send him one as soon as possible.

2. Choose the correct word from the options given to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3)

Otters (a) __________ (is / are / was / were) intelligent and playful animals. They (b) __________ (love / loves / loving / loved) water and spend much time playing in it. Keeping an otter as a pet (c) __________ (require / requires / requiring / required) special care and attention.

3. Do as directed. (1 × 3 = 3)

(a) People __________ treat animals with kindness and respect. (Provide a suitable Modal: should / would / might)

(b) Mijbil __________ most of his time playing with water. (Use the verb 'spend', according to the subject)

(c) Playing with a ball is Mij's favorite activity. (Identify whether the underlined word is a Gerund or Participle)

4. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect words and the correction in your answer sheet. (1 × 4 = 4)

Text	Incorrect	Correct
e.g. Maxwell were waiting for the otter.	were	was
(a) When Mij arrive, he was covered in mud.	______	______
(b) Maxwell give him a bath immediately.	______	______
(c) The otter were playful and intelligent.	______	______
(d) Mij loves to plays with water every day.	______	______

5. Rearrange the following words/phrases into meaningful sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

(a) intelligent / very / animals / are / otters

Answer: _________________________________________________

(b) water / Mijbil / playing / loved / with

Answer: _________________________________________________

(c) care / pets / require / and / attention / unusual

Answer: _________________________________________________

(d) bond / animals / humans / special / and / share / a

Answer: _________________________________________________

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INTEGRATED GRAMMAR WORKSHEET 2

Based on: Mijbil the Otter

Time: 45 minutes | Marks: 18

Name: ________________________ Class: X Roll No: ____

© englishwithmrk.co.in | Practice exercises with detailed explanations

1. Read the conversation between Maxwell and an airline official. Then report it by completing the sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

Official: What is in this box?

Maxwell: It's my pet otter. I'm taking him to England.

Official: The animal must remain in the box during the flight.

Maxwell: I understand, but he gets very distressed in confined spaces.

An airline official was checking Maxwell's luggage. The official asked (a) __________________________________. Maxwell informed him that (b) __________________________________ and he was taking him to England. The official instructed that (c) __________________________________. Maxwell acknowledged understanding but explained that (d) __________________________________ in confined spaces.

2. Choose the correct word from the options given to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3)

Animal intelligence (a) __________ (surprise / surprises / surprising / surprised) researchers constantly. Otters (b) __________ (demonstrate / demonstrates / demonstrating / demonstrated) remarkable problem-solving abilities. Their playful nature (c) __________ (make / makes / making / made) them fascinating creatures to study.

3. Do as directed. (1 × 3 = 3)

(a) Pet owners __________ understand their animals' needs properly. (Modal: must / might / would)

(b) Neither the airline staff nor the passengers __________ (was / were) prepared for Mij's escape.

(c) The escaping otter caused panic. (Identify: Gerund or Participle)

4. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. (1 × 4 = 4)

Text	Incorrect	Correct
e.g. Mij was a unusual otter species.	a	an
(a) He have smooth coat and was very playful.	______	______
(b) Maxwell loves his otter very much.	______	______
(c) The journey to England was difficult.	______	______
(d) People in London makes many guesses.	______	______

5. Rearrange the following words/phrases into meaningful sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

(a) companionship / animals / provide / humans / to

Answer: _________________________________________________

(b) games / own / Mijbil / invented / his

Answer: _________________________________________________

(c) patience / keeping / requires / pets

Answer: _________________________________________________

(d) fascinating / are / creatures / otters

Answer: _________________________________________________

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INTEGRATED GRAMMAR WORKSHEET 3

Based on: Mijbil the Otter

Time: 45 minutes | Marks: 18

Name: ________________________ Class: X Roll No: ____

© englishwithmrk.co.in | Comprehensive practice materials

1. Read the conversation between two Londoners observing Mij and report it by completing the sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

Person A: What kind of animal is that?

Person B: I think it's a baby seal!

Person A: Are you sure? It looks more like a squirrel to me.

Person B: No, I'm certain it's some kind of aquatic mammal.

Two people in London were trying to identify Mij. Person A asked (a) __________________________________. Person B guessed that (b) __________________________________. Person A expressed doubt and said that (c) __________________________________. Person B disagreed and stated confidently that (d) __________________________________ some kind of aquatic mammal.

2. Choose the correct word from the options given. (1 × 3 = 3)

Wildlife conservation (a) __________ (is / are / was / were) crucial for ecological balance. Many species (b) __________ (face / faces / facing / faced) extinction due to habitat loss. Public awareness (c) __________ (help / helps / helping / helped) protect endangered animals.

3. Do as directed. (1 × 3 = 3)

(a) We __________ protect endangered species from extinction. (Modal: must / might / would)

(b) Every animal __________ proper care and attention. (Use verb 'deserve')

(c) Observing animals teaches us valuable lessons. (Identify: Gerund or Participle)

4. Correct the errors in the following passage. (1 × 4 = 4)

Text	Incorrect	Correct
e.g. Mij were very attached to Maxwell.	were	was
(a) He follows Maxwell everywhere he go.	______	______
(b) The otter's antics was amusing to watch.	______	______
(c) Mij have a special connection with water.	______	______
(d) His playful behavior makes everyone smiles.	______	______

5. Rearrange the words/phrases into meaningful sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

(a) unique / personality / had / Mijbil / a

Answer: _________________________________________________

(b) joy / pets / bring / our / into / lives

Answer: _________________________________________________

(c) responsibility / owning / is / pets / a / big

Answer: _________________________________________________

(d) nature / appreciate / should / we / beauty / of / the

Answer: _________________________________________________

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INTEGRATED GRAMMAR WORKSHEET 4

Based on: Mijbil the Otter

Time: 45 minutes | Marks: 18

Name: ________________________ Class: X Roll No: ____

© englishwithmrk.co.in | Expert-designed assessment materials

1. Read the conversation and complete the reported speech. (1 × 4 = 4)

Child: Dad, can we have an otter as a pet?

Father: Otters are wild animals and need special care.

Child: But they look so cute and playful!

Father: Yes, but we must consider their natural habitat and needs.

A child was talking to his father about pets. The child asked his father (a) __________________________________. The father explained that (b) __________________________________ and needed special care. The child argued that (c) __________________________________. The father agreed but said that (d) __________________________________ their natural habitat and needs.

2. Choose the correct word to complete the passage. (1 × 3 = 3)

Understanding animal behavior (a) __________ (require / requires / requiring / required) patience and observation. Scientists (b) __________ (study / studies / studying / studied) animals in their natural habitats. This research (c) __________ (provide / provides / providing / provided) valuable insights.

3. Do as directed. (1 × 3 = 3)

(a) Wildlife enthusiasts __________ respect animals' natural behaviors. (Modal: should / would / might)

(b) Each of Maxwell's pets __________ (has / have) brought him joy.

(c) The swimming otter attracted attention. (Identify: Gerund or Participle)

4. Identify and correct the errors. (1 × 4 = 4)

Text	Incorrect	Correct
e.g. The otter play with a rubber ball.	play	played
(a) Mij enjoys to splashing in the bathtub.	______	______
(b) Maxwell's friends was surprised to see Mij.	______	______
(c) The animal shows great intelligent.	______	______
(d) Traveling with pets are challenging.	______	______

5. Rearrange into meaningful sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

(a) behavior / animal / studying / rewarding / is

Answer: _________________________________________________

(b) wild / belongs / nature / animals / in

Answer: _________________________________________________

(c) experience / Maxwell / unforgettable / had / an

Answer: _________________________________________________

(d) taught / lessons / valuable / Mijbil / many / Maxwell

Answer: _________________________________________________

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INTEGRATED GRAMMAR WORKSHEET 5

Based on: Mijbil the Otter

Time: 45 minutes | Marks: 18

Name: ________________________ Class: X Roll No: ____

© englishwithmrk.co.in | Final comprehensive assessment

1. Read and report the conversation. (1 × 4 = 4)

Interviewer: What was the most challenging part of keeping Mijbil?

Maxwell: Traveling with him was extremely difficult.

Interviewer: Did he adapt well to life in London?

Maxwell: Yes, surprisingly well. He became quite popular in the neighborhood.

An interviewer was asking Maxwell about his experience. The interviewer asked (a) __________________________________ of keeping Mijbil. Maxwell replied that (b) __________________________________ was extremely difficult. The interviewer further asked (c) __________________________________. Maxwell confirmed that (d) __________________________________ and he had become quite popular in the neighborhood.

2. Choose the correct word. (1 × 3 = 3)

Human-animal relationships (a) __________ (teach / teaches / teaching / taught) us valuable lessons about compassion. Animals (b) __________ (enrich / enriches / enriching / enriched) our lives in countless ways. Their companionship (c) __________ (bring / brings / bringing / brought) joy and comfort.

3. Do as directed. (1 × 3 = 3)

(a) People __________ learn to coexist peacefully with wildlife. (Modal: must / might / would)

(b) Love and care __________ essential for all living beings. (Use verb 'be')

(c) Caring for animals brings satisfaction. (Identify: Gerund or Participle)

4. Correct the errors. (1 × 4 = 4)

Text	Incorrect	Correct
e.g. This story teach us about friendship.	teach	teaches
(a) Maxwell and Mij shares a special bond.	______	______
(b) The otter's playfulness was it's charm.	______	______
(c) Animals deserves our respect and care.	______	______
(d) The story have a heartwarming message.	______	______

5. Rearrange into meaningful sentences. (1 × 4 = 4)

(a) memorable / was / experience / Mijbil / Maxwell's / with

Answer: _________________________________________________

(b) world / animals / our / enrich

Answer: _________________________________________________

(c) protection / wildlife / needs / our

Answer: _________________________________________________

(d) beautiful / nature / bond / the / between / humans / is / and / animals

Answer: _________________________________________________

Answer Keys with Marking Scheme

🔐 Complete Answer Keys Available

Detailed solutions • Step-by-step explanations • Marking scheme

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Sample Answers: Worksheet 1

Exercise 1: Reported Conversation

(a) if he could help him get an otter from the marshes [1]

(b) he would arrange it [1]

(c) how long he would have to wait [1]

(d) to be patient [1]

Exercise 2: Choose Correct Word

(a) are [1]

(b) love [1]

(c) requires [1]

Exercise 3: Do As Directed

(a) should [1]

(b) spent [1]

(c) Gerund [1]

Exercise 4: Error Correction

(a) Incorrect: arrive | Correct: arrived [1]

(b) Incorrect: give | Correct: gave [1]

(c) Incorrect: were | Correct: was [1]

(d) Incorrect: plays | Correct: play [1]

Exercise 5: Rearrange Sentences

(a) Otters are very intelligent animals. [1]

(b) Mijbil loved playing with water. [1]

(c) Unusual pets require care and attention. [1]

(d) Humans and animals share a special bond. [1]

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"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi